US President Trump has announced plans to discuss trade with China and Britain in Geneva talks, aiming for "de-escalation" rather than a major deal. The US has imposed tariffs on many countries, including China, which remains opposed to lifting them first. In contrast, the UK has agreed to lower tariffs on US cars and lift levies on steel and aluminium in exchange for access to British markets for US beef and farm products. Markets have responded positively to Trump's announcement, with major stock indices rising as investors expect tariff tensions to ease.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/trump-suggests-lower-china-tariff-says-80-seems-right/article_e1ee5719-c7c1-5bd8-a703-e1c9920ab04d.htmlGermany, along with the US and its European partners, is set to increase pressure on Russia to choose a path towards peace in Ukraine and accept a proposed 30-day ceasefire. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made this statement during a joint press conference with European Council President Antonio Costa in Brussels.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3991096-germany-eu-us-ready-to-increase-pressure-on-russia-to-advance-peace-in-ukraine-merz.htmlSheikh expressed concern over escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, citing contacts at the level of NSCs (National Security Councils) as a precursor to the current escalation. He stated that responsibility for de-escalation now lies with India, but acknowledged constraints on restraint due to public pressure. Global powers like the US have urged both countries to de-escalate tensions and maintain communication channels open. Pakistan's defense minister warned of retaliation if further attacks occur, amid clashes between the nuclear-armed neighbors that have resulted in nearly 40 deaths.
https://channelnewsasia.com/asia/pakistan-us-ambassador-says-india-pakistan-contact-national-security-level-5118736Indonesia is committed to making the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) Upgrade accessible and beneficial for all ASEAN countries. Putri stated this during an online meeting of the ATIGA Trade Negotiating Committee, where discussions focused on completing negotiations by September to announce completion at the ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting. The upgrade aims to modernize the framework, covering topics such as trade and environment, remanufactured goods, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). With 15 out of 17 chapters finalized, Indonesia is working towards a signing during the 47th ASEAN Summit in October or November.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/354685/atiga-upgrade-indonesia-highlights-importance-of-inclusive-access?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_rightJapanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic reaffirmed collaboration with the EU to maintain global free trade during a high-level economic dialogue in Tokyo on May 8, 2025. The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral ties between Japan and the EU, with Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto also participating.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250509/p2g/00m/0bu/010000cFrance and Poland have signed a new cooperation and friendship treaty with a defence clause committing them to mutual support in case of an attack. The treaty was signed by French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Nancy, France. The agreement includes a "mutual security guarantees" clause that outlines the parties' obligation to provide assistance, including military means, if one country is attacked. This move strengthens ties between NATO and EU allies following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/macron-tusk-sign-france-poland-treaty-with-mutual-defence-clause-afp/article69558182.eceFrench President Macron is calling for a US-Europe plan for a 30-day truce in Ukraine, backed by "massive economic sanctions" if one side betrays it. He met with Ukrainian President Zelensky and discussed the possibility of talks on territory once a ceasefire starts. Macron also criticized Putin's comments at a Moscow parade, saying he remains "on the side of war". The US has proposed two sanctions packages for Russia, targeting banking and energy sectors.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/europe-leaders-head-to-kyiv-on-unprecedented-visit/article_df5df2bb-6ca4-57de-885d-a6c923f5238a.htmlNATO chief Mark Rutte is urging member countries to agree on increasing defence-related spending to 5% of GDP by 2032, with a target of 3.5% for "hard military spending" and 1.5% for related spending such as infrastructure and cybersecurity. US President Donald Trump has demanded the same level of spending from European allies, while Germany's new chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that every 1% increase in GDP represents €45 billion. The proposal is part of a broader effort to address concerns about NATO members' defence spending following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with 22 countries currently meeting the current 2% target and several others pledging to reach it by 2025.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/nato-chief-seeks-defence-spending-at-5-of-gdp-by-2032-dutch-pm/article_8f948a99-1087-58aa-906b-7ac5eaa4d82d.htmlUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged de-escalation and supported direct dialogue between India and Pakistan before the latest blasts, calling for immediate calm in a phone call with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. In another call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Rubio expressed sorrow over civilian casualties and encouraged Pakistan to end support for terrorist groups. The US is committed to peace and stability in South Asia, according to Rubio's statement.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40361819/rubio-urges-india-pakistan-to-de-escalate