14.04.2025 – WEEKLY BRIEFING

Taiwan Has a Roadmap for Deeper US Trade Ties – 09.04.2025

Last month, the first of Taiwan’s 66 F-16V fighter jets was completed in South Carolina as part of an $8 billion defense deal signed during former President Trump’s term, symbolizing both economic cooperation and strategic alignment between Taiwan and the US. Amid rising tensions with Beijing, Taiwan emphasizes its role as a democratic partner in the Indo-Pacific and highlights increasing bilateral investments, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.’s plan to invest $165 billion in the US, generating tens of thousands of jobs. In response to US reciprocal tariffs, Taiwan outlines a strategy focused on reducing tariffs through mutual negotiations, expanding American goods procurement to address trade imbalances, increasing arms purchases for self-defense, promoting Taiwanese investment in the US, and removing non-tariff barriers while addressing US export control concerns. These initiatives aim to strengthen economic and security ties, positioning Taiwan-US collaboration as a cornerstone of regional stability in the face of global uncertainty.

Estonia seizes Russian shadow tanker in Baltic Sea – 11.04.2025

Estonian authorities detained a Russian shadow fleet vessel near Tallinn Bay in the Baltic Sea, Prime Minister Kristen Michal announced, highlighting its lack of national registration—a violation of international maritime law. Previously registered to Djibouti, the ship was en route to Russia’s Ust-Luga oil port and was intercepted in a coordinated operation involving helicopters. Estonia’s Navy is currently inspecting the vessel’s legal status and safety. The incident reflects broader concerns about Russia’s use of unflagged “ghost” tankers in the Baltic Sea to evade Western sanctions and potentially conduct seabed sabotage. Estonian officials confirmed an increase in such undocumented vessels, linking them to Moscow’s shadow fleet. This comes shortly after Estonia’s parliament passed legislation authorizing the navy to use military force against commercial ships that threaten critical subsea infrastructure—a move prompted by similar incidents, including Finland’s detention of a suspected sabotage-linked tanker in December.

Erdogan’s main rival in Turkey makes first court appearance since arrest – 11.04.2025

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, widely seen as President Erdogan’s main political rival, appeared in court for the first time since his March arrest on charges of corruption and terrorism, though Friday’s hearing at Silivri prison pertained to a separate case involving alleged threats against Istanbul’s chief prosecutor, Akin Gurlek. Imamoglu, who has won Istanbul’s mayoral election three times, claims his arrest is politically motivated—a view echoed by the opposition and international observers such as the Council of Europe, which has called for his immediate release. His detention has sparked Turkey’s largest anti-government protests in over a decade, with widespread criticism of media suppression and judicial impartiality. While the Turkish government denies political interference, prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of over seven years in the Gurlek case. Imamoglu’s wife, Dilek, has been active in protest movements, and further demonstrations are expected. Meanwhile, around 2,000 protest-related arrests have been reported, fueling concerns over democratic backsliding ahead of potential early elections that could allow Erdogan another presidential run despite current constitutional limits.

India, US finalise terms of reference for first phase of trade deal, Indian official says – 11.04.2025

India and the United States have finalized terms of reference for the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement, aiming to reach a mutually beneficial deal within 90 days, according to an Indian trade official. This follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a temporary 90-day suspension on most tariff increases for key trade partners, including India, while raising tariffs on China. The two nations, which aspire to expand bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, had agreed in February to initiate trade negotiations, with talks continuing virtually and potentially through high-level delegations. While India recorded a $45.7 billion trade surplus with the U.S. in 2024, concerns over possible trade diversion—especially in light of increased U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods—have prompted India to tighten customs scrutiny and launch a global trade helpdesk to address trade-related issues. Emphasizing its commitment to ethical trade practices, India has reiterated its stance against being used as a conduit for rerouting goods, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s directive to uphold the country’s image as a reliable global trade partner.

Mark Zuckerberg declares the end of phones—meet their next-gen replacement – 11.04.2025

Mark Zuckerberg recently suggested that the era of the smartphone may be coming to an end, with technology evolving towards more natural and social forms of interaction. He envisions a future where devices, like smart glasses, replace smartphones as more intuitive and immersive tools. This aligns with predictions from experts, including those at the Pew Research Center, who note the shift in digital communication. Companies such as Apple and Meta are already heavily investing in smart glasses, like Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Orion, which offer more than just digital overlays—they could function as personal assistants, providing navigation, news updates, and real-time responses. Although the transition from smartphones to wearable technology may be challenging, these advancements could mark the beginning of a new era in computing, where digital experiences are seamlessly integrated into daily life.

Helicopter in fatal New York crash lacked flight recorders, NTSB says – 13.04.2025

On April 13, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the Bell 206 helicopter, which crashed into the Hudson River in New York City on April 10, lacked flight recorders, complicating the investigation. The crash, which resulted in the deaths of all six passengers, including three children, and the pilot, occurred after the helicopter took off from a downtown pad and crashed near Lower Manhattan. The NTSB is recovering parts of the helicopter, such as the cockpit and tail boom, for inspection. Investigations are ongoing, with divers continuing to search for more parts, while authorities are reviewing operational records and pilot experience. The aircraft had passed its last major inspection on March 1 and had completed several tour flights before the incident.

Russian strikes on northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy kill 32, in deadliest attack this year – 13.04.2025

On Palm Sunday, Russian missile strikes hit the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, killing at least 32 people, including two children, and injuring 99 others. The attacks targeted the city center, where many residents were attending church services, using ballistic missiles and possibly cluster munitions. This strike marks the deadliest assault on Ukrainian civilians in 2025, as the missiles caused extensive damage, including to a trolleybus, and left bodies scattered in the streets. Ukrainian officials condemned the attack as a deliberate targeting of civilians, and international figures, including Kaja Kallas and French President Emmanuel Macron, called for stronger responses. The incident occurred amid ongoing efforts by the U.S. to broker peace, though Russia had rejected a proposed ceasefire.