𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗮

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room, or rather, the dragon in our waters. China’s brazen incursions into the South China Sea, trampling on our rights and those of our neighbors, have left us seething. Its so-called “nine-dash line” is less a map and more a middle finger to international law.

But across the Pacific, the Trump administration is hitting China where it hurts most: its wallet. The strategy? Tariffs. Some might call these trade tantrums, but I’d argue they’re a calculated move to weaken Beijing’s economic muscle and curb its reckless ambitions in our backyard, including its saber-rattling over Taiwan and the South China Sea. Trump’s not just pushing policy; He’s settling a score. He has long despised China, famously griping that they’re “ripping us off” on trade, a grudge from his real estate days.

Let’s break down the tariffs. Since Trump’s return, He has slapped hefty duties on Chinese goods, electronics, steel, you name it. The goal isn’t just “Made in USA.”

These tariffs choke China’s export-driven economy. Beijing needs global sales to keep factories running and people employed. By making their products pricier in the U.S., Trump bets on starving their economic engine. A weaker economy means less cash for Beijing’s military buildup, artificial islands, and coast guard bullying in the Spratlys. Trump’s been blunt, calling China “the enemy” at rallies, raging at their trade surpluses like a man betrayed.

Compare that to the Biden administration, which seemed more interested in cozying up to the Chinese Communist Party, think Hunter Biden’s business deals and those soft diplomatic smiles, than confronting the dragon head-on.

Why should we care in Manila? A financially strained China is a less aggressive China.

Those militarized reefs and fishing boat swarms in the South China Sea aren’t cheap. Building outposts like Mischief Reef costs billions, plus more to deploy fleets that intimidate our fishermen and those of Vietnam and Malaysia.

If tariffs drain China’s coffers, they might ease off. A cash-strapped dragon doesn’t breathe fire.

And let’s not ignore the recent visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Manila, a clear signal to Beijing that the U.S. stands firm with us.

Speaking alongside Philippine officials, Hegseth declared, “Deterrence is necessary around the world, but specifically in this region, in your country, considering the threats from the communist Chinese.” That’s a shot across China’s bow, reinforcing our alliance against their aggression.

Now, let’s zoom out to Taiwan, where stakes skyrocket. Trump doesn’t want China seizing Taiwan, and it’s not just geopolitics; it’s about semiconductors.

Taiwan produces over 60% of the world’s chips, the brains inside phones to fighter jets. If China takes control, it’s a stranglehold on the U.S.

American tech giants like Apple and defense firms like Lockheed would be at Beijing’s mercy. Prices would spike, innovation would stall, and China could cut supplies in a crisis.
Trump’s tariffs aim to hobble China’s economy now, slowing its Taiwan grab and keeping those chips free. He has bragged about it, tweeting that China “won’t outsmart us” on tech.

China’s obsession with “reunifying” Taiwan, by force if needed, is no secret. An invasion would cost hundreds of billions and risk global chaos.

Beijing’s biding its time, stacking ships and missiles. But Trump’s tariffs could disrupt that plan. A weaker yuan, slower growth, and unrest at home might force Xi Jinping to focus inward, not on risky wars.

If Taiwan’s safe, China’s less bold in our waters too.

But there are risks. Tariffs could raise U.S. prices, straining allies like us who lean on global trade.

China might hit back, pressuring the Philippines in ASEAN to toe their line. And let’s face it: Trump’s “America First” vibe isn’t big on teamwork with ASEAN nations for a united front.

Still, hitting China’s weak spot feels right. Beijing’s bullied us too long, fishermen harassed, reefs destroyed, rights ignored.
Trump’s tariffs signal someone’s playing hardball. He has mocked China’s leaders as “chess players” outwitting the U.S., and he hates losing. If his tariffs make Xi hesitate over our seas or Taiwan’s chip goldmine, we win.
You see, we don’t have to love Trump’s style to see his cunning.

By targeting China’s economic lifeline, He’s clipping the dragon’s wings, something we’ve craved. But we can’t just cheer from the sidelines.

The Philippines must strengthen our defenses, deepen ties with Japan and Australia, and keep exposing China’s lawlessness globally.

The South China Sea is our front yard. It’s time we stop letting the neighbor trash it.