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On March 18th, Tencent Cloud AI Agent Security Center launched the "Credential Sandbox" to address key security issues, ensuring that "the agent never holds the key." According to reports, the Key Sandbox allows agents to complete all cloud API calls without holding any keys. Every operation is fully auditable, and administrators can adjust the agent's capability boundaries at any time—granting permissions but not keys.

March 18th - According to institutional model scenario analysis, the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles globally will reduce daily oil consumption by 2.3 million barrels by 2025. Analyst Claudio Rubis stated that as more drivers switch to electric vehicles, fossil fuel savings are expected to increase year by year for the remainder of this decade. Under an economic transition scenario (where governments deploy economically viable technologies rather than policies primarily driven by climate goals), daily oil consumption reductions are projected to more than double to 5.25 million barrels by 2030. Two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles currently account for the majority of road fuel reductions due to the rapid adoption of electric motorcycles, particularly in developing countries. With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, they are expected to cut even more oil demand later in this decade. A report by the think tank Ember found that electric vehicles will reduce daily oil consumption by 1.7 million barrels by 2025. Ember analyst Walter stated that the increasing cost competitiveness of electric vehicles relative to gasoline vehicles, coupled with oil price volatility, means that choosing electric vehicles is a wise move for countries hoping to mitigate future shocks.

March 18th - Daiwa Securities estimates that if crude oil prices trade around $90 per barrel, Japan's net imports will increase by approximately 8.1 trillion yen. The estimates show this figure rises to 11.4 trillion yen at $100 per barrel and to 17.8 trillion yen if prices reach $120 per barrel. A widening trade deficit could further pressure the yen, leading to increased import costs and ultimately eroding corporate profits.

On March 18, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council held a regular press conference. According to Reuters, a large-scale US arms sale to Taiwan, including advanced interceptor missiles, is about to be submitted to President Trump for approval, and Trump may sign it after his visit to China. What is your comment on this? Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, stated that we firmly oppose relevant countries selling weapons to Taiwan, and this position is consistent and clear. The US should adhere to the one-China principle and the three Sino-US joint communiqués, handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan prudently, and take concrete actions to safeguard the stability of Sino-US relations and peace across the Taiwan Strait.

March 18th - On the morning of March 18th, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council held a regular press conference. Recently, the United States announced the initiation of Section 301 investigations into unfair trade practices by some trading partners, including Taiwan. Some analysts on the island believe that the DPP authorities' constant acquiescence to the US without any reciprocation is unacceptable. What is your comment on this? Spokesperson Chen Binhua of the Taiwan Affairs Office: The DPP authorities adhere to the principle of "blindly following the US," unprincipledly flattering the US and selling out Taiwan without any bottom line, sacrificing the well-being of the Taiwanese people and the island's economic prospects to align themselves with the US. However, constant compromise and concessions will not earn them any pity, but only further plunder, ultimately leading to their being completely exploited. It is truly laughable, despicable, and pathetic.

Barclays: Lowered its price target for Lululemon (LULU.O) from $203 to $161.

March 18th - Recently, several domestic airlines have raised fuel surcharges on international routes, with increases generally exceeding 50%, and some routes even doubling. Against the backdrop of rapidly rising international oil prices, airline cost pressures are being rapidly passed on to ticket prices. According to market sources, China Southern Airlines has also recently notified its agents of its plans to adjust fuel surcharges on international routes. For domestic routes, the next adjustment window for fuel surcharges is April 5th. Currently, the January 5th standard remains in effect: 10 yuan for routes under 800 kilometers and 20 yuan for routes over 800 kilometers. Industry insiders generally expect that as oil prices continue to rise, more airlines may follow suit, further increasing travel costs for passengers.

S&P Global: Middle East wars will exacerbate volatility for South Korean oil refining companies.

South Korean envoy: We have successfully avoided the worst-case scenario in the oil sector.

March 18 – The State Council Taiwan Affairs Office held a regular press conference on March 18. The Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress reviewed and approved this year's Government Work Report. How will the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office implement the Taiwan-related content in the Government Work Report? Spokesperson Chen Binhua stated that this year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan. The Taiwan-related content in this year's Government Work Report comprehensively elaborates on the major policies, principles, positions, and objectives of current Taiwan-related work, and is of great guiding significance for carrying out this year's Taiwan-related work. With the successful conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan, my country's economic strength, scientific and technological strength, national defense strength, and overall national strength have reached new heights, and Chinese-style modernization has taken new and solid steps, laying a more solid foundation for advancing the great cause of national reunification. The implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan will undoubtedly provide broader development opportunities for Taiwan compatriots and enterprises.

Samsung Electronics: The TV market will see slight growth this year.

South Korean envoy: The UAE has pledged to prioritize South Korea as a primary supplier of crude oil.

South Korean envoy: South Korea will receive 18 million barrels of crude oil from the UAE and naphtha from the country.

Oil-themed LOFs on the exchange strengthened, with Southern Crude Oil LOF and Harvest Crude Oil LOF both exceeding 4%, and E Fund Crude Oil LOF rising more than 3%. Oil Fund LOFs, Petroleum LOFs, and Huabao Oil & Gas LOFs followed suit.

The UAE Ministry of Defense stated that the UAE's air defense systems are currently responding to missile and drone threats from Iran. The Ministry confirmed that the sounds heard were the result of air defense systems intercepting missiles and drones.

Samsung Electronics: Seeking to secure multi-year contracts with major customers.

On March 18th, UBS moved its forecast for another Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) rate hike forward to May, from August. UBS Chief Economist George Tharenou stated that although this week's rate hike was based on a 5-4 vote, they are still moving forward their prediction for the timing of the hike. Governor Bullock's hawkish comments after the rate decision suggest that RBA staff are expected to recommend a rate hike at the next meeting in May. A similar divided vote is likely at the next meeting.