European Parliament President Metsola announced that China has lifted sanctions against Members of the European Parliament and their families, as well as the Parliament's human rights subcommittee. The move comes after five MEPs were targeted by China in March 2021. Metsola emphasized the need for engagement and dialogue to address complex EU-China relations, while reaffirming the Parliament's commitment to universal human rights and fundamental values.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20250430IPR28167/china-lifts-sanctions-against-mepsChina is expanding its presence in Central Asia's arms market, following Russia's loss of dominance due to the war in Ukraine. Historically, Russia held a near-monopoly on weapons sales to countries such as Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. However, China is now making inroads into this region as part of its broader security engagement.
https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3308328/how-central-asia-embracing-chinese-arms-sales?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionChina has released a video criticizing the US for its economic aggression, citing historical examples such as forcing Japan to sign the Plaza Accord, which led to decades of anaemic growth. China portrays itself as a free-trade haven, saying it won't kneel down and will fight back against US tariffs, which have reached as high as 145% on imports from China. The US has retaliated with a 125% tax on Chinese goods, prompting China's vow to "fight to the end".
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/chinas-new-video-mesage-to-us-on-trumps-tariffs-wont-kneel-down-8292006The US dollar's shift towards emerging markets in April was partly due to economic uncertainty and anticipation of an India-US trade deal, according to Samrat Dasgupta, CEO of Esquire Capital Investment Advisors. However, market volatility may persist if tensions between India and Pakistan escalate, as indicated by Bajaj Finance's 5% decline on Wednesday due to weak quarterly earnings and higher credit costs. In contrast, HDFC Bank's 0.9% rise provided support to the markets, which will be closed for a holiday on Thursday before resuming trading on May 2.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40360328/indian-benchmarks-notch-monthly-gains-on-trade-deal-hopes-tensions-with-pakistan-weighThe European Union is set to acknowledge its dependence on US technology giants, potentially easing tensions with President Donald Trump. A draft EU international digital strategy suggests the bloc can't rely solely on its own capabilities due to the significant size of digital and computing services in the US and Asia.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/antitrust/eu-set-to-concede-dependence-on-us-tech-as-trump-tensions-flareThe European Parliament's talks with China to lift sanctions are in their final stages, following US President Donald Trump's imposition of tariffs on Chinese imports. The EU has maintained criticism of China, particularly over President Xi Jinping's assertive trade and industrial strategies and human rights violations. MEPs like Bernd Lange and Raphaël Glucksmann have expressed concerns about market distortions, forced labor, and human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with Xi Jinping in April, while EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič has held discussions with Chinese officials. A high-level EU-China summit is scheduled for July.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/facts-dont-change-cornered-by-trump-tariffs-china-courts-european-mps-but-13884390.htmlEuropean Parliament members will discuss a unified EU response to US trade measures with the Commission and Council on Tuesday, following global reaction to increased tariffs imposed by the US government. The EU has already adopted countermeasures that were later suspended, and MEPs will review potential trade deals with countries such as China and Japan, as well as regional groupings like ASEAN.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/agenda/briefing/2025-05-05/0/us-trade-measures-and-global-trade-opportunities-for-the-euThe EU's budget committee emphasizes that with the US retreating from its global role, the EU must address Russia's war in Ukraine, along with economic and social challenges, a competitiveness gap, and environmental concerns. The committee's priorities will inform the Commission's proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), set to be unveiled in July.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/agenda/briefing/2025-05-05/2/meps-to-set-out-priorities-for-post-2027-long-term-eu-budgetThe European Union has launched a call for proposals to strengthen the capacities of civil society organizations (CSOs) and media in Pakistan to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. The initiative aims to create an environment conducive to these values, particularly in Balochistan, where a recent fact-finding mission by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) highlighted mounting public frustration with enforced disappearances, economic exclusion, and curbs on press freedom. Led by HRCP Treasurer Husain Naqi, the mission observed a palpable sense of anger among ordinary citizens, who referred to Balochistan as a "colony" of the state. The EU's call for proposals will support CSOs and media in Pakistan, including journalists like Akbar Notezai, in addressing these grievances and promoting human rights and democracy.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/eu-calls-for-proposals-wants-to-promote-human-rights-in-pakistan/