South Korean Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun emphasized the need for strengthening RCEP and negotiating a Korea-China-Japan FTA to expand trade cooperation among the three countries. The meeting came ahead of US President Trump's announcement of new tariffs on Venezuelan oil, which may impact South Korea, Japan, and China as major US trading partners.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-japan-south-korea-agree-to-promote-regional-trade-as-trump-tariffs-loom/article69392680.eceA powerful earthquake near Mandalay in Myanmar has claimed at least 1,000 lives and left many more trapped under rubble, with the country already struggling with civil war and a repressive military junta. The disaster has been linked to US President Donald Trump's decision to shut down America's international aid agency, USAID, which critics say has had devastating consequences for global disaster response. Trump recently promised aid to Myanmar, but his administration's efforts to dissolve USAID have been met with legal resistance and criticism from many who see the move as a politicized attempt to score ideological points in the wake of the tragedy.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14550935/Major-news-network-ripped-apart-blaming-TRUMP-DOGE-suffering-Myanmar-earthquake.htmlUS President Trump's tariffs on Hyundai and Kia are expected to result in significant losses for the South Korean automakers. The White House has confirmed that reciprocal tariffs will still take effect on April 2, as planned. Japan is considering all possible options to address the US auto tariffs, with Industry Minister Ishiba stating this during a trilateral meeting with industry ministers from the US and South Korea in Seoul, marking the first such meeting in 10 years.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-03-30/business/economy/Trade-chiefs-of-Korea-China-Japan-discuss-advancing-trade-cooperation-at-trilateral-meeting/2273545US President Trump's proposed tariff plan is causing market uncertainty as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and senior adviser Peter Navarro have long advocated for tariffs against a group of 15 countries, dubbed the 'dirty 15'. However, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are pushing for a smaller, more targeted approach. The lack of clarity on specific policies has raised concerns, with some officials downplaying the impact by suggesting companies should have anticipated the move based on Trump's public comments.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14551217/White-House-officials-quietly-freaking-Trump-upcoming-Liberation-Day-tariff-announcement.htmlThe US and Japan have agreed to strengthen their military deterrence amid growing concerns about China's rise. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani reaffirmed their commitment to a strong alliance during a meeting at the Tokyo Defense Ministry, where they received a guard of honor. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation on defense and security issues, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250330/p2g/00m/0na/022000cThe World Health Organization (WHO) has criticized the US government's decision to reduce foreign aid, citing it as a significant contributor to the worsening global health crisis. This move, combined with increased defense spending, has had a devastating impact on vulnerable countries and their ability to combat diseases like COVID-19.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/960452-who-is-scaling-back-its-operations-and-reducing-its-staff-after-the-us-withdrawal-and-increased-defense-spendingAustralian Prime Minister Albanese's approach to US President Trump remains a point of contention as threats of tariffs on Australian wine and pharmaceuticals continue. The Labor government's decision to raise defence spending to 2.2% of GDP fell short of the three% demanded by the Trump administration. New tariffs on Australian agricultural exports are set to take effect on April 1, alongside new import taxes on pharmaceutical exports unless an exemption is secured.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14551095/Anthony-Albanese-Donald-Trump-call-reliable.htmlSouth Korea, China, and Japan held their first economic dialogue in five years on Sunday, as the three Asian export powers seek to boost regional trade amid US President Donald Trump's tariffs. The countries' trade ministers agreed to cooperate on a South Korea-Japan-China free trade agreement deal to promote regional and global trade.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/03/31/business/top-business/s-korea-china-japan-to-promote-asia-trade/2082849US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's counterpart, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, met with US Ambassador to Japan, John Heginbottom, during Hegseth's visit, amid concerns over the future of the US-Japan alliance. The meeting came as tensions rise between the US and its allies due to America First policy, including tariff disputes and defense cost-sharing issues, which have also affected South Korea.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202503/1331169.shtml