Philippines Has ‘Secretly Reinforced’ South China Sea Outpost, Report Claims – The Diplomat

AI is reshaping industries and daily life globally, with the Asia-Pacific region experiencing a surge in AI adoption in 2024. AI agents are driving efficiency and automation in sectors like agriculture, finance, and customer service, while large corporations are embedding AI to stay competitive. AI-powered tools are enhancing individual experiences, with companies like Deciphex and Grab using AI to improve diagnostics and optimize routes, respectively. In Southeast Asia, key AI trends are propelling technological advancements,...

The MAGA agenda includes tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, potentially impacting global growth and key sectors. India could benefit from the pushback on China through strategic alliances with the U.S. and restructuring trade policies to attract foreign investment and mitigate trade imbalances. To address challenges posed by protectionist measures, India must focus on domestic consumption stimulation, strengthen "Look East" strategies, and restructure industrial policies to enhance export potential in key sectors. Full Article

The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced that it would resume accepting parcels from China and Hong Kong, reversing a previous suspension caused by President Trump ending a trade provision for duty-free shipments from retailers like Temu, Shein, and Amazon. The USPS is collaborating with Customs and Border Protection to implement efficient collection mechanisms for new China tariffs to minimize delivery disruptions. The Trump administration imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods and eliminated the...

A U.S. military plane carrying over 100 migrants landed in India, marking the longest deportation flight under President Trump's immigration crackdown. This is the first use of an American military aircraft to deport people to India, a top source of unauthorized immigration to the U.S. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, close to Trump, is confident in handling deportees, but local officials criticize the tough stance on illegal immigration and call for reconsideration on humanitarian grounds....

China's MOFCOM added PVH and Illumina to its 'unreliable entity' list for violating market principles and discriminating against Chinese companies, amid escalating US-China trade tensions. PVH faces scrutiny for alleged improper conduct in Xinjiang, impacting its presence in China, while Illumina's inclusion reflects broader geopolitical tensions. The move comes as part of China's response to US sanctions, signaling increased scrutiny of US corporations operating in China. Full Article

DOF Subsea, a Norwegian offshore vessel owner, has secured two subsea contracts in the Asia-Pacific region. The first contract involves deploying the dive support vessel Skandi Singapore in Malaysian waters for 30 days in the second quarter, while the second deal includes construction support services in Indonesia for seven weeks in the third quarter. These contracts, valued at approximately $30m, encompass project management, engineering, subsea, and logistics support provided by DOF. Full Article