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Shipping containers stacked at Malaysia’s Port Klang on April 18. Photo: AP
Malaysia

Asean firms in limbo as US tariff window ticks and China ‘dumping’ fears grow

Companies brace for drop in demand and profits as they and regional governments struggle to find a way to tackle the punishing duties.

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Indonesia

Indonesia’s food estate push targets self-sufficiency, but Papua concerns grow

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Malaysia

Nasi lemak, beef rendang prices soar as food inflation bites Malaysians

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India

‘Things have gone haywire’: Indian students rethink US study plans

Analysts say universities in Europe, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as some local institutions stand to benefit.

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A student waves a sign during a University of Nevada, Las Vegas, rally to demand the university protect students regardless of immigration status on April 24. Photo: TNS
A student waves a sign during a University of Nevada, Las Vegas, rally to demand the university protect students regardless of immigration status on April 24. Photo: TNS
Malaysia

Malaysia’s anti-graft agency seeks powers to claw back billions in illicit funds

The MACC is seeking new powers to negotiate the return of large sums of money without first having to press charges.

India

What will happen to China’s rejected Boeing planes? India may have an answer

If Indian carriers can acquire the jets, it could ease capacity issues and boost the country’s aviation growth.

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Japan

Can Japan reduce US reliance amid Trump policies, and embrace Global South?

Japanese business leaders are urging the country to diversify trade beyond the US to mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on one economy.

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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (left) shakes hands with US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 7. Photo: Kyodo
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (left) shakes hands with US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 7. Photo: Kyodo
India

Carney’s win sets stage for reset in India-Canada ties after Trudeau tensions

Bilateral relations deteriorated after Trudeau alleged that Indian agents were behind the killing of Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Pakistan

India vs Pakistan: a Western-Chinese arms face-off in the making?

A clash between the South Asian rivals’ warplanes and artillery could have profound implications for the global arms industry.

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Trade

Asia’s clean energy aim at risk as nations mull US gas deals amid tariff fears

The sector can weather the impact of Trump’s tariffs through regional cooperation and finding trade routes outside the US, experts suggest.

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A liquefied natural gas tanker is tugged towards a thermal power station in Futtsu, east of Tokyo, Japan. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia

Malaysia’s Forest City: will funds from family offices be a lifeline?

The development has been plagued by delays brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and bankruptcy battles.

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Condominiums at Forest City in Malaysia’s Johor state. Photo: AFP
Condominiums at Forest City in Malaysia’s Johor state. Photo: AFP
Israel

Maldives joins Malaysia in call for ‘legitimate’ Palestinian state amid Gaza war

The Maldives reiterated call for a Palestinian state comes two weeks after the island nation implemented an entry ban on Israeli passport holders.

Vietnam

In quest for lean ‘new era’, Vietnam’s leader takes torch to bureaucracy

Communist Party chief To Lam is reshaping bureaucracy by merging provinces, boosting efficiency and extending influence.

Pakistan

Pakistan’s mining push: a chance to equal Indonesia’s nickel success?

A landmark deal unlocking vast copper and gold reserves has Pakistan eyeing a transformative economic shift.

Copper smelting at an underground copper mine. Pakistan’s Reko Diq project is expected to yield 13.1 million tonnes of copper over its 37-year lifespan. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

Philippines urged to ‘strategically’ work with China amid US tariff tensions

It follows a call from a Chinese envoy for the Philippines and fellow Asean members to be united in safeguarding free trade.

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Containers and cranes in Manila on April 8. US President Donald Trump kicked off a potentially ruinous global trade war earlier this month with harsh levies on trading partners. Photo: AFP
Containers and cranes in Manila on April 8. US President Donald Trump kicked off a potentially ruinous global trade war earlier this month with harsh levies on trading partners. Photo: AFP
South Korea

South Korea, US aim for ‘July package’ to resolve tariff disputes

Seoul has offered to partner with Washington in shipbuilding and energy, and says it aims to address their bilateral trade imbalance.

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Malaysia

Malaysia vows to buy more US goods in break from united Asean front on tariffs

Malaysia is looking for ways to reduce its US$25 billion trade surplus with the US in a bid to ease the pain of a proposed 24 per cent levy.

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Indonesia

Indonesia stays committed to EV battery hub goal despite LG’s ‘significant’ exit

China-backed Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt will replace LG Energy Solution, which pulled out due to ‘market conditions’, in a mega EV project.

An electric car at an Indonesian auto show in 2023. Indonesia will keep its plan to build its electric vehicle battery supply chain despite LG’s exit from a mega project. Photo: EPA-EFE
An electric car at an Indonesian auto show in 2023. Indonesia will keep its plan to build its electric vehicle battery supply chain despite LG’s exit from a mega project. Photo: EPA-EFE
Malaysia

AI-generated image of durian farm in Malaysia raises stink over land dispute

Image fuels speculation about more illegal planters in Pahang’s forests, while analysts also warn of lack of safeguards against manipulated content.

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Japan

Japan’s World Expo struggles with low visitor figures amid a litany of woes

Despite hitting 1 million visitors, Osaka Expo 2025 has been plagued by a bomb scare, methane explosion and long queues.

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Malaysia

Malaysia urged to invest in Uganda’s untapped oilfields as its reserves dwindle

Uganda has an estimated 6.5 billion barrels of petroleum reserves. Malaysia’s reserves stood at 2.7 billion barrels as of 2023.

An aerial view of Uganda’s Kingfisher Oil Field run by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation in Kikube. Photo: Xinhua
Indonesia

‘Balanced’ ties: Indonesia treads careful path between China and US

This impartial stance could set Jakarta up to be a good mediator between Beijing and Washington, observers say.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) and Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono shake hands after signing a memorandum of understanding after the first 2+2 meeting in Beijing on Monday. Photo: Xinhua/EPA-EFE
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) and Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono shake hands after signing a memorandum of understanding after the first 2+2 meeting in Beijing on Monday. Photo: Xinhua/EPA-EFE
Japan

Will Japan risk its US alliance to team up with China against Trump’s tariffs?

Japan is likely to prioritise its security pact with Washington over economic alignment with Beijing, observers say.

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Malaysia

Will Malaysia face pressure from US to lean less on China during trade talks?

A high-level trade delegation from Malaysia is visiting Washington to discuss the country’s ‘neutral’ role in global supply chains.

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India

Will India’s regional clout rise as trade pact with US inches closer?

New Delhi and Washington have agreed on ‘reciprocal trade’ terms after US Vice-President J.D. Vance met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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Washington and New Delhi have reached terms for a trade deal after US Vice President J.D. Vance met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday. Photo: AFP
Open Questions series

Scholar Jing Qian on right-sizing China’s economy in the age of Trump

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

US-China rivalry doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game: Jessica Chen Weiss

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

China’s rise, potential recession, no WWIII yet: 11 key interviews from 2024

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Why eco-warrior Ma Jun sees hope for China’s role in Cop29 amid US uncertainty

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Historian on why we aren’t heading towards WWIII yet and how wars have changed

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Scholar Jing Qian on right-sizing China’s economy in the age of Trump

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40
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

US-China rivalry doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game: Jessica Chen Weiss

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29
Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

China’s rise, potential recession, no WWIII yet: 11 key interviews from 2024

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Why eco-warrior Ma Jun sees hope for China’s role in Cop29 amid US uncertainty

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Historian on why we aren’t heading towards WWIII yet and how wars have changed

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
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