The World Trade Organization (WTO) has sharply cut its forecast for global merchandise trade from solid growth to a decline, citing further US tariffs and spillover effects that could lead to the heaviest slump since the COVID pandemic. WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed concern over the contraction in global merchandise trade growth, warning of potential negative spill overs into financial markets and broader areas of the economy. The WTO estimates a 1.5% decline in goods trade growth, with a 7% long-term shrinkage in global GDP if economies of China and the US decouple from each other.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40358092/wto-slashes-2025-trade-growth-forecast-warns-of-deeper-slumpThe World Trade Organization (WTO) is warning that global merchandise trade may decline due to potential new tariffs imposed by the US administration, following a recent 90-day reprieve. The WTO's concerns come as the International Monetary Fund had previously predicted solid growth in world trade volume.
https://channelnewsasia.com/watch/wto-warns-global-trade-outlook-has-deteriorated-sharply-after-us-levies-5070781Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed support for Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair this year and pledged to sign the ASEAN-China Free Trade Upgrade Protocol with regional countries as soon as possible. During a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Xi emphasized China's commitment to cooperation and openness, rejecting concepts like decoupling and supply disruption. He also highlighted Malaysia's choice of ASEAN theme for this year, "Inclusivity and Sustainability," which reflects its understanding of the current global landscape.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/04/17/xi-jinping-china-ready-to-sign-asean-trade-deal-backs-malaysias-leadership-amid-global-uncertainty/173375Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his three-day visit to Malaysia with a symbolic farewell ceremony where around 200 Chinese students in Malaysia bid him farewell, waving flags and banners expressing their appreciation for the historic visit. The visit reflected the close ties between Malaysia and China, built on mutual respect and understanding. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that China remains Malaysia's most significant trading partner, with total trade valued at RM484.12 billion in 2024, accounting for 16.8% of Malaysia's global trade.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/04/17/china-malaysia-friendship-is-eternal-chinese-students-send-off-xi-jinping-with-warm-farewell-in-putrajaya/173392Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed China's support for Cambodia's development path, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The two countries have a strong trading relationship, with China being Cambodia's largest partner, and a significant portion of Cambodia's foreign debt is owed to China. Hun Manet, a Cambodian official, described Xi's visit as a demonstration of "iron-clad" friendship, highlighting the close ties between Beijing and Phnom Penh.
https://laotiantimes.com/2025/04/17/chinas-xi-arrives-in-cambodia-for-state-visit/Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of promoting a multipolar world order with equal participation from all nations, advocating for inclusive economic globalization that benefits everyone, and working towards global peace and stability through international cooperation and opposition to protectionism.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1332357.shtmlChinese President Xi Jinping concluded a three-day state visit to Malaysia, departing from Kuala Lumpur International Airport after being greeted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. The visit included a send-off ceremony at the Bunga Raya Complex, where traditional drums were performed by the Arjunasukma Academy. Xi's trip was part of his three-nation tour of Southeast Asia, following stops in Vietnam earlier. During his visit, he met with Sultan Ibrahim and Anwar to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional issues, exchanging 31 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Malaysia and China.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/04/17/president-xi-departs-malaysia-for-cambodia-after-concluding-a-three-day-state-visitChinese President Xi Jinping stated that Cambodia is a key direction in China's neighborhood diplomacy, aiming to strengthen political trust and strategic cooperation to promote regional and global stability. He described the relationship between the two countries as an "ironclad" friendship, emphasizing their shared commitment to international fairness and justice.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3306870/chinas-xi-jinping-arrives-cambodia-final-leg-southeast-asian-tour?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionChinese President Xi Jinping expressed confidence in Malaysia's future success under the leadership of Sultan Ibrahim and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, saying he was "truly delighted" to see Malaysia booming after a 12-year visit. Over 50 years of diplomatic relations have strengthened ties between China and Malaysia, with cooperation in politics, economy, and culture. Xi highlighted a new chapter in relations starting in 2023, with both countries agreeing on building a shared future community. The visit marks his second official trip to Malaysia in 12 years, attended by various Malaysian ministers and officials, including Deputy Prime Ministers Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/04/17/xi-hails-king-pm-anwar-as-driving-force-for-malaysias-continued-success/173358