Typhoon Bavi & Extreme Weather: China issued the highest rainstorm alert and upgraded typhoon response as Bavi nears the east coast, with hundreds of thousands evacuated in Zhejiang and Fujian and major disruptions reported across Taiwan and Japan’s Okinawa islands. Rocket Reuse Breakthrough: Long March-10B achieved a first operational sea-based net recovery and used high-purity LNG-derived methane, a push to diversify propellants and cut costs for frequent commercial launches. Critical Supplies Shock: China temporarily banned helium exports amid renewed Iran-related tensions, raising chipmaking supply concerns. AI & Cross-border Compliance: OpenAI and Google confirmed AI model sales to Singapore subsidiaries of Pentagon-blacklisted Chinese firms, highlighting gaps in US controls. APEC Digital & AI: China will host the 2026 APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting in Chengdu, focusing on digital connectivity, inclusion, and AI-driven growth. Financial Risk Oversight: China’s top financial regulator issued trial rules for managing entities with serious credit violations, effective Oct 1. Maritime Power & Digital Navigation: China marked National Maritime Day, stressing digital intelligence in shipping and marine safety as the marine economy tops 11 trillion yuan. South China Sea Politics: Manila marked the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral award as China and the Philippines trade renewed legal and political attacks. Philippines-China Funding Drift: A report links stalled Chinese project completions to the Philippines’ shift away from engagement, with delivery outcomes tracking bilateral relations. PLA Training Losses: Two PLA pilots were killed in separate frontline flight training missions, with details not publicly disclosed. Gold Reserves: PBOC reported its biggest monthly gold reserve increase in over two years, extending a 20-month buying streak despite a sharp bullion price drop.