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The 6th International Day of Conscience and International Day of Hope celebration was held on April 2, 2025, at the UN Office in Vienna. Former heads of state, ambassadors, permanent representatives to the UN in Vienna, and distinguished guests attended the " World Leader Summit of Love and Peace." (AP Images)

U.S. President Donald Trump’s insistence on implementing aggressive tariff measures has impacted the global economy. On April 7, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced that the EU will begin imposing tariffs on U.S. imported goods in two phases: the first batch starting on April 15 and the second batch starting on May 15. These retaliatory tariffs will target a range of U.S. imports in response to previous U.S. trade restrictions on European products. Earlier, von der Leyen stated that the EU remains open to tariff negotiations but is also prepared for retaliation, having previously proposed zero tariffs on industrial goods to the U.S.

Last week, the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on imported cars and announced on April 2 the imposition of a 10% baseline tariff on goods sold to the U.S. from more than 180 countries and regions. High reciprocal tariffs were also set for about 60 countries. The baseline tariffs went into effect at midnight Eastern Time on April 5 (12:00 PM Taipei time), while the reciprocal tariffs will be imposed at midnight Eastern Time on April 9 (12:00 PM Taipei time).

A spokesperson for the European Commission stated that the tariffs will cover key U.S. export industries, including agricultural products, steel and aluminum products, and machinery, with tariffs reaching up to 25%. The spokesperson emphasized, "Our actions are a legitimate response to unfair trade measures, in line with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules."

The U.S. had previously imposed additional tariffs on several European products, citing protection of domestic industries and national security, which sparked strong dissatisfaction within the EU. The EU’s trade commissioner pointed out that the retaliatory measures are aimed at defending European businesses and workers' interests, urging the U.S. to restore constructive trade dialogue as soon as possible.

The escalation of tariffs has raised concerns in the European business community, with many companies worried about rising costs and disruptions in the supply chain. A German exporter said, "We hope both sides can return to the negotiating table to prevent the trade war from escalating."

At the same time, the EU stated that if the U.S. is willing to remove the relevant trade restrictions, the EU would adjust its measures accordingly.

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, AWC Vice President and FOWPAL President, hosts the AWC 50th Anniversary Celebration in Vienna on April 1, 2025–World Citizenship Day.

On April 4, South Korea’s Constitutional Court ruled in favor of the impeachment case against President Yoon Suk-yeol, following his brief declaration of martial law late last year. As a result, the country is required to elect a new president within 60 days. According to government officials, a preliminary decision has been made to hold the presidential election on June 3. Acting President Han Duck-soo is expected to propose the date during the regular Cabinet meeting on April 8, at which point the election date will be finalized and announced.

Under South Korea’s Constitution and the Public Official Election Act, the presidential election must be held within 60 days after the Constitutional Court declares the removal of the president. Additionally, the election date must be announced at least 50 days before the vote. If June 3 is confirmed as the election date, prospective candidates must register by May 11, and the official campaign period would begin on May 12. Once the new president is confirmed, they will take office immediately.

Meanwhile, there had been speculation that Yoon would vacate the presidential residence on April 9. However, a presidential office official stated that preparations for his departure are underway, but the exact date and his next residence have not yet been determined. Sources suggest that, considering security arrangements and the preparation of his private home, Yoon may leave the official residence as early as this weekend.

On April 5, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that he will hold a trilateral summit with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

Following the collapse of a temporary ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, the Israeli military resumed its operations in the Gaza Strip. Israeli authorities stated that the renewed offensive aims to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining hostages while also escalating strikes in Lebanon and Syria.

Macron wrote on social media platform X: “In response to the emergency situation in Gaza, I will participate in a trilateral summit with King Abdullah II during my visit to Egypt, at the invitation of President Sisi.” Macron is expected to arrive in Cairo on the evening of April 6 and meet with President Sisi on the morning of April 7. According to Macron’s office, the trilateral summit will take place in Cairo on the same day.

On April 8, Macron will also visit the port city of El-Arish in Egypt, where he will meet with humanitarian and security personnel, reaffirming his commitment to “continue mobilizing efforts for a ceasefire.” El-Arish, located about 50 kilometers west of the Gaza Strip, serves as a key transit hub for international aid entering Gaza.

After U.S. President Trump announced reciprocal tariffs and additional auto tariffs, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated on the 5th that he is actively in talks with the U.S. and may hold a phone call with Trump as early as next week.

President Trump recently announced the implementation of reciprocal tariffs on various countries, including a 24% tariff on Japanese goods and a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and auto parts, which could have a significant impact on the Japanese economy. According to NHK, on the 4th, Ishiba held a cross-party leaders' meeting at the National Diet Building that lasted around 50 minutes.

Later, in an interview with Yomiuri TV, Ishiba said: “I hope to have a phone call with President Trump next week. I want him to understand how much Japan can contribute to revitalizing American manufacturing and creating jobs.” Regarding how to negotiate with the U.S., Ishiba emphasized that merely seeking an exemption for Japan would not be viable. Instead, Japan will propose a comprehensive plan that may include discussions on liquefied natural gas (LNG), automobiles, agriculture, and security.

When asked whether Japan would impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, Ishiba responded, “What would happen to the global economy if we engaged in retaliatory tariffs? We must consider Japan’s national interest. Rather than talking about retaliatory tariffs, we should emphasize that Japan is the largest investor in the United States, unlike countries that neither invest in nor create jobs in America.”

As for measures to address rising prices, Ishiba was asked whether lowering the consumption tax rate would be included in his party’s platform for this summer’s House of Councillors election. He replied that various options are being considered, but emphasized that any tax cuts would require careful consideration of how to secure funding for social welfare programs.

Media reports indicate that on April 3, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed several members of the National Security Council (NSC), including National Security Agency (NSA) Director and Cyber Command Chief Timothy Haugh, and Deputy Director Wendy Noble. Following her removal, Noble was reassigned to the Pentagon’s Office of the Deputy Secretary of Defense.

Neither Haugh nor Noble were given specific reasons for their dismissal. However, sources revealed that Trump acted on the advice of external advisors and far-right figures such as Laura Loomer, believing these officials were insufficiently loyal. As a result, Trump ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to remove them from their positions.

Haugh, who was appointed during the administration of former President Joe Biden, had been cautious in public appearances. After Trump took office, officials within his administration were wary of Haugh due to differences in leadership style between him and the new appointees.

In addition to the NSA Director and Deputy Director, two other NSC members were dismissed on March 23. These individuals were primarily responsible for intelligence, congressional affairs, and technical security issues. Media reports suggest this is the first wave of dismissals, with at least 10 NSC members expected to be fired by the end of the second round.

Neither the White House nor the U.S. Department of Defense have confirmed or responded to the reports. Both the Cyber Command and the NSA have declined to comment. However, reports indicate that William Hartmann, the Deputy Commander of Cyber Command, will temporarily take over as NSA Director, while Sheila Thomas, the NSA’s Executive Director, will serve as the Acting Deputy Director.

The Constitutional Court of South Korea delivered an important ruling today (April 4), affirming the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. According to constitutional provisions, the ruling is effective immediately, and Yoon Suk-yeol has been officially removed from office, no longer able to exercise presidential powers. Yoon was not present at the court's session but watched the live broadcast of the results from his residence in Hannam-dong.

Yoon Suk-yeol declared a sudden emergency martial law on December 3 of last year, causing turmoil in both the ruling and opposition parties. On December 14 of the same year, the National Assembly voted to impeach him. Today, the Constitutional Court announced its ruling. After a thorough review and investigation of evidence, the court concluded that Yoon failed to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to him by the Constitution in handling domestic and foreign affairs, resulting in negative impacts on the public interest.

Following the court's ruling, the South Korean government immediately initiated the necessary procedures, and Yoon's presidency was officially declared vacant. In accordance with the Constitution, the Vice President of South Korea will temporarily assume presidential duties until a new presidential election is held.

Yoon did not make any public statements following the ruling, but his supporters have expressed their intent to continue defending him, arguing that the impeachment was politically motivated. On the other hand, opponents view the ruling as a necessary consequence of his misconduct in leadership, highlighting the strong oversight of power abuse within South Korea's constitutional system.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Katz announced on April 2 that Israel will expand its military operations in Gaza, planning to seize large areas of land and "incorporate them into Israel’s security zone." This operation will also involve the "mass evacuation of civilians from Gaza away from the combat zones," though no further details were provided.

On the evening of April 1, an Arabic-speaking spokesperson for the Israeli military issued evacuation orders to residents in the southern Gaza town of Rafah, instructing them to move north. The large-scale evacuation aims to remove civilians from conflict areas, while urging them to assist in eliminating the Palestinian militant group Hamas and freeing Israeli hostages. Katz stated that this is the only path to ending the war.

However, for many Palestinians, the prospect of "re-migration" is a burden that is nearly unbearable. Rosalia Bollen, a spokesperson for UNICEF, also commented that after a year and a half of conflict, many children and families have been pushed to the brink both physically and mentally, saying, "Everyone is exhausted."

A natural gas pipeline explosion occurred in Malaysia on the afternoon of April 2, local time, causing a severe fire. At least 33 people have been confirmed injured, and authorities are investigating the cause of the incident.

According to local media reports, the explosion took place in an industrial area in Sabah state, where a major natural gas pipeline suddenly erupted, triggering a massive fire and thick smoke. The flames were visible for several kilometers, and the blast caused damage to nearby buildings, with some vehicles also affected by the shockwave.

Emergency rescue teams quickly rushed to the scene and evacuated nearby residents. The local fire department stated that after several hours of effort, the fire has been largely contained, but more time is still needed to fully extinguish the flames and prevent secondary explosions or gas leaks.

The Malaysian government has confirmed that at least 33 people have been injured, many of them workers from the industrial area and local residents. The injured have been sent to nearby hospitals for treatment, with some suffering severe injuries requiring further medical attention.

Authorities have dispatched a team of experts to investigate the site and determine the exact cause of the explosion. Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident may be linked to abnormal pipeline pressure or improper maintenance, though further data and evidence are required for confirmation. The Malaysian Ministry of Energy and safety regulatory bodies have vowed to thoroughly investigate the incident and strengthen inspections of the country’s energy infrastructure to prevent similar events in the future.

The Malaysian government has issued an official statement urging the public to remain calm and avoid approaching the accident site to ensure safety. Authorities emphasized their commitment to assisting the injured and providing necessary support. Additionally, the extent of the impact on nearby residents is still being assessed. If necessary, the government will arrange temporary shelters to ensure that affected people receive proper assistance.

The explosion has shocked the local community, with many citizens expressing concerns over the safety of natural gas pipelines and urging the government to strengthen regulation and inspection measures. Relevant authorities have stated that they will conduct a comprehensive review of existing safety standards to ensure that similar incidents do not occur again.