Domestic News:
1. Xi Jinping speaks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman by phone.
2. Canada announces increased direct flights to China.
3. National Energy Administration: Total electricity consumption in March increased by 3.5% year-on-year.
4. The People's Bank of China maintains the one-year and five-year loan prime rates (LPRs) at 3% and 3.5% respectively.
5. Ministry of Commerce responds to the EU's draft amendment to the Cybersecurity Law: Resolutely opposes the politicization of trade and economic issues.
6. Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) announces new regulatory framework, allowing tokenized SFC-approved investment products to be traded on the secondary market.
7. National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) chairs a symposium for private enterprises to solicit opinions and suggestions on accurately grasping the current economic situation and actively responding to changes in the external environment.
8. Li Qiang chairs the 19th special study session of the State Council, focusing on maintaining initiative in energy security, accelerating the construction of a new energy system, and promoting green and low-carbon transformation of energy production and consumption patterns.
International News:
1. White House: Labor Secretary Chavez Dremer resigns.
2. Sources: The Bank of Japan may not raise interest rates at its April meeting.
3. Apple announces leadership change: Tenus takes over as CEO, Cook becomes executive chairman.
4. Trump will appear on a CNBC financial program at 8:30 PM Beijing time on the 21st.
5. US Energy Secretary assesses gasoline won't drop to $3 until next year; Trump: That's a big mistake.
6. Federal Reserve nominee Warsh pledges to maintain monetary policy independence, believing that government officials' comments are not a real threat.
7. Iran situation—
① Trump: "Highly unlikely" to extend the ceasefire agreement; considering Pakistan's suggestion regarding the blockade of Iran. The ceasefire agreement expires on the evening of the 22nd Washington time (morning of the 23rd Beijing time), at which point the bombs will explode. Denies being dragged into the conflict by Israel.
② US media: Vance is expected to travel to Pakistan on Tuesday; US-Iran talks planned for Wednesday.
③ The US will host the second round of Lebanon-Israel talks this Thursday.
④ Pakistan still expects the Iranian delegation to arrive in Islamabad on Tuesday. Pakistani officials stated that Iran is willing to participate in the second round of negotiations.
⑤ A senior Iranian official stated that Iran is actively reviewing its participation in the negotiations and has not yet made a final decision. Pakistan is mediating to urge the US to lift its blockade of Iran to ensure Iran's participation in the negotiations.
⑥ An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that there are currently no plans for a second round of negotiations with the US; the transfer of enriched uranium has never been mentioned.
