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OPINION APRIL 25, 2025 | The Indian Eye 10

TRUMP’S PROTECTIONISM:

A Turning Point for Japan,

South Korea, and China?

DR. TUNCHINMANG LANGEL cies in the US’s stance on global in-
stitutions and norms.
A of the 13th Trilateral Economic and
19th-century statement by
Additionally, the joint statement
Lord Palmerston remains
highly relevant to today’s
30, reaffirmed Japan, South Korea
global engagements. He stated, “We Trade Ministers’ Meeting on March
have no eternal allies, and we have and China’s support for a rules-
no perpetual enemies. Our interests based, open and inclusive multilater-
are eternal and perpetual, and those al trading system centred around the
interests it is our duty to follow.” This WTO, suggesting a counterbalance
perspective on international relations to the US protectionist policies. The
is becoming increasingly evident in statement also indicates that the
contemporary geopolitics, shaped by three countries aim to reinforce eco-
a complex security environment. A nomic integration by improving sup-
clear example is the ripple effect of ply chain management cooperation
Trump’s wave of executive orders im- and export controls within Northeast
posing sweeping tariffs since taking Asia. These measures are intend-
office in 2025. ed to mitigate trade uncertainties
The April 2 “Liberation Day” caused by US global tariffs.
global tariffs have intensified exist- As push comes to shove and all
ing concerns, leading to speculation the cajoling that was possible from
that Japan, South Korea and China The paradigm shift in the US administration’s approach to global trade tariffs while not even Tokyo and Seoul towards Washing-
may be contemplating a coordinat- sparing its key allies such as Japan and South Korea, each levied with a 24 per cent and 25 per ton proved unproductive, the two
ed response. Amidst looming tariff cent reciprocal tariff, respectively, has escalated concerns about a negative impact on the world key allies of the US in East Asia are
threats, Japan, South Korea and Chi- going to weigh all options to protect
na for the first time after five years economy (Agency photo) their national interests. Instead of
since December 2019 convened the strengthening ties with allies, Don-
13th Trilateral Economic and Trade Japan and South Korea. on the long-stalled Japan-South Ko- ald Trump’s second administration
Ministers’ Meeting on March 30, The meeting of Japan, South rea-China Free Trade Agreement appears to be distancing itself from
2025 at Seoul, South Korea. Korea and China’s Economic and (FTA), which has been dormant its key allies in East Asia, namely Ja-
For long-time US allies, the Trade Ministers on March 30, some since 2012. pan and South Korea, while China is
ongoing developments under the may claim, is a standard restart after The paradigm shift in the US grabbing the opportunity by extend-
Trump administration have been five years but considering the ensu- administration’s approach to global ing them both a red-carpet welcome.
overwhelming. In fact, the steps ing developments in global trade, it trade tariffs while not even sparing If Lord Palmerston’s 19th-century
being undertaken by the Trump 2.0 does indicate an intent for deepen- its key allies such as Japan and South views were to still hold, Japan, South
government are a 180-degree turn of ing engagements. Although Japan Korea, each levied with a 24 per cent Korea, and China, despite their dis-
events considering how his first ad- and South Korea did not openly and 25 per cent reciprocal tariff, re- putes over territorial claims as well
ministration had barred Huawei in state specifics about the meeting spectively, has escalated concerns as historical grievances, would pro-
2020, which insulated its competitors outcomes highlighting any collec- about a negative impact on the world spectively consider closer geopoliti-
not only in the US but also in Japan tive response to the US tariffs, Chi- economy. China, on the other hand, cal and economic interests as an ob-
and South Korea. na’s Global Times reported that the was hit with a 34 per cent reciprocal jective reality.
In addition, the CHIPS and Sci- three countries are expected to be tariff on April 2, in addition to two
ence Act, issued by the Biden admin- “using their collective strengths to earlier rounds of import taxes since Dr. Tunchinmang Langel is
istration in 2022, was widely seen as jointly resist the turbulence brought January 2025, bringing Beijing’s a Research Fellow at Indian Council
a collective win for the US, Japan by the US’ irresponsible approach.” total tariff burden to 54 per cent. of World Affairs (ICWA). The views
and South Korea. However, coming Per the joint statement, emphasis Moreover, Japan’s Chief Cabinet expressed are personal.
to 2025, the offensive salvo of tariffs was placed on ensuring transparent Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi has
on all the US trade partners, except and steady implementation of the also cast doubt on whether the US This article first appeared in the web
for Russia and North Korea, by the RCEP Agreement that came into tariffs are in line with World Trade articles section of the website (www.
Trump second administration has force in 2022. Besides, the ministers Organization (WTO) rules, further icwa.in) of Indian Council of World
surely shifted the goal posts even for discussed accelerating negotiations highlighting potential inconsisten- Affairs, New Delhi, on April 14, 2025

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