The Trump era begins

On his first day in office, Donald Trump signed a slew of executive orders, 26 in total, covering a vast variety of subjects.

- HARSHA KAKAR

The pace in issuing executive orders, as well as in sacking previously appointed individuals—reminiscent of his first term—continues. He has stopped all aid, except to Israel and Turkey. He appears to have preconceived plans on what he intends to achieve. Trump is also sending a global message that much will change.

His threat of fresh tariffs of up to 25 percent on Canada and Mexico from February 1 ended Justin Trudeau's tenure as PM of Canada, an indicator of what others whom he dislikes will face. There was also a warning of 100 percent tariffs on BRICS nations in case they refuse to accept the US dollar as the global currency, which India has anyway rejected.

While he spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping a few days before his swearing-in and indicated his intent to visit China to also improve ties, his nominated team is profoundly anti-China. Trump's team believes that the Chinese threat is paramount and must be countered. Hence, the first meeting conducted by his administration was of the Quad foreign ministers.

It was sending a message to China. The joint statement mentioned that the four nations support a "shared commitment to strengthening a Free and Open Indo-Pacific where the rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are upheld and defended." It added, "We also strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion." The target is China.

Trump had invited Xi Jinping to his swearing-in, but Beijing was represented by its Vice President Han Zheng. If, despite this, Trump slams additional sanctions on China, it would be a setback. China got a face-saver with TikTok receiving an extension under conditions.