AGN Evening Update | 11th April 2025 – Malaysia Strengthens China Ties, Trump’s Tariffs Shake Markets, and Vietnam Moves to Calm US Tensions

KUALA LUMPUR – In this evening’s top headlines:

📌 Malaysia-China Relations
Malaysia is preparing for a high-level diplomatic milestone with the upcoming state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the visit presents opportunities to enhance trade, deepen strategic cooperation, and reinforce Malaysia’s sovereign stance amid global economic tensions.

Speaking at the ASEAN-China Media and Think Tank Forum 2025, Fahmi emphasized the importance of people-to-people connections and ASEAN unity, especially as Malaysia chairs the bloc this year.

📌 Trump’s Tariff Fallout
Markets remain in flux as President Donald Trump’s week of tariff shocks rattles the global economy. The US has imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese goods, sparking fears of a full-blown recession. Although dozens of countries received a temporary 90-day pause, China was excluded.

Wall Street saw one of its worst trading weeks since the pandemic, while Europe braces for GDP impacts from US steel and car tariffs. Treasury Secretary Bessent says new trade talks are underway, but investor confidence remains shaky.

📌 Vietnam’s Strategic Moves
Vietnam is taking bold steps to address US trade concerns. The country has committed to cracking down on Chinese goods rerouted through its ports and is tightening controls on sensitive exports like semiconductors and dual-use technologies.

Trade talks with the US are underway, with Hanoi pushing for reduced tariffs. The government is walking a delicate diplomatic line between the US and China—both major economic partners—while ramping up collaboration with US firms like Starlink and reviewing aircraft deals with both Boeing and COMAC.

📺 For full analysis and the latest developments, watch now on Alps Global News.