Indonesia has finalized its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) with the European Union and China, providing preferential treatment to 98% of Indonesian exports, including exemptions on import duties for around 80% of export products. The agreement aims to broaden Indonesia's product access to the European market and bolster its position in the global supply chain, with expected exports growth of 50% within three years.
Seoul and Pyongyang are at odds due to North Korea's nuclear program and joint military exercises with the US. The situation worsened after loudspeakers broadcasting propaganda messages and K-pop songs were sent by Pyongyang, prompting Seoul to respond with its own broadcasts. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, believes Seoul is making a miscalculation in expecting a diplomatic breakthrough. South Korea's President Lee has proposed talks without preconditions, but North Korea has refused to engage in dialogue, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a distraction.
Leaders from around the world are urging an immediate end to the crisis in Gaza, with Australia committing over $130 million in humanitarian aid and Pakistan calling for international support for the UNRWA. France, Britain, and Canada have expressed willingness to diplomatically recognize a Palestinian state as part of the two-state solution. Protests took place worldwide, including in major cities, with demonstrators demanding an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Gaza. The international community is under pressure to intervene to alleviate the suffering in Gaza, where a
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has expressed his intention to negotiate a reduction of the 50% tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump, citing Brazil's strong ties with other nations as a means to reduce dependence on the US. He also referenced the 1964 US-backed coup and proposed an alternative currency to the dollar, echoing recent discussions at the BRICS summit. Lula condemned the US for using political issues to justify economic sanctions, stating that Brazil should not be treated like a "small republic" due to its size and economic interests.
India's Look East Policy has led to substantial growth in bilateral relations with ASEAN countries through cooperation. In October 2024, President Marcos and PM Modi met briefly at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit in Lao PDR, followed by a meeting in Jakarta during the 20th ASEAN-India Summit in 2023.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Japan is expected to strengthen strategic and economic ties, positioning the Indo-Japanese axis as a key component of India's Indo-Pacific strategy. This move comes after past confrontations with China, including the Galwan clashes in 2020 and the Doklam standoff in 2017, highlighting the need for strong regional partnerships in the turbulent region.
Pakistan and China have signed several key agreements, including MoUs on maritime safety and fire-fighting, judicial assistance in criminal matters, a supplemental agreement to their 2013 air services pact, cooperation in product recognition, inspection, and testing, as well as tourism initiatives for 2025-27. The two countries also expressed intent to finalize the Free Trade Agreement between them. Pakistani military chief General Munir assured Chinese counterpart Yi that Pakistan and China have a
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's first official visit to Pakistan focused on strengthening trade, energy, and regional security cooperation with Pakistani counterpart. The Pak-Iran Free Trade Agreement is crucial for boosting economic ties between the two countries through platforms like the Business Forum. Several agreements have been signed, including cooperation on plant protection, joint use of the Mirjaveh-Taftan border gate, science and technology collaboration, cultural and tourism programs, and a supplemental air services agreement. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed support for Iran's pursuit of nuclear power for peaceful purposes.
Several countries, including the UK, Australia, and Canada, yielded to US President Donald Trump's trade demands due to his aggressive negotiating style and ability to use tariffs as a bargaining chip. According to Deborah Elms, a trade expert, Trump's approach was effective in pressuring nations to make concessions. Leong Wai Kit, a trade analyst, notes that the US president's willingness to impose tariffs on goods from countries like China and Mexico created leverage for negotiations. Toni Waterman, a trade policy specialist, suggests that Trump's use of public opinion and media attention also played a role in swaying nations to comply with his demands.