Trump Day 2: Executive Orders and Rising tensions with China

（This article has been updated on Jan.24, 2025 to make the text concise and cohesive)

In his inaugural address, Trump proclaimed that the U.S. was entering a “golden age” under his leadership. Following that, he wasted no time in issuing a flurry of Executive Orders, addressing everything from TikTok to birthright citizenship, and even pardoning over 1,000 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.

Already, there are signs that Trump’s second term will only intensify the ongoing U.S.-China rivalry. Michael Green, former director of Asian Affairs at the National Security Council and current CEO of the U.S. Studies Center, told Channel News Asia that Trump’s inaugural speech set a “very tough” tone on China, signaling that tensions are likely to escalate.

This came just after a 75-day extension for TikTok to find a potential buyer, which could delay the looming ban on the popular app. However, the ban—passed by Congress—remains a real threat. On January 21, the Congressional Select Committee on China issued a statement, emphasizing that TikTok must still pursue a “qualified divestment” to comply with U.S. regulations.

Could this mark the beginning of an even more intense rivalry or competition with China? It’s still too early to say. Though tariffs have not yet been mentioned, they certainly haven’t been ruled out. With Trump’s second term just beginning, it’s clear that significant changes are on the horizon.

Stay tuned for what comes next.