Top Asian News 8:27 p.m. GMT

China’s economy grew 5.4% in the first quarter as exporters rushed to beat Trump’s tariffs

BANGKOK (AP) — China’s economy expanded at a 5.4% annual pace in January-March, the government said Wednesday, supported by strong exports ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s rapid increases in tariffs on Chinese products. With the trade war clouding the outlook, analysts are forecasting that the world’s second largest economy will slow significantly in coming months, however, as tariffs as high as 145% on U.S. imports from China take effect. Beijing has hit back at the U.S. with 125% tariffs on American exports, while also stressing its determination to keep its own markets open to trade and investment. Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visits is visiting several other Asian countries this week as he makes a case for free trade, presenting China as a source of “stability and certainty” in uncertain times.

Xi says China will stand with Southeast Asian countries in face of economic shocks

BANGKOK (AP) — Chinese leader Xi Jinping told Malaysia’s leader Wednesday that China will be a collaborative partner and stand with its Southeast Asian neighbors in the wake of global economic shocks. “In the face of shocks to global order and economic globalization, China and Malaysia will stand with countries in the region to combat the undercurrents of geopolitical ... confrontation, as well as the counter-currents of unilateralism and protectionism,” Xi, who was on a state visit to Malaysia as part of his Southeast Asia tour, said in remarks at a dinner with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. “Together we will safeguard the bright prospects of our Asian family,” he added.

Nora Aunor, an actor among the Philippines’ biggest stars, dies at 71

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Nora Aunor, who became one of the biggest stars of Philippine cinema during a career that spanned seven decades, has died. Aunor died Wednesday, according to social media posts from her children. She was 71. No further details on the cause or place of her death were immediately given. Filipina actor Lotlot de León said on Instagram that her mother “touched generations with her unmatched talent, grace, and passion for the craft. Her voice, presence, and artistry shaped a legacy that will never fade.” De León said funeral plans and other details will be shared later. Aunor, born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor to an impoverished family in eastern Camarines Sur province, sold water in a train station in her hometown in her youth.

China appoints a new trade negotiator during tariff fight with the US

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China appointed a new trade negotiator Wednesday in the midst of its tariff fight with the United States as the world’s two largest economies steadily increase tariffs on each other’s goods. China’s government said Li Chenggang replaces Wang Shouwen, who participated in negotiations for the countries’ 2020 trade deal. China faces 145% taxes on exports to the U.S., while the Trump administration gave dozens of other countries a 90-day reprieve for most duties. Beijing has hit back at the U.S. with 125% tariffs on American exports, while stressing its determination to keep its own markets open to trade and investment.

Hong Kong post office will stop shipping parcels to the US over tariffs

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong’s post office will stop shipping small parcels to the United States after Washington announced plans to charge tariffs on small-value parcels from the southern Chinese city, the government said Wednesday. The U.S. government earlier announced that it would end a customs exception allowing small-value parcels from Hong Kong to enter the U.S. without tax, slapping a 120% tariff on them starting from May 2. The “de minimis” exemption currently allows shipments that are worth less than $800 to go tax-free. A government statement said Hongkong Post would not collect tariffs on behalf of Washington, and will suspend accepting non-airmail parcels containing goods destined for the U.S.

US tariffs bring stalled shipments and uncertainty for Chinese exporters

GUANGZHOU, China (AP) — Exporters at China’s largest trade fair spoke on Wednesday of stalled shipments and lower sales forecasts due to the ongoing trade war with the United States. Zhang Haiyun, overseas sales director for Airdog, an air purifier maker based in the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou, said her company has halted shipments to the U.S. since President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs of 145% on all products imported from China. “Basically, there are no freight companies willing to take orders because no one knows what will happen to the tariffs when the goods arrive,” Zhang told The Associated Press from her booth at the Canton Fair, which is China’s largest and oldest trade event.

Maldives bars travelers with Israeli passports over Gaza war

MALE, Maldives (AP) — The Maldives has changed its immigration law to bar people from entering the country with Israeli passports in a show of outrage over the war in Gaza. The amendment was passed by Parliament on Monday and approved by President Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday, according to a statement from the president’s office. The Maldives immigration service clarified that Israeli citizens who have a second passport would be able to enter the country. The Cabinet took the decision nearly a year ago but the government did not formalize it until this week. “The ratification reflects the government’s firm stance in response to the continuing atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people,” the statement said.

AP PHOTOS: Exporters at China’s largest trade fair look to non-US markets for survival

GUANGZHOU, China (AP) — Exporters attending China’s biannual trade fair in Canton were emphatic about the need to look beyond selling to Americans. China has been highlighting its focus on trade with countries other than the United States at various trade fairs that are showcasing its vast market and competitiveness as a manufacturing giant. U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs of 145% on all products imported from China. While the U.S. has postponed the implementation of most tariffs for three months, the duties on Chinese products remain in place pending a trade deal between the two nations. Beijing has retaliated with tariffs on U.S.

Pakistan wants to deport millions of Afghans. In one region, they have no plans to go

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Akber Khan is seeing a brisk trade at his restaurant in the northwest Pakistani city of Peshawar. Staff fan skewers of grilled meats and dole out rice and salad. As an Afghan, Khan ought to be leaving as part of a nationwide crackdown on foreigners the Pakistani government says are living in the country illegally. But the only heat he feels is from the kitchen. “I have been here for almost 50 years. I got married here, so did my children, and 10 of my family members are buried here. That’s why we have no desire to leave,” he said.

Australian prime minister says he trusts Trump and Xi during debate with election rival

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had no reason not to trust U.S. President Donald Trump or Chinese President Xi Jinping while debating his rival on Wednesday ahead of the May 3 election. Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton faced off in a televised debate when Australian Broadcasting Corp. moderator, David Speers, asked both if they trusted the presidents of the United States and China, Australia’s most important security and trading partners, after they defied bilateral treaties negatively affecting Australian exports. “Yeah, I have no reason not to” trust Trump, Albanese said. “I’ve had a couple of discussions with him.” Albanese, whose center-left Labor Party government came to power in 2022, said the 10% tariffs the Trump administration had placed on Australian imports were as low as any country had been burdened with.