The uncertainty of U.S. tariffs on China continues, and recent developments in U.S.-China trade relations show potential changes. Scholar Weng Li-Chung, based in the U.S., pointed out that both the U.S. and China have accused each other of violating agreements, including China's failure to relax restrictions on rare earth exports as promised and new U.S. limitations on semiconductors and student visas.

Weng analyzed that the rare earth struggle does not signify a 'victory' for China over the U.S., but rather illustrates how China strategically engages on specific issues, affecting the U.S. supply chain's vulnerability in the short term. He noted that the U.S. still retains advantages in technological innovation, military deployment, and international alliances, maintaining integration capabilities difficult for China to replace.

He expressed concern regarding Taiwan's mindset of 'over-dependence on the U.S.,' suggesting that the U.S.-China confrontation has expanded from trade and technology to include systems, values, and global supply chain governance. Ignoring China's significant investments and developments in key industries represents a severe blind spot for Taiwan.

Regarding the rare earth issue, Weng pointed out that China's ability to act is a product of long-term industrial policies, including investments in funding, higher education, processing technology research, and environmental regulations. Though the U.S. is beginning to catch up, China has already reached a mature stage.

Weng believes that for Taiwan, the issue is not merely about choosing sides but understanding the nature of U.S.-China competition. The U.S. is Taiwan's only potential strategic ally, but this does not mean Taiwan can ignore China's capabilities. The more Taiwan relies on the U.S., the more it must take responsibility throughout its own industrial autonomy, energy security, and strategic communication, facing changes with a mature perspective. He concluded, 'In short, the U.S. has not been surpassed, but China should not be viewed as an invincible threat without dialogue.' Taiwan must comprehend that the world is no longer unipolar, assess its resilience in such competition, and hope that it can adapt in time.