China announces third new county in Xinjiang near Pakistan border
Beijing declares a new county in Xinjiang, the third such administrative unit created near the Pakistan‑Afghanistan frontier.
Chinese defense minister warns US over Strait of Hormuz navigation
Beijing says it will continue navigating the Strait of Hormuz, pursue energy deals with Iran and keep its fleet there, warning the United States against interference.
Chinese defense minister cites Iran ties in Strait of Hormuz
Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun told the Trump administration that Chinese vessels are transiting the Strait of Hormuz and that China has trade and energy agreements with Iran, which it will honor and expects others to respect.
China has $269B in Middle East investments
China has spent over $269 billion on investments and construction contracts across the Middle East since 2005, with Saudi Arabia as the largest recipient at $82 billion, followed by the UAE at $48 billion, and Iraq at $40 billion.
Trump threatens 50% tariff on China over Iran air defense
Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on China if it provides Iran with anti-aircraft missiles, responding to media reports that China is preparing to send air defense systems to Iran and has already supplied MANPADS.
China exits 3-year factory deflation, PPI up 0.5% YoY
China's producer prices rose +0.5% YoY in March, above the +0.4% expected, ending more than 3 years of factory-gate deflation. Month-on-month, PPI increased +1.0%, the largest monthly increase since August 2022.