Vietnam held its largest-ever celebration of the fall of Saigon on its 50th anniversary, with thousands of people lining the streets to commemorate the event. The parade featured a lotus-shaped float carrying Ho Chi Minh's portrait and fighter jets and helicopters flying overhead. For the first time, Chinese troops from China, Laos, and Cambodia participated in the spectacle, marking a shift in Beijing's role as a reliable partner over Washington. Vietnamese President To Lam emphasized reconciliation, urging people to rid themselves of hatred and division, while veteran Tran Van Truong expressed pride in contributing to liberating the south but no longer harboring hatred for those from the other side. The event comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Hanoi, which aimed to position Beijing as a stable alternative to Washington amid US tariff threats and foreign aid cuts.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/grand-vietnam-parade-50-years-after-the-fall-of-saigon/article_5f3edc95-0809-5f7a-8bdc-17a3a0a068fb.htmlChina's President Xi Jinping believes he has more relative strength than US President Donald Trump in the trade war, according to his reaction to increased tariffs. China retaliated with a 125% tariff on its exports and non-tariff measures like export bans on critical minerals it dominates, after the US raised tariffs to 145%.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/it-s-chess-not-checkers-china-can-play-the-long-game-against-trump-20250430-p5lvbb.htmlChinese President Xi Jinping is embarking on a rare three-nation, five-day trip to Southeast Asia as part of efforts to reassure regional partners amid US-China trade tensions. The visit aims to showcase China's reliability and commitment to the region, following tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. In Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, Xi will engage with leaders to strengthen economic ties and promote cooperation on issues such as infrastructure development and climate change.
https://channelnewsasia.com/listen/cna-correspondent/100-days-donald-trump-tariffs-tensions-and-tough-talk-5098506The Art Newspaper reports that international organisations have formed a charter for a sustainable visual art sector, uniting over 1,000 global members committed to system-wide change. The new Art Charter for Climate Action aims to reduce the environmental impact of the art world, particularly in areas such as travel, shipping, and temporary structures, which are major contributors to emissions.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/04/30/comment-|-art-world-attitudes-towards-the-climate-emergency-are-changing-but-the-time-to-secure-a-viable-future-is-nowAustralian Prime Minister Albanese is seeking bipartisan support for defense policy, including plans to acquire at least three Virginia Class submarines from the US within 10-15 years. The deal aims to bolster Australia's military presence in the Indo-Pacific and counter China's influence. Critics question the decision, citing concerns about the US's own military needs and the risk of President Trump revoking the agreement. Despite these doubts, many Australians remain committed to the alliance, with a recent poll showing only 36% trust in the US, down from previous years.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/nuclear-submarine-deal-lurks-below-surface-of-australian-election/article_b93638fe-395a-5f34-af75-73f895aa38d2.htmlAmnesty International has condemned the arrest of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, urging Pakistani authorities to release her and other detained protesters immediately. The organization called for an end to frivolous cases that aim to prolong their detention, emphasizing the right to peaceful protest.
https://www.sochfactcheck.com/audio-of-mahrang-baloch-speaking-to-an-unidentified-entity-is-a-deepfake/ArcelorMittal, a global steel company with operations in most major regions, has confirmed its focus on domestic markets and will continue to prioritize sales over exports. The company plans to invest $4.5-$5 billion in decarbonizing its steel production, reversing a suspended €1.8-billion investment in France last year. As part of this effort, 600 jobs are expected to be cut in France, with some support roles being shifted to India to save costs.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/steelmaker-arcelormittal-warns-of-uncertainty/article_d2891c9e-a9d7-5467-bc60-f5f8f7d61f61.htmlAston Martin is limiting imports to the US due to evolving tariffs, citing uncertainty in the sector. The company reported a 13% drop in first quarter revenue and reduced losses to £79.6 million ($106.5 million). Despite this, it expects significant improvements in financial performance compared to 2024, where it recorded a net loss of £323.5 million. The US tariff easing by Trump has affected Aston Martin's sales, which generate around a third of its revenue in the US, and has prompted Jaguar Land Rover to pause exports to the country.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/aston-martin-limits-us-car-imports-due-to-tariffs/article_59a038cf-d38b-5406-b8ad-dbe222c42338.htmlThe Australian Strategic Policy Institute's UK foreign policy lead, Sophia Gaston, notes a shift in Australia's approach towards China, moving away from prioritizing short-term growth and towards considering geopolitics and sovereignty.
https://www.politico.eu/article/britain-donald-trump-china-labour-politics-rachel-reeves/