Bangladesh is seeking to expand its economic ties with Southeast Asia by applying to join the ASEAN bloc, while also exploring a potential Free Trade Agreement with China through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). A joint feasibility study has been exchanged between the two sides, indicating a growing interest in strengthening trade relations.
https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/china-offers-trade-pact-boost-investment-supply-chain-ties-1130911The Bank of Japan lowered its growth forecasts to 0.5% for 2025-26 due to US tariffs, causing the yen to drop by 0.8% to 144.23 per dollar, its weakest since mid-April. The move was seen as reducing the likelihood of future interest rate hikes. Investors are watching for signs of a trade war cooling and await US employment data, with President Donald Trump hinting at deals with China, India, South Korea, and Japan. The dollar rebounded against the yen, euro, and sterling, while the Australian and New Zealand dollars remained steady.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40360492/yen-slides-as-tariffs-keep-boj-on-holdThe Bank of Japan (BOJ) kept interest rates steady at 0.5% as it slashed its growth forecasts due to the impact of higher US tariffs on global demand, clouding Japan's fragile economic recovery. The decision was seen as dovish by market analysts, leading to a surge in buying of Japanese government bonds, causing the 10-year JGB yield to fall to a three-week low of 1.26%. This move came ahead of critical tariff talks between Japan and the US, with trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa set to visit Washington soon.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40360479/jgb-yields-slide-after-boj-cuts-economic-growth-forecastsCanada's economy has struggled in recent years, with its largest trading partner and closest geographical neighbour, the US, playing a significant role in Ottawa's foreign policy. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre lost his seat after his Trump-style rhetoric failed to resonate with Canadians, who instead rallied behind Liberal leader Justin Trudeau. The US-Canada relationship remains tense, with President Donald Trump's comments on Canada triggering a nationalist backlash. New Prime Minister Anand Sharma faces the challenge of governing amid this strained relationship and must navigate issues like trade, tariffs, and resource sharing. Diversification may be necessary for Canada, which relies heavily on US markets, but relations with China and India are currently low due to a diplomatic standoff over the past year.
https://www.ndtv.com/opinion/will-carneys-canada-finally-make-nice-with-india-8302659Chinese diplomat Wang expressed support for Iran's diplomatic efforts and appreciated its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. He also praised ongoing dialogue between Iran and other parties, while China supports Iran's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. This comes as US President Donald Trump has threatened military action if Iran doesn't strike a deal on its nuclear programme, which will be discussed in Rome on Saturday.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40360473/chinas-top-diplomat-backs-irans-nuclear-diplomacy-ahead-of-us-talksChina has denied accusations of "overcapacity" made by the US and other countries at a World Trade Organisation meeting, saying there is no universally recognised standard to define overcapacity. China's delegation argued that its industrial development is based on continuous technological innovation and coordinated development, not subsidies. The country attaches great importance to trade policy compliance and has committed to following WTO rules and transparency requirements. China also criticised the US "reciprocal tariffs" for disrupting global trade and undermining developing members' interests, and called on WTO members to step up cooperation against US unilateral bullying.
https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/05/01/china-denounces-us-039reciprocal-tariffs039-at-wto-meetingChina has created a list of US goods that would be exempted from its 125% tariffs, but the specific products have not been made public. The move is part of Beijing's efforts to maintain a positive public image while making concessions in the trade war with the US. China's factory output shrank in April, with a manufacturing PMI reading of 50.5, down from March's high and steeper than forecast. This decline was attributed to a "sharp shift" in the global economy, according to NBS statistician Zhao Qinghe.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-trump-tariffs-donald-trump-13884544.htmlChina's latest action at Sandy Cay may be part of a broader strategy to expand its footprint in the West Philippine Sea through incremental moves. Don McLain Gill, a Manila-based analyst, describes this as part of Beijing's "salami slicing" approach to maritime claims, which involves advancing territorial claims through small, calibrated moves that avoid triggering armed conflict. This strategy has been seen in China's development of artificial islands, such as Fiery Cross Reef in the Spratlys, and its use of coast guard vessels and maritime militia to reinforce claims in disputed waters without direct confrontation.
https://channelnewsasia.com/asia/china-philippines-flag-south-china-sea-sandy-cay-reef-5099936China has issued a travel warning to its citizens advising them to exercise caution when traveling to the United States, citing concerns over US immigration policies. The warning comes amid strained US-China relations, with China's UN envoy slamming the US in April 2025. This move is part of a broader trend of China seeking to diversify its diplomatic channels and promote multilateralism through organizations like BRICS.
https://www.scmp.com/news/us/article/3308596/us-immigration-chills-chinas-travel-warning-citizens-7-us-china-relations-reads?module=top_story&pgtype=section