British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's efforts to secure a trade deal with the EU have brought him closer to French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders. The agreement was reached after US President Trump imposed tariffs, prompting governments worldwide to reevaluate their trade, defense, and security ties. Starmer had previously backed remaining in the EU during the Brexit referendum and offered benefits like faster e-gates at EU airports to appease critics like Nigel Farage.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1313326-uk-seals-landmark-post-brexit-eu-deal-eyes-9bn-economic-boostTaiwan is collaborating with international partners to address global challenges such as climate change and healthcare through AI-powered anomaly detection in solar panels, a partnership with Palau integrating medical technologies and AI for real-time, cost-effective healthcare, and sharing semiconductor design expertise with the Czech Republic.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/05/20/tmt-newswire/media-outreach-newswire/discovery-premieres-new-documentary/2116990Pakistan's trade promotion agency, TDAP, discussed opportunities for value-added and finished goods exports with a US delegation, highlighting the country's historic role in supporting Pakistani industry growth facilitated by US support. The US acknowledged Pakistan's industrial growth and invited American firms to participate in upcoming events under its annual business plan, aiming to strengthen economic ties and enhance productivity and global competitiveness in Pakistan's industries.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1313222-us-pakistan-discuss-trade-boost-in-karachi-meetingThe UN has launched an enquiry into allegations that Indian naval vessels cast Rohingya refugees into the sea. Human rights lawyers Prashant Bhushan and Colin Gonsalves, along with social activist Harsh Mander and others, presented case studies and media reports, including a study by The Hindu. They argued that India's deportation process violates international law and its own Constitutional laws, particularly the right to live and the International Genocide Convention. Social worker Priyali Sur highlighted the inhumane treatment of Rohingya refugees inside India, citing unwarranted detention, separation of children from parents, and poor conditions in detention centres.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/panel-discussion-held-to-seek-justice-for-rohingya-refugees/article69595022.eceUS diplomats Kevin Furey and Tyrell Walker met with Faiz Ahmad Chadhar, Chief Executive of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, to discuss increasing trade between the two countries. The US team emphasized the need for bilateral cooperation to boost trade volume, while Chadhar highlighted the USA's historical role in Pakistan's industrial development and its potential for future collaboration in areas such as textiles, IT, tourism, and logistics.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40363635/us-consulate-economic-unit-chief-visits-tdapThe US Department of Commerce is planning to impose steep tariffs on solar cells from Southeast Asian manufacturers in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, with rates as high as 3,400%. The investigation found that these companies received subsidies from the Chinese government, making their products cheaper and American products less competitive. This move could increase expenses for US solar installations and pose a challenge to Southeast Asia's solar manufacturing industry, which accounts for 20% of global exports. China dominates the global solar supply chain, providing key inputs such as polysilicon, and its massive government support gives it a significant advantage in production.
https://channelnewsasia.com/commentary/trump-tariff-solar-panel-southeast-asia-china-energy-price-5134901Vietnam's Trade Ministry has started a second round of trade negotiations with the US in Washington, aiming to avoid a threatened 46% tariff rate. The talks, which began on Monday and will run until May 22, focused on resolving fundamental issues and accelerating the negotiation process. Vietnam's Trade Minister Nguyen Hong Dien is leading the delegation, also meeting with Westinghouse to discuss nuclear technology.
https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/05/20/vietnam-says-second-round-of-trade-talks-started-in-washingtonChinese President Xi Jinping has expressed support for peace talks in Ukraine, urging a fair, lasting, and binding agreement through direct dialogues. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes China will use its influence to push for a ceasefire, bringing an end to the ongoing crisis.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202505/1334448.shtmlMalaysia's Prime Minister Anwar has emphasized the importance of broadening regional and global partnerships amid rising geopolitical realignments. He recently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where they discussed Malaysia's focus on open trading economy and its need to protect economic interests. Anwar also called for reforms in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Trade Organisation (WTO) to support free trade without discrimination against smaller nations. As this year's chair of Asean, Malaysia aims to revitalise underused platforms such as Asean+3 and the East Asia Summit to promote inclusive and sustainable approaches to peace and security.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/05/20/anwar-pushes-malaysias-leadership-in-asean-and-global-south-to-reshape-global-power-dynamics/177394