US–China Tech Tensions: The US blacklisted Chinese chipmaker Phytium over alleged military ties, tightening export licensing and deepening the tech-war squeeze on China’s semiconductor ambitions. Research Security Crackdown: Ohio State agreed to a $2.1M settlement after failing to disclose PRC affiliations tied to NASA/NSF-funded research, adding pressure on universities’ foreign funding disclosures. AI Finance Risk: Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey warned G20 finance ministers that debt-fueled AI investment could trigger a global market downturn if “stretched” AI valuations unwind. Data Center Politics in the US: Trump escalated his defense of data centers amid local opposition, warning communities could end up “backwards and poor” and claiming China benefits from the backlash. US Trade Push at G20: Treasury chief Scott Bessent targeted China’s $1.2T trade surplus, urging other G20 members to reconsider trade terms and potentially add barriers. Taiwan in the Pacific Spotlight: China threatened “consequences” after Taiwan’s foreign minister attended the Pacific Islands Forum opening in Palau, turning the ceremony into a diplomatic flashpoint. China–Nepal Disaster Response: Rescuers raced to reopen a highway to Gyirong Port after the Nepal–China mudslide, while reports said China censored parts of the disaster information. China’s Property and Airlines: China’s state capital budget revenue jumped, while the country’s big three airlines widened losses as fuel costs surged. China’s AI Commercial Push: Zhipu AI reported nearly 400% first-half revenue growth on cloud services, underscoring fast commercialization despite heavy capital needs.