The US has announced new tariffs on solar imports from Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand due to unfair subsidies and dumping practices by Chinese companies in these countries. The tariffs will be as high as 35.2% for Malaysia, 39.5% for Vietnam, and 37.5% for Thailand, with Cambodia facing the highest rate of 52.1%. The move is expected to benefit American manufacturers in capturing the US renewable power market, which has been affected by political and policy changes in Washington. The investigation was launched last year after a petition from the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee, representing companies including First Solar and Hanwha Q Cells.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/us-imposes-tariffs-up-to-3-521-on-solar-imports-from-these-asian-nations-8225285#pfrom=home-ndtv_topstoriesThe US has announced plans to impose tariffs of up to 3,521% on solar panels from Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam in response to alleged Chinese subsidies and dumping in the sector. The move will be subject to ratification at an International Trade Commission meeting in June.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/04/22/world/americas-emea/us-to-impose-new-duties-on-solar-imports-from-southeast-asia/2096188US Trade Representative Robert Vance welcomed significant progress in negotiations of a potential trade deal with India, which could double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. The talks, led by Vance and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aim to promote job creation and citizen well-being through a modern trade agreement. The White House stated that the two leaders set terms for ongoing discussions, laying down a roadmap for further talks amid President Donald Trump's paused mass tariff plan against India.
https://krcgtv.com/news/nation-world/us-and-india-set-roadmap-for-ongoing-trade-talks-during-vances-first-visit-to-new-delhi-prime-minister-narendra-modi-jd-usha-vance-president-donald-trump-tariffs-economy-bilateral-trade-diplomatic-ties#US Vice President JD Vance met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, where they discussed a potential early trade deal between the two countries to avoid punishing tariffs. Negotiations have made significant progress, according to Modi's office, as India seeks to secure a favorable agreement.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/04/22/world/americas-emea/us-vp-vance-meets-indian-pm-modi-for-tough-talks-on-trade/2096134UK Foreign Secretary Douglas Alexander met with Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Ling Ji to discuss free trade and the global economy. The UK is committed to maintaining open relations with China, a key trading partner. The two nations exchanged views on the Ukrainian crisis and other common concerns. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to the UK was seen as successful, marking a more stable path for bilateral ties.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1332624.shtmlChina and Russia enjoy a comprehensive strategic partnership with strengthened coordination at multilateral events like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS meetings. Despite external pressures and shifting global dynamics, their bilateral trade and people-to-people exchanges remain robust.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1332626.shtmlA growing number of military leaders and analysts are warning that climate change poses significant threats to global security, with increased risks including crop failures, conflict, and instability. The UK's Ministry of Defense has reported that humanity's impact on the environment is having far-reaching consequences, while a report by Sikorsky found over 500 emergency responses to floods, storms, and wildfires since 2022. China was accused of "weaponizing" climate disasters in Spain, and the EU estimated that the world's armies could be responsible for 5.5% of global emissions. The Pentagon's reliance on fossil fuels creates vulnerabilities in combat, with fuel convoys being a target for roadside bombs. Experts like Duncan Depledge warn that a faster transition to renewable energy is necessary to avoid "climate catastrophe", but acknowledge that the technology is not yet suitable for combat.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/04/22/global-warming-is-a-security-threat-and-armies-must-adapt-say-experts/174045Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed optimism about concluding the first part of a trade pact with the US by autumn, following positive talks between her and US Trade Representative Robert Vance in San Francisco. The two sides have finalized the terms of reference for their trade negotiation, setting a roadmap toward a final deal between the nations.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/601282-vance-seeks-closer-us-india-ties-warns-of-dark-time-otherwiseRussian President Putin announced that the Taliban are cooperating actively with Russia in the fight against ISIS at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. In December, Putin signed a law allowing the Taliban, who have regained control of Afghanistan, to be removed from the list of terrorist organizations. The Kremlin has maintained semi-official contacts with the Taliban, making the decision to remove them from the list a formality.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/mnenia/965509-why-putin-suddenly-liked-the-taliban-in-afghanistan