International Relations NewsFeed

Indonesia Blocks Chinese Goods Amid US Tariffs Shift

The Indonesian government is taking proactive measures to block Chinese goods from entering the country through transshipment routes, following China's shift in exports towards European markets due to US tariffs. Director Askolani of the Finance Ministry stated that the government may impose anti-dumping import duties if domestic businesses are flooded with products traditionally intended for the US. The move aims to safeguard Indonesia's domestic business environment, as the country remains neutral amid US-China trade tensions.

https://en.antaranews.com/news/354429/indonesia-to-tighten-export-certificates-to-curb-transshipments?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_right

Indonesia Expands Carbon Trading Agreements with Gold Standard

Indonesia plans to expand its mutual recognition agreements on carbon trading, following a signing ceremony between the Ministry of Environment and the Gold Standard Foundation. Minister Nurofiq announced this expansion, building on Indonesia's existing agreement with Japan, which was signed last year.

https://en.antaranews.com/news/354481/indonesia-expands-carbon-trading-agreements-with-multiple-countries?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_right

Indonesia Urged to Diversify Renewable Energy Partnerships

Indonesia should prioritize financing for renewable energy and holistic transitions, according to Wicaksono. The country's government must take bold stances and leverage geopolitical opportunities while addressing socio-economic issues. Shofwan Al Banna Choiruzzad, a University of Indonesia lecturer, notes that China leads the renewable energy sector, but warns against dependence on a single major power. He advocates for multi-party and cross-national partnerships to strengthen climate agendas and energy transitions, which are crucial for long-term growth and sovereignty.

https://en.tempo.co/read/2005139/us-exits-climate-deal-china-emerges-as-key-partner-for-indonesia

Jordan's King Courts US Tech Investment Partners

Jordan's King expressed readiness to strengthen its strategic partnership with the US, focusing on high-value sectors such as green hydrogen and renewable energy. The country is attracting global technology companies due to low manufacturing costs, skilled labor force, and free trade agreements. Promising investment opportunities exist in mega infrastructure projects, healthcare, tourism, and education. Representatives from major companies like Chevron Phillips Chemical, Cirrus Logic, and Raytheon Technologies attended a meeting with the King, alongside Jordan's Ambassador to the US Dina Kawar and Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson.

https://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/king-meets-ceos-representatives-texas-companies

Malaysia Hosts US-China Trade Talks in Switzerland

Malaysia is set to host high-stakes meetings following US-China trade talks in Switzerland, which may pave the way for deeper negotiations between the world's two largest economies. The summit planning began months ago and will involve major geopolitical power players, including China and ASEAN countries. China has confirmed its willingness to deepen cooperation with ASEAN and GCC countries at the meeting, with spokesperson Lin Jian stating their intention to jointly safeguard the international economic and trade order and global free trade system.

https://channelnewsasia.com/asia/chinese-premier-visit-malaysia-key-asean-gulf-summit-sources-say-5117496

Putin and Xi Slam US Space Defense Plan

Russia and China expressed concern over the US' "Golden Dome" program, a large-scale missile defense plan that aims to strengthen combat operations in space. The two nations, represented by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, issued a joint statement after talks in Moscow, warning of the need for cooperation to prevent the deployment of weapons in space. They also pledged to counter US policies aimed at achieving military supremacy in space, which they see as a threat to global stability.

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/05/08/russia-and-china-criticize-trumps-iron-dome-for-america-plan-a89023

Singapore Boosts Asia's Decarbonization Efforts

The European Union's climate monitoring system has reported that global temperatures remained near-record highs in April, highlighting the need for sustainable practices in supply chains. Singapore is taking steps to support Asia's decarbonization efforts through its blended finance initiative, which will establish a dedicated office to promote climate-friendly projects. Private green investments in Southeast Asia have seen a 43% increase to $8 billion in 2024, according to a report. The country plans to allow Singaporean entities to list product carbon data aligned with global methodology, while Credit Suisse and UBS are exploring investment opportunities in climate projects requiring trillions of dollars in funding.

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/esg/lack-standards-around-cross-border-renewable-energy-certificates-trade-prevents-offtake-agreements

Singapore Braces for Economic Fallout from India-Pakistan Tensions

Singapore may face economic repercussions from the escalating India-Pakistan conflict, as a result of its significant trade ties with both countries. As a key player in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Singapore's stability is closely linked to regional security. The conflict could disrupt global commodity markets and impact Singapore's exports, particularly those reliant on Indian and Pakistani goods.

https://channelnewsasia.com/watch/professor-pushan-dutt-impact-india-pakistan-conflict-singapore-5117816

Starmer Seeks Trade Breakthrough with US Negotiations

UK Prime Minister Starmer will engage in further negotiations with the US after a recent free-trade agreement with India, his first major win since taking office last year. The deal comes as President Trump has imposed tariffs on imports from around the world, including Britain, but temporarily froze higher duties to allow for talks. The UK had been keen to reach an accord ahead of an EU-UK summit on May 19, and London has not yet retaliated against Trump's tariffs.

https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/trump-unveils-breakthrough-us-uk-trade-deal/article_ac66f9a4-d234-5cac-8b9f-f8d4fc9fdfd9.html