AnewZ Morning Brief - April 9th, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 9th, covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. 7th ADA University Policy Forum kicks off in Baku

Today, Baku hosts the 7th ADA University Policy Forum titled "Facing the New World Order", jointly organized by ADA University and the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center). The high-level forum brings together over 80 international experts and think tank representatives from 44 countries to discuss pressing global challenges and the evolving geopolitical landscape.

2. Asian markets tumble as new US tariffs take effect

Asian stock markets fell sharply on Wednesday following the implementation of a new set of U.S. tariffs, including a staggering 104% levy on Chinese imports. The tariffs, which came into effect just after midnight Eastern Time, have further deepened uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies.

Investors around the globe have reacted strongly, with market volatility reflecting fears that these measures could spark a prolonged trade war and potentially trigger a global economic slowdown. In the United States, the S&P 500 shed 1.6% on Tuesday, erasing an earlier 4.1% gain and settling nearly 19% below its February record high. Similarly, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 0.8%, while the Nasdaq composite fell by 2.1%, raising concerns about the U.S. entering bear market territory if the downward trend continues.

3. US to 'take back' Panama Canal from Chinese influence, visiting Pentagon chief says

The United States will "take back" the Panama Canal from Chinese influence, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday during a visit to the Central American nation.

After talks with Panama's government, Hegseth vowed to deepen security cooperation with Panamanian security forces and said China would not be allowed to "weaponize" the canal by using Chinese firms' commercial relationships for espionage.

"Together, we will take back the Panama Canal from China's influence," Hegseth said, speaking at a pier renovated with U.S. assistance in Panama City.

4. Mexico reports first human death from H5N1 bird flu

Mexico has reported its first human death from H5N1 avian influenza, a three-year-old girl from the northern state of Coahuila, according to the state's health minister.

Coahuila Health Minister Eliud Aguirre confirmed that the child passed away early Tuesday morning due to multiple organ failure caused by the infection. "We are monitoring all individuals who had close contact with the patient and conducting tests to determine if they are infected. So far, no one has tested positive," Aguirre added.

5. U.S.-Russia delegations to meet in Istanbul to discuss embassy operations

American and Russian diplomats will meet again in Istanbul on April 10 to focus exclusively on stabilising embassy operations between the two countries, the U.S. State Department announced on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Tammy Bruce made clear that the talks will not address political or security matters, stressing that “Ukraine is not, absolutely not on the agenda.”

“These talks are solely focused on our embassy operations,” Bruce told reporters. “They are not about normalising the broader relationship, which remains tied to peace in Ukraine.”

The discussions will take place at the Russian consulate in Istanbul, according to diplomatic sources.

6.Uzbek President Mirziyoyev advances ties with Arab states during 150th IPU Assembly

During the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held productive discussions with the heads of parliaments from several Arab nations.

The high-level meeting saw the participation of leaders, including the Chairman of the Arab Parliament and the speakers of the parliaments of Bahrain, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

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