Japan's defense minister, Ishiba, reaffirmed his country's commitment to its strategic partnership with the Philippines, citing shared democratic values and a desire for a free and open Indo-Pacific. The two nations are set to negotiate a defense pact that would allow for the sharing of confidential information and resources during joint military exercises. Japan has expressed concern over China's aggressive actions in the East and South China Seas, prompting Tokyo to scramble jets in response. Ishiba also highlighted the impact of US tariffs on Japan and the Philippines, which have affected their economies and Japanese companies operating in the region.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/04/30/japan-and-philippines-to-discuss-two-defence-pactsTrump has introduced a range of tariffs during his second term, including modifications made in response to evolving developments. As a key figure in previous trade negotiations, Robert Lighthizer's successor, Katherine Tai, is now overseeing these efforts.
https://nypost.com/2025/04/29/us-news/strategic-uncertainty-looms-over-trump-trade-talks-as-ex-commerce-chief-wilbur-ross-warns-not-to-over-negotiate/South Korea and the Czech Republic have agreed to finalize the construction of the Dukovany nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic. The deal was reached after multiple hurdles, including a dispute with US firm Westinghouse over the use of its licensed Generation II System technology. A Korean presidential plane is scheduled to visit the Czech Republic on May 6-8, where officials will discuss the agreement and potential future collaborations.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-04-30/business/industry/Finalization-of-Czech-nuclear-plant-deal-set-for-May-7/2297398Over 400 leaders from more than 50 countries and territories attended the 55th Annual Global Business Forum in Marseille, France, organized by the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA). The four-day event, held from April 6-9, brought together WTCA members and their global networks, including business, government, academia, and international organizations.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/business/over-400-leaders-from-more-than-50-countriesterritories-attend-world-trade-centers-associations-55th-annual-global-business-forum-in-marseille-france/Taiwan-based chipmaker MediaTek's CEO Rick Tsai expressed caution about the potential impact of US tariffs on its business, citing uncertainty in the second half of the year. The company, which partners with AI giant Nvidia, has paused giving a full-year outlook due to the uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump's plans for sweeping import charges on all countries.
https://channelnewsasia.com/business/chip-designer-mediatek-unable-give-full-year-outlook-given-tariff-uncertainty-5099571European Parliament lawmakers MEP Mounir Satouri and MEP Engin Eroglu have sent letters to China's Ambassador, expressing concern over the suspicious death of Tibetan Buddhist leader Tulku Hungkar Dorje. The Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights has also addressed similar issues in a letter to Vietnam's Ambassador, citing unclear circumstances surrounding Dorje's death and the cremation of his remains without family approval.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/eu-lawmakers-urge-china-to-probe-suspicious-death-of-tibetan-buddhist-leader-tulku-hungkar-dorje/Mercedes-Benz reported lower profitability in its car business in the first quarter of 2025, with a profit margin of 7.3% compared to 9% last year. The company's group earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) decreased by 41% to €2.3 billion. Mercedes is warning that tariffs could impact its full-year earnings due to trade tensions, particularly under President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff regime.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40360296/mercedes-reports-profit-drop-in-q1-as-tariffs-biteJapanese Minister Muto attended a news conference in Bangkok, Thailand's capital, where he emphasized the importance of protecting the multilateral trade system during discussions with the US and ASEAN. The same day, he participated in the first meeting of the Japan-Thailand Energy and Industry Dialogue in Bangkok.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/04/30/japan-thailand-energy-industry-dialogue/Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arrmanatha Nasir urged middle-income countries to strengthen solidarity and trade at a conference in Manila, Philippines. He warned that if they don't act, over 100 countries with 75% of the global population will be stuck in the "middle-income trap" due to rising competition, protectionism, and weakening multilateral systems.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/353485/indonesia-seeks-stronger-trade-between-middle-income-countries?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=top_news