Associate Professor Eugene Tan from the Singapore Management University (SMU) School of Law and Dr Felix Tan, an independent political observer, shared their views on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's foreign policy priorities for 2025. They discussed the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in shaping Singapore's international relations.
https://channelnewsasia.com/watch/pm-wongs-foreign-policy-likely-focus-defence-trade-and-investment-analysts-4855411The imposition of tariffs on washing machines in January 2018 led to immediate spikes in both the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI). This data suggests that tariffs did not stimulate growth in investment, manufacturing, or jobs as claimed by President Trump. Economists and trade experts are concerned about the potential negative impact of new, broader tariffs on the economy, posing a dilemma for them to balance being right with minimizing harm.
https://www.csis.org/analysis/things-are-not-always-what-we-are-told-lessons-first-tariff-warThe US Treasury Department's review of foreign investments for national security risks has been granted authority to scrutinize real estate sales near US military bases, with a focus on blocking Chinese investment in the US. This move follows a hack of the Treasury department by hackers who gained access through a breached vendor, sparking concerns that China or its proxies may use land acquisitions to spy on US bases. The attack is part of a broader string of cyber espionage campaigns targeting US and Western targets, including a recent breach of 9 major telecommunications firms by Chinese group Salt Typhoon.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/more-alleged-chinese-intrusions-into-the-us-treasury-revealedCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested that President-elect Donald Trump's comments about Canada becoming the "51st state" have diverted attention from the negative impact of steep tariffs on U.S. consumers, including Canadians who import goods from the US.
https://www.boston25news.com/news/canadas-trudeau/VPOLCU6Q5NBQLGG3OXRI7XN7RY/Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in an interview with MSNBC that President-elect Donald Trump's comments about making Canada the "51st state" have diverted attention away from the negative impact of proposed tariffs on U.S. consumers. Trudeau noted that a 25% tariff on Canadian imports would increase costs for Americans, citing examples such as higher electricity and oil prices. He also disputed Trump's claim that merging with Canada would decrease taxes and eliminate tariffs, calling it an attempt to keep people off balance.
https://apnews.com/article/canada-trump-trudeau-united-states-tariffs-2e73bc587e9335b3fbd8e2d4e5480e04Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned that President-elect Donald Trump's threat of a 25% tariff on Canadian imports will also harm US consumers. Trudeau made this statement after Trump suggested that Canada could become the 51st state, distracting from the negative impact of tariffs on American consumers.
https://indiatoday.in/world/us-news/story/trump-tariff-threat-us-imports-consumer-affect-trudeau-2663798-2025-01-13The Trump administration's approach to the Ukraine conflict appears to be focused on starting negotiations rather than achieving a definitive resolution. According to expert analysis, representatives of the future administration have suggested that concessions can be made within a hundred days and finalized within six months, indicating a willingness to engage in diplomatic efforts. However, this approach is seen as lacking a clear strategy or vision for implementing a peace plan, suggesting that the administration may not be committed to ending the war. The appointment of Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser has confirmed plans to establish contact with Russia and potentially meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, with a ceasefire being considered a "very positive first step" towards negotiations.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3948042-trump-may-present-start-of-settlement-negotiations-as-victory-expert.htmlThe UAE and Malaysia have strengthened their economic ties through a meeting between high-ranking officials from both countries. The meeting was attended by several dignitaries, including Mohammad Al Gergawi, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Dr. Mubarak Saeed Al Dhaheri, and the Malaysian Prime Minister's delegation. According to statistics, Malaysia is the UAE's 12th largest trading partner in Asia and its fifth-largest in ASEAN countries, while the UAE is Malaysia's second-largest trading partner in the Arab world. The non-oil trade between the two nations has seen significant growth, with a total of $4.9 billion recorded in 2023 and $2.5 billion in the first half of 2024 alone.
https://www.emirates247.com/world/mohammed-bin-rashid-and-prime-minister-of-malaysia-discuss-new-avenues-to-enhance-strategic-bilateral-cooperation-2025-01-13-1.736173The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Uzbekistan have established a strong economic partnership based on mutual interests and long-term goals, according to Bin Touq. The relationship between the two nations is built on solid strategic ties and fruitful cooperation in various areas of shared interest.
https://www.emirates247.com/business/economy-finance/uae-and-uzbekistan-explore-ways-to-enhance-economic-relations-in-sectors-of-new-economy-fintech-tourism-and-entrepreneurship-2025-01-13-1.736154