Taiwan
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025
US-China — Is Trump a Revolutionary, or Is He Just Rude?
The Economists
Chinese officials and analysts are deeply divided over how to interpret Donald Trump’s second presidency, debating whether it signals continuity or radical disruption in U.S.-China relations. Some view Trump 2.0 as a continuation of his first term, marked by trade wars, export controls, and alliances to counter China, believing his focus will eventually return to containing Beijing after resolving other global issues. Others fear his "America First" agenda could lead to an isolationist America, undermining its alliances and global order, which might present both threats and opportunities for China. Amid these uncertainties, Beijing is hedging its bets—engaging cautiously with U.S. economic officials while preparing militarily, as evidenced by large-scale drills near Taiwan. This strategic ambiguity reflects China's readiness for both cooperation and confrontation as it navigates the complexities of Trump-era geopolitics.
Environment — China Can Reduce Its Dependence on Coal, but It Probably Won’t
The Economists
China’s reliance on coal remains entrenched despite rapid growth in renewable energy, driven by concerns over energy security, economic costs, and entrenched interests. While wind and solar capacity have surged—tripling and increasing thirtyfold respectively over the past decade—coal still accounts for over half of China’s electricity generation. The country continues to build new coal-fired plants, adding 100 gigawatts last year alone, even as coal's share in the energy mix declines. Phasing out coal would require costly retrofitting or early retirement of relatively young plants, alongside significant investments in grid modernization to accommodate renewable energy. Additionally, coal provides local employment and ensures stable domestic energy supplies amid geopolitical risks and fluctuating hydropower output. Without bold reforms to its power market and greater prioritization of clean energy infrastructure, China’s coal consumption may plateau rather than decline sharply, jeopardizing its carbon neutrality goals for 2060 and global climate efforts.
Trade — Tariff Limbo
Bloomberg
President Donald Trump is poised to announce a major new tariff plan on Wednesday, with his team still finalizing details amid widespread speculation and market uncertainty. The proposals under consideration include tiered tariffs based on countries' trade practices or a flat global tariff, both aimed at raising $700 billion annually in revenue. While the levies are expected to take immediate effect, countries may negotiate to lower rates over time. The announcement, branded as a "Make America Wealthy Again" event, has sparked concerns about inflation, economic growth, and potential recession risks. As Trump’s administration prepares to unveil one of the largest import taxes in U.S. history, the move could reshape global trade dynamics and intensify debates over its long-term economic impact.
Relationship — Signs You Are In a Healthy Relationship
Cleveland Clinic
In a healthy relationship, often described as feeling "easy" yet requiring hard work, dedication, and determination, individuals share love, respect, and support, although no relationship is perfect and unique challenges arise. Natacha Duke highlights core elements of a healthy relationship centered around empathy, kindness, reliability, commitment, mutual respect for boundaries, teamwork, and similar values and goals, which serve as the foundation for actions and decisions. The importance of these values may vary among individuals, but reasonable reliability and prioritization by both partners are crucial for long-term success; however, people may not always recognize they're in a healthy relationship, especially if they have a history of problematic relationships, which may feel familiar but are not necessarily healthy.
Self-reflection is essential before and during a relationship, allowing for the constructive confrontation of conflict, with a willingness to work and grow together, fostering an environment of ease and mutual respect. Key signs of a healthy relationship include mutual respect with established boundaries, earned trust that extends beyond the honeymoon phase, effective communication during tough times, the ability to agree to disagree through compromise, mutual forgiveness, commitment with balanced effort, kindness that prioritizes safety and support, shared enjoyment and support for each other's goals, collaborative decision-making, confronting difficulties head-on with constructive expression, comfort in individuality and independence, and comfort with each other even when not at their best. Strategies for reassurance involve continuous self-reflection, open communication about feelings, and ensuring aligned goals and values to maintain a healthy and fulfilling partnership.
Baking — Black Sesame Mochi Muffin
These black sesame mochi muffins are slightly crispy on the outside while staying moist, tender, and pleasantly chewy on the inside. They're scattered with black sesame seeds while give them such a nice nutty flavor and aroma.
Song Rec - Consequences (Camila)
Quote of the Day
“I think we dream so we don’t have to be apart for so long. If we’re in each other’s dreams, we can be together all the time.” ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh