Pakistan's trade relationship with the US is strained due to high tariff rates and non-tariff barriers imposed by Pakistan. The US has accused Pakistan of blocking internet services deemed blasphemous or immoral, citing concerns over national security. However, Pakistan is too small a player in bilateral trade, with only $5.54 billion in exports and $1.195 billion in imports from the US in the first nine months of 2024. In contrast, the US imported goods worth $402.1 billion and exported $181.9 billion in February this year. The US has paused its contributions to the World Trade Organization (WTO), citing concerns over tariffs and trade policies. Pakistan's economy is heavily reliant on multilateral support from countries like China, which has invested massively in infrastructure development. The Pakistani government must navigate these complex issues to continue engaging with the US in other economic areas.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40358626/us-tariffs-and-pakistanUS President Donald Trump's threat to withdraw from mediating the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has raised concerns about the stability of the peace process. The US had been playing a key role in facilitating talks between the two nations, but Trump's ultimatum suggests that any lack of progress may lead to a withdrawal of American involvement. This development comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain high, with ongoing clashes along the border and a frozen conflict in eastern Ukraine.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/965680-ukraine-easter-truce-ends-what-s-nextUS President Trump urged Russia and Ukraine to reach a peace agreement this week, suggesting substantial economic partnerships could follow if they succeed. He warned that any party obstructing progress would be "foolish" and called for a 30-day extension of the ceasefire to target missile and drone strikes. The US has promoted business interests in both countries, including a minerals agreement giving access to Ukrainian natural resources.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1303540-trump-says-russia-ukraine-could-make-a-fortune-with-us-tiesChinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Indonesian counterpart Sugiono held a meeting in Beijing, marking the first time senior ministers from both countries met under the "2+2" format agreed last year. The talks aimed to deepen cooperation on defense sectors, with plans for joint military exercises in the South China Sea, echoing US counterterrorism strategies. Indonesia is considering buying US weapons to offset tariffs imposed by President Trump, while Beijing seeks to win over nations in Southeast Asia and Europe through its own military diplomacy.
https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/04/21/top-chinese-and-indonesian-officials-forge-closer-security-linksChinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on Indonesia to jointly oppose protectionism and unilateralism, following a "2+2" dialogue between their foreign and defence ministers in Beijing. The talks aimed to speed up economic integration, maintain supply chain stability, and safeguard the rights of countries in the Global South. Wang emphasized the need for inclusive economic globalization and a fair trade environment, warning that tariffs can damage normal economic exchanges among countries.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3307359/china-calls-indonesia-jointly-oppose-protectionism-us-trade-war-deepens?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionWendy Cutler, a prominent expert at the Asia Society Policy Institute, has weighed in on the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China. She notes that the current trade war is not just about tariffs, but also about the underlying structural issues in the global economy. Cutler points to the US-China Phase One trade deal as an example of how a more comprehensive approach can address these issues, citing its focus on increasing Chinese purchases of US goods and services. However, she cautions that the deal's success depends on China's ability to implement meaningful reforms, which has been a point of contention in recent months.
https://channelnewsasia.com/watch/tariff-war-china-warns-nations-against-striking-trade-deals-us-its-expense-5078786China has accused the US of abusing tariffs, warning countries against striking deals with the US at its expense in a trade war between the two biggest economies. Beijing's Commerce Ministry stated that it will firmly oppose any deal that benefits the US and "will take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner."
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/04/22/business/top-business/china-warns-countries-vs-striking-deals-at-its-expense/2095870Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will visit China on Tuesday, as talks between Iran and the US are set to resume in Oman on Saturday. Araqchi has assured that Iran won't hesitate to defend its nuclear programme. During a recent trip to Moscow, he emphasized Tehran's close consultations with friends Russia and China regarding the nuclear issue.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40358733/irans-top-diplomat-to-visit-china-on-tuesday-iranian-foreign-ministry-saysIsraeli officials are calling for a second phase of truce negotiations with Hamas after the initial agreement expired, citing "professional failures" in Israel's military review into the killing of Gaza aid workers. The US, Qatar, and Egypt brokered the initial truce, which allowed for aid to flow and hostage releases, but stalled due to disagreements over the next steps. Hamas has rejected any "partial" agreements, seeking a comprehensive deal that includes halting the war and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40358763/us-envoy-to-israel-urges-hamas-to-sign-deal-so-aid-can-enter-gaza