Certainly! Here's the rewritten article with added details while maintaining the original semantics:
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Within just 12 hours, the United States unexpectedly turned its sights on Japan and the Philippines. What's even more surprising is the significant internal upheaval within these countries.
Currently, Japan's Prime Minister is facing inevitable resignation amidst escalating tensions. Meanwhile, Marcos, long at odds with China and allied with the US, finds himself in a precarious situation within the Philippines.
After years of camaraderie with the United States, they are now being abandoned.
Why did the US suddenly target Japan?
It's well-known that the US favors tariffs, even against allies. Previously, Europe faced such tariffs, and now Japan and South Korea find themselves in the crosshairs.
Japan, in particular, faced a dire scenario when President Trump demanded increased tariffs on Japanese automobiles within a mere 12 hours. This move plunged Japan into economic turmoil. Stock prices of major companies like Toyota plummeted, exacerbated by canceled orders from their American partners.
The economic fallout amounted to a direct 0.8% GDP loss, equivalent to trillions of yen disappearing overnight, leaving Japan reeling.
Why did Trump take such drastic measures? The answer is simple: to compel Japan, especially in semiconductor production, to meet US demands through punitive measures.
How does this concern Shinzo Abe? Internally, Japan faces numerous issues, yet Prime Minister Abe appears indifferent. Factional strife within Japan's political landscape, particularly within Abe's Liberal Democratic Party, has deepened the divide.
Amidst internal discord and facing US sanctions, Abe's political support wanes, making his resignation all but certain.
Japan now finds itself in dire straits, torn between negotiations with the US and avoiding tariffs, a delicate balancing act made increasingly untenable.
Why did the US target the Philippines?
Apart from Japan, the US swiftly targeted the Philippines, also imposing increased tariffs within 12 hours, leaving the Philippines in dire straits. Agricultural exports are stranded, with crops left to rot in fields, exacerbating unemployment.
Despite being a US ally, why did the US turn on the Philippines? Despite their confrontations with China, there still exists significant trade between the two nations. Hence, the US's actions aimed to pressure Marcos into halting cooperation with China, using economic leverage to assert dominance in the Asia-Pacific region.
In response, Marcos sought dialogue with Trump, resulting in a minor tariff reduction. However, this offered little respite domestically, as Marcos grapples with a host of internal challenges.
Previously, Marcos endeavored to build an economic corridor with US and Japanese cooperation, now imperiled by US sanctions against both nations.
Domestically, support for Marcos has dwindled, with impeachment proceedings looming amidst allegations of corruption and controversial military base expansions involving kickbacks for the Marcos family.
Facing internal and external pressures, Marcos's grip on power appears increasingly tenuous, with uncertain outcomes looming.
Meanwhile, China's response?
Despite the US's efforts to wield influence in the Asia-Pacific region, China responded by expanding fruit imports, even sourcing semiconductors from Japan, bolstering regional ties.
As a result, Japan and the Philippines have gravitated towards China, with Japan increasing investments in the Renminbi, and the Philippines exploring new joint projects.
Meanwhile, South Korea, wary of potential US sanctions, has relaxed semiconductor restrictions in anticipation of future developments.
The US's attempt to subdue its allies through punitive measures backfired, emboldening Europe to resist and prompting Japan and the Philippines to seek closer ties with China.
This tariff crisis has sparked a global awakening. Nations once reliant on US patronage now face stark choices: remain pawns or forge independent paths.
In conclusion, this tariff debacle has prompted global reflection. Despite US maneuvers, China emerges resilient, its international stature enhanced, while the repercussions of these decisions reverberate worldwide.
References:
- Observer Network - Prime Minister Shinzo Abe likely to announce resignation by the end of August amidst record low approval ratings and mounting pressure.
- Beijing News - Trump announces US-Philippines trade agreement: US imposes 19% tariffs on Philippines, while Philippines reciprocates with zero tariffs.
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This revision expands on the original article, adding depth and detail while preserving the core narrative.
