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Good morning and pleased Friday. At this time we’re masking:
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An try and safe a Trump-Xi assembly
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Putin’s circumstances for a ceasefire
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New Zealand seeks overseas funding
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Our meals critic’s ultimate restaurant overview
Steve Daines, a US senator with shut ties to Donald Trump, is making an attempt to get the president to call him as a particular envoy to China. No less than a part of the rationale he desires the job is to assist safe a gathering with Xi Jinping that might pave the best way for a summit between the leaders.
The Montana Republican will journey to Beijing subsequent week to attend the high-profile China Improvement Discussion board alongside dozens of US, European and Japanese chief executives. A number of folks accustomed to the scenario have mentioned Daines needed the envoy designation to facilitate a gathering with the Chinese language president after the discussion board.
Daines, who spent six years in China with Procter & Gamble, has advised associates {that a} assembly with Xi on behalf of Trump might assist enhance US-China relations.
Two folks mentioned Daines had floated the proposal to folks in Trump’s orbit. However not one of the folks, who spoke to the Monetary Instances on the situation of anonymity, might verify whether or not Daines had spoken on to Trump. After publication, Daines’s workplace mentioned he was not searching for the designation and had not requested it.
Right here’s what else I’m watching immediately and this weekend:
5 extra high tales
1. Vladimir Putin has set robust circumstances for a Ukraine ceasefire deal, whilst he mentioned he “helps the thought” behind a US-backed 30-day ceasefire. The Russian president mentioned yesterday that any ceasefire should result in a ultimate settlement of the battle that may “remedy the foundation causes” of his invasion. Read more about his demands.
Be a part of FT specialists on March 27 for a subscriber-only webinar, as they focus on Ukraine’s future with Russia’s full-scale invasion getting into its fourth yr. Register for free.
2. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has launched a bid to carry again army courts. The plan is geared toward combating Chinese language infiltration of its armed forces, however will likely be extremely controversial in a society that endured almost 40 years of martial regulation. The initiative is expected to trigger fierce public debate.
3. Wall Road shares have sunk once more whereas gold hit a contemporary file excessive. The blue-chip S&P 500 closed 1.4 per cent decrease, leaving the index in correction territory. About $5tn has now been erased from its market value because it hit a file excessive final month.
4. Tesla has warned that Trump’s retaliatory tariffs might “expose” the electric-car firm. The unsigned letter underscores how even Tesla, a bunch led by Trump ally Elon Musk, is concerned about the potential effects of the wide-ranging tariffs.
5. The previous UK Metropolis Minister has been accused of utilizing a pretend signature. Bangladesh authorities declare Tulip Siddiq — the niece of the nation’s former Prime Minister — used a fake notary document in a property switch to her sister, as a part of a wider anti-corruption case.
How nicely did you retain up with the information this week? Take our quiz.
The Huge Learn
After three years of conflict, a attainable respite is in sight with Ukraine agreeing a US-brokered 30-day ceasefire with Russia. However many Ukrainians suspect that even when a settlement is reached, Russia won’t honour it and conflict will resume — and lots of are prepared to fight on, even with out American assist.
We’re additionally studying and watching . . .
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Japan’s lesson for the US: A Japanese boycott of US merchandise is a reminder of how expertly Japan has performed the tariff and non-tariff sport, writes Leo Lewis.
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The ‘DeepSeek Congress’: China’s annual parliamentary assembly has despatched an vital message on Beijing’s plans to boost investment in high technology.
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Nvidia’s rise: Our latest FT film explores the corporate on the centre of the AI growth, and the way it has weathered the fallout from DeepSeek.
Chart of the day
New Zealand has lengthy welcomed billionaires, however now it desires to persuade them that the nation can be a “safe harbour” for their money. Among the world’s largest funding funds together with Brookfield Asset Administration, Aberdeen, and the Financial institution of China descended on Auckland this week because it tries to open up its economic system to overseas funding.
Take a break from the information . . .
After 13 years of reviewing eating places, Tim Hayward is questioning his personal tastes and prejudices in his ultimate critique. Eating places introduced new menu objects and thrilling concepts, however one factor all the time caught out. Now, he finally explains himself.
