China reported 5.4% first-quarter GDP growth despite ongoing tariff tensions with the US, though export outlook remains uncertain. Japan's historic first cease-and-desist order against Google for antitrust violations continued to draw attention from previous day's coverage.

By mid-morning, the Japan Times reported Trump calling the US-Japan alliance "one-sided," contrasting with Tokyo's position. The trade situation intensified as Trump announced his personal participation in US-Japan tariff negotiations scheduled for April 16 (US time), with defense cost-sharing also on the agenda. Japan's Economic Minister Akazawa sought concessions while navigating challenging negotiations.

Meanwhile, President Xi positioned China to "stand with Asian peers against unilateralism," likely a reference to Trump's trade policies. In domestic news, gasoline subsidies were temporarily suspended for the first time in three years, while SBI Holdings increased its stake in South Korea's third-largest life insurer.