US-China Benchmarking: Iran Falls Out with China | Zhang Youxia is in Trouble | Only Three Paths Left for US-China AI Cooperation | [US Hot Search 5/8]

China's two former defense ministers, Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, were sentenced to death with a reprieve in first-instance trials. A military newspaper published an article emphasizing the determination to fight corruption, and outside analysts believe this may be paving the way for the trial of Zhang Youxia.

Thousands of villagers protested at Maojiawan in Zhaotong, Yunnan, the second-largest poverty alleviation relocation resettlement site in China. The conflict was triggered by a monthly parking fee of 360 yuan, leading to clashes after SWAT police arrived to suppress the demonstration.

China's National Financial Regulatory Administration recently issued verbal guidance suggesting that several major domestic banks suspend issuing new RMB loans to five refineries sanctioned by the U.S. for involvement in Iranian oil transactions.

The cruise ship JV Innovation, flying the Marshall Islands flag and leased and owned by a Chinese company, was attacked by Iran's Revolutionary Guard at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, with Chinese crew members on board.