[PBOC Opens "Green Channel" for Treasury Fund Transfers to Ensure Sufficient Cash Supply in Disaster Areas] According to the People's Bank of China (PBOC), following the 5.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Liunan District, Liuzhou City, Guangxi Province in the early hours of May 18, the PBOC Liuzhou Branch conducted disaster assessments and made every effort to carry out earthquake relief and financial services. Ensuring Disaster Relief Funds Reach the Front Lines Directly: A "green channel" for treasury fund transfers was opened immediately. As of May 20, 20 million yuan in emergency funds for earthquake relief had been safely and efficiently disbursed, fully supporting Liuzhou City's earthquake relief efforts and protecting the lives and property of the people. Ensuring Sufficient Cash Supply in Disaster Areas: A safety inspection of issuing vaults was conducted immediately to confirm their stable operation and unimpeded transfer channels. Cash deposit and withdrawal services and cash transfers were promptly processed for financial institutions to ensure sufficient cash supply and efficient transportation in the earthquake zone, effectively meeting the needs of the public for cash withdrawals and disaster relief. Ensuring Smooth Payment and Settlement: Monitoring of the payment and settlement system was strengthened to ensure the safe and stable operation of the core system and to maintain a smooth and orderly payment and settlement order in the jurisdiction. Opening Green Channels for Financial Services. In response to the urgent financial needs of people in the earthquake-stricken area, such as reporting lost cards, opening new accounts, withdrawing cash, and transferring funds, local banks have been instructed to open green channels, optimize business processes, and handle special cases and urgent matters with urgency. (CCTV)

[Middle East Situation Causes Material Shortages, Popular Japanese Snacks Suspended] According to Japanese media reports on the 21st, Morinaga & Co., a well-known Japanese food company, has temporarily suspended sales of two popular caramel-flavored gummies, one of which has been on the market for over 50 years. The company stated that due to the impact of the Middle East situation, sourcing some raw materials has become difficult, forcing them to suspend sales. The resumption date is currently undetermined. In addition, orders for some products of "Miller Biscuits," a specialty snack from Kochi Prefecture, have also been suspended due to a shortage of packaging materials. This indicates that the impact of the Middle East situation is further affecting the Japanese snack industry. (CCTV)

Fitch Ratings: Sovereign outlook weighs on long-term issuer default ratings for Indonesian banks, but most vitality ratings remain stable.