Financial Data Security: China issued new guidelines for financial information services data classification and protection, with rules not applying to state secrets or military information, as Beijing tightens cybersecurity oversight. US-China Tech Tensions: China said it is strongly dissatisfied with the Pentagon’s move to add major Chinese tech firms to a military-linked list, warning against politicizing trade and technology. AI Meets the Courts: A surge in AI-related court cases is pushing calls for clearer rules, after a Hangzhou ruling said companies can’t shift AI-driven cost burdens onto workers. Payments & Currency: The PBOC is upgrading the digital yuan (e-CNY) into an interest-bearing deposit system and expanding cross-border settlement capabilities beyond SWIFT. Semiconductors for China: NVIDIA plans to ship standalone “Vera” CPUs to Chinese AI data centers as US curbs stall H200 GPU deliveries. Energy & Trade Shock: A new analysis warns the US-Iran conflict is turning into a broader energy, logistics, fertilizer, food and financial shock that could weigh on global growth through 2027. Regional Diplomacy: China’s FM Wang Yi held talks with Mongolia’s counterpart, stressing Belt and Road alignment and deeper trade cooperation. Business Outlook in Hong Kong: John Lee pledged “further reforms” while pushing Hong Kong’s strategy to “not give up on any market,” citing improving growth momentum. Cross-border Business Promotion: China and New Zealand highlighted cooperation opportunities in Auckland tied to Canton Fair and other trade expos.