When Will These Tariffs Stop?
Monday, February 10th, 2025
World Events — Pushing For Legitimate Claims to Taiwan
The Economists
China is actively engaged in a diplomatic campaign to sway international opinion in favor of its stance on Taiwan, asserting its sovereignty and right to pursue unification through any means necessary. To date, 70 countries have officially endorsed China's position, particularly within the global south, signifying a notable shift in international sentiment. This diplomatic offensive seeks to validate potential coercive measures against Taiwan, such as imposing a quarantine or inspection regime, while also aiming to mitigate the impact of potential Western sanctions in the event of a conflict. By securing widespread recognition of its actions, China aims to avoid the diplomatic isolation experienced by Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
The growing support for China's position poses a significant challenge to the United States and its allies, who are working to garner international support for Taiwan. The potential for many developing countries to view Chinese actions as legitimate raises concerns about the West's ability to effectively condemn or impose sanctions on China. As China strives to project an image of legitimacy and ensure continued access to resources and trade routes, the battle for global support regarding Taiwan's future is intensifying. The outcome of this struggle will play a crucial role in shaping the international response to any future actions China may take toward Taiwan.
Tech — T-Mobile Team Up With Starlink
Bloomberg
T-Mobile's collaboration with Starlink to provide texting and data services via satellite in areas without cellular coverage will cost subscribers $15 per month after an initial free beta period, while trial participants will get a discounted rate of $10 per month. The service, accessible to users on other networks like Verizon and AT&T with compatible phones, will initially support texting in mobile dead zones, with plans to expand to include voice, picture messaging, and other data services later. T-Mobile and Starlink previously offered emergency texting and alerts in disaster zones and have now received commercial regulatory approval, aligning with similar advancements such as Apple's recent Starlink network support in iPhones and Verizon's testing of direct-to-cell services with AST SpaceMobile.
Economics — More Tariffs, More Market Uncertainty
Bloomberg
President Trump announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, broadening his trade actions and potentially straining relationships with top trading partners, including Canada and Mexico. The tariffs, the effective date of which is unspecified, would apply to all countries and would be accompanied by reciprocal tariffs on countries that tax U.S. imports. This move, which follows a series of threatened tariffs and actions, introduces uncertainty for various sectors, including energy businesses reliant on specialty steel grades, and comes as the U.S. steel industry seeks to recover from a downturn. While the overall impact and Trump's commitment to these tariffs remain unclear, they risk raising costs for U.S. manufacturers, increasing consumer prices, and reducing trade flows, all amid a backdrop of ongoing trade tensions, including a stalled deal for Nippon Steel to acquire U.S. Steel Corp., which Trump opposes.
Health — Don't Fear the Cupid
Psychology Today
Single people are often pressured to maintain forced positivity during Valentine's Day through spa days and self-care activities, but accepting the difficulty of being alone on February 14 can be healthier than trying to mask these feelings. A former relationship writer found through personal experience and professional research that elaborate solo activities like candlelit dinners often backfire and make people feel worse, suggesting instead that acknowledging uncomfortable feelings about being single is more empowering than suppressing them - an approach similar to Buddhist warriorship that recognizes these emotions as temporary neurological sensations that will pass regardless of how the evening is spent.
Mystery Smoothie
Song Rec — It Could’ve Been Us (Christopher, Griff)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI2Ym2b03MQ
Quote of the Day
"And that's when I know it's over. As soon as you start thinking about the beginning, it's the end." - Junot Díaz, "This Is How You Lose Her":