Huy Nguyen, second left, escaped Vietnam at age 12, and became a surgeon. Front right is his brother, Nang Nguyen, also a practicing surgeon. Nguyen’s two sons are left – Eric Nguyen, a family medicine resident, and second right, Brandon Nguyen, a surgical resident.Courtesy Huy Nguyen

Once the family came to the U.S., the father worked as a security guard and the mother as a cleaner. He got his GED at age 45 and became a chiropractor, inspiring his kids.

By Kaitlyn Schwanemann

Fifty years ago, at the age of 12, Huy Nguyen fled Saigon with his family as a refugee. Today, after a long road, the Nguyens boast three generations of medical professionals who say they are grateful for the chance to achieve their dream.

When they first arrived in the U.S., they settled in Iowa and became the first Vietnamese American family in the Quad Cities, according to the Davenport Public Library. Nguyen's mother worked as a house cleaner. His father worked as a security guard and eventually got his high school diploma at age 45. He went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree and became a chiropractor in 1981.


By then, Huy Nguyen was already set on becoming a surgeon.

Now, Nguyen’s three children are working to become doctors as well. Two of Nguyen’s children graduated from the same medical school as their father — Kansas City University.

As refugees in the 70s, the family went through a difficult time and started out on welfare. Once a chiropractor, the older Nguyen decided he wanted to pay back all the help they got from the welfare system.

“What my dad did was, when he became a chiropractor, he and my mom, they went to the social security service. And my dad asked that — since when he was in school, we were on welfare … if he can put in payment and they could pay off the help,” Nguyen said. “He was very proud that he received the help, but at the same time, he would pay that help back and contribute more to that.”

Nguyen’s family first stop as immigrants was California, where a church sponsored them to move to Davenport, Iowa. While there, Nguyen and his father established themselves in health care. Nguyen eventually had three children of his own — two resident physicians and a current medical school student, now ages 27, 26 and 18.

Five decades after the fall of Saigon, which effectively ended the Vietnam War on April 30, 1975, the day is known as “Reunification Day” in Vietnam.

“If you see the Afghanistan evacuations, it’s very similar to Vietnam on that at the end of a war,” Nguyen told NBC News. “There was a bombing on the airport, and we were lucky enough to get in the military airplane, and we were airlifted out of Saigon,” Nguyen said.

“My dad in Vietnam — he was lieutenant colonel in the South Vietnamese army, which fought along with the Americans, and so, last minute, he jumped on the plane and he left with us.”

Nguyen said he assimilated to the American culture while living in Iowa — especially as there were no Vietnamese people, foods or languages around him. He fell in love with American football in fifth-grade and learned English by watching TV. Huy Nguyen, right, with his wife, Megan, and their three children at a Kansas City University graduation ceremony for their youngest son in 2024.Courtesy Huy Nguyen

Once the family settled in Iowa, Nguyen’s father pursued his studies and later went to chiropractic school. While in school, he worked as a museum security guard to make ends meet. Nguyen’s mother brought the kids back to California, where she worked cleaning houses. Nguyen would help her clean after school, he said. Once Nguyen’s father graduated, he returned to the family in California and opened his own private practice.

Nguyen eventually got his bachelor’s degree at the same university as his father, St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. Nguyen’s older sister became a chiropractor and then a lawyer; Nguyen became a surgeon; two of Nguyen’s brothers became surgeons and another became a lawyer. Nguyen opened up his own private practice in San Jose, California in 1997 — one of the largest Vietnamese American communities in the U.S.


In 2008, Nguyen became the first surgeon in the U.S. to perform a single-incision laparoscopic colon resection. Four years later, Nguyen became the first in the California Bay Area to remove a gallbladder using single-site robotic surgery, with his brother Nang assisting the surgery.

“If you think about the American dream, we are it,” Nguyen said. “If it wasn’t for the people that helped us, and also the American government helping us through the welfare system, we would not be where we’re at right now. Of course, working hard and everything else comes with it, too.”

Read more ...…

                                                       

       
                                           

· Context: The U.S. Supreme Court has extended a temporary block on the Trump administration’s plan to rapidly deport Venezuelan migrants accused of gang affiliations, under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act (AEA).

· About the Law: The AEA, rarely invoked, allows for the detention or deportation of foreign nationals during wartime or invasion. It was last used during WWII to detain Japanese Americans.

· Legal Issues: The Court ordered that migrants must be notified more than 24 hours in advance of deportation and given due process to challenge it, criticizing the administration for short notice and lack of transparency.

· Controversy: Conservative justices (Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito) dissented, saying the Court was overstepping. Civil rights groups like the ACLU are pushing for an urgent ruling on whether Trump can invoke this law outside of wartime.

2. James Comey Accused of Threatening Trump with '8647' Shell Arrangement

· Incident: Former FBI Director James Comey posted an image on Instagram showing seashells arranged to form the number 8647. In slang, “86” means “eliminate” or “kill,” and Trump is the 47th president (as well as the 45th).

· Political Fallout:

o Trump and his allies (Tulsi Gabbard, Ted Cruz, Mike Lee) accused Comey of inciting assassination.

o The Secret Service and DOJ are reportedly investigating.

o Comey deleted the post, claiming he had no intent to incite violence and wasn’t aware of the phrase’s potential interpretation.

· Legal Challenge: Free speech protections under the First Amendment make it difficult to prosecute unless the message constitutes a “true threat.” Prosecutors would need to prove intent and imminence, which is unclear in this case.

HANH DUONG

Read more ...…

                                                          

By Hai Di Nguyen – May 15, 2025

From May 6–8, 2025, in Kathmandu, Nepal, torture victims had the chance to share their experiences with Dr. Alice Jill Edwards, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture. Among them were Vietnamese-Americans like Dang Minh Ty and Percy Nguyen (BPSOS), who raised concerns about abuses against Vietnamese refugees in Thailand’s IDC facilities.

Inhumane Conditions in IDC

Lù A Da, a Hmong Christian refugee, was jailed in Bangkok’s IDC in December 2023. He described rooms crammed with up to 150 people in a 6x20m space, no bedding, and people lying “like corpses in coffins.”

Roy, another refugee, said he had to sleep squeezed against others, legs intertwined. Both reported seeing inmates with mental breakdowns due to prolonged detention and abuse.

Beatings and Threats

Lù A Da recounted being beaten by a Vietnamese inmate named Trần Thanh Tuấn, the “room leader,” after simply handing him water. Tuấn and his aides routinely hit other refugees and used handcuffs to punish those who resisted.

In another case, a detainee known as Mr. C reported that on May 1, 2025, his younger brother was beaten unconscious in a bathroom. When Mr. C tried to help, he too was assaulted. Police told him, “If no one dies, we do nothing. If someone dies, we cremate them.”

Despite security cameras, Thai police reportedly ignore the abuse.

Extortion and Possible Embassy Links

Some refugees said Tuấn had ties to the Vietnamese embassy and claimed he wasn’t afraid of it. To be released or deported, detainees allegedly had to pay 13,000–15,000 baht (~$400), far higher than actual airfare costs.

Urgent Plea for Help

As of now, 13 Hmong refugees remain detained, hoping for financial aid to secure release.
Support contact: bpsos@bpsos.org

Watch related interview: YouTube

Read more ...…

                                         

CALITODAY – Fountain Valley (May 14, 2025) – Over 200 Vietnamese guests gathered at The Center at Founders Village to enjoy the exquisite and emotional classical guitar performance by artist Lê Thu, currently residing in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The event, hosted by the Vietnamese American Classical Guitar Society, was introduced by musician Võ Tá Hân, who had organized several classical guitar competitions in Vietnam during the 1990s. He recalled awarding Lê Thu first prize in 2000 when she flew from Hanoi to Saigon to compete.

Now, 25 years later, Lê Thu reunited with her Vietnamese audience in Orange County, delivering a passionate two-hour concert featuring French, Spanish, and Vietnamese pieces. Her rendition of “Niệm Khúc Cuối” (by Ngô Thụy Miên), arranged for guitar by Võ Tá Hân, moved many in the audience.

According to her biography, Lê Thu began learning guitar at the age of 4, taught by her father. By age 7, she became the youngest student admitted to the Hanoi Conservatory. She later trained under renowned international guitarists, becoming one of the most prominent female classical guitarists of Vietnamese origin on the global stage.

She now regularly performs in Europe, the United States, and Asia, and owns a personal YouTube channel where she plays well-known pieces like “Historia De Un Amor”, “Tombe La Neige”, “Qui Sait”, and Vietnamese favorites such as “Xuân Này Con Không Về”.

During the event, her CD “Amor” sold out quickly, with fans lining up for autographs. Notable attendees included musician Nguyễn Đức Đạt and Ms. Tô Thị Thủy – director of Thúy Nga entertainment center.

When asked whether she intended to settle in the U.S., Lê Thu simply smiled — a subtle hint. Given her talent and international reputation, applying for an artist-based residency in America would be a natural and well-deserved path.

As the evening ended, many attendees left still haunted by the lingering beauty of her strings — a tender echo of homeland from the burning deserts of the Middle East to the warm heart of Little Saigon.

Listen to: Historia De Un Amor – Lê Thu

Read more ...…

                                                          

QUOTE:“Accepting a foreign jet of such value from a nation that backs Hamas violates fundamental U.S. foreign policy principles,” said Dr. Lara Friedman, President of the Foundation for Middle East Peace. “It’s not only unusual—it poses significant national security risks.”

CALITODAY (May 15, 2025) – During his visit to Qatar, President Donald Trump is facing intense backlash from both parties over his acceptance of a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet from the Qatari royal family.

The aircraft is intended to replace Air Force One and later be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library.

Democratic senators immediately responded by blocking a $1.9 billion arms sale to Qatar, calling Trump’s move unconstitutional and a potential national security threat.

“This isn’t a gift of goodwill – it’s an illegal bribe,” said Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT). “Unless Qatar rescinds the offer or Trump rejects it, we will take steps to stop this deal.”

Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a moderate Republican, also voiced concerns:

“This deal is riddled with espionage, ethical, and constitutional risks. A sitting president accepting a foreign aircraft is unprecedented and alarming.”

Concerns include the potential for embedded surveillance devices and the cost of upgrading the plane to meet U.S. security standards—potentially over $1 billion. Though Trump claims the aircraft will be managed by the Department of Defense and later donated to his library, many lawmakers remain skeptical.

“No one gives someone a $400 million jet without expecting something in return,” former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton posted on X. “Let’s get serious.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced a freeze on all DOJ nominations to protest the gift. Nine other senators called on the Pentagon to investigate possible counterintelligence threats related to the transaction.

Meanwhile, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) stated on CNBC:

“This gift presents serious threats of espionage and surveillance.”

In Doha, Trump further stirred controversy by proposing to “turn Gaza into a free zone under U.S. control.”

“I would be proud if the U.S. took over Gaza and made it a free zone,” Trump said.

The idea has drawn sharp opposition from the Palestinian Authority and key Arab allies like Saudi Arabia—especially as Qatar continues to broker ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.

HANH DUONG

Read more ...…

                                              

CALITODAY (May 14, 2025) – According to Reuters, Boeing secured the largest deal ever for wide-body aircraft sales on Wednesday, May 14, when state-owned Qatar Airways placed a firm order for 160 jets, with options to purchase 50 more, during President Donald Trump’s visit to the Gulf Arab nation.

According to the White House, the agreement, involving Boeing 777X and 787 aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines, is valued at $96 billion.

This marks a major win for Trump on his high-profile visit to the region, though it will take years before the planes are delivered.

The sale also provides a boost to Boeing and its largest engine supplier at a time when Airbus’s large A350 models, equipped with Rolls-Royce engines, are facing maintenance issues due to operations in the world’s hottest climates — including the Middle East.

According to Boeing, the deal includes 160 firm orders — 130 Boeing 787s and 30 Boeing 777Xs — along with options for 50 additional long-haul jets. Boeing’s stock rose 0.6% in New York, while GE Aerospace shares increased by 0.7%.

The U.S. administration said that for the 787 aircraft, Qatar chose GE Aerospace’s GEnx engines over Rolls-Royce’s Trent 1000. GE’s GE9X engine is the sole option for the 777X.

The purchase of 400 GE engines marks the largest engine deal in GE Aerospace history, CEO Larry Culp stated. Qatar Airways confirmed this, having told Reuters in March that it was placing a large order for wide-body jets.

Trump and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani attended the signing ceremony along with Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg and Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. Trump said Ortberg told him this was Boeing’s largest jet order in its history.

The deal was signed during the second stop of Trump’s Gulf tour, following a series of agreements reached with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

The 777X is still under development and is expected to begin deliveries in 2026 — six years behind schedule. Qatar Airways already has 94 777X orders. Competitor Emirates has 205 777X orders. Both were early customers when Boeing launched the program in 2013.

As of April 30, Boeing’s order book included 521 orders for the 777X and 828 orders for the 787.

For Donald Trump, there are no strategic allies or regional friendships — only short-term advantages he can seize. In preparation for his Middle East trip, Trump unilaterally announced a halt to strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen — just two days after they launched a missile attack on Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, causing foreign airlines to flee.

Trump justified the decision by saying the Houthis had promised not to fire missiles or drones at U.S. ships in the Red Sea.

Trump sidelined Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu while reshaping the Middle East. He accepted Syria’s new leader, Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa — a former rebel commander who became Syria’s Prime Minister in January 2025.

Trump claimed he was working to end the Gaza war “as soon as possible” by supporting Netanyahu’s efforts to strike Hamas. But now, Trump is accepting a luxury 787-8 aircraft from Qatar’s royal family to serve as the new Air Force One — even though Qatar finances Hamas, which attacks Israel. As a result, Trump excluded Netanyahu from his Middle East tour focused on deals benefiting himself and his family.

This implies that Hamas will survive, rebuild, and prepare for another attack on Israel in the near future.

In his current urgent Middle East visit, whether Trump still sympathizes with Netanyahu's concerns or not, he is advancing a series of regional initiatives without including Israel. He hasn’t arranged for Israel to be present at critical meetings, and he’s ignoring Israel’s growing concerns over Trump’s deals with its adversaries.

Trump has deepened U.S.-Saudi relations, leaving Israel out of the equation — telling Saudi leaders that although he hopes they will join the Abraham Accords with Israel, “you’ll do it in your own time.” Unspoken is his acceptance that Saudi Arabia won’t normalize ties with Israel as long as Netanyahu rejects even a theoretical path toward a Palestinian state. Trump signed a record $142 billion arms deal with Riyadh, likely alarming Jerusalem — particularly if Israel’s air superiority is compromised. He’s reportedly discussing a nuclear energy deal for Saudi Arabia — which opposition leader Yair Lapid warned on May 14 could trigger a nuclear arms race in the region.

Trump is determined to sign a deal with Iran, while the U.S. remains evasive about whether such a deal would require dismantling all of Iran’s nuclear facilities — causing panic in Jerusalem.

Despite Israeli objections, Trump lifted all sanctions on Syria’s new leader, whom Israel understandably still views as heading a terrorist regime — unless proven otherwise — and called on President Ahmed al-Sharaa to normalize ties with Israel and join the Abraham Accords.

Trump recently arrived in Qatar, a known financial backer of Hamas. Qatar is also suspected of paying off some of Netanyahu’s aides to lobby on its behalf. Trump declared he was “absolutely committed” to helping resolve the hostage-war crisis.

Each of these moves significantly affects Israel’s daily security, economy, and public welfare. Any Israeli government would seek to influence and revise Trump’s rapid moves concerning the Houthis, Syrians, Saudis, and Iranians. But Israel is largely sidelined as Trump pursues them for his own gain.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is now America’s strongest partner under Trump. On the evening of May 13, rumors swirled in Jerusalem that Trump was angry with Netanyahu for pushing him toward military action against Iran, while Trump favors diplomacy. It’s also believed that Trump concluded Israel is no longer central to U.S. interests in the region.

Currently, it’s not that Trump “doesn’t like you” — it’s that “I’m moving forward, with or without you.” Through this trip, Trump is elevating the Gulf nations — and by definition, reducing Israel’s significance in his strategic calculations.

“The transformation under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has truly been extraordinary,” Trump praised Saudi Arabia in his keynote speech on Tuesday evening, May 13, calling the crown prince America’s strongest partner. “We have great partners around the world, but there’s no partner stronger — and none like the gentleman sitting right in front of me,” Trump said of Bin Salman. “He is your finest representative... I like him very much... a great man.”

Trump’s admiration for Gulf progress implies a downgrade of Israel’s status as a regional power, leading innovator, and smart investment destination. At present, even getting a flight to Israel is difficult.

In reality, Trump’s new wave of deals and alliances could destroy America’s longstanding ally in the Middle East — Israel.

On the flight to Qatar, Trump claimed that good U.S.-Gulf relations were “very good for Israel.” But in truth, he excluded Israel from all political and economic meetings with Gulf nations — the very ones actively funding Hamas and the Houthis, who attack Israel every single day and night.

— Hạnh Dương

Read more ...…

                                                   

                                            

HANH DUONG

CALITODAY – San Jose, May 13, 2025: The Trump administration is facing growing backlash after Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it is considering the arrest of three Democratic House Representatives from New Jersey: Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rob Menendez, and LaMonica McIver.

The incident began during a visit last Friday by the lawmakers and Mayor Baraka to the ICE-run Delaney Hall detention center in New Jersey. According to DHS, the group “breached” the security perimeter just as a bus carrying detainees was arriving. One ICE officer was reportedly assaulted during the confrontation. DHS claims bodycam footage shows Rep. McIver attacking a female ICE officer — a matter now under investigation.

Mayor Baraka was handcuffed and detained for five hours. He was officially charged with trespassing. His legal team maintains he acted within his First Amendment rights and conducted himself “with dignity and restraint.”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) strongly condemned DHS, accusing the agency of "public intimidation" and stating that if anyone broke the law, it was Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and “Border Czar” Tom Homan. “We won’t stay silent. They are experimenting with a new kind of authoritarianism,” she said on Instagram.

Meanwhile, DHS officials insist that no one — even elected lawmakers — is above the law. “If a regular U.S. citizen stormed a detention facility holding dangerous criminals, they’d be arrested,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin on Fox News. “The same standard applies to Congress members.”

QUOTE FROM EXPERT:
"What's unfolding is a stress test on the separation of powers in America," said Dr. Lisa Farnsworth, a constitutional law professor at NYU. “The aggressive use of law enforcement powers against political opponents raises serious concerns about democratic backsliding.”

As of now, DHS has not confirmed whether formal charges will be filed against the three Democratic lawmakers. The agency has, however, released bodycam footage that allegedly shows Rep. McIver rushing ICE officers. The situation remains tense, with Democratic leaders warning of major consequences if the administration continues to act in what they call a "dictatorial manner."

Read more ...…

                    

Vietnam faces an uphill battle in trade negotiations with the United States.

As I noted in a previous post, Vietnam was – and is – probably the single middle-income economy most endangered by the Trump Administration’s tariff policies. Vietnam has been running the third-largest trade surplus with the United States of any country in the world, and had been one of the key countries where companies had been assembling items made of Chinese components and then selling them to other markets, including the United States. This approach, even though encouraged by the prior U.S. administration, has earned the rage of President Trump and those working for him.

Even as Vietnam tried to appease the White House once reciprocal tariffs were imposed, senior White House officials continued to complain about Vietnam’s supposed law-breaking. When Vietnamese leaders offered to take Vietnam’s tariffs on U.S. goods down to zero, senior trade advisor Peter Navarro snapped: “Let’s take Vietnam. When they come to us and say ‘we’ll go to zero tariffs,’ that means nothing to us because it’s the nontariff cheating that matters,” Navarro said on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”

According to CNBC, the examples of nontariff “cheating” cited by Navarro included Chinese products being routed through Vietnam, intellectual property theft, and a value-added tax.

Vietnam’s trade negotiators have again journeyed to Washington in recent weeks to try to work out a deal that would avoid massive reciprocal tariffs on Vietnamese goods exports when the 90-day tariff pause ends. Besides offering zero tariffs on U.S. imports and pledging to buy much more U.S. goods, like Boeing planes and American LNG, for instance, Vietnam has stepped on its own companies to buy American. Earlier this month, Vietnam’s trade ministry encouraged all manufacturers in the country to buy more U.S.-made goods to help balance the trade relationship. Vietnam is clearly worried about its position.

Despite Vietnam not having the leverage of those like Japan, South Korea, the European Union, and other big exporters to the United States – countries that can use their U.S. bond holdings, massive markets, or other tools to push back against coercion – Vietnamese leaders have become increasingly forthright about their anger at how the reciprocal tariffs were created, and the desire, as always in Vietnam, not to look like a tool of any foreign country. Just before bilateral trade talks began, Vietnam said that Trump’s tariffs were “unreasonable,” tough words from leaders who tend to play it close to the vest and try to hedge between Washington and Beijing. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh piled on, saying that though the tariffs have been delayed until July, they were threatening to unpick global supply chains, presenting Vietnam’s export-reliant economy with a “situation.” Chinh, like all to Vietnamese leaders, said this knowing that a real U.S. crackdown on Vietnamese exports to America would destroy Vietnam’s entire economic model, and would further push it to find alternative export markets in China and other countries in Asia or other parts of the world. Vietnam could do so, but it is not as prepared as countries like Australia, South Korea, Japan, or China to dig up big new markets in Latin America, Africa, or other parts of Asia.

Chinh claimed that bilateral talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who has been openly hostile in public testimony and briefings  toward a range of U.S. trade partners including Vietnam, were going well. The Vietnamese leaders, in exchange for zero tariffs, cracking down on transshipment of Chinese goods through Vietnam, and buying more U.S. goods, want to see Vietnam finally recognized as a market economy (a bar it has not met in the past), a modest tariff rate set, and an agreement to let Vietnam buy more high-tech U.S. exports, which would help with the trade balance. 

In return, Vietnam’s negotiators have been instructed by Chinh to request early recognition of Vietnam as a market economy – which the U.S. government declined to do last August after a lengthy review – and the removal of restrictions on high-tech exports, which will help reduce the large trade surplus with the United States.

Yet while the Trump administration claims that it is going to put together a group of eighteen to twenty countries that are going to have similar trade deals with the United States, and also will increasingly isolate China on trade, it is hard to imagine Vietnam fitting into that group. The Trump White House seems relatively uninterested in Vietnam’s strategic value – they are focused wholly on trade issues. There is deep historical animus in Vietnam toward China, as well as modern-day anger at China’s treatment of South China Sea disputes. But Vietnam is too close – geographically, economically, and in party-party cooperation – to China to be able to join such a coalition. It can only hope to play its weak hand well, and wind up with a decent deal – one that other larger and more powerful economies are not going to copy.

(Courtesy of Cfr.org)

Read more ...…

                                       

CALI TODAY (May 11, 2025): "Today was a very good meeting with China in Switzerland. Many issues were discussed, and many things were agreed upon. A complete reset was negotiated in a friendly but constructive manner. We want to see, for the benefit of both China and the United States, China open its doors to American businesses. GREAT PROGRESS ACHIEVED!!!" President Trump stated in a post on his Truth Social platform today, Sunday, May 11.Al Jazeera

Earlier, on Saturday, May 10, during the first day of meetings between the U.S. and Chinese delegations in Geneva, Switzerland, Donald Trump proposed a "complete reset" in U.S.-China trade relations amid reports of tariff negotiations between the two countries.

The Associated Press reported on Sunday that tariff negotiations between China and the United States had resumed on the second day, but perceptions of how the talks were proceeding appeared to differ between the two nations. China would "firmly reject any proposals that harm core principles or undermine the shared goal of global fairness," according to China's official news agency, as reported by AP.

In the first few months of his second term, Trump's tariff policies have shaken global markets; strained relationships with trade partners like China, the European Union, Canada, and Mexico; and increased economic concerns worldwide.

In a recent interview, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the Trump administration is seeking to reduce tensions over tariff policies but initially needs to address trade disagreements with China "properly."Al Jazeera

"It's ridiculous to think that Trump does anything for his personal benefit," Lutnick said on Friday.

"So, I think the president wants to resolve the issue with China, as he has said, he wants to de-escalate. But look, he won't live with a trillion-dollar deficit," Lutnick continued.

"He won't do that. So, the idea is to de-escalate, but make Chinese trade right, and reach trade agreements with the rest of the world," he added. "Let's cut our trade deficit. Let's grow our GDP."

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer spoke to the press after the second day of bilateral meetings between the United States and China in Geneva, Switzerland, on Sunday, May 11, 2025.New York Post

The chief U.S. negotiator in trade talks with China welcomed the "high productivity" in resolving differences between the world's two leading economies, after officials concluded two days of negotiations in Switzerland following President Donald Trump's imposition of high tariffs and Beijing's retaliation.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday that "significant progress" had been made during the weekend sessions but did not provide details on what exactly was negotiated. He added that more information would be available in a press conference on Monday.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that an agreement had been reached but did not provide specifics. He and Bessent gave brief responses to reporters after the talks concluded at the stately villa, the residence of the Swiss ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, but did not answer questions.

It is still unclear whether China has agreed to Trump's proposal to reduce tariffs from 145% to 80% on Chinese goods.

Meanwhile, on Monday, May 12, Donald Trump will embark on his first overseas trip of his second term to the Middle East and will visit Qatar, where he is expected to receive a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from the Qatari royal family to be used temporarily as Air Force One. However, this special aircraft will need to undergo security reviews and address all issues before being brought to the United States. ABC+3New York Post+3Reuters+3

The Qatari royal family has also invested $2 billion into Donald Trump's cryptocurrency venture, and Trump's actions leading to the devaluation of the U.S. dollar and the loss of credibility of U.S. government bonds are seen as efforts to position his cryptocurrency at the forefront of the financial sector.

Congress is currently reviewing this matter. Trump's children have reportedly profited hundreds of millions of dollars from Trump's cryptocurrency in the past month. This marks the first time in U.S. history that a sitting president has used his position for personal financial gain. theguardian.com+1thedailybeast.com+1

HẠNH DƯƠNG

Read more ...…

 

                                            
                                           

CALITODAY (May 12, 2025): On Monday, May 12, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer officially announced the results of two days of weekend meetings—Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11—with a delegation from Beijing led by Vice Premier He Lifeng in Geneva, Switzerland, to negotiate tariff reductions between the United States and China.The Washington Post

President Donald Trump had imposed a 145% tariff on all goods imported from China into the United States. In retaliation, China imposed a 125% tariff on U.S. goods entering China. Trump claimed victory over China and the world in this trade war, asserting that in recent days, Xi Jinping had contacted him for negotiations. However, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that no Chinese officials had met with the U.S. regarding tariffs.

Realizing that China was not willing to de-escalate, on Friday, May 9, Trump proposed reducing tariffs from 145% to 80% and delegated the decision to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. When interviewed by the U.S. press about any matter, Trump responded, "I don't know!"

The U.S. delegation, led by Scott Bessent, after two days of meetings with China, resulted in Trump agreeing to lower tariffs from 145% to just 30% on Chinese goods imported into the United States. China, in turn, imposed a 10% tariff on U.S. goods entering China. These tariffs are temporary for 90 days, after which both sides will reassess.

Stock markets surged after the U.S. and China agreed to reduce tariffs for 90 days.NPR+3markets.businessinsider.com+3Reuters+3

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated at a press conference in Geneva that discussions with China were "robust," with both sides showing "great respect."

Wall Street opened higher on Monday following the U.S. and China's announcement of a 90-day tariff reduction agreement after trade talks in Switzerland.NPR

• S&P 500: up 2.6% to approximately 5,800 points
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: up 2.5% to approximately 42,270 points
• Nasdaq 100: up 3.5% to 18,550 points

The dollar index surged in response, while U.S. crude oil futures rose over 3%, exceeding $63 per barrel.

John Canavan of Oxford Economics noted in a memo that the easing had removed "some risks to the global economy."

Technology stocks saw significant gains in morning trading, with Nvidia up over 4%, Meta up 5.3%, and Tesla up 5.8%.

Asian stocks also ended Monday's trading session higher.

• Hong Kong's Hang Seng: up 3% to 23,549 points
• Shanghai's CSI 300: up 1.2% to 3,890 points
• Tokyo's Nikkei 225: up 0.4% to 37,644 points
• Seoul's Kospi: up 1.2% to 2,607 points
• Spot gold: down approximately 3.3% to $3,217.30 an ounce
• Dollar/Yen: up 2% to 148.24
• Dollar/Swiss Franc: up 1.7% to 0.8455

Analysts at Deutsche Bank stated that Monday's developments were much better than they had anticipated.

"In our view, this announcement not only exceeded our expectations but also surpassed what the market anticipated in March," they wrote in a note.

Zhiwei Zhang, chief economist at Hong Kong-based Pinpoint Asset Management, shared a similar perspective.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng noted "significant progress," calling the negotiations a "crucial first step."NPR+3Reuters+3BBC+3

Bessent told CNBC's "Squawk Box" that he might meet with China in "the coming weeks" to begin working on "a more comprehensive agreement." "What we have with China is a mechanism to avoid pressure from increasing tariffs," he added.

Bessent stated that this agreement is a "good starting point" for the U.S. and China to negotiate on various issues, including trade.The White House+1New York Post+1

"From China's perspective, the outcome of this meeting is a success, as China maintained a firm stance against the U.S.'s high tariff threats and ultimately achieved a significant tariff reduction without concessions," Zhang wrote in a note, adding that the growth prospects of both economies have brightened.

Bessent mentioned at Monday's press conference that neither side wants to decouple: "We want trade. We want more balanced trade."

'Ceilings and Floors' on Tariffs

"Currently, we have both a ceiling and a floor on U.S. tariffs," George Saravelos, global head of FX research at Deutsche Bank, wrote in a note.

"The UK has one of the least imbalanced relationships with the U.S. and now has a general tariff rate of 10%," he said. "China has one of the most imbalanced relationships and now has a tariff rate of 30%."

"It makes sense that these two numbers now set the boundaries for where U.S. tariffs will end up this year, a significant increase in visibility compared to last week," Saravelos wrote.

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, warned that the agreement would only last for 90 days, "not eliminating new tariffs and still possibly coming with binding conditions."

According to AP, President Donald Trump's agreement with China to temporarily reduce tariffs for 90 days has provided the world with some relief. But uncertainty remains, and some damage from the trade war may have already occurred.

The Trump administration agreed after this weekend's negotiations in Switzerland to reduce tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%. The Chinese government chose to reduce retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods from 125% to 10% while both sides continue negotiations.NPR+3markets.businessinsider.com+3The Verge+3

Trump declared the de-escalation of the trade war a victory, stating he would soon speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping about maintaining financial relations between the two largest economies.

Despite this, tariffs have remained high since Trump took office, and the combination of threats and olive branches from the White House may leave CEOs, investors, and consumers feeling uneasy and unwilling to take risks.

Trump will continue to impose tariffs. The global economy will not return to January 19, 2025, the day before Trump became president. Even as he frequently changes tariff levels, Trump and his aides have made it clear that most imports will be taxed at a minimum of about 10%.

The 10% figure is Trump's baseline. He has applied this tariff to most countries during the 90-day negotiation period after his "Liberation Day" tariff imposition on April 2 caused panic in financial markets. He maintained the 10% tariff as part of the framework with the United Kingdom announced last week. And Trump's new 30% tariff on Chinese goods includes 20% related to China's role in fentanyl and the 10% baseline applied elsewhere.

"We have many deals coming up," Trump said on Friday. "But we always have a baseline of 10%."

However, Trump also hinted that there could be exceptions. Industry-specific tariffs of 25% on cars, steel, and aluminum remain in place, with Trump emphasizing that pharmaceutical drugs will soon face import tariffs.

Trump said on Monday that he had told House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune to include tariff revenue when considering how to pay for their planned income tax cuts.

Beware of the 'Bullwhip' Effect

If Trump's 145% tariff led to fewer ships leaving U.S. ports, the prospect of slightly lower tariffs could result in a flood of shipping containers crossing the ocean from China. The possibility of fewer ships from China had increased the risk of empty shelves in U.S. stores, a phenomenon most recently seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to soaring prices and voter frustration.

But with the swift shift to lower tariffs, goods stored in warehouses and factories in Asia can now be quickly loaded onto cargo ships, causing shipping costs for those goods to spike and creating congestion at ports. Michael Starr, vice president of growth at logistics company Zencargo, said there would "certainly" be a bullwhip effect where current shortages turn into a new wave of supply as companies try to beat the prospect of higher tariffs returning.

"Now they can start shipping for the holiday season," Starr said. "They will quickly move as many orders as possible during these 90 days. And yes, ships can't return to operation as quickly as goods."

University of Michigan economist Justin Wolfers emphasized that many would view the 90-day negotiations as a short-term positive move because "moving tariffs from prohibitive and crazy to very high is good news."

HANH DUONG

Read more ...…

                                                

CALI TODAY (May 11, 2025): "Today was a very good meeting with China in Switzerland. Many issues were discussed, and many things were agreed upon. A complete reset was negotiated in a friendly but constructive manner. We want to see, for the benefit of both China and the United States, China open its doors to American businesses. GREAT PROGRESS ACHIEVED!!!" President Trump stated in a post on his Truth Social platform today, Sunday, May 11.Al Jazeera

Earlier, on Saturday, May 10, during the first day of meetings between the U.S. and Chinese delegations in Geneva, Switzerland, Donald Trump proposed a "complete reset" in U.S.-China trade relations amid reports of tariff negotiations between the two countries.

The Associated Press reported on Sunday that tariff negotiations between China and the United States had resumed on the second day, but perceptions of how the talks were proceeding appeared to differ between the two nations. China would "firmly reject any proposals that harm core principles or undermine the shared goal of global fairness," according to China's official news agency, as reported by AP.

In the first few months of his second term, Trump's tariff policies have shaken global markets; strained relationships with trade partners like China, the European Union, Canada, and Mexico; and increased economic concerns worldwide.

In a recent interview, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the Trump administration is seeking to reduce tensions over tariff policies but initially needs to address trade disagreements with China "properly."Al Jazeera

"It's ridiculous to think that Trump does anything for his personal benefit," Lutnick said on Friday.

"So, I think the president wants to resolve the issue with China, as he has said, he wants to de-escalate. But look, he won't live with a trillion-dollar deficit," Lutnick continued.

"He won't do that. So, the idea is to de-escalate, but make Chinese trade right, and reach trade agreements with the rest of the world," he added. "Let's cut our trade deficit. Let's grow our GDP."

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer spoke to the press after the second day of bilateral meetings between the United States and China in Geneva, Switzerland, on Sunday, May 11, 2025.New York Post

The chief U.S. negotiator in trade talks with China welcomed the "high productivity" in resolving differences between the world's two leading economies, after officials concluded two days of negotiations in Switzerland following President Donald Trump's imposition of high tariffs and Beijing's retaliation.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday that "significant progress" had been made during the weekend sessions but did not provide details on what exactly was negotiated. He added that more information would be available in a press conference on Monday.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that an agreement had been reached but did not provide specifics. He and Bessent gave brief responses to reporters after the talks concluded at the stately villa, the residence of the Swiss ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, but did not answer questions.

It is still unclear whether China has agreed to Trump's proposal to reduce tariffs from 145% to 80% on Chinese goods.

Meanwhile, on Monday, May 12, Donald Trump will embark on his first overseas trip of his second term to the Middle East and will visit Qatar, where he is expected to receive a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from the Qatari royal family to be used temporarily as Air Force One. However, this special aircraft will need to undergo security reviews and address all issues before being brought to the United States. ABC+3New York Post+3Reuters+3

The Qatari royal family has also invested $2 billion into Donald Trump's cryptocurrency venture, and Trump's actions leading to the devaluation of the U.S. dollar and the loss of credibility of U.S. government bonds are seen as efforts to position his cryptocurrency at the forefront of the financial sector.

Congress is currently reviewing this matter. Trump's children have reportedly profited hundreds of millions of dollars from Trump's cryptocurrency in the past month. This marks the first time in U.S. history that a sitting president has used his position for personal financial gain. theguardian.com+1thedailybeast.com+1

HẠNH DƯƠNG

Read more ...…

                                            

Cali Today News - A Beautiful Sunday Morning, where just a long-sleeved shirt is enough for the people of Northern California to enjoy the happiness brought by the weather — and to simply gather around a table with friends to chat and share stories.

Indeed, this morning at Cao Nguyen Restaurant on King Boulevard, we attended a gathering of journalists, media professionals, and community activists. A special guest was a movie director Thanh Tâm, who came from Canada to present the progress of a documentary film project about the post-Vietnam War period, titled:

“From the Ashes of War”

Dear ladies and gentlemen ,
Since 1995, after the United States lifted its embargo against Vietnam, the Hanoi government has issued Resolution 36, aimed at shaking the confidence of overseas Vietnamese youth in the righteousness of the former Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). At the same time, they have spread gravely misleading narratives about the Vietnam War to benefit the victors, and so on...

There is much concern as today's younger generations abroad—through foreign books, media, and stories passed down from their elders—learn about the hardships of re-education camps, the new economic zones, remote jungle labor camps, and dangerous border crossings, as well as deadly escapes by boats, and the refugee camps scattered throughout Southeast Asia, etc.

Through Director Thanh Tâm’s presentation, we deeply resonated with the story, as many of us saw our own lives reflected in it. Therefore, in order to realize a documentary film that serves as a historical testimony, not only heartfelt effort but also financial support is essential. As such, we have established a preliminary fundraising committee in Northern California, consisting of:Head of Fundraising Event Committee: Thầy Sáu Hồ Quang Nhật
Vice Chair: Huỳnh Lương Thiện
General Secretary: Journalist Lê Văn Hải
Program Planning: Intellectual Cao Hồng and community activist Trung Cao
Media and Press Relations: Journalist Nguyễn X. Nam, Journalist Nguyễn Ngọc Mùi, and journalist Vũ Nhân

We must not let history be written only by the victors.

We sincerely hope these legitimate concerns will resonate with those who were victims and witnesses of the war — and that you will contribute your spiritual and financial support so that this documentary can reach future generations.

Nguyen Ngoc Mui

Read more ...…