记者手记｜马来西亚年度汉字“税”折射对美关税政策不满

Core Viewpoint - The selection of the Chinese character "tax" as Malaysia's annual character reflects public dissatisfaction with U.S. tariff policies and highlights ongoing concerns about social and economic issues in the context of increasing uncertainty [1][3]. Group 1: Impact of U.S. Tariff Policies - The U.S. has imposed significant tariffs on trade partners, which has notably impacted Malaysia's business environment and market expectations, particularly for electronics and semiconductor companies operating in the region [1][2]. - Malaysia's dependence on the U.S. market is under scrutiny as companies face rising compliance costs and pressure to reassess their reliance on U.S. business [1][2]. - The U.S. trade diplomacy is perceived as a means to establish a framework of punishment and submission rather than a fair economic order, with tariffs being used as a "diplomatic weapon" [1][2]. Group 2: Trade Agreements and Conditions - During the 47th ASEAN Summit, a trade agreement was reached between the U.S. and Malaysia, which includes conditions that could lead to the termination of the agreement if Malaysia signs new trade deals deemed harmful to U.S. interests [2]. - The agreement allows for zero tariffs on many U.S. goods entering Malaysia, but the coverage for Malaysian goods is limited and contingent on various conditions, creating a passive situation for Malaysia's trade policy choices [2]. - The ambiguous language regarding "U.S. core interests" raises concerns about how Malaysia's cooperation with other countries could be interpreted as detrimental to these interests [2]. Group 3: Societal Reflections and Expectations - The character "tax" symbolizes a broader societal reflection on the costs of engaging in trade with the U.S., prompting discussions about the existing economic models and cooperation paths [3]. - The selection of "tax" also represents the public's desire for a fair tax system and trade practices, opposing the hegemonic pressures faced by developing countries like Malaysia [3].