China opens investigations into US trade practices in response to Trump tariff moves

BEIJING (AP) – China launched two investigations into U.S. trade practices on Friday, signaling its resolve to push back against President Donald Trump’s tariffs ahead of his visit in May. The Commerce Ministry said the new probes are a response to two investigations announced by Trump earlier this month against multiple countries, including China.

S&P 500 closes out its worst week since Iran war started

NEW YORK (AP) - U.S. stocks closed out their worst week since the Iran war began and their fifth losing week in a row. The S&P 500 fell 1.6% and is now 8.7% below the all-time high it reached in January. The Dow Jones dropped 1.7%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 2.1%. Crude oil prices rose again with no clear end in sight for the conflict.

Top Asia Pacific Breaking News: Latest Updates

ISLAMABAD (AP) – As fears of a wider regional conflict escalate following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that began in late February, Pakistan has emerged as an unexpected mediator, offering to help bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table. Islamabad isn’t often called on to act as an intermediary in high-stakes diplomacy.

Top Asia Pacific Breaking News - Latest Updates

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed a test of an upgraded solid-fuel engine for weapons capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, and called it a significant development boosting his country’s strategic military arsenal, state media reported Sunday.

Why Pakistan has emerged as a mediator between US and Iran

ISLAMABAD (AP) – As fears of a wider regional conflict escalate following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that began in late February, Pakistan has emerged as an unexpected mediator, offering to help bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table.

Pakistan will host US-Iran talks, while Iran warns US ground troops

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) – Pakistan announced Sunday that it will soon host talks between the U.S. and Iran, though there was no immediate word from the U.S. or Iran, and it was unclear whether the talks would be direct or indirect.

China's BYD sees first profit drop since 2021

HONG KONG (AP) – Chinese automaker BYD said Friday its annual sales rose to a record $116 billion, outpacing Tesla’s, but its profit fell for the first time since 2021 under pressure from cutthroat competition. BYD, the largest electric vehicle maker, has been expanding into global markets including Latin America and Europe.

Editorials from The Washington Post, New York Times, The Guardian and others

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

Mongolia's prime minister resigns following tensions within the ruling party

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia (AP) – Mongolia ‘s Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav resigned Friday after rising tensions within the ruling Mongolian People’s Party and a parliamentary boycott by the opposition.