South Korea has won a contract to build two nuclear reactors at the Dukovany power plant in the Czech Republic, worth $18.2 billion. This deal marks South Korea's first overseas nuclear power plant project win since 2009. The country had to overcome hurdles, including an intellectual property dispute with US energy firm Westinghouse Electric Co. and a recent appeal by French energy firm Electricite de France that was turned down by the Czech competition authority. The successful bid is expected to help South Korea penetrate deeper into the European market for nuclear energy, which is driven by rising demand sparked by the artificial intelligence boom and heightened awareness of energy security amid geopolitical tensions.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/technology/s-korea-wins-182-bn-deal-to-build-nuclear-reactors-in-czech-power-plant-1/South Korean automakers are increasing their lobbying efforts in Washington amid the ongoing trade tensions with the US, following President Trump's recent tariff salvo. The country's policy chief has warned that the tariffs could impact Asian security, while Korea has ruled out a tariff deal before its June 3 snap election. In contrast to previous administrations, which invested around $1 trillion over four years, the current administration credits its policies for a surge in investment, with every new factory and job creation seen as a sign of strength in the American economy.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-05-01/business/industry/Trump-hosts-global-executives-at-White-House-investment-event-praises-Hyundai-Samsung/2297999Indonesia's Sugiono urges Israel to comply with international humanitarian law by providing relief schemes for Palestinians, protecting medical facilities and personnel, and refraining from collective punishment and forced mass displacement. He specifically mentions the 2023 attack on Indonesia Hospital in Gaza as an example of Israel's failure to respect these obligations.
https://en.tempo.co/read/2002350/indonesia-urges-israel-to-comply-with-international-obligations-towards-palestineAsian shares advanced on Thursday due to a rebound in US stocks, which extended their winning streak for the seventh consecutive day. The S&P 500 rose 0.1% to 5,569.06, driven by uncertainty about President Donald Trump's trade policies. Japan's Nikkei 225 increased 0.9% to 36,359.24 after the Bank of Japan kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged amid growing concerns over the impact of Trump's policies.
https://www.boston25news.com/news/asian-shares-rise/UVLOD6MOYNG4JOBOQFNLP32DTU/The US economy unexpectedly contracted in the first quarter of 2025 due to an import surge triggered by Donald Trump's tariff plans. The contraction, a 0.3% decrease, was attributed to businesses and consumers stockpiling foreign goods ahead of the tariffs. Trump blamed his predecessor Joe Biden for the downturn, while highlighting a 22% rise in gross domestic investment during the first quarter. The White House called GDP a "backward-looking indicator" and argued that underlying numbers show strong momentum under President Trump. Economists warn of a greater risk of recession due to the sudden change in trade policy, citing the biggest drag from net exports in over half a century.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/05/01/us-economy-contracts-03pc-on-tariff-shock-trump-blames-biden-for-downturn/175128The US has imposed tariffs on most countries except China, which was not granted a grace period. The US market is expected to handle the tariffs moderately, with some sources suggesting that increases are likely but should remain moderate. Beijing is monitoring potential deals with other countries like India and Indonesia during the grace period before determining its next steps. China has strengthened economic ties beyond the US and advanced domestic self-reliance initiatives, making its high-end manufacturing increasingly indispensable in the global supply chain. The US administration lacks cohesion, with President Trump's personal decision-making taking precedence over structured policy discussions. Despite claims of communication between the two sides, no formal talks have begun, and Beijing has denied a claim that Chinese President Xi Jinping had reached out to Trump.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/05/01/beijing-delays-us-trade-talks-amid-trump-team-divisions-eyes-tariff-fallout-in-july/175159US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer contradicted Trump's claims of ongoing US-China trade war consultations, stating that no official talks are underway. However, Greer emphasized Washington's desire for a fair trade relationship with China, citing concerns over foreign trade practices that harm the US economy. This comes as the US Commerce Department reported a 0.3% decline in the nation's gross domestic product in the first quarter, marking the first contraction in three years.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3308635/trump-believes-good-chance-china-trade-deal-us-envoy-says-no-talks-under-way?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionChinese President Xi Jinping was received by Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, during a visit to promote bilateral trade ties.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202505/1333231.shtmlPakistan's arsenal against India has been bolstered by its acquisition of Chinese arms, with Bangladesh playing a key role in facilitating these deals. The country's relations with China have strengthened under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has moved to improve ties with Pakistan following her exit from office. Bangladesh and Pakistan held their first foreign secretary-level talks in nearly 15 years, focusing on bilateral and historical issues, including the 1971 war. Fazlur Rahman, a retired army officer, has led efforts to expose what he claims is a "foreign conspiracy" behind the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, which killed 57 people, including 54 soldiers of the Bangladesh Rifles.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/bangladesh-should-occupy-ne-states-if-india-attacks-pakistan-yunus-aide-on-pahalgam-13884732.html