Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • India and US defer trade talks after Supreme Court’s tariff ruling

    India and US defer trade talks after Supreme Court’s tariff ruling

    India and the United States have postponed critical trade negotiations originally scheduled for this week amid legal and policy developments that have introduced fresh complexities into bilateral economic relations. The decision comes directly from India’s Commerce Ministry, which confirmed that both nations require additional time to assess the implications of recent U.S. judicial and executive actions.

    The scheduled meetings in Washington were intended to finalize an interim trade agreement announced earlier this month between former President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. That preliminary understanding had proposed reducing U.S. tariffs on certain Indian exports from 50% to 18%, though several aspects of the arrangement remained undefined.

    This development follows a landmark ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, which determined that the Trump administration overstepped its authority by implementing sweeping global tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The judicial decision represents a significant setback to the former president’s trade policy agenda. Subsequently, Trump announced intentions to impose a new comprehensive 15% tariff on all imported goods entering the United States.

    The now-deferred negotiations were expected to address outstanding issues, including India’s commitment to reduce standard tariffs on U.S. industrial goods and agricultural products. In return, the United States had agreed to lower reciprocal tariffs affecting approximately 55% of Indian exports. The interim deal, initially anticipated to take effect in April, followed months of trade tensions sparked by Trump’s imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods last August, which included penalties for purchasing Russian oil.

    Indian agricultural unions have expressed concerns that tariff reductions on U.S. farm imports could disadvantage domestic producers. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has attempted to reassure stakeholders that India has not offered concessions on sensitive products including dairy, genetically modified goods, meat, or poultry, while emphasizing that farmer protections remain in place.

    No rescheduled date has been established for the diplomatic delegation’s visit to Washington, which was originally planned to depart on Sunday. Both governments are now evaluating how the judicial ruling and proposed new tariffs might affect existing and prospective trade agreements between the United States and its international partners.

  • Supreme Court decision against Trump’s tariffs raises uncertainty, but markets stay calm

    Supreme Court decision against Trump’s tariffs raises uncertainty, but markets stay calm

    BANGKOK (AP) — A landmark ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court against former President Donald Trump’s tariff regime has sent ripples across the global economic landscape, triggering cautious responses from major trading partners and creating fresh uncertainty in international markets.

    The court’s decision, delivered Friday, invalidates sweeping tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) in April 2025. This judicial intervention potentially unravels complex trade arrangements negotiated over the past two years, forcing a comprehensive reassessment of U.S. trade policy direction.

    China’s Commerce Ministry announced it is conducting a “thorough evaluation” of the legal development. An unnamed ministry spokesperson reiterated Beijing’s consistent position that “there are no winners in trade wars,” emphasizing that Trump’s measures “not only violate international economic and trade rules but also contravene domestic laws of the United States.” The statement urged Washington to lift unilateral tariffs imposed on trading partners.

    In response to the judicial setback, Trump proposed implementing a new 15% global tariff utilizing Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, demonstrating his administration’s determination to maintain protectionist trade policies through alternative legal mechanisms.

    The ruling creates a divergent impact across U.S. trading partners. While Asian nations like China and South Korea potentially face reduced import duties, allies including Japan and the United Kingdom might confront increased tariffs under the new proposed structure.

    U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer affirmed that existing trade agreements remain intact regardless of legal challenges. “The deals were not premised on whether or not the emergency tariff litigation would rise or fall,” Greer stated during a CBS News interview, noting that no trading partners had yet attempted to withdraw from agreements.

    South Korean Trade Minister Kim Jung-kwan expressed concerns about prolonged uncertainty if the administration continues implementing tariffs through alternative statutes. “Given the uncertainty over future U.S. tariff measures, the public and private sectors must work together to strengthen our companies’ export competitiveness and diversify their markets,” Kim noted, adding that Seoul would pursue “amicable” discussions with U.S. officials to minimize negative impacts on Korean exporters.

    U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent projected confidence that tariff revenues would remain stable despite the legal shift, pointing to the proposed 15% global tariff as replacement mechanism. The administration will defer to judicial authorities regarding potential refunds for import taxes already collected under the invalidated tariffs.

    Financial markets exhibited mixed reactions, with U.S. futures declining early Monday while Asian shares mostly advanced. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index gained 2.4%, reflecting the complex interplay of legal, political, and economic factors reshaping global trade dynamics.

  • Mini landscapes drive village’s economy

    Mini landscapes drive village’s economy

    In Zhouquan Village, Jiangsu Province, an ancient horticultural tradition has evolved into a thriving digital enterprise. Each morning before dawn, over 100 meticulously crafted penjing (miniature potted landscapes) transform the village square into an open-air studio, where livestreamers move among the intricate creations, showcasing them to viewers nationwide.

    The village’s transformation from traditional cultivation to e-commerce powerhouse represents a remarkable case study in rural economic development. Situated along China’s north-south divide, Shuyang County’s mild climate and distinct seasons have historically made it ideal for ornamental plant cultivation. Today, the region generates 35 billion yuan annually from this sector, with livestreamed sales accounting for one-third of the national penjing market.

    Zhouquan’s penjing heritage dates to the Qing Dynasty, when Emperor Kangxi gifted his tutor Hu Jianjing a procumbent juniper landscape in 1671. This ancient specimen, still standing centuries later, inspired the distinctive ‘ox watching the moon’ style featuring over 60 cloud-like tiers with intricate diamond-shaped perforations. This artistic tradition has been passed down through generations, with currently 300 of the village’s 1,200 families engaged in penjing production, generating approximately 300 million yuan annually.

    The industry’s evolution mirrors China’s technological progression: from 1970s bicycle and oxcart transportation to three-wheeled trucks in the 1990s, then to early e-commerce platforms in the 2000s. The pandemic accelerated the shift to livestreaming, which now dominates sales. Pioneer Jiang Aihua, a former teacher who transitioned to penjing after her son’s birth, became the village’s first Taobao seller in 2007. Her adaptation to livestreaming during COVID-19 proved particularly impactful, expanding the customer base beyond traditional older enthusiasts to include younger urbanites seeking mindful hobbies and evergreen species suitable for compact living spaces.

    The industry now stands at another technological crossroads. Jiang is mentoring her university-educated son Zhou Jiangchao in both penjing artistry and digital marketing, emphasizing that genuine appreciation must precede effective sales. Looking ahead, they plan to integrate artificial intelligence to create growth process videos, believing immersive storytelling will further expand their market reach.

  • What now for Asia after Trump’s tariffs struck down?

    What now for Asia after Trump’s tariffs struck down?

    A landmark Supreme Court decision has triggered significant upheaval in international trade relations, declaring numerous tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump in 2025 unlawful. The Friday ruling compelled U.S. Customs to suspend collection of these contested duties on Monday, creating widespread uncertainty among America’s key Asian trading partners.

    In response to the judicial setback, President Trump announced immediate implementation of a universal 15% levy on all goods entering the United States. This sweeping measure represents both a tactical retreat from previous higher rates and a continued commitment to protectionist trade policies that have defined his administration’s economic approach.

    The development deals a substantial blow to nations including India, Indonesia, and Taiwan, which had invested months negotiating bilateral trade agreements with Washington. Many had committed billions in U.S. investments in exchange for preferential tariff treatment. While the flat 15% rate appears favorable compared to previous higher assessments, analysts note it introduces new uncertainties regarding existing arrangements.

    Adam Samdin of Oxford Economics observed: ‘Even if countries pursue negotiations, the current administration remains determined to enforce elevated tariff levels despite judicial interventions. Recent trade agreements lack the binding legal frameworks of traditional pacts, creating vulnerability to further policy shifts.’

    Asian governments are conducting urgent assessments of the ruling’s implications. China’s Commerce Ministry stated it is ‘conducting a comprehensive assessment of content and impact,’ reiterating Beijing’s opposition to ‘unilateral tariff increases’ and warning that ‘protectionism leads nowhere.’ This evaluation comes as China prepares to host President Trump in early April.

    U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer sought to minimize concerns, asserting the changes wouldn’t affect upcoming talks with Chinese leadership. ‘The purpose of meeting President Xi is not to fight about trade but to maintain stability and ensure Chinese compliance with existing purchase commitments,’ Greer told ABC News.

    Regional allies expressed particular concern. Japanese officials promised to ‘carefully examine the ruling and administration response,’ while South Korea’s Industry Minister acknowledged uncertainty regarding potential refunds for duties already paid. Taiwan and Singapore both indicated they would maintain close communication with U.S. officials while monitoring developments.

    The new 15% tariff, implemented under Section 122 of the Trade Act, serves as a temporary measure that can remain effective for approximately five months before requiring congressional approval. This universal application creates particular challenges for nations like the UK and Australia that previously secured 10% rate agreements, and will likely increase costs for American consumers across imported goods categories.

  • A packed bus plunges off a Nepal highway, killing 19 and injuring 25

    A packed bus plunges off a Nepal highway, killing 19 and injuring 25

    A devastating bus accident in Nepal’s mountainous region has resulted in significant casualties, with 19 confirmed fatalities and 25 individuals injured. The tragedy occurred in the early hours of Monday when the overcrowded vehicle veered off the Prithvi Highway near Benighat, approximately 80 kilometers west of Kathmandu.

    According to Dhading district police reports, the bus was traveling from the popular tourist destination of Pokhara to the nation’s capital when it plummeted down a steep mountainside, ultimately coming to rest on the banks of the Trishuli River. The crash site presented rescuers with challenging terrain as they worked to extract survivors from the wreckage.

    International victims included a 24-year-old British national who perished in the accident, while a Chinese citizen sustained injuries requiring treatment at Kathmandu’s National Trauma Center. Additionally, a 27-year-old New Zealand woman received medical attention for minor injuries at a local hospital. Chinese authorities have reported one additional national missing following the incident.

    Mohan Prasad Neupane, a government administrator, confirmed that emergency response teams reached the location promptly, transporting the injured to medical facilities for urgent care. As of current reporting, only nine victims have been formally identified.

    This tragic event highlights ongoing transportation safety concerns in Nepal’s mountainous regions, where narrow roadways and inadequate vehicle maintenance frequently contribute to accidents. The Himalayan nation’s challenging geography continues to present significant infrastructure challenges, with many areas accessible only via perilous mountain roads.

    The recent accident bears similarities to another tragedy involving two buses that plunged into the same river earlier this year, resulting in 65 casualties with many victims never recovered. One vehicle remained buried in river sediment until its discovery this year.

    Local authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the precise cause of the latest incident, examining factors ranging from road conditions to vehicle maintenance standards.

  • Japan’s emperor expresses concern about 3/11 disaster survivors on his 66th birthday

    Japan’s emperor expresses concern about 3/11 disaster survivors on his 66th birthday

    TOKYO — Emperor Naruhito of Japan delivered poignant remarks ahead of his 66th birthday, expressing profound concern for survivors still grappling with the aftermath of the catastrophic 2011 triple disaster. Speaking just weeks before the March 11 anniversary, the monarch highlighted the ongoing challenges facing affected communities despite visible infrastructure progress.

    “While recovery of infrastructure has made progress, I feel that reconstruction of livelihoods and community still needs to be addressed,” Naruhito stated in pre-released comments. He emphasized the persistent emotional trauma survivors endure, noting: “As I think of those who lost their loved ones and had to cope with complete change of their living environment, I feel their scars have not healed yet… they stay despite the passage of time.”

    The imperial family, including Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, and Crown Prince Akishino’s family, made a traditional balcony appearance at Tokyo’s Imperial Palace to acknowledge cheering well-wishers waving Japanese flags. This public celebration contrasted with the Emperor’s sobering message about the nation’s unfinished recovery.

    The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami claimed nearly 20,000 lives, displaced hundreds of thousands, and triggered meltdowns at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. While most radiation-evacuated zones have officially reopened, revitalization remains elusive due to diminished employment opportunities and fractured community bonds.

    Emperor Naruhito stressed the critical importance of intergenerational disaster education, advocating for continuous transmission of hard-earned lessons to younger Japanese citizens. He pledged to maintain closeness with affected populations, sharing their joys and sorrows while praying for future disaster prevention.

    The monarch also addressed royal succession matters, expressing hopes that Princess Aiko would develop into “a fine person as a human being and a royal member” who might contribute to international peacekeeping. His comments emerge amid ongoing debate about Japan’s male-only succession laws, which prevent the 24-year-old princess from ascending the throne and would require her to relinquish royal status upon marrying a commoner.

  • Arsenal’s Eze sinks Spurs again, Liverpool late show floors Forest

    Arsenal’s Eze sinks Spurs again, Liverpool late show floors Forest

    In a pivotal weekend for the Premier League title race, Arsenal reasserted their dominance with a commanding 4-1 victory over North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The Gunners’ triumph, fueled by a brilliant double from Eberechi Eze, restored their five-point advantage at the summit while deepening Tottenham’s relegation concerns.

    Eze, who nearly joined Spurs before his August transfer from Crystal Palace, broke his goal drought in spectacular fashion. The England international opened the scoring with a clinical finish just after the half-hour mark, though Tottenham’s Randal Kolo Muani provided an immediate response. The match turned decisively in Arsenal’s favor when Viktor Gyokeres netted his most significant goal since joining the club early in the second half. Eze sealed the victory with his second goal before Gyokeres completed the scoring in stoppage time.

    Meanwhile, Liverpool secured a dramatic late victory at Nottingham Forest through Alexis Mac Allister’s 97th-minute winner. The Argentine midfielder pounced on a rebound after Virgil van Dijk’s header was saved, breaking Forest’s resistance in the dying moments. The victory came despite Liverpool’s admitted poor performance, with Mac Allister stating post-match that ‘nothing was good’ about much of their display.

    The results have significant implications across the table: Arsenal maintain pressure on pursuing Manchester City, who hold a game in hand; Liverpool climb level with Chelsea and Manchester United in the European qualification race; while Tottenham remain just four points above the relegation zone under interim manager Igor Tudor.

    In other matches, Fulham climbed into the top half with a 3-1 victory at Sunderland, while Crystal Palace secured just their second win in sixteen games through Evann Guessand’s 90th-minute winner against Wolves.

  • How a UN expert proved the RSF committed genocide in Sudan’s el-Fasher

    How a UN expert proved the RSF committed genocide in Sudan’s el-Fasher

    A United Nations investigation has determined that atrocities committed by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the North Darfur capital of el-Fasher bear the hallmarks of genocide, according to findings presented by the UN Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan (FFMS). The landmark conclusion represents the most serious classification of international crimes and marks the first time the UN mission has reached such a determination regarding the conflict.

    Mona Rishmawi, a member of the FFMS and expert on the Darfur conflict, characterized the findings as “serious and urgent” in an interview with Middle East Eye, stating they should compel immediate international action to halt weapons flows to the paramilitary force. The report, scheduled for presentation to the UN Human Rights Council this week, documents systematic atrocities committed during the RSF’s October takeover of el-Fasher following a 500-day siege.

    The investigation established that the RSF committed three prohibited genocidal acts against protected ethnic groups: mass killings, systematic rape and sexual violence, and the deliberate creation of conditions calculated to bring about physical destruction. Most victims belonged to the Zaghawa and Fur communities, previously recognized as protected groups by the International Criminal Court.

    Evidence gathered from survivors indicates civilians were subjected to execution, rape, ransom detention, and even blood extraction in makeshift detention centers. The mission documented mass killings at six specific locations including el-Fasher University, the Saudi Hospital, and major exit routes where RSF forces constructed earthen berms to trap fleeing civilians.

    Rishmawi emphasized that the genocidal intent could be inferred from the totality of RSF conduct, including their use of dehumanizing language such as promises to “purify your race” and the coordinated pattern of targeting specific ethnic groups. The 18-month siege deliberately denied civilians access to food, medicine, and clean water, with water sources reportedly bombed to exacerbate suffering.

    The report identifies several RSF commanders present during the atrocities and notes that leadership figures including Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) publicly praised the “liberation” of el-Fasher. Despite this, both the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces refused to cooperate with the UN investigation, denying access to controlled territories and ignoring repeated requests for information.

    The mission has shared confidential evidence files with the International Criminal Court, which has jurisdiction over Darfur under a 2005 Security Council referral. However, Rishmawi noted that the ICC’s capacity has been weakened by recent US sanctions, complicating pursuit of accountability.

    The report serves as a warning to states providing political or material support to combatants, noting that the RSF appears to have benefited from logistical military support in violation of the Darfur arms embargo in place since 2005. While not naming specific nations, the mission indicated it is engaging with various states regarding their involvement and will report on third-state responsibility in the future.

    The investigation faced significant challenges due to severe financial and staffing constraints within the UN system, operating with less than half the necessary personnel. Evidence was primarily gathered from survivors in neighboring Chad and South Sudan after being denied access to el-Fasher itself.

    Rishmawi called for serious discussions regarding an international protection force, noting that many Darfur residents felt safer under the previous African Union-UN hybrid peacekeeping mission (Unamid) that operated from 2007-2020. With minimal international presence and media coverage currently in Sudan, civilians remain vulnerable to ongoing violence with limited global attention.

  • A Hong Kong court uphold the convictions of about a dozen activists in national security case

    A Hong Kong court uphold the convictions of about a dozen activists in national security case

    Hong Kong’s Court of Appeal has delivered a definitive ruling in the city’s most significant national security case, rejecting all appeals from pro-democracy activists convicted for their involvement in an unofficial primary election. The decision solidifies the legal consequences for 47 activists charged in 2021 with conspiracy to commit subversion under Beijing’s national security legislation.

    In a sweeping judgment Monday, the court dismissed appeals from eleven activists challenging their convictions, including former legislators Leung Kwok-hung, Lam Cheuk-ting, Raymond Chan, and Helena Wong. All sentence appeals were similarly rejected, maintaining prison terms ranging from four to ten years imposed earlier this year. The mass prosecution has effectively dismantled Hong Kong’s once-vibrant pro-democracy movement that peaked during the 2019 anti-government protests.

    The case stemmed from an unofficial primary election organized by democracy advocates seeking to coordinate candidates for the 2020 legislative elections. Prosecutors successfully argued that the activists’ strategy to secure a legislative majority—aimed at pressuring for police accountability reforms and democratic leadership elections—constituted an attempt to paralyze government operations and force resignations.

    Judges in their 2024 verdict determined that the activists’ plans would have undermined governmental authority and precipitated constitutional crisis. While foreign governments and human rights organizations have condemned the sentences as politically motivated, both Beijing and Hong Kong authorities maintain that the national security law was essential for preserving stability.

    Among the original defendants, Lawrence Lau, a pro-democracy former district councilor, saw his acquittal upheld despite prosecution appeals. Nearly twenty activists from the case have been released over the past year after completing their sentences, including former district councilors Jimmy Sham and Lester Shum.

    The courtroom proceedings revealed emotional scenes as incarcerated activists waved to family members and supporters, some of whom had waited outside the courthouse since Saturday to secure seating. Retiree Margaret Chan, who attended to show support for those she considers innocent, expressed relief that some activists had already served their terms, noting ‘They have survived it.’

  • US futures fall while Asian markets are mostly higher after the Supreme Court nixes Trump’s tariffs

    US futures fall while Asian markets are mostly higher after the Supreme Court nixes Trump’s tariffs

    Financial markets across Asia and the United States exhibited divergent reactions Monday following a landmark Supreme Court decision that struck down the majority of former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff policies. The ruling, which dismantled a key component of Trump’s trade architecture, triggered a complex recalibration of market positions globally.

    Asian markets largely celebrated the judicial intervention, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index leading regional gains by surging 2.2% to 27,003.47. South Korea’s Kospi advanced 1.1% to 5,873.07 while Taiwan’s Taiex jumped 1.4%. Conversely, China’s Shanghai Composite bucked the regional trend by declining 1.3% to 4,082.07, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 shed 0.4% to 9,041.00. Tokyo markets remained closed for a national holiday.

    The contrasting performances illustrated what Rabobank strategist Benjamin Picton described as “the winners-and-losers effect of shifts in tariff policy,” noting that the decision “delivered a boost to countries who previously had a comparatively bad deal.”

    U.S. futures signaled caution ahead of the Wall Street opening, with S&P 500 futures dropping 0.7%, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures falling 0.6%, and Nasdaq composite futures declining 0.8%. This contrasted with Friday’s relatively calm reaction on Wall Street itself, where the S&P 500 had actually risen 0.7% to 6,909.51 following the ruling.

    Despite the court’s decision, trade policy uncertainty persists as Trump announced alternative measures to maintain import taxes, including a potential 15% global tariff through executive action. “We have tariffs, we just have them in a different way,” Trump told reporters, indicating he would pursue tariffs through other legal avenues requiring Commerce Department investigations.

    Individual stocks reflected the ongoing market adjustments, with Akamai Technologies plummeting 14.1% despite strong earnings, as its profit forecast disappointed investors. The company plans increased spending on equipment investments, potentially reflecting broader economic impacts from AI-driven memory shortages.

    Meanwhile, economic indicators continued to present a complex picture with reports showing slowing U.S. economic growth alongside accelerating inflation. Traders maintained expectations of at least two Federal Reserve rate cuts this year, though Fed officials emphasized the need for further inflation reduction before supporting additional rate reductions.

    In commodity markets, U.S. benchmark crude declined 53 cents to $65.95 per barrel while Brent crude dropped 51 cents to $70.79. Precious metals rallied sharply with gold rising 1.9% and silver surging 5.5%, as currency markets saw the U.S. dollar soften against the yen and euro.