Hong Kong lawmakers have unanimously passed a motion calling for unity in countering US tariffs and resisting what they see as "bullying" from the United States. The motion, proposed by Ma Fung-kwok, urges authorities to align with China's strategies and strengthen Hong Kong's international networks. Some lawmakers also expressed concerns over tycoon Li Ka-shing's CK Hutchison Holdings selling its Panama ports to a US-led consortium for $23 billion, urging the company to prioritize national interests over business.
https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3309625/hong-kong-lawmakers-unanimously-pass-motion-seeking-unity-against-trump-tariffs?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken's counterpart, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, was not mentioned in this context. However, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that negotiations with Russia are challenging due to Moscow's excessive demands for ending the war against Ukraine.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3990482-point-coming-in-russias-war-against-ukraine-where-decisions-are-going-to-have-to-be-made-trump.htmlAnalysts believe that a recent dialogue between China and the US, held in Switzerland, is only a precursor to an extended negotiation as neither side wants to concede. The talks come after stratospheric tariff increases halted almost all bilateral goods shipments. Beijing claims Washington blinked first, while President Trump's administration affirms confidence in its domestic economy.
https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3309592/stage-set-china-us-tariff-talks-trade-war-far-final-act?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionSingapore 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-5117816The international community, including Egypt, the UAE, Israel, and the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, has urged restraint and de-escalation in the India-Pakistan conflict. The US is not mentioned in this article. The UN Security Council has called for maximum military restraint from both countries, emphasizing that a military confrontation between India and Pakistan would be unacceptable. Israel has expressed support for India's right to self-defence following a terrorist attack on October 7, 2023. France has acknowledged India's concerns regarding terrorism. China is mentioned as having overt patronage of Pakistan. The international community is concerned about the potential for escalation, given that both nations are nuclear-armed. Diplomatic efforts are expected to intensify to encourage de-escalation and prevent a larger conflict.
https://www.ndtv.com/opinion/what-the-world-thinks-of-indias-operation-sindoor-against-pak-by-shashi-tharoor-8353725#pfrom=home-ndtv_opinionThe US will cut $50 million in annual medical aid to Zambia due to "systematic" theft of aid and the government's failure to address it. Ambassador Michael Gonzales stated that nearly half of 2,000 pharmacies investigated found selling medicines paid for by US aid funds. The US had informed the Zambian government of the issue in April 2024, but received minimal responsive action, prompting the US to take steps to safeguard its taxpayer funds.
https://apnews.com/article/us-aid-zambia-theft-corruption-da72169ee9362eea8c458680f4637734The US has a responsibility to help India and Pakistan resolve their crisis, according to Curtis, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security. In 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered strikes after a deadly attack, which was later defused by Mike Pompeo, who had spoken with an Indian official suspecting Pakistan of preparing a nuclear strike. The Trump administration has struggled to end the Ukraine war and is prioritizing trade and commerce over other global crises, including one in Yemen, where Steve Witkoff has reached a deal with Huthi rebels.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/603557-with-pakistan-india-trump-turns-back-to-cautious-us-diplomacyDeputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar condemned Indian aggression in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a blatant violation of the UN Charter and international law. He rejected India's claims of targeting terrorist infrastructure, stating there was no credible evidence linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam Attack. Dar urged the international community to hold India accountable for its actions, which he said were part of a fictitious narrative of victimhood.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40361589/dar-briefs-islamabad-based-envoys-on-indian-strikesThe International Monetary Fund (IMF) supports Pakistan's economic program through its Economic Facility for Stability (EFF), aiming to restore macroeconomic policy credibility, build resilience, and promote inclusive growth. Amid tensions with neighboring India, at least 31 Pakistanis were killed in Indian missile attacks, prompting the Pakistani military to down five Indian Air Force jets. The IMF hopes for a peaceful resolution between the two nations, while a new $1.3 billion loan program is set to be unlocked pending approval from the Executive Board, bringing total disbursements under the bailout program to $2 billion.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40361689/imf-reaffirms-support-for-pakistans-bailout-calls-for-deesclation-with-india