China backs Southeast Asia nuclear ban; Rubio, Lavrov at ASEAN meeting
Summary
China has agreed to sign a Southeast Asian treaty that bans nuclear weapons, as confirmed by China's and Malaysia's foreign ministers. The agreement aims to keep Southeast Asia free from nuclear weapons and comes amid new U.S. tariffs on several countries, including ASEAN nations.Key Facts
- China plans to sign the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) treaty, which prohibits nuclear activities in Southeast Asia except for peaceful uses like energy.
- The treaty, in effect since 1997, seeks to maintain a non-nuclear status in Southeast Asia.
- The U.S. plans new tariffs starting August 1, impacting several ASEAN nations and other allies like Japan and South Korea.
- Tariff rates include 25% on Malaysia, 32% on Indonesia, 36% on Cambodia and Thailand, and 40% on Laos and Myanmar.
- Vietnam and the UK are the only two countries that have negotiated separate trade deals with the U.S.
- Vietnam will face a 20% tariff on many exports to the U.S., lower than initially suggested, and it agreed to accept U.S. products without tariffs.
- The tariff announcements have led ASEAN nations to consider closer trade ties with other global regions, notably China.
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