A Fragile U.S.–China Trade Thaw Takes Shape

China and ASEAN, hit by U.S. tariffs, sign upgraded free trade pact

The Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN and China on Tuesday signed an upgrade to their free trade agreement, which is expected to include sections on digital, green economy and other new industries.

Israel grants access for Red Cross and Egyptian teams to aid hostage search

The Israeli government announced on Sunday (October 26) that Egyptian and Red Cross teams have been granted permission to enter Gaza to search for the remains of deceased hostages. The teams were allowed to move beyond the so-called “yellow line,”.

Thailand and Cambodia make progress towards peace deal

Talks between Thailand and Cambodia this week have made "meaningful progress", Thai defence minister Natthaphon Narkphanit said on Thursday, ahead of the potential signing of a broader ceasefire agreement.

Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Chile, and Bangladesh move to join the RCEP trade bloc

Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Chile and Bangladesh are seeking to join the China-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RECEP), the world's largest trade bloc, Southeast Asian officials said on Thursday (25 September).

Canada signs landmark trade deal with Indonesia, first with ASEAN nation

Canada has signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Indonesia, marking Ottawa’s first-ever bilateral trade deal with an ASEAN member.

Cambodia and Thailand finalise peace after border clashes

Cambodia and Thailand’s senior defence leaders are meeting in Malaysia on Thursday (7 August) again for talks aimed at securing a lasting end to hostilities following a violent and deadly five-day border conflict in late July. The two sides have agreed to ASEAN monitoring and open talks.

Malaysia to boost semiconductor resilience with regional ties

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to fortify the country's semiconductor sector by diversifying partnerships, building local expertise, and deepening ASEAN cooperation.

Malaysia urges Thai-Cambodian ceasefire amid rising border tensions

Malaysia has urged Thailand and Cambodia to agree to an immediate ceasefire after fresh border clashes. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as incoming ASEAN Chair, welcomed both sides' openness to dialogue and offered Malaysia's support for a diplomatic resolution.

Rubio calls China talks constructive despite U.S. tariff backlash in Asia

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Malaysia, calling the talks 'positive and constructive' despite growing tensions over new U.S. tariffs on Asian economies.

Lavrov and Rubio talks were 'substantive and frank' in Malaysia

Talks in Malaysia between top diplomats from Russia and the United States were described by the Russian Foreign Ministry as "substantive and frank" with both sides confirming their interest in seeking peaceful solutions to international conflicts.

Japan urges fair trade as U.S. plans new tariffs

As Washington prepares to impose new tariffs, Japan has voiced concern over global trade tensions, urging stronger support for multilateral economic systems during ASEAN talks in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia calls for stronger inter-ASEAN trade amid tariffs uncertainty

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on Southeast Asian nations to deepen regional cooperation and boost intra-regional trade as the world faces increasing economic uncertainty.

China prioritizes "inclusivity and sustainability" at East Asia dialogue

China sends Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong to East Asian cooperation meetings in Malaysia, aiming for "in-depth communication" on "Inclusivity and Sustainability" to foster regional stability and positive energy.

Malaysia calls for stronger ASEAN unity due to US tariffs

Malaysia’s foreign minister urged Southeast Asian nations to fast-track regional economic integration and stand united in the face of sweeping US tariffs that have disrupted global trade.

ASEAN summit opens with focus on Trump tariffs

Southeast Asian leaders are meeting in Kuala Lumpur to voice concern over U.S. tariff policies and forge stronger regional and global alliances.