Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies are eroding America's alliances and prompting allies and partners to consider strengthening ties with China, a Democratic report has revealed. Written by the Democratic staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the report suggests that Trump's approach to trade, alongside significant budget cuts for international affairs, has provided China with an opportunity to expand its influence in global leadership.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the report highlights Trump's recent emphasis on implementing "reciprocal" tariffs on U.S. trading partners, including South Korea, driven by his belief that the U.S. has been unfairly treated by both allies and adversaries. The report claims that these tariffs not only disrupt the domestic economy but also undermine longstanding U.S. alliances, making it challenging to increase defense spending to 5 percent of GDP, a target recently agreed upon by North Atlantic Treaty Organization member states.
The report also indicates that U.S. tariffs are compelling allies, including European partners, to contemplate closer economic ties with Beijing. It cites South Korea's announcement of a special budget of US$8.6 billion, aimed at offsetting the effects of U.S. tariffs on Korean industries, as evidence of the difficulties faced by countries trying to meet high defense spending goals due to Trump's policies.
Additionally, the report references a meeting in March among Seoul, Beijing, and Tokyo as an example of U.S. allies exploring closer economic relations with China amidst trade tensions with Washington. The three nations expressed their intent to accelerate negotiations for a trilateral free trade agreement.
Furthermore, the report outlines the detrimental impact of Trump's tariffs on the U.S. defense industrial base, citing increased lead times for crucial parts and components essential for U.S. weapons systems. It stresses the necessity of collaboration with allies to counter China's economic and trade practices deemed unfair by the U.S.
The report concludes by addressing the broader implications of Trump's international policies, criticizing the administration's budget cuts and reductions in federal grants for scientific research. It warns that as the U.S. pulls back from global leadership, China is poised to take advantage of America's disengagement.