Philippines–China Energy Talks: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says stalled joint oil-and-gas exploration discussions have “moved forward,” citing the Middle East-driven need to diversify fuel supplies and working through remaining issues. Taiwan Strait Posture: Marcos also reiterates the Philippines would not allow attacks launched from its territory, framing its role as deterrence and stability. US–China AI Pressure: A Reuters report says the U.S. plans to tell dozens of countries to “pick sides” in the AI race, warning they could be excluded from a U.S.-led AI coalition if they join Beijing’s framework. DJI Under Scrutiny: A U.S. appeals court didn’t delist DJI but sent parts of the Pentagon’s case back for reconsideration, keeping the company in the blacklist fight. Cyber Operations in Taiwan: A report describes suspected Chinese hackers using open-source AI agents to hit Taiwanese government systems and energy firms, including account breaches and data theft. China Financial Overhaul: China’s top financial regulator pledges faster restructuring of local banks and risk containment; separate coverage says 670 rural banks were cut as consolidation accelerates. Carbon Market Expansion: China plans to expand its national carbon market to cover petrochemicals and chemicals, bringing about 80% of emissions under quota management. China–Africa Trade Boost: Nigeria-China trade rose to $18bn in H1 after zero-tariff access, but Nigerian stakeholders warn the country must fix production and export capacity to benefit sustainably. EU–US Trade Clash: The EU pushes back on U.S. claims it enables Chinese tariff evasion and rejects any negotiation of its own regulatory autonomy on green and human-rights rules. Tech and Industry: DJI and Arashi Vision intensify competition in 360-degree cameras; Beijing trials a fully robot-run noodle shop; and China’s aviation-fuel sector reform merges CNAF into Sinopec to tighten control and support sustainable aviation fuel. Environment and Safety: China marks National Ecology Day with a green modernization push, while a first ecological assessment says South China Sea islands and reefs are generally in good condition; Typhoon Dolphin remnants also trigger severe flooding and evacuations.