CHINEXT PRICE INDEX LAST UP 2.7% AT 3608.52, HIGHEST LEVEL SINCE JUNE 2015

Geopolitics & Diplomacy - China Xi to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov - Chinese state media - White House: President Xi assured Trump that China is not supplying weapons to Iran - U.S. sends thousands more troops to Mideast as Trump seeks to squeeze Iran - WaPo - US holds first direct talks with Hamas since Gaza truce as ceasefire stalls - Iran-linked source says Lebanon ceasefire may be approved, duration tied to U.S.-Iran truce - US, Iran said to weigh extending their ceasefire by two weeks - White House: not true US requested Iran ceasefire extension - Iran could consider ships being able to sail through Oman side of Strait of Hormuz without interference or attack as part of a deal with U.S. - source close to Tehran Trade & Policy - China told Maersk and MSC to drop Panama port operations - FT - China considering restrictions on exports of solar manufacturing equipment to United States, sources say Technology & Corporate - Alibaba Cloud raises DDoS pricing - CATL seeks removal from Pentagon military-tied list

ECB'S ESCRIVA: WE HAVEN'T SEEN MUCH CHANGE IN INFLATION EXPECTATIONS