US-China Tech Friction: Beijing condemned US lawmakers’ push to fold new China chip export curbs into the National Defence Authorisation Act, warning it would “arbitrarily disrupt” global supply chains. AI Rules at Home: China’s first AI companion regulations took effect, forcing major platforms to disable persona features and adding screen-time limits and crisis steps to curb emotional dependency, especially for minors. Energy Strategy: China’s crude oil imports fell 41.3% in June, the steepest drop in years, as demand shifts and policy moves reshaped supply and refined-fuel exports. Rare Earth Leverage: The IEA warned China’s rare-earth export curbs could endanger $6.5tn in downstream production worldwide, with autos, defense and high-tech most exposed. Global AI Governance: 29 countries signed an agreement in Shanghai to establish the World AI Cooperation Organization, headquartered in Shanghai, as WAIC opens. China’s Economic Pulse: H1 growth came in at 4.7%, with officials pointing to AI momentum and industrial output strength. Cross-border Partnerships: Pakistan and China reaffirmed CPEC 2.0 and expanded AI cooperation during talks in Shanghai. Diplomacy & Trade: China unveiled plans to modernize eco-environment monitoring by 2030 and to shift water-pollution cleanup toward smaller water bodies. Crime & Courts: China’s top court said first-instance criminal cases fell in H1 as enforcement and dispute-handling were balanced. Business & Politics Abroad: The UK nationalised British Steel’s Scunthorpe mill after concerns over shutdown risk under Chinese ownership.