I head to Shanghai and Beijing this week for intensive face-to-face diplomacy. Our ongoing, direct engagement is vital for making progress on issues that matter most to the American people and the world.

China's #ByteDance weighs options after Congress passes potential #TikTok ban.

Beijing opposes a sale, does not want ByteDance to give up the algorithm.

Ramifications are profound. World could be further split into 2 tech spheres - one aligned with #US , the other with #China .

Senate passes a long-delayed $95 billion package sending aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. The bill also includes language that could ban TikTok. cnn.it/4d501MZ

China's #ByteDance weighs options after Congress passes potential #TikTok ban.

Beijing opposes a sale, does not want ByteDance to give up the algorithm.

Ramifications are profound. World could be further split into 2 tech spheres - one aligned with #US , the other with #China .

News — After months of battles exposing a deep rift within the GOP, the Senate gave final approval to a $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. The measure, which also includes a plan that could ban TikTok, now heads to President Biden’s desk.

Final vote: 79-18

🇭🇰📰

The @FCCHK Journalism Conference on May 4th is now free for everyone!

A stellar line-up including Tom Grundy, Bao Choy, Kathleen Magramo, Jarrod Watt, David Pierson, Amy Sood, Jing Yang, Hillary Leung, Cezary Podkul, Carol Liang!

And me.

Register here: form.jotform.com/241020850362444

Fires, floods and coral bleaching

I had a great conversation with david rind about a recent reporting trip to Australia- a country and continent on the front lines of climate change.

Check it out:

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cnn…

Rebecca Wright

Spellbound by Stephen Wong’s latest technicolor landscapes of Hong Kong… as depicted from an imagined outer space. ❤️ 🇭🇰 🎨 💫

Japanese artist Mariko Kusumoto turns textiles into delicately sculpted ecosystems #womensart

Iranian state media reports no major disruption to infrastructure following strikes, as some flights in the area restart operations.

Follow live updates. cnn.it/3W2FPoM

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: A bride arrives at polling booth number 193-194 in Muzaffarnagar to cast her vote in first phase of #LokSabhaElections2024

She says 'It is the right of every citizen to cast their votes in elections. I have come here to extend full support to my uncle...'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a 75% approval rating most other politicians could only dream of (pro.morningconsult.com/trackers/globa…) but his mixing of religion and politics is deeply concerning for some. We went to Modi’s constituency of Varanasi, where not everyone is a believer.

Reuters' Mohammed Salem wins 2024 World Press Photo of the Year award reut.rs/4b3vOMx

An early morning in #Beijing , discussing #China 's latest #economic data with Julia Chatterley including the emphasis on #manufacturing . From CNN's @FirstMove CNN International

#China 's Q1 GDP jumps 5.3% on robust growth in high-tech manufacturing of products like 3D printers and EV charging stations.

In China, manufacturing is doing the heavy lifting while significant headwinds persist.

The latest.

Laura He Jadyn Beverley Sham 🇦🇺🪴

Chinese runner He Jie’s victory in the Beijing Half Marathon is being called into question by Chinese internet users because a trio of African runners appeared to deliberately slow down to let him win.

cnn.com/2024/04/15/chi…

#China 's Q1 GDP jumps 5.3% on robust growth in high-tech manufacturing of products like 3D printers and EV charging stations.

In China, manufacturing is doing the heavy lifting while significant headwinds persist.

The latest.

Laura He Jadyn Beverley Sham 🇦🇺🪴

China's economy grew a surprisingly strong 5.3% in the first quarter of the year. cnn.com/2024/04/15/bus…

#China expresses 'deep concern' after #Iran strike on #Israel .

'China calls on the int'l community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role for peace and stability..'

For Beijing, solution is not for China to restrain Iran but for US to restrain Israel.