The US has imposed sanctions on a Chinese refinery and several shipping companies for allegedly working with Iran to export oil. Shandong Shenxing Chemical Co Ltd, a Chinese independent "teapot" refinery, was designated by the US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for purchasing over $1 billion worth of Iranian crude. This is the second case of US sanctions on a Chinese 'teapot' refinery in less than a month, amid Washington's denuclearisation talks with Iran.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3306832/us-sanctions-china-oil-refiner-shipping-companies-covert-business-iran?module=top_story&pgtype=section#commentsUS Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu to increase military spending and assume primary responsibility for Europe's conventional defense, citing the need for lasting peace in Ukraine. This message was echoed during a visit to Poland, where Hegseth stated that it is time to invest, as relying solely on American presence will not be sustainable forever. The US president has set a target of 5% of GDP for NATO countries' defense spending, with the US itself currently at 3.4%.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/965071-us-urges-france-to-increase-defense-spendingIMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva praised parts of US President Donald Trump's agenda, calling deregulation "valuable" for the US and creating a fertile environment for businesses to succeed. She also suggested that bilateral trade negotiations could lead to new trade partners, citing India as an example where tariff barriers are being reduced. Georgieva emphasized the benefits of IMF lending, noting that the US received $3.1 billion in interest payments from borrowing countries over the past two years. She warned that financial market volatility and rising trade barriers would harm economic growth, particularly for smaller countries, and encouraged emerging markets to preserve exchange rate flexibility as a shock absorber.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/largest-economies-must-reach-agreement-on-trade-issues-to-preserve-openness-says-imf-chief/article69461875.eceMalaysia is seeking ways to mitigate the impact of US tariffs on its exports, with observers like Dass suggesting potential coping mechanisms. The government continues to negotiate with the US, exploring a technology safeguard agreement to ensure compliance with Washington's requirements and regulations.
https://channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-export-fear-hope-trump-tariffs-5071391Malaysia welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping on his second official visit in 12 years, with a delegation of Malaysian ministers including Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, in attendance. The visit comes amidst challenging geopolitical and geoeconomic scenarios, as Malaysia and China have maintained diplomatic relations since May 31, 1974. China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, 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/2025/04/16/xi-hails-malaysias-progress-pledges-high-level-cooperation-with-anwars-government/173320The inaugural session of a conference focused on Pakistan's future, with key speakers including Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Aisha Humera Chaudhary, Faisal Karim Kundi, Senator Dr. Musadik Malik, Muhammad Ali, Saquib Ahmad, Dr. Ishrat Husain, Gen Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Justice Ayesha Malik, and Yousaf Hussain. They discussed the need for digital transformation, climate action, private sector engagement, AI development, and inclusion in law-making. The speakers emphasized the importance of local action, collaboration, education, and data-driven governance to address Pakistan's challenges and unlock its potential.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40358011/pakistan-charts-sustainable-future-at-leaders-in-islamabad-business-summits-8th-editionPakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Dar plans to visit Kabul in the coming days to address the strained relationship between the two countries, which has worsened since the Taliban regained power in 2021. The Pakistan government has accused Afghanistan of allowing militants from the TTP (Taliban-affiliated group) to take shelter and plan attacks from within its borders. In response, the International Organization for Migration reported that nearly 60,000 Afghans have been expelled from Pakistan since April. The UN estimates that over three million Afghans live in Pakistan, many of whom have been there for decades or were born there.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40358175/foreign-minister-ishaq-dar-to-visit-kabul-within-daysThe Kremlin views a meeting between the US, Ukraine, and European countries in Paris as an opportunity for Steve Witkoff to brief Europeans on Ukraine peace talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin had a long conversation with Witkoff last week, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet senior Ukrainian officials in Paris to defend Kiev's position.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/964966-moscow-us-envoy-steve-witkoff-to-brief-europeans-on-ukraine-peace-talksUkrainian officials, including Andriy Yermak, Andrii Sybiha, and Rustem Umerov, met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Keith Kellogg in Paris to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine. The talks aim to implement a full and unconditional ceasefire, deploy a multinational military contingent for security, and develop Ukraine's security architecture. French President Emmanuel Macron is also meeting with the US delegation about crafting a ceasefire.
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/04/17/zelensky-urges-pressure-on-russia-to-end-war-a88763