US President Donald Trump's decision to double down on tariffs on China may signal the end of "Chimerica", a symbiotic relationship between the US and China. However, this approach has yielded mixed results, suggesting that a global economic restructuring in Washington's favour is unlikely. For Southeast Asian countries, this could lead to an unpredictable future marked by shocks, as they navigate the potential consequences of a decoupling from the US-China economic powerhouse.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3308883/end-chimerica-and-what-means-southeast-asia?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionThe Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced an additional $26 billion funding package to support countries in addressing food security and environmental concerns, building on its previous pledge of $14 billion by 2025. ADB President Masato Kanda emphasized the need for urgent action to alleviate hunger and protect rural livelihoods. The new funding will be split between direct government support ($18.5 billion) and private sector investments ($7.5 billion), with a goal of increasing private sector involvement to over 27% by 2030, as part of ADB's $40 billion program.
https://www.tbsnews.net/world/adb-support-food-security-reach-40b-2030-1133341Indonesia's Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq and Norway's Climate and Environment Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen signed a Letter of Intent in Oslo, marking a significant step towards combating climate change. The agreement aims to enhance collaboration on climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as promote sustainable development through initiatives such as peatland and mangrove ecosystem preservation and waste management. This move underscores Indonesia's reliance on Norway as a strategic partner in addressing the environmental crisis, following years of Norwegian support for Indonesia's efforts to reduce emissions from the forestry sector, including a $216 million commitment since 2022.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/353921/ri-norway-deepen-cooperation-on-climate-sustainabilityIndia's Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, has emphasized the need for sensitivity and mutual interests in international relations, stating that India seeks partners rather than preachers. He believes a realization of how the world works is essential for effective cooperation with European countries through Europex.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/india-is-looking-for-partners-not-preachers-jaishankar-1876897Malaysia will convene a special sitting of Parliament on May 5 to discuss the US' surprise imposition of retaliatory tariffs on Malaysian exports, which include a 10% baseline duty and a 24% levy specifically targeting Malaysian goods. The move has sparked concern across government and industry, with Investment Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz leading high-level talks in Washington to address US concerns constructively. The US administration has paused the implementation of individualized reciprocal tariffs for most countries, including Malaysia, during a 90-day window, allowing for negotiations with over 75 countries that have expressed concerns about the tariffs.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/05/04/special-parliament-session-to-address-us-tariffs-on-may-5Warren Buffett expressed concerns over President Donald Trump's tariffs, warning of global instability and stating that trade should not be used as a weapon. He believes Trump's policies are angering the rest of the world, particularly with 7.5 billion people who don't like him, and that this could lead to more countries being prosperous for everyone's safety. Buffett also downplayed recent market turmoil caused by Trump's tariff announcement, calling it "really nothing" and saying Berkshire Hathaway is sitting on $347.7 billion in cash, waiting for better investment opportunities.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/warren-buffett-shocks-shareholders-with-retirement-announcement-abel-to-lead-berkshire-13885297.htmlIndia and Indonesia have agreed to strengthen high-level engagements to boost trade and investment between the two countries. The move aims to facilitate regular visits by business delegations, which is expected to accelerate economic outcomes. This development comes after a meeting between Indian officials and Indonesian counterparts.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/business/piyush-goyals-brussels-visit-bolsters-india-belgium-trade-investment-ties-1/India has taken a tough stance against Pakistan, halving the size of its embassy in Islamabad, suspending a bilateral water-sharing agreement, and banning visas for Pakistani citizens. The move also includes declaring military advisors at the Islamic Republic's diplomatic mission persona non grata, escalating tensions between the two nations.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/968744-pakistan-requests-un-security-council-meetingIndia's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has taken a veiled dig at European nations, advocating for 'Russia realism' in international relations. He made this statement during a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, where they discussed strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation on global issues. The minister's comments were seen as a response to the growing tensions between India and some European countries over various issues, including trade and security.
https://www.livemint.com/news/india-looking-for-partners-not-preachers-eam-jaishankar-takes-veiled-dig-at-european-nations-advocates-russia-realism-11746378290587.html