Missile Deal Ties to Iran: Reuters reports a Hong Kong-linked intermediary finalized a contract to deliver 300–400 Chinese shoulder-fired air-defense missiles to Iran, routed via Pakistan after Xi’s denial to Trump—raising fresh US-Israeli debate over whether to close Iran’s land corridors. US Trade Pressure: The US added 43 more Chinese firms to its import ban list under the Uyghur forced-labor rules, expanding supply-chain fallout across electronics and metals. NATO Spying Case: Belgium arrested a Chinese-Canadian woman in Mons, accused of spying for a third country inside NATO’s SHAPE command structure, with a judge keeping her in custody. China’s Economic Pulse: New H1 provincial data show all 31 regions growing, with Guangdong and Jiangsu hitting the 7-trillion-yuan mark and central/western provinces gaining momentum from trade, advanced manufacturing, and modern services. AI Access Tightening: Reuters says China is preparing rules to restrict foreign access to its most advanced AI models as the US moves to limit access to controlled tech via cloud. Flood Aftermath, Snake Crisis: After Typhoon-linked flooding damaged a snake farm in southern China, civilians rounded up up to 3,000 escaped snakes, with hospitals treating bite victims. ASEAN Housing Push: Malaysia finalized the Ipoh Accord from an ASEAN-China housing roundtable, aiming at sustainable cities and quality, accessible housing. Regional Trade Resumes: India-China border trade restarted via Shipki La and Nathula after six years, with traders urging expansion of allowed goods. China’s AI in the Real World: PwC says multinationals are embedding China’s AI into logistics and operations, citing faster fulfillment and packaging improvements.