African petitioners are seeking the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights to interpret regional legal instruments, including the Maputo Protocol and the Kampala Convention, to hold historical emitters accountable for their impact on the continent's poor. The petition emphasizes states' obligations to protect human rights, address climate change, and promote a just transition to renewable energy systems. Legal professionals, climate justice advocates, and human rights activists from across Africa have gathered in Arusha to finalize the petition, which is seen as a milestone in the continent's response to climate injustice.
https://www.the-star.co.ke/counties/rift-valley/2025-05-05-african-rights-court-opinion-sought-on-state-duties-and-climate-changeAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese received a "very warm" congratulatory phone call from US President Donald Trump following his election victory, discussing topics such as AUKUS and tariffs. The prime minister's first overseas visit post-election will be to Jakarta rather than Washington, DC, but has accepted an invitation to attend the G7 leaders meeting in Alberta next month, potentially leading to a face-to-face meeting with Mr Trump.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-05/anthony-albanese-receives-phone-call-from-donald-trump/105253818Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has unveiled $356 million relief measures for small businesses affected by US tariffs, which he described as "baseless and harmful". The US tariffs, announced in April, have had a significant impact on Malaysia's exports and economy, with the US accounting for 13% of Malaysia's total exports worth $47.5 billion in 2024.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3309101/response-us-tariffs-malaysia-unveils-us356-million-sme-relief-measures?module=asia_latest&pgtype=sectionASEAN-plus-3 finance chiefs have expressed concerns over protectionism following US tariffs, warning that it could harm global trade. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plus China, Japan, and South Korea held a meeting in Milan on May 4, 2025, to discuss the impact of US trade policies on regional economies.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250505/p2g/00m/0in/006000cCanada is a key partner for US trade, with significant energy and critical mineral exchanges across the border. A briefing note highlights Canada's importance as the top supplier of energy to both countries, with 70 pipelines and 35 transmission lines crossing the border. The note also notes that a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, including energy, could lead to a $0.25 to $0.75 increase in US gas prices per gallon.
https://globalnews.ca/news/11163563/trudeau-economy-2024-trump-mar-a-lago-dinner-reports/China remains an attractive destination for foreign investors under President Xi Jinping's leadership, according to recent international forums. The country showcased its commitment to multilateral cooperation and dialogue to resolve trade and tariff disputes during G20 finance meetings. Chinese officials, including Central Bank Governor Pan Gongsheng and Finance Minister Lan Fo'an, emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing global economic challenges.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202505/1333352.shtmlIndonesia and Japan have strengthened their cooperation under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) framework, with Indonesia having over 170 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Japan. During a meeting, former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba delivered a letter from Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Indonesian President Prabowo, while Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto confirmed the discussions on developing cooperation projects under AZEC. Indonesia and Japan are set to sign an agreement for a 80 MW geothermal project in Muara Laboh, West Sumatra, with a US$500 million investment. President Prabowo expressed appreciation for close cooperation between the two countries, hoping it will continue amid global uncertainties, while Kishida emphasized strengthening relations during uncertain times.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/353941/president-prabowo-welcomes-japans-fumio-kishida-in-jakarta?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=top_newsMalaysian MP Lim Guan Eng has urged the government to suspend proposals that could add financial pressure on industries due to US tariffs, warning that the SME sector's contribution to GDP could fall to 35% if left unsupported. He proposed freezing cost-increasing policies and called for a mandatory 50% local content rule for investors to benefit Malaysian businesses. The government has announced measures including RM1 billion in financial guarantees to support local SMEs, following the Trump administration's imposition of a 24% tariff on Malaysian imports.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/05/05/lim-guan-eng-urges-government-to-freeze-tax-power-hikes-to-shield-malaysian-smes-from-us-trade-war-fallout/175634Malaysia is shifting its focus towards renewable energy, with the country aiming to phase out fossil fuels and meet its Southeast Asia climate goals. Chinese manufacturers are capitalizing on this trend, increasing their solar panel production and export to Southeast Asia. However, US solar tariffs have created trade barriers, affecting the industry's growth. In response, regional solar manufacturing is expanding in Malaysia, driven by local energy markets and government initiatives. The country aims to become a major player in the global solar industry, with companies like Trina Solar and JinkoSolar setting up operations there. As part of its climate policy, Malaysia plans to increase its renewable energy capacity, with solar power expected to play a significant role in the country's energy transition.
https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/05/united-states-solar-tariffs-could-drive-asia-transition-boom/