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Quad 2025: Jaishankar Joined Washington Talks on Indo-Pacific
 India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, visited the U.S. from June 30-July 02, 2025 to attend the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on July 01, 2025. The visit, held at the invitation of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aimed to advance discussions on a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Jaishankar’s agenda included strengthening Quad initiatives, with a focus on regional security and economic cooperation amidst rising tensions with China. The visit followed India’s Operation Sindoor, reflecting New Delhi’s growing global engagement. It also underscored India’s strategic partnership with the U.S. in navigating geopolitical challenges.
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Thailand-Cambodia to Resume Military Positions after Border Clash
Thai and Cambodian forces have agreed to return to their previously agreed positions along their shared border following a violent clash on May 28 that killed a Cambodian soldier. The escalation prompted both nations to reinforce their military presence.
Thailand’s Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed hope that the Joint Boundary Committee meeting would resolve the dispute, favouring bilateral negotiations. However, Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn called for International Court of Justice intervention, citing the limitations of bilateral talks. Thailand rejects the court’s jurisdiction. The century-long border dispute, intensified since 2008 over a Hindu temple, has caused at least 28 deaths.
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Trade and Economic Affairs
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ASEAN 2025: Trade, Security & Future Vision
 The 46th ASEAN Summit was held in Kuala Lumpur on May 26, 2025 with leaders addressing U.S. tariffs, the Myanmar conflict, and South China Sea disputes. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, serving as the rotating chair, opened the summit, by highlighting the strain on global trade caused by U.S. tariffs ranging from 10 to 49 percent, currently paused for 90 days.
Anwar called for an ASEAN-U.S. summit to address tariff concerns and warned that rising protectionism and geopolitical shifts threaten ASEAN’s prosperity. He reaffirmed ASEAN’s resilience and commitment to an inclusive, rules-based international order. The summit also featured dialogues with youth, business, and parliamentary representatives, and concluded with the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045.(ASEAN, 22.06.25)
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Trump: China to Supply Rare Earths, Tariffs at 55 percent
On June 11, 2025, the U.S. and China finalised a trade deal following talks in London, granting the U.S. access to Chinese magnets and rare earth minerals -- critical for defence and industry. In return, the U.S. will impose 55 percent tariffs on Chinese goods, while China retains access for its students to U.S. universities.
President Trump hailed the agreement, which is pending final approval. Meanwhile, a Global Rights Compliance report flagged 77 Chinese suppliers in Xinjiang, linked to forced labour, supplying major brands such as Coca-Cola and Walmart. China dismissed the allegations. The U.S. has expanded bans on Xinjiang imports, now targeting metals and EV battery minerals.
(FE, 12.06.25)
APEC Ministers Warn of Tariff Driven Trade Slowdown
At the May 2025 APEC Trade Ministers’ Meeting, ministers warned that rising U.S. tariffs could sharply reduce regional export growth to just 0.4 percent, down from 5.7 percent in 2024. They also lowered the region’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast and highlighted the broader impact of tariffs on services and financial markets.
Key discussions emphasised the urgent need for WTO reforms and the importance of U.S.–China dialogue to ease trade tensions. The overarching message was one of strong concern over rising protectionism and its threat to economic stability in the Indo-Pacific.
(ANI, 15.05.25)
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Indonesia-U.S. to Sign US$52.3bn Trade Pact
Indonesia finalised a US$52.3bn trade and investment pact with the U.S. to avert a 32 percent tariff, set to take effect in July. The agreement boosts imports of U.S. fuels, wheat, soybeans, and energy products, while also facilitating investments in U.S. energy and agriculture sectors.
Garuda Indonesia is in negotiations to purchase up to 75 Boeing jets, potentially including 737 Max 8 and 787 models, though it remains unclear whether this deal is linked to tariff discussions. With a US$25.5bn trade surplus with the U.S. in 2024, Indonesia is seeking a more favourable arrangement than Vietnam’s 20 per cent tariff agreement.
(Reuters, 04.07.25)
China Sells Coking Coal to Indonesia in Rare Trade
In May 2025, China exported at least three cargoes of coking coal to Sulawesi, Indonesia, a market traditionally dominated by Australia and Indonesia, marking a rare trade move.
The shipments, facilitated by Shanxi Coking Coal Group, were delivered to China Risun Group’s large coke-processing plant, Hong Kong Jinteng Development Ltd, and a Dexin Steel facility. This follows China’s export of 78,030 metric tonnes to Indonesia in April, the first such shipment since July 2024.
(ETEW, 16.06.25)
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Quad Wraps Indo-Pacific Logistics Drill
From April 28-May 02, 2025, Quad partners - India, the U.S., Australia, and Japan, conducted a Tabletop Exercise at the Asia-Pacific Centre for Security Studies in Honolulu to launch the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN). This initiative enhances shared logistics capabilities to support rapid civilian responses to natural disasters in the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing the Quad’s commitment to a free and open region.
Additionally, India hosted the Quad Workshop on Pandemic Preparedness from March 17-19, 2025, involving 15 Indo-Pacific nations and international health organisations to strengthen regional health security through collaboration on governance, surveillance, and emergency response.
(TI, 08.05.25)
Japan-India Launch Defence Talks
Japan and India have agreed to establish a new defence cooperation consultation body to counter China’s growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific, as announced by Defence Ministers Gen Nakatani and Rajnath Singh during talks in New Delhi on May 05, 2025.
The body, comprising senior officials from both nations’ militaries, will oversee integrated defence coordination. Discussions focused on equipment and technology collaboration, including Japan exporting engines for Indian fighter jets and tanks. The ministers also committed to enhancing AI, cyber, and space cooperation, expanding joint exercises like Dharma Guardian, and exploring ship maintenance partnerships, strengthening their role within the Quad alliance.
(TJT, 06.05.25)
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Japan-Philippines Boost Coast Guard Ties
Japan, the U.S., and the Philippines conducted joint coast guard exercises off Japan’s Kagoshima coast, near the smouldering Sakurajima volcano, to enhance maritime unity amid tensions with China over disputed East and South China Seas.
The five-day drills, the second such collaboration and the first in Japan, included rescue simulations, such as man-overboard scenario and a simulated ship collision. Vessels including the Philippine BRP Teresa Magbanua and U.S. cutter Stratton participated. The exercises aimed to build trust and coordination, following a 2024 joint statement condemning China’s aggressive actions in the region.
(TH, 21.06.25)
Germany-Philippines Sign Defence Agreement
In May 2025, Germany and the Philippines signed a defence cooperation agreement in Berlin, expanding ties to include cybersecurity, logistics, armaments, and UN peacekeeping. This strengthens Manila’s efforts to diversify defence partnerships amid rising tensions with China over the South China Sea.
The deal builds on a 2024 leaders’ meeting and adds to the Philippines’ growing network of alliances, including recent agreements with New Zealand, Japan, and upcoming deals with Canada and France. Germany also reaffirmed its support for the 2016 tribunal ruling that rejected China’s expansive maritime claims.
(Reuters, 26.05.25)
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U.S. Pushes Asia on Defence vs. China
 At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31, 2025, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to countering Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific, urging allies to increase defence spending to deter threats, particularly towards Taiwan. He warned of “devastating consequences” if China uses force, criticising Beijing’s military build-up.
Hegseth clarified that “America First” does not mean isolationism, emphasising the Indo-Pacific as a priority. He cautioned against economic dependence on China. China’s absence of a defence minister and its embassy’s retort, labelling the U.S. a “troublemaker,” highlighted ongoing tensions. Delegates from 47 nations attended.
(NA, 31.05.25)
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China-India Relations Post-Galwan: A New Chapter?
Pradeep S Mehta in conversation with Amb. Ashok Kantha, former Indian Ambassador to China
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Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue (AP4D)
Forum for Integrated National Security
 The FINS is a platform for experts to share their perceptions and ideas with civil society. The FINS research comprises maritime, defence, space, nuclear, and other relevant security issues.
It recently initiated “The India’s Foreign Relations Tracker”, the first of its kind, a comprehensive project that presents detailed insights into India’s bilateral relations with approximately 195 countries across the world. This initiative aims to serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, the corporate world and all interested in India's dynamic international engagements.
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Hinrich Foundation
Australian Risk Policy Institute (ARPI)
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Governance and Policy Think Tank
 The Governance and Policy Think Tank (GPTT) is an independent, non-partisan, non-governmental THINK tank and DO tank, registered as a non-profit private company in Iran. GPTT has aimed to bridge science and policy; academia and society; as well as domestic and international policy.
The work of GPTT has been characterised with principles of political impartiality, analytical independence, interdisciplinarity, empirical objectivity, policy pragmatism, public engagement, international orientation, and evidence-based approach towards policy and governance issues.
It published various pieces including Close Political Ties Between Iran and India Not Reflected in Trade, Iran-India Relation has been Contained by External Intervention as well as the Lack of Appropriate Political Will, Currency Cold War: The Yuan's Bid for the Dollar's Crown, Towards a Regional Autonomy in Maritime Security, and The Collapse of Globalisation and Unilateralism: The Rise of Multipolarity and Regional Multilateralism. Available here. |
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Source: ETEW: ET Energy World; FE: Financial Express; NA: Nikkie Asia; TH: The Hindu; TI: Tribune India; TJT: The Japan Times
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CUTS International
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Ph: +91.141.2282821, Fax: +91.141.2282485
E-mail: ipcsf@cuts.org, Website: https://cuts-global.org/
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Amid global aid cuts, AP4D’s focus in recent months has continued to be on emphasising the important role of development as vital tool of statecraft. AP4D has published several pieces, including on
ARPI® has released a