Asian Insider: Xi shores up ties in South-east Asia | A pickleball bubble could be forming in Malaysia

Plus: Prabowo's designer son turns political go-between | If this e-mail is not displayed properly, click here. THURSDAY, APR 17 2025 Asian Insider brings you insights into a fast-changing region from our network of correspondents and commentators. Lim Ai Leen Associate Foreign Editor Dear ST reader, We hope you've been keeping well. US President Donald Trump may have called a 90 day time-out on tariffs for imports from most countries, but the scramble to cut a deal with Washington continues. Dozens of countries are making a beeline for the White House to discuss lower levies, in a bid to shield their economies. China, however, remains resolute. In the face of whopping 145 per cent tariffs imposed on its exports to the US, it has issued retaliatory duties of its own on American goods. This "bring it on" stance takes a leaf from the playbook of founding leader Mao Zedong, writes Yew Lun Tian. In addition, Chinese President Xi Jinping this week embarked on a tour of Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia – all nations hard hit by tariffs – to shore up economic ties and present itself as an ally against "unilateralism and protectionism". Our senior columnist Lin Suling posits that instead of isolating China, Trump's tariffs may have the effect of isolating the US instead, as countries reduce their economic dependence on an untrustworthy player. Turning to politics, Singapore heads to the polls on May 3, the same day that Australians will vote in their federal election. Also read Arlina Arshad's analysis on whether the fashion designer son of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto could play a more active role in politics. China stands with South-east Asia to counter 'unilateralism', says Xi Chinese president is touring the region to shore up ties, amid standoff with US. More on tariffs and South-east Asia: Asean unity helps, but member states still need to hustle solo China seeks to capitalise on trade turbulence in South-east Asia 'The sky will not fall' on HK in tariff war, thanks to its free port status The city has leeway to tailor its tariffs response, but it will still be painful, say analysts. More on tariffs and East Asia: 'Taiwan must not become a loophole' Australia's parties bank on Asian candidates at May election The proportion of Asian-Australians in Parliament has been increasing. Read more: Trump tariffs and the Aussie election Prabowo's designer son brings understated, personal style to diplomacy Mr Didit Hediprasetyo's visits to former presidents Widodo and Megawati have drawn attention. More from Indonesia: Thousands of new job-seekers flock to Jakarta after festive holidays Indian start-up 3D prints animal parts to save endangered wildlife Some say such replicas may end up supporting demand for real animal parts. Green Pulse Podcast: Is it time to focus more on climate adaptation? From schools to hotels, pickleball takes Malaysia by storm There are hundreds of courts, some with AI-powered gameplay analysis More on social trends: Japan's tablet textbooks and metaverse classrooms divide opinion Why you should watch Emerald Hill Sign up for more newsletters here. To manage your newsletters, click here.