Third BRI symposium; PboC signals some easing?; Peng Shuai; Lithuania; Birth rate

Today’s Essential Eight items:

1. Third BRI symposium

2. Central bank appears to hint at some easing ahead

3. Peng Shuai reappears

4. Cobalt

5. ASEAN special summit

6. PRC downgrades diplomatic ties with Lithuania over Taiwan

7. Details of the summer hypersonic test leaked to the FT

8. Birth rate lowest since 1978

Thanks for reading.