HOT TOPICS
PBOC pledges market stability
The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) will continue to implement a moderately loose monetary policy and firmly maintain the stable operation of financial markets, including stocks, bonds, and foreign exchange. PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng emphasized these points while presiding over an expanded committee meeting, which also stressed the need to strengthen financial services in key areas and actively and prudently resolve financial risks.
CSRC highlights market resilience
The China Securities Regulatory Commission held a symposium with investment institutions on the 15th Five-Year Plan for the capital market. Participants acknowledged that authorities have made significant breakthroughs in building a market stabilization mechanism with Chinese characteristics, pushing long-term capital to enter the market, and improving investor returns, thereby enhancing the market’s resilience and risk resistance.
Sino-U.S. trade cooperation
China and the U.S. agreed to study the establishment of a working mechanism to expand economic and trade cooperation, according to Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian. Responding to questions about Sino-U.S. Paris economic and trade consultations, He said the two sides will continue to leverage consultation mechanisms to strengthen dialogue, properly manage differences, and promote the sustained and stable improvement of bilateral trade relations.
Regulators target NEV sector
Three Chinese government departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, deployed a series of tasks for the new-energy vehicle industry. The guidelines aim to further regulate market competition, strengthen price monitoring, rectify industry irregularities, and urge companies to implement a 60-day payment cycle. The plan also calls for addressing supply chain vulnerabilities in chips and software, advancing autonomous driving technologies, and expanding vehicle consumption and exports.
New mineral deposits discovered
China’s Ministry of Natural Resources announced new achievements in the country’s strategic action for mining breakthroughs, with solid mineral deposits discovered in Mianning county, Sichuan province, and Tanchang county, Gansu province. The targeted minerals comprise rare earths, fluorite, barite, and antimony.
Middle East tensions escalate
An Iranian armed forces spokesperson stated that Iran’s offensive and defensive operations are continuing with unprecedented intensity, warning that attacking Iranian energy facilities is a major mistake and that Iran will launch further attacks on the energy infrastructure of the U.S., Israel, and their allies if such incidents recur. On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Israel alone conducted airstrikes on an Iranian gas field, adding that Israel will comply with U.S. President Donald Trump’s request to pause subsequent strikes on energy facilities. Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Thursday local time that the U.S. did not attack Iran’s energy infrastructure and might lift sanctions on sea-borne Iranian oil in the coming days, adding that the U.S. could release strategic petroleum reserves again to suppress oil prices.
Gold and silver prices plunge
Spot gold prices dropped more than 6% on Thursday evening, approaching the $4,500 an ounce mark, while spot silver lost the $66 an ounce threshold, extending its decline to the lowest level since early February. Traditional safe-haven assets are experiencing severe price fluctuations and divergence, with some investment institutions leaning toward holding more U.S. dollars rather than gold.
Trump meets Japanese Prime Minister
Donald Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday to discuss trade, energy, and Japan’s support for U.S. military actions against Iran. Trump expressed satisfaction with Japan’s backing, contrasting it favorably with European allies by stating Japan really stepped up, unlike NATO, though he did not provide further details. Takaichi noted the meeting focused extensively on economic security cooperation in critical sectors such as energy and rare earths, adding that she brought specific proposals to stabilize global energy markets.
NEWS SUMMARY
Companies
COSCO Shipping Holdings Co. Ltd. reported a net profit of 30.9 billion yuan ($4.5 billion) for 2025, representing a 37.1% year-on-year decline.
Black Sesame International Holding Ltd. terminated its share placement to Wuji Capital, with China International Capital Corp. Ltd. and Huatai Securities Co. Ltd. withdrawing from the placement transaction.
International
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its opposition to the use of force in international relations following the death of Iranian official Ali Larijani in an Israeli airstrike.
Anutin Charnvirakul was re-elected as the Prime Minister of Thailand with a high number of votes and immediately ordered emergency measures to secure the country’s energy supply.
The U.S. government conditionally eased restrictions on oil trading with Venezuela while maintaining control over the flow of funds.
World Health Organization officials are preparing for a potential nuclear disaster in the Middle East as regional tensions escalate.
Cambodian authorities dismantled a cross-border telecommunications fraud ring, arresting 19 Chinese nationals who impersonated People’s Liberation Army personnel to conduct scams.
