International Relations NewsFeed

EU Seeks Alternatives to Trump's Tariffs

EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič discussed the EU's response to US President Donald Trump's tariffs, stating that the bloc is exploring alternative trade routes and negotiating with other countries to mitigate the impact.Šefčovič emphasized the need for cooperation among European nations to counterbalance the US trade policies, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong economic relationship with key trading partners such as China and India.

https://channelnewsasia.com/watch/us-eu-ties-eus-trade-chief-trump-tariffs-5117606

EU Targets $21 Billion in US Goods with Tariffs

The European Union (EU) has proposed a list of $21 billion worth of products to target in response to US tariffs imposed by President Trump, including aircraft, cars, human hair, and bourbon whiskey. The EU's trade chief Maros Sefcovic stated that the bloc will not accept an outcome at any price, while Trump has rolled out 25-percent tariffs on steel, aluminum, and cars. The EU has paused retaliatory tariffs until July 14 to allow for negotiations, but warned it is prepared to take more extreme measures if necessary, including targeting US Big Tech companies.

https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/eu-threatens-to-target-us-cars-planes-if-trump-tariff-talks-fail/article_42a0f28b-98d1-52f2-b588-0750b60b1c5f.html

India Offers Zero Tariffs in Trade Talks Bid

Bitcoin's recent surge may be linked to market optimism over potential calm in global trade negotiations, particularly between China and the US. As the two nations prepare for talks, other countries like India and Malaysia are also making efforts to ease tensions by submitting proposals. India has offered zero tariffs on certain sectors, while Malaysia has made a similar offer, as the US approaches its 90-day deadline to resolve trade disputes with multiple countries.

https://bitcoinist.com/bitcoin-rallies-to-97k-as-china-reopens-trade-channels-with-us/

Indonesia Blocks Chinese Goods Amid US Tariffs Shift

The Indonesian government is taking proactive measures to block Chinese goods from entering the country through transshipment routes, following China's shift in exports towards European markets due to US tariffs. Director Askolani of the Finance Ministry stated that the government may impose anti-dumping import duties if domestic businesses are flooded with products traditionally intended for the US. The move aims to safeguard Indonesia's domestic business environment, as the country remains neutral amid US-China trade tensions.

https://en.antaranews.com/news/354429/indonesia-to-tighten-export-certificates-to-curb-transshipments?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_right

Indonesia Expands Carbon Trading Agreements with Gold Standard

Indonesia plans to expand its mutual recognition agreements on carbon trading, following a signing ceremony between the Ministry of Environment and the Gold Standard Foundation. Minister Nurofiq announced this expansion, building on Indonesia's existing agreement with Japan, which was signed last year.

https://en.antaranews.com/news/354481/indonesia-expands-carbon-trading-agreements-with-multiple-countries?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_right

Indonesia Urged to Diversify Renewable Energy Partnerships

Indonesia should prioritize financing for renewable energy and holistic transitions, according to Wicaksono. The country's government must take bold stances and leverage geopolitical opportunities while addressing socio-economic issues. Shofwan Al Banna Choiruzzad, a University of Indonesia lecturer, notes that China leads the renewable energy sector, but warns against dependence on a single major power. He advocates for multi-party and cross-national partnerships to strengthen climate agendas and energy transitions, which are crucial for long-term growth and sovereignty.

https://en.tempo.co/read/2005139/us-exits-climate-deal-china-emerges-as-key-partner-for-indonesia

Jordan's King Courts US Tech Investment Partners

Jordan's King expressed readiness to strengthen its strategic partnership with the US, focusing on high-value sectors such as green hydrogen and renewable energy. The country is attracting global technology companies due to low manufacturing costs, skilled labor force, and free trade agreements. Promising investment opportunities exist in mega infrastructure projects, healthcare, tourism, and education. Representatives from major companies like Chevron Phillips Chemical, Cirrus Logic, and Raytheon Technologies attended a meeting with the King, alongside Jordan's Ambassador to the US Dina Kawar and Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson.

https://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/king-meets-ceos-representatives-texas-companies

Malaysia Hosts US-China Trade Talks in Switzerland

Malaysia is set to host high-stakes meetings following US-China trade talks in Switzerland, which may pave the way for deeper negotiations between the world's two largest economies. The summit planning began months ago and will involve major geopolitical power players, including China and ASEAN countries. China has confirmed its willingness to deepen cooperation with ASEAN and GCC countries at the meeting, with spokesperson Lin Jian stating their intention to jointly safeguard the international economic and trade order and global free trade system.

https://channelnewsasia.com/asia/chinese-premier-visit-malaysia-key-asean-gulf-summit-sources-say-5117496

Putin and Xi Slam US Space Defense Plan

Russia and China expressed concern over the US' "Golden Dome" program, a large-scale missile defense plan that aims to strengthen combat operations in space. The two nations, represented by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, issued a joint statement after talks in Moscow, warning of the need for cooperation to prevent the deployment of weapons in space. They also pledged to counter US policies aimed at achieving military supremacy in space, which they see as a threat to global stability.

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/05/08/russia-and-china-criticize-trumps-iron-dome-for-america-plan-a89023