US-China Economic Security: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said competition with China is now central to US diplomacy, citing supply-chain and tech dependencies as national-security risks. Central Banking & Gold: World Gold Council data shows central banks resumed buying in April after March’s selloff; China added 8 tonnes, extending its streak to 18 straight months. Rail & Trade Links: Work has started on the first major capacity expansion on the Lao section of the China-Laos Railway, aimed at boosting cross-border freight clearance by over 10%. Tourism Momentum: A WTTC report says China is on track to overtake the US as the world’s top travel and tourism economy, with outbound spending forecast to jump in 2026. Policy & Social Spending: China allocated 99.9 billion yuan for 2026 childcare subsidies, with local funds expected to lift total support to about 110 billion yuan. Geopolitics & Travel Curbs: New Zealand MPs face a year-long ban from China and Hong Kong after Taiwan visits, prompting protests from Australia and NZ. Cyber & Espionage Risk: Five Eyes partners warned China is using LinkedIn and job platforms to recruit government and military-linked targets. Markets & Capital Flows: Shanghai set a 55-trillion-yuan asset management market target by 2030, while China’s yuan weakened to 6.8203 per dollar. Energy & Industry: Yankuang Energy plans a 2.4 billion-dollar acquisition to accelerate its shift toward an integrated energy services model.