TWTW Regional Roundups
News from around the world
Padmashree Anandhan, Fleur Elizabeth Philip, Rohini Reenum, Femy Francis, Anu Maria Joseph, R Preetha, Brighty Ann Sarah, Ananya Dinesh, Gauri Gupta, Merin Treesa Alex, Lekshmi Muthu, Kejia Reddy, Santhiya. M, and Rizwana S Banu
CHINA THIS WEEK
China: Foreign Minister emphasizes cooperation under Belt and Road Initiative in China- Pakistan-Afghanistan trilateral meeting
On 21 May, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted trilateral talks in Beijing for his counterparts from Pakistan and Afghanistan, Ishaq Dar and Amir Khan Muttaqi respectively. China pledged support for both countries in defending sovereignty, security, and national dignity. The three sides agreed “in principle” to exchange ambassadors soon. Wang Yi emphasized strengthening diplomatic ties and cooperation under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, particularly in Afghanistan’s reconstruction. The ministers also agreed to boost collaboration on law enforcement, counterterrorism, and safeguarding against foreign interference. These developments come as military tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, further aggravated by a recent school bus bombing in southwestern Pakistan. China, while not formally recognizing the Taliban, has supported the regime economically since 2021 despite not extending formal recognition. Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s “ironclad” support for Pakistan and vowed to deepen economic, security, and diplomatic ties with Afghanistan, promoting peace, stability, and mutual development across the region.
China: China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) 3.0 aims to modernize and deepen economic ties
On 21 May, China and the 10 ASEAN nations successfully concluded negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) 3.0. The announcement was made during a special virtual meeting of economic and trade ministers. Negotiations began in November 2022 and concluded in October 2024 after nine rounds of formal discussions. CAFTA 3.0 aims to modernize and deepen economic ties, introducing nine new chapters focused on the digital economy, green economy, and supply chain connectivity. These updates reflect evolving global trends and aim to enhance industrial cooperation and supply chain integration between China and ASEAN, two of the world’s leading developing economic blocs. The Ministry described the upgraded pact as a model of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation, reinforcing commitment to free trade and regional stability. CAFTA 3.0 is expected to boost certainty in global trade, while supporting the creation of a mega-market and a China-ASEAN community with a shared future. Both parties will now proceed with domestic ratification procedures, aiming to formally sign the upgraded protocol by the end of 2025.
China: Imposes 74.9 per cent import duties on Polyoxymethylene products from the US, Japan, and Taiwan
On 18 May, China imposed anti-dumping duties on imports of Polyoxymethylene copolymers from the United States, the European Union, Japan, and Taiwan. Polyoxymethylene is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic known for its strength, rigidity, and excellent dimensional stability. Following the anti-dumping probe, China retaliated after the US increased tariffs. The Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China imposed steep anti-dumping duties on these countries for the next five years. According to the announcement, “the highest anti-dumping rates of 74.9 per cent were levied on imports from the United States, while European shipments will face 34.5 per cent duties.” Japanese imports incurred a 35.5 per cent duty, except the Asahi Kasei Corp, which received a company-specific rate of 24.5 per cent. Similarly, Taiwan incurred General duties of 32.6 per cent, except Formosa Plastics, which received a 4 per cent tariff, and Polyplastics Taiwan which incurred 3.8 per cent tariffs.
China: Accelerates Mohmand Dam construction in Pakistan
On 19 May, SCMP reported that China is accelerating the construction of the Mohmand Dam in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The Mohmand dam is designed to serve as a multi-purpose facility for power generation, flood control, irrigation, and water supply. This was in response to India's warning to suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam attack. The construction of this dam started in 2019, designed to produce 800 MW of electricity and provide 300 million gallons of water to Peshawar. The infrastructure project also incorporates Diamer-Bhasha Dam, being built on the Indus River, which aims to boost Pakistan’s ability to store water. Despite tensions between India and Pakistan, China has urged Pakistan to “restrain” itself to maintain regional “peace and stability.”
China: To give an additional USD 500 million to the WHO
On 19 May, China announced that it will give an additional USD 500 million (SGD 648 million) to the World Health Organization at the World Health Assembly for over five years, amidst the UN agency seeking extra funding to counterbalance the expected loss of its top donor, the United States. China’s Vice-Premier of the State Council, Liu Guozhong, made the official announcement in a speech in Geneva. “The world is now facing the impacts of unilateralism and power politics, bringing major challenges to global health security. Multilateralism is a sure path to addressing difficulties,” Mr. Liu stated to the delegates.
SOUTHEAST AND SOUTH ASIA THIS WEEK
Vietnam: French President Emmanuel Macron to embark on a visit to Vietnam to discuss energy, infrastructure, defence, satellites, and nuclear power
On 20 May, the Vietnamese government confirmed that France’s President Emmanuel Macron would embark on a visit to Vietnam. Macron's visit to Vietnam along with Indonesia, and Singapore will be his first visit to Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, Macron plans to discuss energy, infrastructure, defence, satellites, and nuclear power. The Elysee office has prepared a dozen factors that both parties could agree upon and sign. A French official said that around 30 pacts are under discussion ahead of the signing on 26 May.
Singapore: PM Lawrence Wong initiates cabinet reshuffle
On 21 May, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong formulated a cabinet of four existing senior leaders and two new younger ministers. At a press conference at the National Press Center, he stated that he is assembling the strongest team for Singapore. The two new young MPs are David Neo for Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and Senior Minister for Education, and Jeffrey Siow for Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance. These changes are made to have diversity among younger and old officeholders.
Pakistan: IMF pushes Pakistan to ensure the federal budget falls in line
On 19 May, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Pakistan began discussions for the upcoming “federal budget” for the financial year 2025-2026. The talks between the IMF and Pakistan would go on until 23 May which would examine whether the budget put forward by the federal government would be able to meet the objectives set by the IMF. The final budget would be put forward by the federal government on 2 June. IMF has been continually stressing that the upcoming budget must fulfil the objectives of bringing back “macroeconomic stability,” increase foreign reserves and make “structural reforms” for a comprehensive economic growth.
Pakistan: Strengthens Russian and Central Asian connections at the Kazan forum
On 19 May, Dawn reported on Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan’s announcements on the Pakistan’s plan to “emerge as a key transit hub, bridging economies of South Asia and Central Asia,” through road networks connecting the cities of Karachi, Quetta and Gwadar with Central Asia and Europe. He highlighted the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) as a “focal project for good investment,” and also “revealed ongoing work on a pilot project for a railway line to Russia via Iran.” At the Kazan Forum organized by the Russian Federation in Tatarstan, Pakistan “welcomed cultural exchanges with Russia and Central Asian states,” reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to enhancing regional trade and economy. Mr Khan has also reportedly held a bilateral meeting and a joint session with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, expressing Pakistan’s “strong interest in developing a broad-based partnership with Russia.”
Sindh announces collaboration with China on a mini truck plant in Karachi
On 19 May, The News International reported that the Sindh government will establish a mini truck assembly plant in Karachi in collaboration with Chinese investors. In the launch ceremony held in the Chinese city of Bozhou, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon highlighted the initiative as a major step in Pakistan-China industrial and technical cooperation. Further, the government plans to set up electric vehicle charging stations across the province.
AFRICA THIS WEEK
South Africa: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visits US amid strains in bilateral ties
On 21 May, Ramaphosa met US President Trump and other delegates to reset the bilateral relationship between the two countries. This meeting took place against the backdrop of the passing of the land expropriation law, which is viewed unfavorably by the Afrikaners. During the meeting, Trump asked an assistant to “turn the lights down” and screened a lengthy video alleging white genocide in South Africa. The footage showcased the opposition leader chanting “shoot the boer”, an anti-apartheid song. Additionally, he displayed an aerial shot of thousands of white crosses by the side of the road. Trump claimed this to be the burial site of Afrikaners who had been murdered in recent years. However, these accusations were proven incorrect. Throughout the meeting, Ramaphosa maintained his composure. Ramaphosa remains optimistic and stated that “it was a great success.” However, Senator Jeanne Shaheen remarked that this meeting is not going to bring them closer but will take decades back.
Sudan: The US imposes sanctions on Sudan for violating the Chemical Weapons Convention.
On 23 May, the US announced that it would impose sanctions on Sudan after discovering that it used chemical weapons in the ongoing civil war last year against the Rapid Support Forces. A Sudanese government spokesperson stated that these are baseless claims without evidence. During this conflict, more than 150,00 have been killed, which began two years ago when Sudan’s army and the RSF fought a vicious power struggle. No details have been provided about which chemical weapons the US claims to have found, but in January, the New York Times reported that Sudan used chlorine gas on two occasions. No visual evidence has been shared so far. Sudan’s Cultural and Information Minister, Khalid Al-Ayesir, described the US’s actions as “Political Blackmail.” He added that the US previously made “False Claims " about the chemical weapons in Sudan, pointing to the 1998 Al-Shifa attack.
South Sudan: Sudan's army plans to close oil export facilities vital for South Sudan
On 21 May, Al Jazeera reported that Sudan's army-backed government is preparing to close the facilities that South Sudan uses to export oil. This comes against the backdrop of the suicide drones launched by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for six consecutive days at Port Sudan. These attacks have damaged the facilities, including fuel depots and electricity grids. While this sends shock waves to the city, Sudan's army is preparing to close it down. This decision could have serious repercussions on South Sudan's army as ninety per cent of the government revenue comes from oil exports, which are mainly exported from Sudan.
