Vietnam aims to establish itself as a digital leader in Southeast Asia through its 5G vision, promoting forward-thinking policies and technological progress. The country is focusing on inclusive growth and long-term technological self-reliance, with initiatives such as major events like MWC and M360, to drive connectivity, industry services, and innovation.
https://opengovasia.com/2025/04/16/vietnam-nationwide-connectivity-and-digital-growth-by-2026/Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of standing together against hegemonism and power politics, advocating for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. He highlighted Cambodia-China's special ties as a "unique role model" of interstate relations, citing joint efforts in diplomacy, trade, and security as key to enhancing peace and prosperity. Experts such as Kin Phea and Lu Guangsheng praised the partnership, noting its contribution to regional harmony and its demonstration of genuine friendship based on equality and mutual support. The deepening cooperation between China and Cambodia serves as a certainty amid global uncertainty, with Xi's state visits showcasing confidence in countering coercion and hegemony through bilateral and regional cooperation.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-china-cambodia-set-cooperation-model-for-nations-of-different-sizes-xi-says-302431845.htmlChinese President Xi Jinping recently visited Malaysia, where he emphasized the importance of "Asian family" solidarity among nations. He called for strengthened cooperation and exchanges to address common challenges, promote economic development, and foster close relationships among Asian countries. This concept aims to unite the region in addressing issues such as climate change and regional security.
https://www.thailand-business-news.com/china/210069-chinas-president-xi-advocates-for-asian-family-solidarity-on-malaysia-visitUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need for a unified European response to defend Ukraine's security during a meeting in Paris with French and British leaders. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the talks as focusing on continuing the war. The US, France, Britain, and Ukraine are working together to achieve a robust and sustainable peace, while Russia has continued to strike Ukraine despite diplomatic efforts. Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected a US proposal for a full ceasefire and suggested Zelensky be removed from office, sparking an angry response from US President Donald Trump.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/france-hails-positive-process-as-europe-us-discuss-ukraine-ceasefire/article_a9edf2f4-8f1b-5e39-bb68-746c2c050bc7.htmlUS Senator Marco Rubio said he expects to join high-level talks with Ukrainian, American, and European officials to discuss a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The US administration is considering whether a deal can be reached in the next few weeks. Despite efforts by President Donald Trump's administration, including meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and envoy Steve Witkoff, Moscow has refused to accept a comprehensive ceasefire, demanding a halt to Ukraine's mobilization efforts and Western arms supplies. A recent call between Trump and Putin resulted in an immediate halt on strikes targeting Ukraine's energy and infrastructure, but Putin declined to support a broader 30-day ceasefire.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-will-drop-ukraine-russia-peace-efforts-if-no-progress-within-days-rubio/article69463947.eceUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the US may drop Ukraine-Russia peace efforts if there is no progress within days, following a marathon day of talks in Paris with Ukrainian and European officials. The discussions produced an outline for steps toward peace, but Rubio expressed concerns about Russia's refusal to accept a comprehensive ceasefire, citing conditions such as halting Ukraine's mobilization efforts and Western arms supplies. Rubio has met with Russian President Putin three times, including in Saudi Arabia, as part of US efforts led by presidential envoy Steve Witkoff.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250418/p2g/00m/0in/035000cUS President Donald Trump may abandon efforts to broker a Russia-Ukraine peace deal within days if there are no clear signs of progress, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The talks, held in Paris, involve US, Ukrainian and European officials, with Rubio stating that the endeavour should not be prolonged for weeks or months without tangible results.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/us-threatens-to-walk-away-from-russia-ukraine-peace-efforts-unless-progress-made-soon-20250418-p5lstr.htmlA group of economists, including Don Boudreaux and Phil Magness, have signed a statement warning against the president's protectionist policies, citing the dangers of tariffs and their potential to harm American workers and undermine economic growth. The authors argue that free trade is associated with greater prosperity and that the president's tariffs are "reciprocal" in name only, but economically flawed. They caution against repeating the mistakes of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff of 1930, which led to a devastating trade war. Nobel laureate James Heckman and professor Vernon Smith have also signed the statement, emphasizing the need for evidence-based policy-making over protectionist ideologies.
https://reason.com/2025/04/18/150-economists-sign-letter-opposing-trumps-protectionist-agenda/US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that if Russia-Ukraine peace talks stall, the US may move on from its efforts to secure a deal. After months of failed negotiations, Rubio spoke in Paris after high-level talks among US, Ukrainian and European officials produced outlines for steps toward peace. The talks appeared to make some long-awaited progress, with Rubio's comments suggesting that the US is willing to reassess its approach if there is no progress in the coming days.
https://krcgtv.com/news/nation-world/us-will-move-on-from-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-if-theres-no-progress-rubio-paris-minerals-deal-putin-zelenskyy-europe-donald-trump