The Future of Asia forum brought together about 40 political, economic, and academic leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to Japan's Tokyo to share their views on regional cooperation and global trade.
Hosted by Japan's media organization Nikkei, the forum has been held annually since 1995. This year's forum runs for two days from May 29-30 under the theme "Asia's Challenge in a Turbulent World".
Among the guests was Zhu Guangyao, former vice minister of China's Ministry of Finance. He discussed the recent tariff disputes between the United States and many of its trade partners, including Asian countries like China and Japan. Starting early April, the U.S. imposed "reciprocal" tariffs, forcing China to take strong retaliation actions, Zhu said.
"This retaliation is not only for protecting Chinese interests, we also protect global trade system," Zhu added.
Chinese guests attending the forum also called on all countries to respect each other and establish an orderly multilateral trading system. They expressed hope that through the efforts of global partners, a rules-based global trading system can be restored to order, which is in the interests of all countries, including the United States.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reiterated Japan's unwavering support for the free trade system amid the ongoing global trade tensions.
"Against the backdrop of growing global conservative tendencies, Asian countries, as the world's growth center, must strengthen cooperation and clearly show the world the importance of establishing a rules-based, free and fair economic order," said Ishiba.
Jin Liqun, president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), stressed on Asia's momentum in economic growth, urging Asian countries to deepen cooperation.
"Asia would remain resilient. Asia can maintain its growth regardless that what's happening in the rest of the world. They enhance the cooperation. ASEAN, China, Japan, Korea and others are working together. So even though there will be tariff issues, but I believe these countries would continue to adhere to the free trade system," Jin said.
Asian leaders show strong support for free trade system at Future of Asia forum
Asian leaders show strong support for free trade system at Future of Asia forum
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
