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Bulletins and News Discussion from April 14th to April 20th, 2025 - The Lamentations of a Levy-Loving Leader

Image is of Trump's initial set of reciprocal tariffs. Source is CNN and Reuters.


It's difficult to keep up with the news around the tariffs; they get instated, then dropped, then reinstated... for example, on Friday, Trump said that certain electronics like smartphones would be exempt, causing markets to rally a great deal, but now the Commerce Secretary has said that they might not be exempt? The state of play right now, if you haven't been keeping up this week, is that the US recently announced a 90-day global pause on implementing the tariffs he had planned (that is, 25% on certain Canadian and Mexican goods, and at least 10% on every other nation) but nonetheless increased tariffs on China to 145%.

Meanwhile, China has been - quite remarkably - standing their ground, increasing tariffs on the US to 125%, and putting restrictions on rare earths. Xi Jinping has been in Vietnam and has made statements against a tariff war there, saying that it would have no winners. Meanwhile, a Chinese spokesperson has essentially said that China can endure the tariff war due to the increasing demand from its domestic market in combination with its growing economic ties with other countries.


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  • China warns it will take "resolute and reciprocal" countermeasures against countries negotiating with the US if they strike deals at China’s expense in the ongoing trade war.

    Responding to reports that Donald Trump is pressuring nations to limit trade with China in exchange for tariff exemptions, China’s commerce ministry stated, "China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests."

    The ministry added that "appeasement will not bring peace," warning that seeking temporary selfish interests at the expense of others will ultimately fail and harm everyone involved.

    — From The Cradle (21/4/25)

    • This is also a message to Vietnam. It's rumoured (not confirmed, but rumoured) that Vietnam has agreed to buy F-16V block 70/72 4.5 generation fighter aircraft from the United States. A total of 24 aircraft are rumoured to be part of the deal, and the Trump administration has said one way to "relieve" tarrifs is to enter military or security agreements with the United States.

      Vietnam Has Reached An Agreement To Buy U.S. F-16 Fighter Jets

      Why does Vietnam want US jets? It's rumoured that their Russian Su-27 and Su-30 export variant aircraft are out of warranty, and Sukhoi will not service the aircraft without being paid a lump sum in advance with the warranty being over, the Russia - Ukraine war is likely effecting their operations, both in production capacity and their ability to receive payments due to sanctions. So multiple Vietnamese Su-30s are already grounded until they can get serviced.

      F-16Vs will also offer a significant sensor upgrade over the Soviet era radars and sensors, including an AESA radar on the F-16V. The price point is also competitive compared to other 4.5 generation offers from the NATO bloc, with an F-16V being cheaper than a Gripen E, Eurofighter or Rafale on unit cost. The only offer that can compete on unit cost would be a Gripen C equipped with the Gripen Es sensor suite (including the AESA radar) as a custom offer. On the Chinese side, the latest J-10C with an AESA radar would be a competitive offer and potentially cheaper than an F-16V. But it's unknown if Vietnam want Chinese aircraft.

    • Going to note that there are people who think that the PRC appeasing the US and siding with them against the USSR was somehow good.

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