US President Donald Trump has asserted that tariffs will remain a central pillar of his economic policy. In his year-end address last night, Trump repeatedly credited tariffs for spurring investment, factory construction and job growth, framing import duties as a permanent tool to reshape global trade rather than a short-term negotiating tactic. 

 

 

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has announced a massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than US 10 billion dollars, including medium-range missiles, howitzers and drones. The State Department announced this during the nationally televised address by President Trump.