Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing for his first visit to China in over seven years amid growing tensions with the US. During a phone call with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, India and Brazil discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest, particularly in response to US tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. Russian President Vladimir Putin also held talks with India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval at the Kremlin, stressing their commitment to a strategic partnership. Indian industry is concerned about the impact of the US tariffs, with chairman Sudhir Sekhri demanding fiscal support from the government as companies consider shifting manufacturing operations abroad.
Pakistan-Afghanistan Trade Hits $2.17 Billion Mark
8.8.25
Pakistan-Afghanistan trade has rebounded to over USD 2.17 billion by 2024, signaling a potential revival in economic engagement. However, stringent visa policies and restricted border crossings continue to hinder commerce. Tariff reductions are important, but true trade facilitation demands improved ease of doing business, including the smooth movement of goods and individuals. The absence of a harmonized Transport and Documentation mechanism severely hinders efficient cross-border trade due to delays and inconsistent application of rules. To unlock the full potential of bilateral trade, Pakistan and Afghanistan must introduce standardized electronic data interchange systems, adopt TIR systems, and align protocols with international best practices. Tariff inconsistencies pose a significant obstacle, particularly affecting trade in perishables and essential goods. Frequent closures of key crossing points have disrupted trade flows, leading to massive losses on both sides. Sustainable economic cooperation demands a protocol-based approach to border management, where trade routes remain open with targeted controls in times of crisis. Establishing a joint border facilitation authority and a business-friendly visa regime can significantly enhance mutual trade prospects and human connectivity.
Pakistan and China are strengthening their cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) through a shared people-centered development philosophy. The two countries aim to apply AI in agriculture, healthcare, and climate resilience, building on the success of the China-Pakistan AI Smart Agriculture Laboratory in Faisalabad. Huawei is assisting Pakistan in training 200,000 IT professionals, while China plans to establish a World AI Cooperation Organization to promote global governance. Both nations agree to strengthen policy coordination, advance technological research cooperation, and deepen talent exchanges to cultivate professionals for the intelligent era. The partnership aims to create a better digital life, contribute to global AI governance, and usher in a brighter future in the AI era.
Qureshi Meets with Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi
8.8.25
Former Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a Strategic Dialogue with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing in March 2019. The dialogue will focus on CPEC, economic cooperation, regional stability, and bilateral relations. Wang Yi's visit comes after his meeting with Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in Beijing, where he congratulated Munir on his appointment as Field Marshal. Wang Yi emphasized the ironclad friendship between China and Pakistan, stating that they are all-weather strategic cooperative partners who firmly support each other on core issues.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) includes India, Iran, and Russia as its member states. China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus are also part of the organization. The SCO aims to promote economic cooperation among its member countries.
Singapore's Chip Industry Faces 100% Tariff Threat
8.8.25
Singapore's semiconductor industry is at risk due to a potential 100% tariff imposed by the US on imported chips. Economists warn of supply chain disruption, rising costs, and unpredictability in global trade flows if the tariff is applied broadly. Singapore's industry is deeply integrated into global value chains, with the US remaining a key market. The government is cautious, while experts like OCBC chief economist Selena Ling and US politics expert Steven Okun express concerns about the impact of the tariffs on manufacturing hubs, including Singapore.
Singapore's Shanmugam Meets China's Cyber Envoy Cao
8.8.25
Singapore's Coordinating Minister for National Security K Shanmugam met China's envoy Cao Zhongming to discuss security cooperation, following a dispute over the alleged link between Chinese cyber threat group UNC3886 and Singaporean media. The meeting aimed to strengthen law enforcement and security ties, with Cao expressing hope for "practical cooperation in various fields" and a "high-quality future-oriented partnership".
South Korea Delays Google Mapping Data Amid Tensions
8.8.25
South Korea has delayed a decision on allowing Google to access its mapping data for 60 days, citing security concerns. The US has argued that restrictions on cross-border data flows have hindered its ability to operate navigation services through Google Maps and Apple Maps in South Korea, resulting in lost business opportunities. Google is seeking high-precision map data from South Korea for its maps, but Seoul has previously rejected similar requests due to national security concerns. The US has cited this issue as a non-tariff barrier and excluded it from the recent tariff agreement between the two nations. Google had made similar requests in 2007 and 2016, but was rebuffed by Seoul.
Tencent Holdings Ltd. and JD.com Inc., two Chinese tech giants, are more exposed to US tariffs than their global peers due to China's higher tariff burden since President Donald Trump's April announcements. Bloomberg Intelligence strategists Marvin Chen and Sufianti note that while US-China tensions have eased, China remains vulnerable to tariffs relative to the rest of the world.