Topic: Petroleum Trade

The FBI highlighted cases of economic espionage linked to China's "Thousand Talents" recruitment program, including scientist Hong Jintan, who stole $1 billion in trade secrets from an Oklahoma petroleum company. Another case involved the theft of naval technology used in submarines. Wray noted that Chinese state-owned enterprises often patent stolen American technology and then attempt to sell it back to the victimized companies.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced that Japan will send its own military forces to the Strait of Hormuz to safeguard commercial shipping rather than joining a US-led coalition. This move allows Japan to maintain its relationship with Iran while supporting maritime security. The Strait is a vital corridor for 20% of the world's petroleum.