Asian stock markets continued to plummet on Monday, with Japan's Nikkei 225 index down nearly 9%, triggering a pause in trading. Broader indices in South Korea and Australia also faced steep losses, as fears of a global recession mounted following President Trump's recent tariffs. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index saw a significant drop of 9.56%, while the Shanghai Composite Index fell 4.82%. U.S. futures indicated further declines, signaling more turmoil ahead. Trump defended the tariffs, claiming they are necessary for economic strength, despite the dire market impacts. Investors brace for ongoing volatility as global trade tensions escalate.