China’s Finance & Markets: Fitch says listed hard-currency sukuk stayed “largely investment grade” in 1H26, with most rated paper on major venues still carrying Stable Outlooks, underscoring resilience in offshore Islamic bond funding. China-U.S. Tech & Security: The U.S. revised claims on Chinese hacking—now saying agencies were targets of a state-linked group—while new U.S. drone tariffs up to 100% could further harden drone supply-chain decoupling. AI & Data-Centre Politics: X says suspected Chinese bot accounts tried to sway Americans on AI data centres and energy policy, adding to the political heat around AI infrastructure. Chip Self-Reliance: China’s planning body claims the semiconductor supply chain is “significantly safer,” but foreign dependence remains high in key equipment components like RF power and vacuum valves. Nepal Floods & China Aid: After the Nepal-China border mudslide, Nepal estimates $4–$5B for reconstruction; China is sending rescue teams and emergency assistance as the death toll rises and nearly 3,000 remain missing. Regional Connectivity & Trade: China pushes deeper SCO cooperation under the “Shanghai Spirit,” while China-backed logistics moves forward—Ethiopian Airlines adds a Chengdu–Addis cargo route and China seeks wider economic cooperation with Pakistan’s Punjab.