Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Sunday (May 11, 2025)
Malaysia:
* Anwar pays courtesy call on Sabah Governor Musa / No talks on dissolving Sabah assembly, says Anwar after meeting governor
* GRS is still in the game, says Anwar on political cooperation for Sabah polls
* Mother elephant goes on rampage after lorry fatally hits calf on East-West Highway
* Mother - the main pillar shaping a moral and knowledgeable generation, says Anwar
* PKR must be prepared to answer the people, says Rafizi
* Malaysia free of anthrax since 1976, says veterinary department
* Unity Minister extends Wesak Day greetings, emphasises universal values
* Political hypocrisy has reached new levels, says Ahmad Zahid
* Umno still relevant and steadfast in its struggle, says Tok Mat on party's 79th anniversary
* Unity govt not threatened by 14 BN + 14 PH strategy in Melaka polls, says Khalid
* National Service 3.0: All trainees to undergo same training modules regardless of gender, says D-G
* Sabah Umno must return to the people, avoid past mistakes, says Bung Moktar
* Some 10 suspects remanded for four days over assault of form five student
* Ringgit likely to to trend between 4.30 and 4,33 against US dollar this week amid US-China trade deal optimism
* Bursa Malaysia to maintain positive momentum this week thanks to improving investor sentiment and bullish global market outlook
Dancers release fish in the Progo River as part of a traditional Buddhist life-release ritual held on the eve of Waisak, or Wesak Day, in Magelang, Central Java, on Sunday, May 11, 2025. Wesak is the most sacred day for Buddhists, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, all traditionally believed to have occurred on the full moon day of the Vesakha month in the ancient Indian lunar calendar. -- Photo by Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP
Singapore:
* Singapore shuttle star Loh Kean Yew beats home favourite Chou Tien-chen to win Taipei Open title
* 'I'm in love with China': Singapore Actress Eleanor Lee denies making derogatory comments about Chinese people
* Three foreign nationals arrested in Singapore within 27 hours after spate of housebreakings in Bukit Timah
* Singapore inventor builds lightsabers, web-shooters in bedroom; sells movie gadgets to over 1,000 customers
* Artefacts, opera performances among highlights at inaugural Cantonese culture festival
* Tampines building in May 9 fire structurally safe, but to be closed for more checks: Authority
Indonesia:
* Indonesia foils illegal sea crossing to Malaysia, arrests two suspected smugglers
* Saudi Arabia nabs 30 Indonesian 'pilgrims' for visa violation
* Tremors felt in Penang following Sumatra earthquake
* Nearly 700 buildings in Jakarta lacking fire safety equipment
* Bootcamp could become national policy for troubled teens in Indonesia
Buddhist monks carry candle lights as they pray during a ceremony commemorating Wesak Day, an annual celebration of Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death, at the Wat Saket temple, in Bangkok, Thailand, on Sunday, May 11, 2025. -- REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa
Thailand:
* Thai central bank chief says uncertainty very high and limited policy space ahead over US tariffs impact
* Paetongtarn to make first visit to Vietnam to forge bilateral ties
* Foreign tourists captivated by Thai culture on Wesak Day
* Thailand launches aviation hub plan, eyes Suvarnabhumi for maintenance, repair, and operations centre
* Severe summer storm batters Bangkok with heavy rain and flooding
Philippines:
* Philippines posts 5.4 per cent Q1 growth, government vows to sustain momentum
* China urges relevant countries stop stirring up trouble in South China Sea - 'area, in fact, is very stable and there's no trouble'
* Two injured as blast rocks Maguindanao Sur town
* 'I'm feeling at home', Filipino Janice continues to soar in Malaysian tournaments with the doubles title at the Selangor Darts C'ships
* Two seniors die in suspected 'vote-buying' rush in Zamboanga
Vietnam:
* Asia Rice - India rates slide to near two-year low on weak rupee, lower demand; Vietnam prices edging higher
* Communist Party of Vietnam treasures ties with Russian counterpart: Top leader
* PM calls for breakthrough policies for Vietnam's international financial centre
* Dubbed films in Vietnam see potential growth
Volunteers wait for devotees to pour water on a revered Bodhi tree at Shwedagon Pagoda to mark Buddha's Birthday, which falls on the Full Moon Day of Kasone, in Yangon on Sunday, May 11, 2025. -- Photo by Sai Aung MAIN / AFP
Myanmar:
* Golf in Asia: Aussie Herbert seals Asian Tour win with final-hole heroics
* Over 120 Myanmar nationals return home after fighting subsides in Kayin State
* Myanmar -- Junta chief meets China's Xi for first time
Cambodia:
* Cambodia's Hun Sen wants Asean to evolve into a more proactive force in global governance
* Experiencing spirituality of Wesak Day celebrations in Asean
* Cambodia's export up 14% during January-April period
Laos:
* To keep millions alive after aid cuts, pull climate and other funding in richer nations, group says
* Laos and Switzerland strengthen efforts to improve dam safety
Brunei:
* Brunei police foil smuggling attempt in Temburong
* Weekend fun at Brunei's 'Pesta Bedudun'
Buddhist devotees release doves by the Progo River as part of a traditional life-release ritual held on the eve of Waisak, or Wesak Day, in Magelang, Central Java, on May 11, 2025. Wesak is the most sacred day for Buddhists, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, all traditionally believed to have occurred on the full moon day of the Vesakha month in the ancient Indian lunar calendar. -- Photo by Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP
AseanPlus:
* Sim on three-day visit to South Korea for Apec ministerial meeting
* Tok Mat: Calm in the eye of the storm
* 15 killed as bus plunges off cliff in Sri Lanka
* Police allegedly seize tonne of cocaine on boat off Australia coast
* Japanese woman cuts off boyfriend's ring finger to prevent him from marrying someone else
* Trump hails progress after first day of US-China trade talks
* Cash-loving Japan reluctant to switch to app-based salary payments
* India, Pakistan ceasefire holds after early violations and being at the brink of all-out war
* Fragile ceasefire holds between India, Pakistan as Trump offers more help
* India wages information war to show it has the upper hand against Pakistan
* Trump says will increase trade 'substantially' with India, Pakistan
* 'In war, no one is a winner': Sudden ceasefire ends anxiety about war in India
* India, Pakistan trade claims of violations after ceasefire
* India-Pakistan water treaty remains suspended despite ceasefire: Sources
* 'Treasure hunt': Tourists boost sales at Japan's Don Quijote stores
* Trump hails China talks, says two sides negotiated 'total reset' in Geneva
* South Korea's former PM Han drops presidential bid, ending rift among conservatives
* Bangladesh bans activities of ousted PM Hasina's party following protests
* Pope Leo visits Pope Francis' tomb and Marian shrine on first trip outside Vatican
* Iran, US to resume nuclear talks amid clashing red lines
* Hong Kong records first decline in number of licensed restaurants in 6 years
* Pope Leo XIV lays out vision of papacy and iden - tifies AI as a main challenge for humanity
* Putin proposes direct peace talks with Ukraine after three years of war
* Cat falls into China restaurant hotpot, eatery owner pays for treatment, feline dies
* 'Just call me Miss Q': Woman to lead British intelligence agency M16 for the very first time, say reports
* Para shuttler Liek Hou overcomes leg injury to win a double in Dubai
* Jun Hao out of Thailand Open, doubt for Malaysian Masters
* Sivasangari defeats Spain's Marta in first round of World Championships
* Golf in Asia: Aussie Herbert seals Asian Tour win with final-hole heroics
* The economics of K-culture - Malaysia's French-speaking ambassador to South Korea is captivated by Korean cinema
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Malaysiakini
an hour ago
- Malaysiakini
Don't hike fruit prices, they're a necessity, not luxury
YOURSAY | 'Will vegetables be next?' SST on imported fruits pose nutritional risks, consumer groups warn World Citizen: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has very bad advisors. As it is, consumers are already paying very high prices for imported fruits (and also local fruits) and imposing this five percent sales tax will only make things worse. On the one hand, people are encouraged to consume more fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, the ill-advised government wants to artificially raise the price of fruits. This is a total contradiction. The first thing this government should understand is not to raise the prices of food by imposing taxes. Instead, the government should do everything to keep the prices of food down and not the other way around, because the nation needs a healthy population, not a malnourished one. This is very basic. Food is never a luxury. It is essential unless it is of an exclusive category. Apples, oranges, and pears are not in the luxurious category. Talking about local fruits, what is the government doing about their high prices? Papayas, pineapples, guavas, and durians are very expensive compared to before, and it is cheaper to eat imported apples and oranges. This government is blind to facts and lacks people with grey matter. Plebeian: Malaysia has an extraction economy. Extraction from the ground and from its people. We keep getting taxed more and more for everything, but experience no improvements in the quality of life. Instead, what we do get in return for higher taxation is pollution and environmental degradation, abysmal urban planning, unsafe roads, a wretched public healthcare system, poorly maintained recreational facilities, horrible libraries, etc. Money going into a sinkhole. TaaS: Another 'great' reform by the government to improve livelihood and cost of living. 'Bill' the people again. Fruits are an essential part of a daily diet and nutrient intake. So are vegetables. It does not matter if imported or locally produced. Malaysia is a country which grows only tropical fruits, and very limited fruits are grown in higher areas of Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands. These essential products, therefore, must be free from taxes. Is the government going so low by going after daily necessities while going on a spending spree to protect race and religion? Will vegetables be next? Observer from Space: Hardworking Malaysians have time and again been pressed hard to pay more taxes to shore up a corrupt and bloated government! It's every citizen's right to eat fruits that are grown within the country and imported. It looks like these are now exclusively for the elite and corrupt. Anwar should listen and learn from Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's speech after his party's win at the recent general election. Specifically, he reminded his cabinet and himself that they are all servants to the citizens. Humble Opinion: I kindly urge the government to consider removing taxes on essential fruits such as apples and oranges. These fruits are a staple of a healthy diet and should be affordable for all Malaysians, especially ordinary families who strive to put nutritious food on the table. By eliminating these taxes, we can promote healthier lifestyles, reduce the burden on household budgets, make fresh produce more accessible to every community across the country, and also affect the well-being of many. BrownGoose2196: By raising imported fruit prices, the fruit sellers will automatically raise the selling prices of local fruits. As it is now, a piece of guava or mango is even more expensive than a piece of apple. Inflation is definite. All because the government wants to increase tax collections to cover large financial deficits, and the untouchables who have been squandering our money. Mhc9b23: I don't get it! We are trying to budget to eat as healthily as we can afford to, so some of these imported fruits are not a luxury but a necessity for our long-term health and well-being. We'd rather eat healthily to keep healthy than suffer later and pay for medical expenses. For one, uncontrolled usage of pesticides, especially in cultivating certain local fruits, is killing us. The other option is to go for organically grown fruits and also pay a premium. Please consider the people, our young and seniors in the family, who are trying and struggling to eat healthily before making and implementing such decisions. Zaheed: Fruits, whether local or imported, are essential and should not be slapped with sales tax. It is an essential foodstuff with nutrients and an essential part of keeping healthy. What is wrong with Madani? The local suppliers have very limited items, and that is too often in short supply. The good fruits are almost always exported while the locals get the C-grade ones. HJ Angus: All this just shows how complicated the Sales and Services Tax (SST) is, and trying to please different folks. A universal tax, like the goods and services tax (GST), is more efficient with all consumers having to contribute. VioletBeetle0699: Avocado is a healthy fruit that provides a lot of nutritional benefits. It is sad to see the government fail to realise this and make stupid statements instead. The government will just tell you to eat palm oil, then. OrangeBird5803: There should be SST on sugar, flour, and oil. Overconsumption of these items is killing Malaysians. The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Wednesday (June 11, 2025)
Malaysia * Vertical schools in housing projects to help reduce transport costs, says PM Anwar * Gerik bus crash: School to prepare report on teacher's offensive remarks on students' deaths, says state govt * Gerik bus crash: Tourism ministry calls for return of regulatory power over sector's transportation * Your vaccine from 2021 is not enough: Expert says Covid-19's threat remains * Companies subject to new SST if they reach RM500,000 revenue threshold within 12 months, says Finance Ministry * Influencer raises alarm over FB group circulating photos of underage students * Sabah woman sues KJ, govt over what she claims is wrongful Covid-19 enforcement * Three people lose over RM80,000 to lucky draw scam * Student who used hot iron on sleeping dorm mates sent to Henry Gurney School * Gerik bus crash: PTPTN loans of 13 UPSI students killed in accident fully settled, says Zambry * Court sets Aug 19 for decision in activist's appeal over challenge to online speech law * Local trio, foreign woman detained for holding three men against their will * Sukuk misuse case: Tan Sri quizzed by MACC for six hours * No electricity surcharge for Sabah, Labuan users until year-end * National Day 2025 to be launched in Johor, Malaysia Day 2025 in Penang * Court postpones decision on Lahad Datu vocational college murder case to July 23 * Four charged in Sabah for alleged role in multi-million ringgit investment scam * Gerik bus crash: Company's permit revoked with immediate effect, says Loke * George Town's heritage status safe, says Penang exco member * Man, 62, nabbed over alleged sexual assault on underage girl in Lahad Datu * 'Still Live' series in KL creates a shared space for sound and sketch * Permanent border wall seen as solution to smuggling in Kelantan, says police chief * Woman swept away by strong currents after car plunges into river found drowned * Sugar, rice and selected imported foods exempt from expanded SST, says Finance Ministry * Malaysia commits to more reforms, solidarity in labour rights agenda, says Steven Sim * Imported fruits hit with 5% tax under new SST rules * Sukuk misuse case: MACC records Tan Sri's statement * Cops find RM4.67mil worth of meth and ketamine in abandoned car in Gerik * Gerik crash: Cops advise bus driver not to make public comments * Preserving historic sites essential for cultural and economic growth, says activist * What are the items you will have to pay extra taxes for from July 1? * Industry concerns over expanded SST Singapore * Man arrested for allegedly shoplifting twice in Singapore's Changi Airport transit area * Passengers reschedule travel plans and seek refunds following Jetstar Asia's abrupt closure * Removal of mandatory minimum sentences for some dangerous driving offences in Singapore to kick in from Thursday (June 12) * Singaporean woman given six months' jail in Taiwan for stalking singer, threatening her online * World acclaimed singer Maher Zain makes long-awaited return to the region with a South-East Asia Tour 2025 * Drug trafficker in Singapore avoids death penalty by 0.01g, sentenced to 31 years' jail * Sacked Mediacorp employee arrested for voyeurism * Second round of Pofma sanctions for owner of The Online Citizen's website, social media accounts * National Trades Union Congress exploring options to match retrenched Jetstar Asia staff to roles at SIA Group: Labour chief * Qantas says Singapore airport fee hikes fuelled Jetstar Asia cut * Jetstar Asia closure: Here's what customers need to know * Jetstar Asia to cease operations from July 31, over 500 employees in Singapore affected Indonesia * Dozens arrested for Indonesian love scam ring targeting American men * Indonesia nears trade deals with EU, Eurasian bloc * Drone drops drugs into Indonesian prison * Businesses grapple with Bali's single-use plastics ban * Alleged laptop procurement graft puts ex-minister Nadiem in spotlight * Suspected fatal bullying cases in Indonesia highlight growing violence issue in schools * Govt revokes mining permits in Raja Ampat after outcry Thailand * Thai Foreign Minister champions bilateral talks with Cambodia * Female Thai police colonel accused of trafficking sedative drugs since 2022 * Thai defence minister unfazed by Cambodia's ICJ plan, says Thailand ready with response measures * Vietnamese 'romance scammers' busted in Thai luxury villa raid * Thai police to suspend female doctor over illegal sedative trafficking * Thailand's former Prime Minister Suchinda Kraprayoon, who cracked down on 1992 protests, dies at 91 Philippines * 'No one can stop' Sara Duterte impeachment trial: Philippine House prosecutors * The rise and fall of Joseph Estrada: From people's champion to disgraced Philippine president * Philippines exits EU 'high-risk' dirty money list * Filipino actor Miko Gallardo opens up about past rape, alleged blackmail * Senators return impeachment case against Sara Duterte to the Philippine House Vietnam * Patients with public health insurance suffer long waits at hospitals * Vietnam talks to Gap, Levi Strauss in battle to head off Trump tariffs * Qualcomm launches AI R&D centre in Vietnam * Vietnamese animation levels up with dual dialect debut Myanmar * UN envoy to Myanmar warns that violence puts country on 'path to self-destruction' * Toxic Thailand rivers pinned on Myanmar mines * Myanmar rebels claim to have shot down a fighter jet being used by military to attack ground targets Cambodia * Climate 'greenwashing' will harm Cambodian workers, suggests new report * Cambodia's economy shows resilience amid global uncertainty: World Bank * Tourism ministry shares details of Cambodia-China Tourism Year events * Cambodia moves forward with ICJ case over border dispute with Thailand * Anti-tank mine blast kills tractor driver in western Cambodia: official * Cambodia-Thailand border talks drag on Laos * Laos records US$56mil trade surplus in April * Chinese firm to undertake Lao agriculture and forestry development project * China Aircraft Corporation requests majority stake in Lao Airlines as govt seeks partnership Brunei * Brunei hosts first national conference for persons with different abilities * From battlefield to brotherhood in Brunei Aseanplus * Trump says China will supply rare earths in 'done' trade deal * Deal 'is done', says Trump, as China and US trade truce gets back on track after London talks * 5.9-magnitude quake rattles Taiwan * HK actor Louis Koo visits Penang for the first time, promises to return in the future: 'I've fallen in love' * Asean nations brace for Trump tariffs with bold stimulus packages * People's Liberation Army officer rescues five people from drowning in Henan, China * Actor Shaun Chen saves more after moving family from Singapore to Johor: 'Upgraded my lifestyle' * Meghalaya honeymoon murder: New bride devised two plans to kill husband, bad weather forced her to shelve 'plan A', switch to 'plan B' * Chinese soldier, famed for striking resemblance to top actress Dilraba, is elite sniper * Hong Kong advocates on why church sex abuse cases take time to surface * Malaysia to pioneer Asean TVET accreditation, says Zahid * Ringgit rebounds as US dollar weakens despite optimism over trade talk * US arrests another Chinese scientist with no permit to send biological material * Rising young talents MUAH! returns with second single titled 'Kajang', a taste of young life in Malaysia and South-East Asia * South Korean military suspends loudspeaker broadcasts against North Korea in border area * Tengku Zafrul to visit Washington on June 18 for tariff talks * Samyang Foods completes plant expansion amid growing demand for Buldak spicy ramyeon * Asean TVET Council must chart a clear path forward, says Zahid * Fuel prices June 12-18: Unchanged across the board * Australian murder suspect denies drying deadly mushrooms * Fans greet K-pop stars Jimin and Jung Kook of BTS upon discharge from military service * Sri Lanka hikes household power tariffs by 15 per cent, power regulator says * Season 3 of 'Squid Game' more intense than ever, director hints at possible spin-offs * Bangladesh issues travel warnings as Covid-19 infections rise in neighbouring countries * China stocks near 3-week high as Sino-US trade truce sparks optimism * AirAsia close to buying at least 100 Airbus jets in shift to A220, sources say * Man carries daughter through 12 years of school to gaokao * Kazakhstan says China's Xi to visit for Central Asian summit * Price wars eroding auto industry profits * MyCert: Malaysia data breaches up 29% in Q1 2025 * Malaysia records approved investments of US$21bil in 1Q * Rare earths: China's trump card in trade war with US * FBM KLCI rises at midday on U.S.-China trade optimism * Harimau Malaya roar with 4-0 win against Vietnam after TMJ pep talk * Comment: Why do the young woo Labubu? * May was world's second-hottest on record, EU scientists say * Pakistan raises defence budget 17% in boost for Chinese weapons suppliers * Asian equities rally after China-US framework on trade * South Korea's new President Lee Jae-myung asks citizens to recommend Cabinet members * Part toy, part fashion: How did Labubu get so popular? * US, China reach deal to ease export curbs, keep tariff truce alive * Najib's RM27mil money laundering trial to proceed, AGC rejects review request * Sony's bet on sports pays off with AI line judges at Wimbledon * Tesla's public robotaxi rides set for tentative June 22 start, CEO Musk says * Malaysia and the UN High Seas Treaty: What's next? * Pentagon chief vows to honor US-Australia sub deal * FBM KLCI rebounds in early trade on U.S.-China trade optimism * Ringgit opens higher against greenback as US-China trade talks resume * Hong Kong actress Crystal Fung denies rift with fellow celeb Louisa Mak * China's Li says US-China reach framework on trade, will report back to leaders * Out of the army and back to ARMY * HK to tighten national security scrutiny of restaurants * Frigate arrives in Australia as Tokyo bids for defence deal * Fire near Jogye temple halted, treasures spared * China extends hand to Korea * Smuggler stopped with spiders, birds and possums * Billionaire to plead guilty * Chong Wei advises injured Ng to seek treatment overseas * Penang's call for mindful tourism * Rexy wants to see Man-Tee become hardy boys * Grab eyes US$1.25bil bond sale for acquisitions * China bans bank from luring depositors with gifts * Banks expect one cut in OPR in 2H25 * Capital A is in the final stages of its PN17 exit plan, says Fernandes
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Deal ‘is done', says Trump, as China and US trade truce gets back on track after London talks
BEIJING: China and the United States agreed to revive a fragile trade truce after two days of talks in London, further defusing tensions between the two geopolitical rivals. US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday (June 11) that the deal with China 'is done' and that the relationship was 'excellent'. Hours earlier, Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, who led the negotiating delegation in London, called on the US to 'stay true to your words', and 'demonstrate good faith in keeping promises'. The agreement, which concluded close to midnight on June 10 in London, followed a roller coaster of rising and easing tensions over non-tariff measures, after both sides agreed in May in Geneva to a 90-day truce that sharply lowered tariffs on each other's goods. The main sticking points since May were Beijing's restrictions on rare earth exports to the US and Washington's curbs on the export of chip design technology to China. In a Truth Social post, Trump said full magnets, along with any necessary rare earth minerals, will be supplied upfront by China. In return, the US will provide to China 'what was agreed to', including allowing Chinese students to attend colleges and universities in the US, which he noted 'has always been good with me!'. Separately, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told reporters that the 'framework' reached in London puts 'meat on the bones' of the Geneva agreement, adding that it will still need approval from both leaders. He said Chinese restrictions on rare earth minerals and magnets and some of the recent US export restrictions would be removed 'in a balanced way' but did not provide details. China's Vice-Commerce Minister Li Chenggang told reporters after the talks that both countries had agreed on a framework to implement the consensus that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump had reached after a June 5 phone call, as well as May's trade truce. He described the talks as in-depth, professional, rational and frank. 'The progress achieved at the London talks is beneficial to enhancing trust between the two countries, advancing the healthy and stable development of China-US economic ties, as well as provide positive energy to the global economic development,' Li said. Analysts saw the latest talks as positive. Professor Wu Xinbo, director of the Centre for American Studies at Shanghai's Fudan University, said he expects the US to roll back the non-tariff measures threatened or imposed on China after the Geneva talks, such as revoking visas of Chinese students studying in the US. 'As for the Chinese side, it may accelerate the process of rare earth exports to help resolve the urgent needs of the Americans,' he said. The May agreement was derailed on June 1 when the US accused China of 'slow-rolling' licences for exports of rare earths, which are critical in the production of cars, chips and other products. China dominates the world's rare earth supply chain, accounting for nearly 70 per cent of the global mining output and processing about 90 per cent of the total supply – a trump card Beijing has cultivated for decades. However, economist Bert Hofman noted that China's delay in rare earth export licences was partly due to 'bureaucratic inertia'. 'The process was cumbersome and brought issues for industries around the world, not just for the US. So it was not specifically targeted at US companies,' he said. Washington, meanwhile, activated its own levers on China. On May 29, it announced the revocation of visas for Chinese students and issued export control guidelines for AI chips, as well as effectively halting sales of chip design software to China. Chinese tech firms that design chips rely on such foreign software, known as electronic design automation. China's Ministry of Commerce on June 2 criticised these measures as discriminatory and accused the US of violating the consensus of the Geneva talks. Just as all the signs pointed to the breakdown of the truce, the June 5 call between Xi and Trump was widely seen as having reset fraught relations. This was followed on June 7 by China's Ministry of Commerce's announcement that it had approved a number of applications for rare earth exports, and will continue to strengthen the approval process for such applications. Even as the London talks were ongoing, Beijing strategically underscored its resilience. In a front-page interview on the official People's Daily on June 10, Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei discussed China's technology and research capabilities, particularly in chips. The Chinese telecommunications equipment giant has emerged as a national champion for areas such as AI chips called the Ascend processors, which Washington has recently warned other countries against using. Asked how he feels about Huawei being under a blockade, Ren said: 'Don't think about the difficulties – just do it, one step at a time.' - The Straits Times/ANN
