China & Hong Kong
- Hong Kong to announce a new batch of key enterprises for strategic
introduction
- 2026 China Internet Development Symposium held in Beijing
- DeepSeek launches first external fundraising? A source from a major
state-backed equity institution says the news is likely true, but access is
currently unavailable
Geopolitics & Iran Conflict
- Iran Deputy Foreign Minister: will never hand over enriched uranium to the
United States
- Temporary ceasefire expires Wednesday: Trump says US and Iran will hold talks
on the 20th in Islamabad; the White House says JD Vance will attend
- Iranian media: Iran rejects participation in a second round of talks with the
US; reports of “second talks” are untrue, outlook uncertain
- No vessels recorded transiting the Strait of Hormuz on the 19th
- Trump says US forces intercepted and took control of an Iranian cargo ship;
Iran’s military says the move violates the ceasefire and vows retaliation,
having launched drone attacks on US naval forces
- Iran plans to introduce a Strait of Hormuz management law banning
Israel-linked vessels from transiting
- Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz since the evening of the 18th, until the
US blockade is lifted
Energy & Commodities
- US Energy Secretary: gasoline prices may not fall below $3 per gallon until
next year
- US Department of Energy to release a third batch of strategic petroleum
reserves
US Policy
- White House extends controversial surveillance program to April 30
