Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stated that the US has agreed to "sympathetically" review Malaysia's appeal to lower export tariffs, currently set at 24%, in exchange for addressing trade imbalances and ensuring US technology isn't redirected elsewhere. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts with China, led by President Xi Jinping, Anwar emphasized Malaysia's commitment to being fiercely independent in its policy decisions.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/05/22/anwar-says-us-will-sympathetically-review-malaysias-tariff-appeal-as-china-ties-deepen/177655Senior officials from Asean member states have begun arriving in Kuala Lumpur ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit, which will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Among those arriving are Timor-Leste's Ambassador to ASEAN and GCC SOM Leaders, as well as high-level delegates. The summit features significant milestones including the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit and the first Asean-GCC-China Summit, reflecting Asean's growing partnerships with other regions. Thousands of people are expected to attend, with strong security measures in place around the KLCC area.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/05/22/asean-leaders-and-officials-arrive-in-kl-ahead-of-milestone-46th-summit-featuring-gcc-and-china-dialogues/177678A forum is being held to discuss security and prosperity in the Black Sea and Balkans region, focusing on four major themes including the transatlantic relationship, Ukraine peace negotiations, Russia's intentions, and energy security. The event will feature renowned experts such as General Philip Breedlove and General Mike Scaparrotti, Russian opposition leaders Mikhail Kasyanov and Vladimir Kara-Murza, and Ukrainian resistance heroes who will share their experiences during the Russian occupation or captivity.
https://www.actmedia.eu/daily/black-sea-and-balkans-security-forum-to-take-place-in-bucharest-may-22-23/114015Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton defended India's action against Pakistan under "Operation Sindoor" as justifiable, citing self-defense against terrorist locations in Pakistan following a deadly attack in Kashmir. He emphasized the need for Pakistan to control terror activities within its borders, warning of severe consequences if it fails. Bolton also expressed concern over Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir's promotion to Field Marshal, calling it a "disturbing sign" of internal dissent being repressed.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/takes-credit-for-everything-ex-trump-aidejohn-bolton-on-india-pak-mediation-claims-8476122Canada's labour market is facing potential job losses due to the ongoing trade war sparked by US President Donald Trump's tariff policies. TD Group's chief economist Beata Caranci warns that up to 100,000 jobs may be lost in the coming months, with over 70,000 already shed in two months. Caranci believes a recession is possible and that the effectiveness of the federal government in stabilizing jobs will play a crucial role in mitigating the impact.
https://globalnews.ca/news/11189616/recession-job-losses-economic-outlook/Chinese Ambassador Chen Chuandong met with members of the Aqaba Chamber of Commerce to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between China and Jordan. The discussions focused on simplifying visa procedures for Chinese traders visiting Jordan, reviving a permanent exhibition of Chinese products in the country, and reducing shipping costs. The embassy plans to publish new facilitations for issuing visit visas on its website and will cooperate with the chamber to facilitate visa procedures. Chen expressed his country's interest in boosting investments in Jordan and increasing trade between the two countries, viewing Jordan as a strategic gateway to Arab markets.
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/business/aqaba-chamber-commerce-chinese-envoy-talk-economic-cooperationChina and ASEAN have jointly declared the substantial conclusion of negotiations on the upgraded protocol, marking a strong message against unilateralism and protectionism. The upgrade covers nine areas, including the digital economy, green economy, and supply chain connectivity, aiming to promote greater synergy across regional industrial and supply networks. China's largest trading partner ASEAN has seen a 9.2% year-on-year increase in trade with China, reaching 2.38 trillion yuan ($329.62 billion) in the first four months of 2024. Zhejiang Sharbo Electric Appliance Co Ltd, a Ningbo-based household appliances manufacturer, welcomes the conclusion as an encouraging development for exploring emerging markets like Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.
https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/05/22/new-deal-with-asean-to-lift-free-tradeChina has ignored a 2016 international arbitration ruling invalidating its territorial claims in the South China Sea, including the Sulu Sea. The US has declared freedom of navigation and overflight as a core national interest, while also defending the Philippines under a treaty obligation. China has conducted amphibious drills near Taiwan, with President Lai Ching-te vowing to prepare for war to avoid conflict. The drills were deemed "routine" by Taiwan's defense ministry, but Beijing has threatened to use force to annex Taiwan and has criticized Lai's "separatist position".
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/05/22/us-philippines-conduct-drills-in-waters-near-schina-seaPakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, reaffirming their nations' partnership and commitment to regional stability. Dar emphasized the importance of resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions for lasting peace in South Asia. China backs Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Dar expressed appreciation for China's support on core issues. The two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation, including trade, agriculture, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and pledged joint efforts to promote peace and development across the region.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40364093/wang-dar-discuss-kashmir-dispute-cpec