Monday, March 31, 2025

Tariff Report--Trilateral Free-Trade Agreement--South Korea, Japan, China

 

review the south korea, japan, china anti-tariff agreement

China, Japan, and South Korea have recently reached a consensus to jointly address U.S. tariffs and enhance regional trade cooperation. This agreement emerged during their first economic dialogue in five years, held on March 30, 2025.

Key Points of the Agreement:

  • Joint Response to U.S. Tariffs: The three nations agreed to coordinate efforts against tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, including new measures expected on April 2, which could significantly impact their export-driven economies134.

  • Free Trade Agreement Discussions: Trade ministers pledged to accelerate negotiations for a trilateral free trade agreement (FTA) aimed at boosting regional and global trade. This initiative builds on the existing Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which includes all three countries25.

  • Supply Chain Cooperation: The nations emphasized strengthening supply chains and enhancing collaboration on export controls. Japan and South Korea plan to source semiconductor materials from China, while China aims to acquire chip products from Japan and South Korea134.

  • Economic Impact: The agreement seeks to reduce reliance on U.S. markets and mitigate disruptions caused by Trump's tariffs, including a 25% tariff on vehicle imports that could harm Asian automakers25.

Broader Context:

Despite economic ties, the three countries face ongoing tensions over territorial disputes and Japan's release of Fukushima wastewater. However, they aim to create a "predictable trade and investment environment" to address shared global challenges56.

The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Japan, signaling continued efforts toward deeper economic integration among these major Asian powers2.


https://www.perplexity.ai/search/review-the-south-korea-japan-c-deBBg

LGYQ82gJQMxhXvSqA


south korea, japan, china "predictable trade and investment environment"


China, Japan, and South Korea recently held their first economic dialogue in five years, aiming to create a "predictable trade and investment environment" amid rising global trade tensions, particularly due to U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Key outcomes of the meeting include:

  • Commitment to Free Trade: The trade ministers pledged to promote a rules-based, transparent, and nondiscriminatory multilateral trading system centered around the World Trade Organization. They emphasized fostering a level playing field for global commerce139.

  • Trilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA): The nations agreed to accelerate negotiations for a comprehensive trilateral FTA to enhance regional and global trade. This initiative builds on their involvement in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)58.

  • Joint Response to U.S. Tariffs: The countries resolved to collaborate closely in addressing the challenges posed by Trump's tariffs, including a 25% duty on vehicles and auto parts that significantly impacts Asian exporters26.

  • Supply Chain Cooperation: Japan and South Korea are seeking semiconductor raw materials from China, while China expressed interest in acquiring chip products from both countries. Strengthening supply chain collaboration was highlighted as critical2.

The ministers acknowledged the increasing fragmentation of the global economy and committed to working collectively to address shared challenges while ensuring stability and predictability in international trade46. Their next meeting is scheduled in Japan58.


https://www.perplexity.ai/search/south-korea-japan-china-predic-

AOYmgak7R5eHCFXKyjbLzw



trilateral free trade agreement


Recent developments highlight efforts to establish a trilateral free trade agreement (FTA) between China, Japan, and South Korea. Here are the key points:

  • Renewed Talks: On March 30, 2025, trade ministers from China, Japan, and South Korea held their first economic dialogue in five years in Seoul. They agreed to closely cooperate for "comprehensive and high-level" negotiations aimed at finalizing a trilateral FTA to promote regional and global trade135.

  • Challenges: Despite discussions starting in 2012, progress toward the agreement has been slow due to territorial disputes and political tensions among the three nations13. The looming tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump have added urgency to these talks137.

  • Strategic Goals: The proposed FTA aims to enhance trade collaboration, secure supply chains, and support carbon-neutral energy technologies and digital transformation. Ministers emphasized the importance of leveraging the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which includes all three countries45.

  • Impact of U.S. Tariffs: Trump's recent announcement of a 25% tariff on vehicle and auto parts imports is expected to significantly affect Asian exporters, pushing these nations toward tighter regional cooperation127.

The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Japan, signaling continued efforts toward achieving this ambitious trilateral trade agreement15.

https://www.perplexity.ai/search/trilateral-free-trade-agreemen-MpSV_0ZRSt6urugvYD0Q6w


panama canal deal blocked by china


China has blocked the $23 billion sale of two Panama Canal ports, owned by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison, to a U.S.-led consortium spearheaded by BlackRock. The decision follows China's State Administration for Market Regulation launching an antitrust investigation into the deal, citing concerns about fair competition and public interest125.

The ports are strategically significant as they sit at both ends of the Panama Canal, a critical global trade route. The proposed sale was seen as a geopolitical move to reduce China's influence in the region, aligning with former President Donald Trump's calls to "reclaim" control over the canal amid growing U.S.-China tensions. 

Beijing reportedly opposed the deal because CK Hutchison did not consult Chinese authorities before announcing it, and state media criticized the sale as undermining China's strategic interests16.

While the deal's finalization was initially expected by April 2, it is now delayed indefinitely. Discussions are ongoing, but no firm timeline has been set for resolution5. This development underscores the broader geopolitical competition between the U.S. and China over influence in Latin America and control of critical trade infrastructure.


https://www.perplexity.ai/search/panama-canal-deal-blocked-by-c-r6J4BpkkTWObLRX0Oy5cIA


Image: https://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/policies/view?articleId=268964




Posted by at

...

RED FLAG
Checkpoint Charlie: NATO, Article 5 and the Berlin Wall
There was no North American Treaty Organization, NATO, immediately following the close of World War Two. By the close of the decade, due to pressure from the Soviet Union, particularly in Germany, the alliance was formed with 12 initial members. The concept of “collective security” had been around for over 30 years, at least on the Continent, with respect to the World War One League of Nations; neither the United States nor the Soviet Union were members. (09 March 2025)
Red Flag: The U.S.-Japan Security Pact of 1960
The recent statement by the White House concerning a “bilateral” treaty between the United States and Japan from 1960 raised the issue of the former’s lack of a security-military commitment, with the latter doing the heavy lifting. It comes as no surprise in light of other treaties such as NATO in Europe with the U.S. again carrying The Weight.
Part and parcel to how it all unfolded had to do with certain ambiguous positions by the two nations coupled with the American public not totally informed of the agreement. The situation was quite different in Japan. (09 March 2025)

...

BORDERLANDS
Ukraine: The Art of the (Peace) Deal
Nations are big on treaties, enforcing them is another matter. This paper traces some of the more recent, failed and otherwise, then takes a close look at one of the most controversial in history, The Versailles Treaty at the end of World War One. (09 March 2025)

Ukraine and The Rubio Doctrine The purpose of this report is to test the secretary’s three core principles against the Ukraine conflict to see if they are viable and would have been if he became president in the 2015 election. (09 March 2025)

Ukraine Betrayed: American Robber Barons to Steal Rare Minerals
Ukraine possesses significant reserves of rare earth minerals and other critical raw materials that are essential for modern technology and industry. According to reports, Ukraine has deposits of 22 out of 34 minerals identified as critical by the European Union. (09 March 2025)

...

MOONDUNES
Space Station Freedom 1993: The “Fiscal Black Hole"
Space Station Freedom was a NASA-led initiative proposed in the 1980s aimed at creating a permanently crewed space station in low Earth orbit. The project was initially announced by President Ronald Reagan in his 1984 State of the Union Address, highlighting its potential as a platform for scientific research and international collaboration in space exploration. (09 March 2025)