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Economy Vietnam Faces Tough U.S. Tariff Demands Amidst Complex Trade Dynamics
File photo for reference only In a dynamic trade negotiation update, Reuters has reported that the United States has set forth a series of stringent demands aimed at Vietnam, as part of an effort to curb its dependency on Chinese imports. This diplomatic tightrope walk involves Vietnam managing its relationships with both the U.S. and China, two major economic powers. According to the Reuters report, based on anonymous sources privy to the ongoing discussions, the U.S. has requested Vietnam to reduce its reliance on Chinese materials and enhance regulation of its production and supply chains. These demands are detailed in an annex to a framework prepared by U.S. negotiators, shared shortly after recent trade talks between the two nations. As Vietnam navigates these requests, it is particularly keen on mitigating the impact of a looming 46 percent tariff on its exports to the U.S., a significant threat given that 29 percent of its total exports, accounting for 30 percent of its GDP, head to the American market. A full imposition of this tariff could severely disrupt Vietnam’s export-driven economy. Vietnam has been one of the beneficiaries of trade dynamics during Donald Trump's first term, as multinational companies shifted bases to Vietnam to avoid Chinese tariffs. Consequently, Vietnam's trade surplus with the U.S. has soared. However, this rise in exports has paralleled increased imports from China, complicating the picture of its economic interdependence. Notably, U.S. trade officials have accused Vietnam of facilitating the re-routing of Chinese goods to circumvent tariffs. Peter Navarro, Trump's trade adviser, labelled Vietnam a "transshipment" hub, which he said functions almost as a Chinese "colony." To resist the U.S. pressure and avoid potentially severe repercussions, Vietnam has suggested measures to address its trade imbalance, including plans to purchase additional American goods such as liquefied natural gas and aircraft. Vietnamese companies are also negotiating a purchase of $2 billion in U.S. agricultural products, and Vietnam Airlines is nearing a deal for Boeing jets. Yet, Reuters sources indicate that these steps may fall short of satisfying U.S. negotiators. The demands from the U.S. pose a substantial challenge for Vietnam. Given its deep integration into Chinese supply chains, any attempt to disentangle could result in reduced U.S. exports, with far-reaching economic, social, and political consequences. It could also strain Vietnam's strategic relations with China, which relies on confidence that Vietnam will not align against it with Western powers. Therefore, while Vietnam is likely to address U.S. concerns over tariff evasion, making binding commitments about its economic relationship with China seems unlikely. Pushing these demands aggressively risks damaging U.S.-Vietnam relations, potentially curtailing the cooperative economic interactions that both nations currently enjoy. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Diplomat 2025-06-05 -
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Free Speech or Blasphemy? Court Conviction Sparks Outrage Over Koran Burning Case
Yeah that's why I fled South-West Sydney for Thailand. Hopefully this country never suffers from the mental degradation that has allowed Western countries to be flooded by people who despise their way of life and plan to replace it with their hateful ideology when the population hits critical mass. PS. I have spent a lot of time in Jakarta, Indonesia and a limited amount of time in Malaysia. So I've seen first-hand how awful it is. Prior to visiting those countries I knew almost nothing about Islam and had no pre-conceptions, in case any bleeding heart accuses me of racism or wherever their latest buzzword is. -
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Trump Enacts New Travel Ban Affecting 19 Countries, Citing National Security Concerns
Trump Enacts New Travel Ban Affecting 19 Countries, Citing National Security Concerns U.S. President Donald Trump has once again invoked national security as the reason behind a sweeping travel ban, which now targets nationals from 19 countries. The White House announced that the order, which restricts travel to the United States from 12 nations and imposes partial limits on seven more, will take effect on Monday at 12:01 a.m. local time. Trump’s move, which mirrors a similar directive issued during his first term in 2017, comes amid renewed anxieties over foreign terrorism and immigration. According to the proclamation, travel is now fully banned for nationals of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. In addition to this list, nationals from seven other countries — Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela — will face partial restrictions. “The safety of American citizens must always come first,” Trump declared in a video posted to his Truth Social platform. “The recent terror attack in Boulder shows just how real the threat is when we fail to properly vet who we allow into our country.” On Sunday, 12 people were injured during an attack in Boulder, Colorado, where a man allegedly hurled incendiary devices and wielded a makeshift flamethrower at a gathering in support of Israeli hostages. The suspect, reportedly an Egyptian national, reignited fears about potential loopholes in the vetting process — although Egypt is not among the countries included in the new ban. The omission of Egypt has raised eyebrows, particularly given Trump’s well-documented relationship with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, whom he once referred to as his “favourite dictator.” Still, the administration insists the list is not politically motivated but based on what it calls “material risks to U.S. national security.” White House officials emphasized that the measure is subject to periodic review and that the list could be revised if “material improvements” are made by the affected nations. Similarly, more countries could be added in the future “as threats emerge around the world.” Despite the ban’s breadth, there are several key exemptions. Lawful permanent residents of the U.S., dual nationals from non-listed countries, and individuals holding certain types of visas — including athletes participating in major international events such as the 2026 World Cup or the 2028 Olympics — are exempt. Additionally, Afghan nationals with Special Immigrant Visas and Iranians fleeing religious or ethnic persecution can still seek entry. The Secretary of State also retains the authority to issue waivers on a “case-by-case basis,” especially if doing so would “serve a United States national interest.” Unlike the 2017 travel ban, which triggered chaos at airports and widespread confusion due to its abrupt rollout, the current measure includes a brief lead-in period to prevent similar disruptions. Nevertheless, critics are expected to challenge the decision in court, questioning both the legality and the motivations behind the policy. As with previous travel bans during Trump’s tenure, the latest move is likely to stoke debate about national security, civil liberties, and the United States’ role in providing refuge to those fleeing violence and oppression. For now, however, the administration appears determined to double down on its hardline approach to immigration. Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-06-05 -
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Another Trump travel ban
Orangeway anMay adBay (I wonder how long this post will last?) -
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Swimming pool tile colour ideas
That's pretty well a middle of the range blue, light either to keep clean but dark enough to give it that cool alluring look on a hot day ♥️ -
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Report Danish Man Disappears Amid Extortion Fears in Southern Thailand
At least someone lent him a comb.
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