Expert Warns U.S. Trade Weapons Fracture Key Trade Partners
The intensifying pressure is compelling regional blocs such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to reassess their strategic positioning as neutral ground rapidly disappears, Ong Tee Keat, Chairman of the Center for New Inclusive Asia, warned during the "China, U.S., Malaysia: Challenges Ahead" forum.
The current administration in Washington has transformed tariffs into tools of coercion far beyond their traditional economic purpose, Ong explained. "Under the current U.S. government, tariffs have been weaponized, not merely to address trade deficits, but to coerce foreign and trade policy alignment from partners...(and) have evolved into a blunt geopolitical instrument, serving hegemonic ambition rather than reciprocal benefit," he said.
Ong emphasized the expanding scope of Washington's economic leverage: "The unilateral tariffs imposed by Washington are now being leveraged to compel compliance, in addition to undermining economic sovereignty."
The scholar's remarks underscore growing anxiety across Southeast Asia as nations struggle to maintain autonomy amid mounting geopolitical pressures from major powers.
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