Geneva, 12 May 2025 - The United States and China have agreed to significantly reduce tariffs and pause new trade measures for 90 days, marking a major step toward de-escalating tensions and fostering long-term economic cooperation.

Key Developments

Tariff Reductions: The U.S. will lower its tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, while China will reduce its tariffs on U.S. goods from 125% to 10% during the 90-day period.

Temporary Suspension: Both countries have agreed to suspend the imposition of new tariffs for 90 days, providing a window for further negotiations aimed at resolving outstanding trade issues.

Establishment of Dialogue Mechanism: The agreement includes the creation of a new trade consultation mechanism to prevent future escalations and facilitate ongoing dialogue.

Market Reactions

The announcement of the trade deal has had a positive impact on global financial markets:

U.S. stock futures surged, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq gaining 2.8% and 3.6%, respectively.

Asian markets also responded positively, with China's CSI 300 index rising by 0.6%.

Remaining Challenges

 Despite the progress, several challenges remain:

Temporary Nature: The 90-day pause is a temporary measure, and both sides will need to address deeper structural issues in their trade relationship during this period.

Underlying Tensions: While the agreement marks a de-escalation, it does not fully resolve underlying tensions, including concerns over intellectual property rights, market access, and other trade practices.

Further details of the agreement are expected to be released soon, as both nations work towards a more comprehensive resolution of their trade disputes.

Source: news outlets

Yangon, 11 May 2025- Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister of Myanmar, has announced that he discussed the advancement of the China–Myanmar–Bangladesh Economic Corridor (CMBEC) with Chinese President Xi Jinping during an official meeting held in Moscow.

The meeting took place on May 9, while the Senior General was in Russia to attend the 80th Anniversary Commemoration of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945) at the invitation of the Russian government.

Speaking to local media during an in-flight interview on his return, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated that both sides exchanged views on implementing and upgrading the CMBEC, a strategic initiative designed to connect the three countries and foster economic and infrastructure development. The corridor is part of China’s broader One Belt One Road (OBOR) framework.

“Myanmar stands firmly in support of the OBOR initiative and will actively participate in its implementation,” he said, noting that this commitment was reaffirmed during talks with the Chinese President.

The Senior General also revealed that President Xi expressed his support for Myanmar’s plans to conduct a multi-party democratic general election, and encouraged the ongoing preparations being made by the Myanmar side.

On the humanitarian front, the Chinese leader also pledged continued assistance in post-earthquake recovery and reconstruction efforts in Myanmar, following recent natural disasters.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing described the discussion as productive and underscored that it had yielded “positive outcomes” for strengthening bilateral cooperation between Myanmar and China.

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Moscow, May 9, 2025 — In a high-level bilateral engagement held on the sidelines of Russia’s Victory Day commemorations, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of Myanmar’s State Administration Council and Prime Minister, held a formal meeting to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, peacebuilding, and regional cooperation.

President Xi reiterated China’s full support for Myanmar’s peace process, socio-economic development, and its carefully calibrated domestic political agenda. He also reaffirmed China's respect for Myanmar’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national stability.

Highlighting humanitarian solidarity, President Xi emphasized China’s swift deployment of emergency rescue teams and relief supplies following the devastating earthquake in Mandalay. He pledged continued assistance to Myanmar’s post-earthquake reconstruction efforts.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing expressed heartfelt gratitude for China’s prompt response, noting the arrival of Chinese rescue teams within 18 hours of the disaster. He further briefed President Xi on Myanmar’s preparation for multi-party democratic elections scheduled for later this year, including plans to welcome international observers.

The two leaders also discussed mutual efforts to deepen multi-sectoral cooperation, enhance regional peace and stability, and foster long-term people-to-people ties. The meeting reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to advancing strategic relations and shared development goals.

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Moscow, 9 May 92025- In a high-level bilateral meeting held on May 9, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's unwavering support for Myanmar's ongoing peace initiatives and developmental efforts in discussions with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of Myanmar's State Administration Council and Prime Minister.

The meeting occurred in Moscow, Russia, during events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945).

President Xi emphasized China's strong backing of Myanmar’s gradual and cautious domestic political reforms, the country's chosen path of sovereign development, its independence, territorial integrity, and overall national stability. Additionally, Xi underscored China's continued commitment to assisting Myanmar's post-earthquake reconstruction efforts, citing China's rapid response following the devastating Mandalay earthquake. China was among the first to deploy emergency rescue teams and provide humanitarian relief supplies to Myanmar.

In response, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing conveyed Myanmar's deep gratitude for China's swift and significant humanitarian assistance, specifically highlighting the prompt arrival of Chinese rescue teams within 18 hours of the disaster. He assured President Xi of Myanmar's enduring appreciation for China’s ongoing support.

The Myanmar leader further briefed President Xi on the country's preparations to successfully hold multi-party democratic elections scheduled for later this year, including arrangements for international observer participation.

Both leaders expressed their mutual commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, expanding multi-dimensional cooperation, deepening fraternal ties, fostering a supportive regional community, and working closely on matters concerning regional peace and stability.

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Moscow, May 9 – Myanmar's State Administration Council Chairman and Prime Minister, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, participated in the military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War victory (1941-1945), held today at Red Square in Moscow, Russian Federation.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, alongside international dignitaries, was warmly welcomed by Russian President Vladimir Putin upon arrival at Senate Place in the Kremlin Palace. Following the welcome, dignitaries proceeded together to the viewing stage to observe the military parade.

The parade commenced at 10 a.m. local time, initiated by Russian Ground Forces Commander-in-Chief Army General Oleg Salukov. Russian Defence Minister Andrei Ramovich Belousov reviewed the troops and delivered a commemorative address. Troops responded enthusiastically with three shouts of "Oora" ("Victory"), followed by a minute's silence honoring fallen soldiers.

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a special address marking the significant anniversary, after which the national anthem and ceremonial artillery salutes took place.

The parade featured Russian and international military units, armored vehicles, strategic missile systems, and aerial demonstrations by the Russian Air Force. Following the parade, President Putin greeted the commanders of the Russian Federation and international military parade contingents.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and international leaders then paid tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin walls by laying wreaths and participating in commemorative photography. Subsequently, they joined President Putin for an official luncheon at the Kremlin.

The event underscored diplomatic ties, international friendship, and collaboration, with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing engaging in cordial discussions with global leaders attending the ceremony.

Victory Day, held annually on May 9, marks the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War II. This year notably marked Myanmar’s first-ever participation in the commemorative parade alongside other international military contingents.

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Vatican City — May 2025-In a historic first, the College of Cardinals elected Robert Francis Prevost of the United States as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time an American has ascended to the papacy.

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV has long served the Catholic Church through decades of missionary work, religious leadership, and theological dedication. A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, he was ordained in 1982 and later served extensively in Peru, where he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015.

Prior to his election, he held key Vatican roles, including Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. His papal name honors Pope Leo XIII, a historical figure known for championing social justice.

In his first public address, Pope Leo XIV stated: “Peace be with all of you,” underlining a vision of unity, dialogue, and global compassion. Fluent in Spanish and Italian, he is seen as a bridge-builder between traditions and modern reforms.

Observers note that Pope Leo XIV’s election could signal a renewed emphasis on missionary outreach, inclusion, and social responsibility within the Catholic Church.