Trump signals retreat on China tariffs
Trump signals a retreat on China tariffs amid mounting global economic pressure.
The Rebel Yellow - Issue #61
Trump signals a retreat on China tariffs amid mounting global economic pressure. A majority of Gen Z says college isn't worth it — and nearly half blame AI. UCLA students protest a law professor linked to a lawsuit against affirmative action. Plus: A new Texas bill raises concerns among anime fans, Ryan Coogler’s latest film shines a light on Mississippi Delta Chinese American history, and Bain becomes the first K-pop boy group member to come out as gay.
Trump signals retreat on China tariffs
President Donald Trump announced this week that his administration’s record tariffs on Chinese goods will “come down substantially,” marking a potential reversal in the escalating trade war that has rattled global markets.
Catch up
The world’s two largest economies have been locked in an increasingly hostile trade battle, with the U.S. most recently imposing 145% tariffs on Chinese imports and China retaliating with 125% duties on American goods. While the Trump administration paused tariffs for most countries for 90 days to facilitate negotiations, it excluded China, leading Beijing to implement countermeasures such as export restrictions on critical minerals and the return of Boeing aircraft originally destined for Chinese airlines.
Markets responded positively to signals of de-escalation, with Asian stocks rising Wednesday and U.S. indexes gaining until Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified there had been “no unilateral offer from the president to de-escalate.”
Backing down
Trump told reporters Tuesday that the current tariff rates would be reduced significantly, though not eliminated entirely. “One hundred and forty-five percent is very high and it won’t be that high,” he said. “It won’t be anywhere near that high. It’ll come down substantially. But it won’t be zero.”
Trump also promised to “be very nice” toward China, saying “we’re going to live together very happily and ideally work together” rather than play hardball.
Tariff tensions
Beijing earlier this week warned countries negotiating with the U.S. over tariff exemptions at China’s expense, saying it would take “resolute and reciprocal” countermeasures. This follows reports that Trump planned to pressure trading partners to limit their trade with China.
The economic stakes continue to rise, with a German shipping group reporting Thursday that customers had canceled 30% of China-to-U.S. shipments due to trade tensions. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund has slashed growth forecasts for both nations.
Survey: Over half of Gen Z believes college is not worth it
Nearly half a third also say AI has made their degrees irrelevant
Over half of Gen Z professionals say their college degrees were not worth the cost — and many believe artificial intelligence has already rendered them irrelevant. That’s according to a March 2025 survey by the Harris Poll on behalf of Indeed, which found that 51% of Gen Z degree holders now question the value of the very diplomas once seen as tickets to financial stability.
A generation in doubt
The survey, conducted among 772 U.S. adults with at least an associate degree, revealed a striking generational divide: just 20% of Baby Boomers and 41% of Millennials said their degrees weren’t worth the money. Additionally, 52% of all respondents reported graduating with student debt.
In a separate report by Indeed’s Hiring Lab in February last year, employers were also found to be scaling back education requirements. The report noted that only 17.8% of job listings required a four-year degree in January 2024, down from 20.4% in 2019. Meanwhile, 52% of postings included no formal education requirement at all.
The cost-benefit collapse
The findings suggest that the economic return on a college education is no longer guaranteed. Tuition has risen between 32% and 45% over the past 20 years, even after adjusting for inflation. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the types of skills employers demand.
According to the Harris Poll, 30% of respondents said AI has made their degree obsolete — a figure that rises to 45% among Gen Z.
That perception is reflected in workforce behavior. The O’Reilly 2025 Technology Trends report in January recorded massive surges in AI-focused upskilling: prompt engineering training rose 456%, generative AI by 289% and AI principles by 386% in a single year.
Asian American communities
For many Asian American families, higher education has long represented stability and upward mobility. First-generation students often shoulder both financial burdens and cultural expectations that a degree will secure long-term success. But as college credentials lose value, that foundation is being shaken.
A 2023 Pew Research Center study found that Asian American workers face the highest risk of AI-driven displacement, with 24% holding jobs highly exposed to automation — more than any other racial group.
In Indeed’s analysis of 47 occupational categories, sectors like software development, information design and project management — fields where many Asian Americans have built careers — are found to be among those reducing formal degree requirements.
UCLA students rally against law professor over affirmative action lawsuit
Some 100 students reportedly gathered Thursday in UCLA’s Shapiro Courtyard to protest against law professor Richard Sander, co-founder of the anti-affirmative action group Students Against Racial Discrimination (SARD), which sued the University of California (UC) system in early February for allegedly discriminating against Asian and white applicants.
Catch up: The federal suit alleges that the UC system illegally uses race in its admissions process, providing “discriminatory preferences to non-Asian racial minorities” in violation of Proposition 209, which outlawed affirmative action in California in 1996. In response, UC described the allegations as “meritless,” asserting that its practices fully comply with state laws prohibiting race-based admissions.
What they’re saying: The protesters voiced strong opposition to Sander’s position on affirmative action and his leadership in SARD. Brendan Wong, the social chair of the Asian/Pacific Islander Law Students Association, argued that Sander’s suit aims to pit Asian American students against other students of color for his personal agenda. “To all Asians and Asian Americans, I want to encourage you to think about who truly has our best interests in mind and who is using us and weaponizing our identities,” Wong said at the rally, as per the Daily Bruin. The crowd also chanted “Whose University? Our University.”
The campus protest occurs amid a nationwide purging of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in compliance with President Donald Trump’s executive orders. Last month, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) denounced how Asian Americans have been manipulated in legal challenges to affirmative action. “Asian Americans, our community, has sort of been used as a pawn in these lawsuits,” she said.
Could a new Texas law make anime illegal?
A Texas Senate bill aimed at banning AI-generated child sexual abuse material is facing backlash from anime and manga communities over concerns that it could criminalize stylized, fictional content. Senate Bill 20, titled the “Stopping AI-Generated Child Pornography Act,” passed unanimously on March 12 and is now under review in the Texas House of Representatives.
What the bill proposes
Authored by Sen. Pete Flores (R–Pleasanton), the bill would make it a felony to possess or promote obscene visual material that depicts a minor — defined broadly to include any image, animation or computer-generated content. Under the bill, first-time offenders face up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Penalties increase for repeat convictions.
During a Senate Criminal Justice Committee hearing last month, Sen. Flores emphasized that the legislation was part of a broader effort to protect children. He said these measures “will move our state forward in continuing to aggressively pursue and prosecute those seeking to harm and abuse our children.”
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who prioritized SB 20 in the Senate, stated, “Texas law must do more to eliminate all types of child pornography and stop the crimes that result from it.”
Legal and cultural concerns
SB 20’s broad language, however, has raised alarms among anime and manga fans in Texas, who worry that stylized fictional content could be misinterpreted as obscene. Japanese media often features characters with exaggerated or youthful appearances, even when the narratives involve adults.
Deneice Leigh, founder of Anime Matsuri in Houston, told the Houston Chronicle earlier this month, “Anime artists, for example, have expressed whether or not they could display, sell or commission their works or fan art at events.”
The concerns echo earlier legal battles over fictional representations. In Ashcroft v. Free Speech Coalition (2002), the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a law banning virtual child pornography, ruling that material not involving real children is protected under the First Amendment. However, U.S. v. Williams (2008) upheld the criminalization of promoting content that appears to involve minors if it could mislead others into thinking it is real.
What’s next
As SB 20 now awaits action in the Texas House of Representatives, legal experts anticipate potential constitutional challenges if enacted. Critics say that even without enforcement, SB20 could pressure artists, retailers, and platforms to self-censor out of fear of legal consequences.
In the meantime, advocacy groups like the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund say they are prepared to defend creators whose work may fall into legal grey areas.
“Sinners” unearths overlooked history of Chinese immigrants in Mississippi Delta
Ryan Coogler’s new supernatural thriller “Sinners,” released nationwide on April 18, is drawing attention not only for its eerie atmosphere and horror-driven plot but also for its portrayal of overlooked histories in the American South. Set in 1930s Mississippi, the film centers on African American and Chinese American communities navigating a racially segregated system — and has sparked renewed conversation about shared histories of oppression and survival.
Chinese grocers in a rural town
In “Sinners,” Coogler weaves a fictional narrative of vampires in the Jim Crow-era South with threads of real-life historical trauma. Coogler shared in a recent interview with The Guardian that he has long been fascinated by the era when many Black Americans were weighing whether to leave the South — a period shaped in part by his own family’s roots in Mississippi.
The film introduces Grace (played by Li Jun Li) and Bo Chow (Yao), Chinese American grocers in a rural Mississippi town who forge quiet but powerful alliances with Black protagonists Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan). Their presence — and actions — become central to both the plot and its underlying commentary on solidarity and betrayal within marginalized communities.
By drawing parallels between their lived experiences, the film invites viewers to reflect on the long history of solidarity and at times tension, between these groups.
“Caught in the middle”
“Sinners” sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of U.S. history: the presence of Chinese laborers in the Mississippi Delta during and after Reconstruction. Like Black Americans, Chinese immigrants were pushed to the margins — excluded from white institutions and forced to build parallel communities for survival.
Following the Civil War, many Chinese workers were brought to the South through the “coolie trade,” a system of indentured servitude that often mirrored slavery in its exploitation. Recruited to replace freed Black laborers on cotton plantations, some later transitioned into running grocery stores in Black neighborhoods. These stores became lifelines in segregated towns, even as Chinese families faced discrimination from white society, including segregated schools, redlined housing and exclusion from civic life.
Baldwin Chiu, who produced the 2020 documentary “Far East Deep South,” has spoken about how his family’s roots in Mississippi revealed the complicated racial position Chinese Americans held during segregation. “They weren’t white, and they weren’t Black. So, they were caught in the middle of this racial structure,” Chiu told the Mississippi Free Press in 2021. “It’s not like they were always treated the same.”
Pivotal scene
Spoiler warning: The following section discusses a key scene from “Sinners”
One of the most talked-about moments in “Sinners” comes when Grace invites a group of vampires into a Black-owned juke joint — breaking the supernatural protection barrier and triggering the film’s bloodiest confrontation.
Li talked about the scene during a post-screening Q&A earlier this month. “That scene didn’t exist in the first draft. Honestly, I asked Ryan for it,” she said. “You don’t see Grace’s daughter again after the intro, so I felt the audience might forget or find it hard to empathize with Grace. She needed that extra beat, a turning point, to show that this was her decision — not just to wait for sunrise, but to fight instead of give up.”
Philippine mythology will take center stage in upcoming DreamWorks Animation film
DreamWorks Animation recently announced a new original animated film, “Forgotten Island,” set for release on Sept. 25, 2026. The film, described as a “broad party comedy adventure,” will explore a magical, long-lost island rooted in Philippine mythology. It will be co-directed by Joel Crawford and Filipino American filmmaker Januel Mercado, who is receiving full directing credit for the first time.
While Januel Mercado previously served as co-director on “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” the new film marks his first time being officially credited as one of the main directors of a DreamWorks feature. He will share directing duties equally with Crawford, a studio veteran.
“My love and care and my Filipino culture is very universal as well,” Mercado shared in a previous interview. “I'm very proud to say that the way I live is tied to the emotion of the film and the character dynamics.” The project offers a rare spotlight on Philippine folklore, drawing on mythical beings like the “diwata” and “aswang,” and bringing them to life for a global audience.
K-pop idol comes out as gay during LA concert
Just B member Bain made history this week by becoming the first K-pop idol in a boy group to publicly come out as gay during the group’s “Just Odd” concert in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
“Born this way”
Bain, whose real name is Song Byeong-hee, paused mid-show at The Vermont Hollywood to make his announcement. “I am proud to be a part of the LGBTQ community,” he declared to loud cheers from the audience, adding that he identifies as “a gay person.” He also credited Lady Gaga for showing him that “being different is beautiful,” leading to a performance of “Born This Way.” He later took to Instagram to share the news.
Fellow Just B member Siwoo shared a supportive message through the fan platform Fromm on Thursday. “Byunghee (Bain) was amazing. Applause for his courage. I was watching backstage, and I teared up. Knowing how hard and painful this must’ve been, it hit me even harder,” Siwoo noted.
Why this matters
Bain’s announcement represents a watershed moment in K-pop, an industry known for strict control over artists’ personal lives. Just B’s label, BLUEDOT Entertainment, issued the following response: “Since this pertains to Bain’s personal life and sexual identity, it is difficult for us to provide a separate statement.”
Bain joins a small group of openly LGBTQ+ K-pop idols, including Jiae (formerly of Wassup), who came out as bisexual in 2020, and Lara of Katseye, who came out as a “fruitcake” last month. These announcements are significant given South Korea’s conservative stance on LGBTQ+ issues. While homosexuality is not illegal in the country, it remains largely taboo, with same-sex marriage not legally recognized.
Fans have rallied behind Bain using the hashtag #ProudofBain, showing support for his decision that challenges industry norms. “Song Byeonghee I hope you know just how loved and iconic you are. I am so proud of you and I’m honored to be on this journey with you,” one fan wrote.
Chinese EV makers unveil 5-minute charging, leaving U.S. automakers behind
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) and BYD, two of China’s top battery manufacturers, have announced new technologies that can charge electric vehicles (EVs) in just five minutes — but the innovation will not be available for the U.S.-made cars anytime soon.
CATL, the world’s largest EV battery producer, recently launched its second-generation Shenxing battery at Auto China 2024 in Beijing, claiming it can deliver up to 320 miles of range with a five-minute charge. BYD announced its comparable breakthrough in March at a product launch in Shenzhen, stating its battery can provide 250 miles of range in the same time. By comparison, Tesla’s Superchargers typically add about 200 miles in 15 minutes under optimal conditions.
These Chinese batteries can only be used with a growing but still limited network of ultra-fast charging stations. U.S. consumers are unlikely to benefit due to tariffs now exceeding 200% on Chinese EVs and components. While automakers like Ford plan to use CATL technology in U.S.-based battery plants, domestic adoption of such rapid charging remains years away.
“Little Saigon Freeway” on 405 honors OC Vietnamese American community
A stretch of the 405 Freeway in Westminster, California, was officially designated the “Little Saigon Freeway” on April 18 to honor the Vietnamese American community in Orange County. The new name applies to the section between Bolsa Avenue and Bolsa Chica Street, marked by newly unveiled brown highway signs.
Community leaders, elected officials and veterans gathered for the unveiling, commemorating the contributions and sacrifices of Vietnamese refugees who settled in the area following the fall of Saigon in 1975. Assemblymember Tri Ta, who led the legislative push for the designation, said the signs would serve as a lasting tribute: “Fifty years ago, we lost Saigon, but we did not lose our hope.”
The bill was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September. The designation aligns with the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and the founding of what is now the largest Vietnamese diaspora community outside Vietnam. Funding for the signs came from private donors, according to Ta’s office.
LA Zoo to send ailing Asian elephants to Oklahoma despite sanctuary calls
The Los Angeles Zoo announced Tuesday that it will relocate its two remaining Asian elephants, Billy and Tina, to Oklahoma’s Tulsa Zoo, sparking controversy among animal rights advocates who have long campaigned for their move to a sanctuary.
About Billy and Tina: The world’s Asian elephant population is fast dwindling. Billy, 40, arrived at the LA Zoo in 1989 from Malaysia as a 4-year-old calf rescued during agricultural expansion. Tina, 59, came from the San Diego Zoo in 2010 after being confiscated by the USDA from private ownership. Both elephants are reportedly suffering from health issues, with Billy experiencing recurring foot problems and Tina suffering from osteoarthritis and joint disease. Animal rights groups have also documented concerning repetitive behaviors like bobbing, pacing and swaying, which they describe as “zoochosis” indicating brain damage and psychological trauma.
What the zoo is saying: The zoo is determined to relocate the elephants. In a statement, officials said the decision is driven by the facility’s “unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of all the animals in its care.” The zoo reportedly spent a year evaluating options and concluded that moving Billy and Tina to Tulsa’s newly expanded 17-acre complex would allow them to “continue receiving exceptional care with opportunities to integrate with a larger herd.”
What critics are saying: City Councilman Bob Blumenfield filed a motion Wednesday to pause the relocation, arguing the council should consider sanctuaries like Tennessee’s 3,060-acre Elephant Sanctuary or the 2,300-acre Performing Animal Welfare Society in northern California. “Elephants require large, dynamic environments, companionship, freedom of choice and control over their lives,” his motion stated. In Defense of Animals, an international animal protection organization headquartered in Marin County, also denounced the move. “It’s disheartening the zoo has failed to listen and honor them with the sanctuary retirement they deserve,” said Courtney Scott, the group’s elephant consultant.
Glad to see this! So many Asian American businesses will be impacted by these tariffs