SHANGHAI/HONG KONG, March 31 (Reuters) – Tesla (TSLA.O) Chief Executive Elon Musk is making plans to visit China as early as April and is seeking a meeting with China’s Premier Li Qiang, two people with knowledge of planning for the trip told Reuters. 

The exact timing of the visit is subject to Li Qiang’s availability, one of the sources said. 

Tesla and China’s State Council Information Office did not immediately reply to requests for comment on Friday. 

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China Stages Combat Patrols After Warning Taiwan About U.S. Speaker Meeting 

TAIPEI, March 31 (Reuters) – Nine Chinese aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait’s median line on Friday carrying out combat readiness patrols, Taiwan’s defence ministry said, days after Beijing threatened retaliation if President Tsai Ing-wen meets U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. 

China, which claims democratically ruled Taiwan as its own territory despite the strong objections of the island’s government, has been angered by what it sees as stepped-up U.S. support for Taiwan. 

She is expected to meet McCarthy in Los Angeles on her way back to Taipei in April, and China on Wednesday threatened unspecified retaliation if that meeting were to go ahead. 

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Japan Restricts Chipmaking Equipment Exports As It Aligns With U.S. China Curbs

TOKYO, March 31 (Reuters) – Japan said on Friday it will restrict exports of 23 types of semiconductors manufacturing equipment, aligning its technology trade controls with a U.S. push to curb China’s ability to make advanced chips. 

Japan, home to major chip equipment makers such as Nikon Corp (7731.T) and Tokyo Electron Ltd (8035.T), did not specify China as the target of the restrictions, saying manufacturers would need to seek export permission for all regions. 

Japan wants to stop its advanced technology being used for military purposes and does not have a specific country in mind, he said. 

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Euro Rises As Euro Zone Countries Report Inflation Data

LONDON/SINGAPORE, March 31 (Reuters) – The euro was set for its best week since mid January on Friday ahead of inflation data that will shape the ECB’s interest rate plans, while investor expectations U.S. rates are near peaking meant the dollar headed for a second consecutive quarterly loss. 

The European common currency was at $1.0883, down 0.2% on the day, but heading for a 1.1% weekly gain, its most in 11 weeks, as well as monthly and quarterly increases. 

Europe-wide inflation data is due at 0900GMT. Higher than-expected German inflation figures released Thursday have reinforced expectations that there are a few more rate increases left from the European Central Bank. 

French inflation data on Friday also came in a whisker above expectations, and Dutch inflation also rose. 

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Oil Dips, Set For Monthly Drop, Ahead Of Key U.S. Inflation Data 

LONDON, March 31 (Reuters) – Oil prices dipped on Friday, with benchmarks heading for their weakest monthly performances since November, ahead of key U.S. inflation data which could give clues on future interest rate moves and the strength of the dollar. 

Brent futures, which have risen nearly 5% this week, were down 63 cents, or 0.8%, at $78.64 a barrel at 0824 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 44 cents, or 0.5%, to $73.93, having gained about 7% so far this week. 

The contracts were set for 6% and 4% monthly drops, respectively, after hitting their lowest since 2021 earlier in the month in the wake of the largest bank failures since the 2008 financial crisis. 

Worries about a full-blown global banking crisis have abated after two banks, in the U.S. and Europe, were rescued. 

Full coverage: REUTERS