US Secretary of State welcomes efforts by European allies to strengthen their defense capabilities and take responsibility for their own security, but cautions against excluding US companies from European defense projects that could undermine transatlantic cooperation.
https://nypost.com/2025/04/02/world-news/us-officials-object-to-european-push-to-buy-weapons-locally/Xi Jinping stated that China and India's partnership is the right choice for mutual achievement, citing their developing bilateral relations as evidence. He emphasized the need for both countries to promote a multipolar world and greater democracy in international relations. The "dragon-elephant tango" concept represents this partnership, serving the fundamental interests of both nations and their peoples.
https://www.news18.com/world/on-75th-anniversary-of-india-china-ties-beijing-says-willing-to-work-with-new-delhi-9283894.htmlChina's charm offensive to reassure foreign businesses is being tested as the country focuses on improving its domestic economic environment and boosting consumption. President Xi Jinping has taken steps to attract foreign capital through high-profile actions at international forums, including meetings with key officials from the international business community.
https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3304595/can-chinas-latest-charm-offensive-reassure-foreign-business-succeed?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionChinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Vietnam as part of a Southeast Asia trip, amid "strategic adjustments by major countries" including the US under former President Trump. The visit aims to boost connections and trade between the two nations through railway development projects. Vietnam is also considering approving the use of China's COMAC planes, which could pave the way for leasing or purchasing Chinese commercial jets by Vietnamese airlines. Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic, French President Emmanuel Macron, and European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen are scheduled to visit Vietnam in the coming weeks, with von der Leyen emphasizing the need to create new opportunities for trade and investment with trusted partners.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/vietnam-to-host-china-eu-leaders-in-coming-weeks-amid-us-tariff-risks-sources-say/article69402901.eceThe ringgit strengthened against the US dollar due to a softening US economic outlook and uncertainty over upcoming tariffs. The greenback weakened, with the ringgit reaching 4.4300/4400 at 8 am, up from last Friday's close of 4.4330/4355. Malaysian markets were closed for public holidays. US President Donald Trump will impose new tariffs today, but details are unclear. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid attributes the weaker greenback to softer US economic data, including a manufacturing sector index below 50 points and declining job openings.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/04/02/ringgit-opens-higher-as-greenback-dips-on-us-economic-slowdown/171618Thailand is bracing for potential losses of $7 billion to $8 billion from US tariffs, with senior officials citing a trade surplus with the US as the main concern. The country has offered to increase imports of corn, soybeans, crude and ethane to narrow this gap. Thailand's semiconductor exports may face 25% tariffs from the US, according to Vuttikrai Leewiraphan, a top commerce ministry official.
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3304839/thailand-braces-us7-billion-or-more-losses-trumps-tariffs?module=asia_latest&pgtype=sectionUS President Trump is considering imposing tariffs on countries deemed the worst offenders in terms of trade barriers, with levies ranging from 10% to 20%. The White House has not provided details, but Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent informed legislators that the tariffs would be capped at the highest levels possible. The proposed tariffs could apply broadly, including to countries with no trade imbalance, and are expected to be among the largest new import taxes in US history.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/trumps-tariff-plans-not-finalised-yet-team-still-debating-size-of-new-levies-13876487.htmlUNICEF reports that at least 322 children have been killed and 609 wounded in Gaza over the past 10 days, with many displaced and sheltering in makeshift tents or damaged homes. The agency's Executive Director Catherine Russell has called for an end to hostilities and for Israel to lift its ban on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, citing a dire need for food, safe water, shelter, and medical care to prevent further child deaths.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/over-300-children-reportedly-killed-in-israeli-strikes-in-gaza-in-10-days-un-8057270Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared key trade issues with the US are non-negotiable, following the release of a US Trade Representative report listing grievances against Australia, including restrictions on imported American food products and concerns over Labor's plan to impose local content requirements on streaming services. The report also renews criticism of the News Media Bargaining Code introduced by the Coalition in 2021, which requires digital platforms to pay news organizations for content used on their platforms.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/us-adds-to-list-of-australian-trade-grievances-before-trump-s-big-tariff-move-20250401-p5lo2z.html