The move comes against the backdrop of rising tension between the Philippines, a U.S. treaty ally, and Beijing.

Manila has demanded Beijing to immediately withdraw its 12,000-ton China Coast Guard vessel 5901 known as “The Monster” from Philippine waters.

Donald Trump's second presidential term promises a return to tariffs as he pressures partners and rivals to tackle everything from migration to drug trafficking, while protecting US industries -- in moves that could trigger new trade wars.

Trump has vowed to impose tariffs of as high as 60% on China, as well as lesser ones with the US’ biggest trade partners, threats that could upend global trade and economic growth. A harsher US tariffs regime could push China to seek stronger ties with developing nations: A new study by the Boston Consulting Group suggests that Beijing’s trade with the Global South — home to 62% of the world’s population — could surpass $1.