Asian powers are seizing the opportunity to reshape the world order as the US retreats from its traditional role. Global South countries, tired of bearing the costs of globalization, are asserting their economic visions. Christine Loh argues that this shift will allow Asian nations to create a more equitable and sustainable global system, one that prioritizes their needs over Western dominance.
https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3306446/time-eu-stop-outsourcing-its-china-policy-us?module=spotlight&pgtype=section#commentsThe US government's actions against international students in the country have sparked controversy, with many arguing that they are being unfairly targeted and terrorized by the Trump administration. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit on behalf of these students, demanding their legal status be reinstated as they were not involved in any crime or immigration law violation. The lawsuit claims the administration's actions aim to sow chaos and fear among international students who contribute significantly to US academia and economy through their spending.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/aim-is-to-sow-chaos-and-fear-indian-student-sues-trump-administration-over-deportation-threat-13880585.htmlAn Indian official team is set to visit Washington next week for trade talks, marking a significant development in the country's efforts to strengthen its economic ties with the US. The visit comes amid growing tensions between the two nations over trade and security issues. India has been seeking greater market access and investment opportunities in the US, while the US has expressed concerns over India's growing defense spending and its role in the Indo-Pacific region. The talks are expected to focus on areas such as trade facilitation, investment promotion, and cooperation on strategic issues.
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indian-official-team-likely-to-visit-washington-next-week-for-trade-talks-11744894497630.htmlChancellor Rachel Reeves will meet US officials at the International Monetary Fund's spring meetings in Washington later this month to continue negotiations on an economic deal. She warned that US tariffs would have a significant impact, but also emphasized the UK's support for a more balanced global economic system that recognizes the benefits of free trade. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been meeting with workers in Lincolnshire, while Chinese President Xi Jinping is touring south-east Asia to promote free trade and stability in the region.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14620205/Trumps-trade-deal-Britain-sealed-weeks.htmlBritain's trade deal with Donald Trump could be finalized in as little as three weeks, according to White House officials. Sir Keir Starmer is pushing for a deal to lower the 10% tariffs on British goods imposed by Mr. Trump, while also seeking to ease trade barriers through deeper cooperation with the EU on its carbon border adjustment mechanism. The UK's Prime Minister is proposing alignment with EU carbon levies as part of his "reset" of post-Brexit relations with Brussels, but faces a tricky balancing act between improving relations with Brussels and mitigating the impact of Mr. Trump's tariffs.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14621361/Britain-sign-trade-deal-Donald-Trump-three-weeks-Keir-Starmer-warned-signing-EU-carbon-levies-drag-UK-tariffs-war.htmlUS officials are set to meet with European leaders to discuss the conflict in Ukraine, amid efforts to coordinate actions with Russia and address rising tensions with Iran. The meeting comes three years after the war began, as President Donald Trump seeks a ceasefire agreement between Kiev and Moscow. Trump's frustration with both sides is growing, having expressed concerns over lack of progress and warned of military action against Iranian nuclear sites. His diplomatic gestures to Russian President Vladimir Putin have also raised unease in Europe, particularly towards Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/964896-rubio-witkoff-in-paris-us-europe-seek-diplomatic-breakthroughUS President Donald Trump's global tariffs are causing concern over their economic impact. Fed Chair Jerome Powell warned of higher inflation and potential price increases, while China has responded with duties of up to 145% on US goods. The World Bank's Ajay Banga echoed Powell's concerns about uncertainty and volatility in the markets. China saw a 5.4% growth in the first quarter but Heron Lim from Moody's Analytics predicts it will be felt in the second quarter as tariffs impede Chinese exports. Trump remains optimistic about his strategy, while Japan's envoy is hopeful for a "win-win" outcome in talks with the US.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/04/17/no-winner-in-a-tariff-war-global-alarm-grows-over-trumps-trade-strategy-as-powell-warns-of-persistent-inflation/173350South Korea and Japan rely on the US nuclear umbrella for protection against China, Russia, and North Korea, with Seoul preparing for various scenarios as talks with the Trump administration stall. The US has demanded billions of dollars more from South Korea in exchange for its military presence, but Seoul is resisting, citing cost-sharing as not up for review. Japan views defence spending as separate from tariffs, while analysts say Trump's approach to alliance relationships is transactional and aimed at extracting economic payoffs. A new five-year Special Measures Agreement signed with the Biden administration has been met with skepticism, with some South Korean officials warning that it risks alienating Washington if Seoul refuses to negotiate further. The US has a significant military presence in both countries, with Japan bearing the largest overseas deployment of US troops globally.
https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/04/17/trump-includes-us-troop-costs-in-tariff-talks-with-asian-alliesThe World Trade Organization (WTO) has sounded an alarm over US President Trump's tariffs, warning that they could reverse global trade this year. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell stated that while inflation and employment are currently in balance, future conditions may force policymakers to choose between the two. The US market fell following Powell's remarks, with the Nasdaq Composite down 3.4 percent. The Trump administration has defended its tariff policy as part of a broader economic platform aimed at stimulating growth and boosting manufacturing jobs.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/fed-chair-powell-warns-trump-tariffs-may-fuel-inflation-force-bank-into-tough-trade-off-13880579.html