Syz the moment

Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday afternoon that he wanted to delay the summit by a month as he grapples with the war in Iran. He had been scheduled to leave for Beijing in just over two weeks. “I’d love to but because of the war, I want to be here,” Trump said, adding the White House had requested Beijing “delay” the visit by “a month or so”. “It’s very simple. I have got a war going on,” he added. Trump’s push to delay the summit comes as the White House deals with the dramatic fallout from the ongoing conflict in the Gulf, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the strait, through which 20 per cent of the world’s oil passes, has had a major impact on the price of crude, sending the cost of petrol soaring in the US just months before critical midterm elections. Source: FT

China is the main destination of the 13.1mm barrels of oil that passes through the Strait every day. Source: zerohedge, Goldman Sachs

Source: The Times Of India @timesofindia

It was entirely real not AI or CGI. Humanoid robots from Unitree Robotics performed synchronized martial arts routines with swords, poles, and nunchucks alongside children on live national television. Described as the world’s first fully autonomous humanoid robot kung fu performance, it highlighted major advances in balance, precision, and hardware within just 12 months. While commercialization still faces challenges like cost and reliability, the performance signals China’s rapid progress in humanoid robotics. Source: Evrim Kanbur (@WhileTravelling), Cyrus Janssen on X (@thecyrusjanssen)

China’s AI market is surging, fueled by government support and rapid innovation. Tech giants and startups like Zhipu AI and MiniMax are launching advanced models for coding and multimodal tasks, pushing the STAR AI Index up. The focus has shifted to agentic workflows and AI that can handle speech, visuals, and music, signaling a move beyond simple chat. With Premier Li Qiang calling for AI integration across all industries, China is narrowing the U.S. AI gap fast, making the global AI race more intense than ever. Source: CNBC

Now, the directive has shifted: Get USD off the books. The banks will respond. We aren't just talking about a policy change. We are talking about a fundamental shift in the global monetary order. Why does this matter? Liquidity is shifting: When the world's second-largest economy pivots away from the Dollar, the ripples hit every portfolio. Gold is the anchor: Central banks are returning to "real" assets as a hedge against geopolitical volatility. The Signal: When a superpower tells its financial institutions to de-risk from a specific currency, the "quiet part" is being said out loud. The world is de-dollarizing faster than most people realize. Source: Blomberg, Steno Research

While the world discusses "influence," China is building infrastructure. Not just a few docks, but a literal nervous system for the African continent. Here is the reality of the "New Maritime Silk Road": 40+ African Ports: Financed, built, or operated by Chinese state-backed firms. Total Coastal Coverage: From the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. Dual-Use Potential: What starts as a commercial hub today can become a naval asset tomorrow. Beyond Djibouti: The PLA Navy’s reach is no longer confined to one base—it’s moving into the heart of global shipping lanes. Why this matters for the global economy: In 2026, Ports = Power. By controlling the gates, you control the flow of: ⚡ Energy 🌾 Food 📦 Commodities 🛡️ Security The Takeaway: China isn't just "surrounding" Africa. It is wiring itself into the very bedrock of global trade. When you own the infrastructure, you own the future of the supply chain. The board is being set. Are we playing the same game? Source: Jack Prandelli on X

Source: Eric Balchunas @EricBalchunas Bloomberg