Rare Earth Supply: China Northern Rare Earth Group is investing about $74m to expand the Bayan Obo rare earth mine in Inner Mongolia by 50%, aiming to boost ore processing capacity and secure critical-mineral supply for high-tech industries. Energy Storage Shift: Sodium-ion batteries are gaining fresh attention in 2026 as China’s BYD and CATL expand output, while U.S. firms look to domestic production for grid storage and backup power. AI Hardware Squeeze: Apple is reportedly testing memory chips from China’s CXMT, as Western chip pricing pressures push companies to weigh political risk against supply and cost. Gold Market Watch: A survey says Fed policy is driving gold price forecasts more than geopolitics, even as China’s gold buying continues and analysts cut 2026 expectations. EV Demand Pressure: China’s EV deliveries fell again in July, extending a seven-month slide as incentives fade and a price war weighs on demand. Property Support Boost: Beijing’s easing of home-buying rules inside the Fifth Ring Road and higher provident-fund loan caps sparked a jump in apartment viewings. Cross-Border Trade: China-ASEAN trade hit record levels in H1, with intermediate goods driving growth and daily freight links to Vietnam expanding. Auto Export Rebalancing: Chinese automakers are shifting export focus toward Europe, with BYD, Geely and Chery adjusting regional strategies for policy and localization realities. Weather Disruption: Typhoon Dolphin’s remnants brought torrential rain and major disruptions in Beijing, including suspended bus routes and reduced subway speeds.