South China Sea Tensions: China hit back at a US-Philippines-led push marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling, issuing a fresh foreign ministry statement rejecting the “South China Sea Arbitration Award” and warning against further “playing up” of it. Philippines-US Economic Security: Manila’s militant fishers and progressive groups protested the planned Economic Security Zone under the Luzon Economic Corridor, arguing it could erode sovereignty and deepen militarization tied to US-linked initiatives. Flood Risk in Northeast China: Typhoon Bavi’s aftermath forced mass evacuations in Liaoning, with more than 170,000 people moved to safety and schools and businesses suspended as heavy rain and river rises continued. Consumption Push: China’s State Council approved a five-year blueprint to boost consumption, targeting about 60 trillion yuan in retail sales by 2030 and urging local governments to treat consumption as a top priority. Financial Oversight: China proposed stricter cybersecurity rules for banks and insurers, and plans to blacklist severe financial violators for three years starting October. AI Companions Crackdown: Regulators moved to curb AI “companion” features that can drive emotional dependency, with major firms reportedly adjusting products ahead of a July 15 deadline. Markets Watch: A Reuters poll expects China’s Q2 GDP growth to cool to 4.5% year-on-year as weak domestic demand offsets export resilience. Trade & Travel: China confirmed visa-free access for Canadian and British visitors, and Riyadh Air won CAAC approval for nonstop Beijing and Shanghai flights.