Asian markets tumble amid U.S. tariff disruptions

Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to work with Spain and the European Union to safeguard the global trade environment during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (01:11). China raises tariffs to 125% on U.S. goods and will not make further responses to tariff hikes by Washington (11:30). Former South Korean leader Yoon Suk Yeol has left the presidential residence after his impeachment and removal from office (25:44).

China's commerce ministry and foreign ministry have reiterated the country's call for dialogue to resolve differences on tariffs, and its determination to protect national interests (01:05). Germany's Union bloc and Social Democrats have secured a deal for a coalition government (14:09). China and Spain are seeking closer ties during a visit by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (21:23).

China's white paper on trade and economic ties with the United States criticizes Washington for its global tariffs, while urging dialogue to resolve differences (01:00). The United Nations chief has rejected an Israeli proposal to control aid deliveries to Gaza (15:44). And sales revenue in Chinese manufacturing continued growth, increasing 4.8% in Q1 (44:15).

Chinese authorities have expressed determination to protect the country's interests in the face of U.S. tariff threats, calling them an act of bullying and protectionism (01:02). Protesters doubt if the meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump will help reach a hostage release deal (15:20). And South Korea has confirmed June 3 as the date for the next presidential election (22:36).

U.S. tariffs have sent Asian stock markets tumbling as they continue to spark opposition (01:03). A new trend offering immersive experiences emerged in Chinese shopping centers during the Qingming Festival holiday (15:38). Towns in the U.S. Midwest and South are submerged after days of rain that triggered more flood alerts (21:33).

South Korea will hold snap elections within 60 days after the Constitutional Court voted unanimously to remove impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol from office (01:05). Canada and Mexico have vowed to protect their industries after U.S. auto tariffs took effect (14:56). And Friday marks the beginning of the Qingming Festival holiday in China, a time for people to honor their ancestors and make short trips (09:03).

U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs has drawn global opposition, with China and other trading partners vowing to act to protect interests (01:02). China has delivered new aid supplies to assist earthquake relief in Myanmar (13:27). And Denmark’s prime minister has visited Greenland to reaffirm support amid U.S. pressure to control the island (21:56).

China and Russia have reaffirmed ties during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit, as the two countries mark 80 years since the Allied victory in World War II (01:06). Chinese teams are disinfecting earthquake-affected areas in Myanmar to reduce the risk of diseases amid high temperatures (09:02). And the world is bracing for new U.S. tariffs, as many trading partners vow to come up with countermeasures (17:27).

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command has carried out drills around Taiwan in a stern warning to separatist forces (01:03). Chinese rescuers are not giving up on finding earthquake survivors in Myanmar while people in the affected areas cope with a shortage of resources (10:23). And French far-right leader Marine Le Pen says she will appeal after a court found her guilty of embezzlement (24:12).

About 400 Chinese experts, responders and medics are in Myanmar to assist rescue and relief efforts following the earthquake that killed over 2,000 people including three Chinese nationals (05:17). Washington and Tehran are warning each other of severe consequences over disagreements on the nuclear deal (17:00). And China’s manufacturing picked up pace in March (37:38).