US President Trump acknowledged that tariffs on China are "very high" but said they will "come down substantially". Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that trade wars harm multilateral trading systems and global economic order. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the tariffs as a reciprocal trade embargo, while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Washington is doing well in its pursuit of a potential trade deal with China.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/will-china-open-door-for-trade-talks-with-us-as-donald-trump-considers-cutting-tariffs-8243663Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov emphasized a possible peaceful resolution to Russia's war during negotiations in London with representatives from Ukraine, the US, UK, France, and Germany. He met with Andriy Yermak, Andriy Sybiha, David Lammy, John Healey, Jonathan Powell, Emmanuel Bonne, Jens Plötner, and U.S. Special Envoy General Keith Kellogg to discuss security, victory strategy, and peace initiatives.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3985312-umerov-in-london-only-consolidated-position-can-force-russia-to-stop-war.htmlOnline merchants are receiving suspicious offers from overseas logistics firms to avoid paying US tariffs on goods made in China. These firms, often through social media, propose fake valuation schemes or diverting shipments through countries with lower levies than China to reduce tariff costs. For example, companies selling athletic apparel and furniture have been approached by these firms, highlighting the tactics being used to evade US duties.
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3307678/made-malaysia-trumps-china-tariffs-spark-rise-offers-dodge-us-duties?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionUS Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that high tariffs between the US and China are unsustainable, amid hopes for a trade war de-escalation. The administration is open to discussing significant rate cuts on Chinese imports in negotiations with Beijing, but will not act unilaterally. A White House spokesperson dismissed reports of potential tariff reductions as speculation, while President Trump expressed willingness to have a fair deal with China without specifics. German shipper Hapag-Lloyd reported 30% cancellation of US-bound shipments from China due to tariffs.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40359280/us-treasury-secretary-bessent-says-china-tariffs-are-not-sustainable-as-us-signals-willingness-to-de-escalateUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to South Africa marks a shift in Pretoria's stance on Russia's invasion, which it had initially refused to condemn. The visit comes after South Africa joined the UN General Assembly resolution criticizing Russia for the war and is seen as a step towards Europe. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has hosted Zelensky, who is seeking an invitation to the G20 summit in Johannesburg, while also wanting Pretoria's full condemnation of the war. The visit aims to facilitate an inclusive peace process, building on South Africa's experience with its own transition from white-minority rule after decades of armed struggle.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/s-africa-welcomes-ukraines-leader-in-diplomatic-shift/article_90d3f4a3-3ba8-5cb4-b2c1-601a12630303.htmlUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in South Africa for an official meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa, where they will discuss progress on a dignified peace and Ukraine's efforts to involve the G20 countries in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. The visit aims to strengthen cultural and educational ties between Ukraine and African countries, including South Africa's participation in the international coalition to return thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/966279-zelensky-on-official-visit-to-south-africaUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged a tense atmosphere during recent talks on Ukraine in London, but expressed optimism about the potential for future cooperation that could lead to peace.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/966260-zelensky-on-london-meeting-emotions-were-strongIndia has accused Pakistan of supporting "cross-border terrorism" after a deadly shooting in Kashmir, leading to downgraded diplomatic ties and the suspension of a key water-sharing treaty. The Indian government claims that the attack is linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based Islamist group. In response, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar denied the allegations, stating that any retaliation by India would be met with a "tit-for-tat" response. The situation has raised tensions between the two countries, with fears of further military action from India and potential consequences for its tourist industry in Kashmir.
https://www.euronews.com/2025/04/24/modi-pledges-to-hunt-kashmir-attackers-to-the-ends-of-the-earthA group of states, including New York, have filed a lawsuit against the US government, led by President Donald Trump, claiming his authority to impose tariffs is unconstitutional and causing chaos in the American economy. The lawsuit, filed with the Court of International Trade, argues that the tariffs will lead to inflation, unemployment, and economic damage. New York Attorney General Letitia James has stated that the tariffs will have the opposite effect on American families, contradicting Trump's promise to lower prices and ease living costs.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14641349/Trump-administration-sued-states-tariffs.html