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China's E-commerce Drive, Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan, and US-Iran Ceasefire Talks
China Promotes High-Quality E-commerce Development
Six Chinese government ministries, including the Ministry of Commerce, have issued guidelines aimed at fostering high-quality e-commerce development. The initiative focuses on continuous advancement, high-level openness, and efficient governance to better serve the real economy, consolidate and strengthen its foundation. Key measures include supporting SMEs in digital transformation, deepening rural e-commerce, cultivating industrial e-commerce, and leveraging e-commerce advantages. The plan also emphasizes accelerating the application of technological innovation, vigorously developing brand consumption, deepening the integration of online and offline commerce, and achieving a higher level of dynamic balance between supply and demand. Furthermore, the guidelines promote cross-border e-commerce, expand Silk Road e-commerce, expedite institutional opening and rule alignment, reinforce platform responsibilities, optimize financial product supply, and enhance talent cultivation. The Ministry of Commerce stated its commitment to collaborating with relevant departments to implement these policies, aiming to benefit the real economy, livelihoods, and the global community through e-commerce development.
Hong Kong Aligns with National Five-Year Plan and Enhances National Security
Hong Kong is actively working to align its development with the National 15th Five-Year Plan as it approaches the upcoming National Security Education Day. Ms. Cheuk Siu-wah, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, stated that in drafting Hong Kong's first five-year plan, the principle of "security as the prerequisite for development, and development as the guarantee for security" would be adhered to. Ms. Cheuk likened national security education to the human immune system, emphasizing the importance of citizens understanding the Basic Law and the Constitution to enhance their national security awareness and resist external infiltration, subversion, and secessionist attempts. The Hong Kong government will also establish mechanisms for coordinated research and opinion collection with the Legislative Council across various sectors, including finance, land, and the Northern Metropolis development, to advance Hong Kong's five-year plan.
US and Iran Reportedly Discussing 45-Day Ceasefire
An American news website has reported that the United States, Iran, and regional mediators are discussing a 45-day ceasefire agreement. President Donald Trump warned that if an agreement is not reached, he would order the destruction of everything. In Haifa, Israel's third-largest city, air raid sirens blared again on Monday, following an Iranian attack on Sunday. President Trump stated in an interview on Monday that he is negotiating with Iran and a deal might be reached on Monday. He warned that if Iran does not quickly reach an agreement with the U.S., he would order the destruction of everything and seize Iran's oil fields. He also mentioned that Tuesday would be "Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day" in Iran, threatening that if Iran does not open the Strait of Hormuz, they would be "living in Hell." This is interpreted as a final ultimatum from President Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran reiterated that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz must continue, and an Iranian presidential spokesperson stated that reopening the strait would require using some border revenues to compensate for Iran's losses during the war. Meanwhile, suspected wreckage of a US military transport plane was found in Isfahan, central Iran. Iranian state media reported that several US military aircraft, including two F-15E fighter jets and two C-130 transport aircraft, were shot down. The US military stated that the downed aircraft were destroyed to prevent them from falling into Iranian hands.
*Source: YouTube: RTHK (2026-04-06)*
