Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed the need for an immediate stop to atrocities and 'massacres' in Gaza during a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Malaysian Parliament. The two discussed a potential ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid into Palestine, particularly Gaza, and other issues related to peace. Anwar emphasized that Malaysia is also affected by invasions and disruptions, while Rubio assured that the US values its relationship with Malaysia and aims to strengthen cooperation within ASEAN.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/07/10/we-are-also-affected-when-there-is-invasion-and-disruption-anwar-confronts-rubio-on-gaza-calls-for-urgent-ceasefire/183523Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the country will maintain good ties with all countries, including the US, while also enhancing its relationships with China, Asean nations, and other countries for the benefit of its citizens. This comes as Malaysia chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and hosts a meeting from July 8 to 11. Anwar's comments were made in an audio recording after discussing Asean with US Senator Marco Rubio, who is part of a US delegation visiting Malaysia for Asean-led meetings.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/07/10/one-month-to-negotiate-anwar-says-us-still-values-malaysia-ties-amid-looming-25pc-tariff-hopes-for-talks-before-august-deadline/183511ASEAN nations will not abandon their ties with the US, but instead adapt to a changing relationship. The US's new approach to trade and tariffs will influence ASEAN's response, which is shaped by domestic reforms, global diversification efforts, and regional integration initiatives in Southeast Asia. This shift reflects a more nuanced understanding of the US's evolving role in international relations, as seen in the experiences of former Deputy General Counsel Steven Okun at the US Department of Transportation under President Bill Clinton.
https://channelnewsasia.com/commentary/us-ambassador-singapore-anjani-sinha-tammy-duckworth-marco-rubio-asean-tariffs-5231446Bangladesh's Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin led high-level talks with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer as part of ongoing negotiations to reduce the country's 35% US tariffs, with adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan assuring business leaders that no reason for concern exists at this stage.
https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/no-need-worry-us-tariff-talks-ongoing-fouzul-tells-biz-leaders-1185531European leaders including UK's Starmer, France's Macron, EU's von der Leyen, Poland's Tusk and Italy's Meloni have unveiled a joint plan to counter Russia's actions in Ukraine. The proposal aims to strengthen economic ties among European nations and impose severe sanctions on Russia. The plan is seen as a bold move to crush Putin's war efforts.
https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/europes-ukraine-plan-starmer-macron-von-der-leyen-tusk-meloni-unveil-bold-push-to-crush-putin-s-war-11752169738152.htmlThe International Monetary Fund (IMF) is closely monitoring US tariffs announcements, urging countries to work constructively for a stable trade environment. US President Donald Trump has expanded global trade war with new tariffs on copper imports from Brazil and other countries, starting August 1. The IMF warned that uncertainty remains high, despite some factories in the US, Asia, and Europe showing resilience against future tariff uncertainty.
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/imf-says-new-us-tariffs-keep-trade-uncertainty-running-high-5232241The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has been urged by India to make its membership more inclusive by having five members with equal representation. This comes after the country's concerns over the current imbalance in the council, which is dominated by permanent members such as China and Russia. The request was made during a meeting of the UNSC, where India also discussed other pressing issues including terrorism and ammunition production for Ukraine.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/can-unsc-deem-to-be-inclusive-by-making-5-members-more-equal-than-others-india-asks-at-unsc/Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has refused to back down on trade with the US after President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on all Japanese imports, calling it "a battle for our national interests". Analysts warn of potential economic and security fallout.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3317746/japan-refuses-yield-trumps-tariff-threat-we-will-not-be-taken-advantage?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionJapanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya called for boosting 'future-oriented cooperation' among Japan, China, South Korea, and ASEAN nations to address common challenges such as aging societies, disaster prevention, food security, and cross-border online fraud. The trilateral process with China and South Korea is expected to have "synergy effects" with their collaboration with ASEAN, according to Iwaya. He also expressed concern over North Korea's missile and nuclear development, urging its complete denuclearization. Japan agreed with China and South Korea to speed up preparations for a summit meeting by the end of this year, following one held in May 2024 in Seoul.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250711/p2g/00m/0in/005000c