international trading system

China has strongly condemned growing US pressure on its trading partners, pledging to retaliate against actions harming its interests. Washington is reportedly urging allies to reduce trade with Beijing for tariff exemptions, which China views as coercive. Beijing insists on equality in trade talks and warns against protectionism, emphasizing its resolve to defend its rights amidst escalating tariffs.

President Xi Jinping has criticized tariffs. He said that tariffs undermine the global economic order. This statement comes amid tensions between China and the United States. Earlier, Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese imports. China retaliated with duties on American goods. China opposes deals at its expense. Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the UK and EU to defend multilateral trade.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Vizhinjam International Seaport on May 2, positioning India as a transshipment hub. Developed with Adani Ports, it aims to reduce reliance on foreign ports with its advanced infrastructure and strategic location. The port boasts semi-automation and an AI-powered vessel traffic management system, marking a new era in India's maritime trade.

Mark Carney's Liberal Party is poised to form a minority government in Canada, presenting an opportunity to mend strained relations with India after a challenging period under Justin Trudeau. Carney has expressed interest in strengthening trade partnerships with India, particularly concerning the future of Indian students in Canada.

World Bank President Ajay Banga has urged developing nations to promptly pursue trade agreements with the U.S., citing potential harm from delays. He supported scrutiny of the World Bank's policies and advocated for China to reduce its borrowing from the IBRD. Banga also emphasized expanding energy access in sub-Saharan Africa and fostering local job creation in developing countries.

The IMF has expressed concerns about the negative effects of trade tensions on the global economy, revising its growth forecast downward to 2.8%. India's growth projection has also been reduced to 6.2% due to global uncertainty, despite robust private consumption in rural areas. Intensified trade wars and policy uncertainty pose significant downside risks, potentially leading to financial instability.

Kapil Sibal proposed a special Parliament session to address the Pahalgam terror attack, emphasizing national unity against terrorism. He advocated for an unanimous resolution and international diplomatic efforts, including sending delegations to major countries to build pressure on Pakistan. Sibal also suggested leveraging India's market to influence nations trading with Pakistan and pushing for a UN Security Council resolution.

Veteran investor Mark Mobius suggests India can capitalize on the global supply chain shift from China, but must act swiftly. He urges India to reduce bureaucratic hurdles to attract investment and streamline trade processes.

Donald Trump faces global scrutiny. Xi Jinping confronts internal challenges. Purges within China's military raise concerns about loyalty. Key generals have disappeared. Xi aims for a fourth term in 2027. He needs to show stability. Trump's tariffs create an external enemy. Economic slowdown and military instability pose threats. Xi's grip on power faces tests. The world watches China's internal dynamics.

Amid escalating tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has suspended the Simla Agreement and blocked its airspace for Indian planes. India retaliated by halting the Indus Water Treaty and SAARC Visa exemptions. Simultaneously, the Indian Navy successfully test-fired an Israeli-Indian missile. In a poignant moment, a nine-year-old performed his father's last rites, a victim of the attack.

China is casting itself as a champion of the rules-based order and is calling on other countries to stand with Beijing against Washington

The United States has imposed significant new duties, up to 3,521%, on solar imports from Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand, responding to claims of unfair subsidies and below-cost sales. While supporting domestic manufacturers like Hanwha Q Cells and First Solar, these duties create challenges for US renewable energy developers reliant on affordable foreign supplies.

The destruction of the liberal international order does not presage multipolarity but rather consolidates the US-China bipolarity that will subsist amid the increasing entropy in global politics

President Xi Jinping has declared AI a strategic priority, urging China to lead in this transformative field. China aims for self-reliance in AI, balancing innovation with safety. Despite progress, concerns arise over data privacy and potential military applications, particularly with AI models like DeepSeek. Amidst U.S.

China has issued a stern warning against countries entering trade agreements with the U.S. at Beijing's expense, threatening countermeasures. This follows reports of potential U.S. tariff exemptions for nations limiting trade with China.

Donald Trump's tariff plans have increased the risks to public finances, the International Monetary Fund said Wednesday, warning countries to get their spending plans under control and prepare for "sharper" trade-offs. "Fiscal policy now faces a sharper trade-off between reducing debt, building buffers against uncertainties and accommodating spending pressures, all amidst weaker growth prospects, higher financing costs, and heightened risks," it added.