China
Japan plans to launch the Martian Moons eXploration probe to study the moons of Mars, particularly Phobos. The mission is intended to collect samples and return them to Earth in 2031.
VEB Chief Economist Andrey Klepach said that Russia is losing the technological and economic competition, including to Ukraine. He predicts a social crisis in the Russian Federation due to rising costs and a declining economy.
The US is considering new measures to economically isolate Iran, including pressure on China and the shadow fleet. This could exacerbate relations with Beijing and cause oil prices to rise.
The United States is warning dozens of countries that they must choose between the US-led AI coalition and Beijing’s program. The Pax Silica initiative aims to secure supply chains for AI models, semiconductors, and minerals.
The maker of the Claude chatbot reported revenue of more than $11. 5 billion in the second quarter, compared with $787 million a year earlier. The company is preparing for an autumn IPO in cooperation with Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs.
The White House published a report stating that China and other countries use third countries to circumvent U. S. tariffs, resulting in annual losses to the budget of $19–26 billion. Trade adviser Peter Navarro said that China launders its exports through more than 40 countries.
U. S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on drones and their components. For aircraft weighing more than 25 kg and models with thermal imaging cameras, the tariff will be 100%; for smaller ones, 25%.
Russia is buying up old LNG carriers and building new ones to circumvent the EU embargo on LNG imports. The fleet has grown to 25 vessels, but experts doubt its effectiveness.
Global electric vehicle sales rose by 9% to 1. 85 million in July, while demand in Europe increased by 33%. In China and North America, sales fell by 5% and 27%, respectively.
China has intensified the development of brain-computer interfaces through state initiatives. The first insurance policy covers invasive operations, which has stimulated the rise in BCI company stocks.
India plans to increase coal production to 1. 15 billion tonnes in 2025–2026, despite a global reduction in demand. This is happening against the backdrop of an increase in proposals for new mines in the states of Jharkhand and Odisha.
Oil from the tanker Caroline Bezengi, which ran aground in June, has contaminated beaches in Ras Madrakah. The slick is expected to reach the southern coast of Masirah Island in the coming hours.
The US and Japan are considering a project to mine rare earth elements from the seabed near Minamitorishima Island at a depth of 6 km. This is intended to reduce dependence on China, which dominates the market.
Ford plans to move production of Lincoln models, including the Nautilus, from China to the U. S. in 2030 due to high tariffs. CEO Jim Farley said the decision was made to strengthen the company's manufacturing base.
Rosstandart has banned the sale of a number of Chinese truck models, calling its friendship with China into question. The cost of transportation from China to Moscow has risen from $4,300 to $9,000.
Taiwan called the planned exercises by China and Indonesia off its east coast dangerous, accusing Beijing of trying to create the impression of control over the waters. Taipei is demanding an explanation from Indonesia.
The United States accused China of providing insufficient warning about the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile on July 6. China rejected the accusation, stating that safety measures were in place and that notification had been given in advance.
In the first half of 2026, Chinese companies controlled more than 97% of global humanoid robot shipments. Agibot emerged as the leader with a 44% share, ahead of Unitree and U.S. competitors.
Typhoon «Dolphin» reached Hubei Province, prompting the closure of tourist areas and the suspension of 26 construction projects. Meteorologists warn of extreme rainfall of up to 250 mm and the risk of floods and landslides.
Heavy rainfall is expected in Beijing over a 24-hour period, potentially bringing more than 150 mm of precipitation, and over 200 mm in some areas. The highest level of emergency response has been declared in the mountainous Mentougou District due to the threat of flooding.
The Chinese Long March-7A launch vehicle exploded one and a half minutes after liftoff from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site, losing the Zhongxing-4B communications satellite. The causes of the accident are being determined; this is the second failure of the rocket family this year.
An oil slick covering approximately 390 km² formed off the coast of Oman following a leak from the tanker Caroline Bezengi, which was carrying Russian oil. The vessel, which ran aground, is part of Russia’s shadow fleet and is under sanctions.
Typhoon "Dolphin" brought heavy rains to eastern China, leading to the cancellation of 943 flights in Shanghai. Authorities issued warnings about flash floods and the risk of landslides in the affected regions.
Taiwan, following Ukraine’s example, is creating fleets of aerial drones and unmanned strike boats to repel a possible invasion from China. Taiwanese officials are trying to emulate the Ukrainian “David versus Goliath” approach.
In China, some flights were canceled and train services in the Yangtze River Delta were suspended due to the approaching Typhoon "Dolphin. " Ningbo Lishe International Airport will completely suspend flights from Saturday to Sunday.
Due to the war in the Middle East, damage to refineries in the Persian Gulf and strikes on Russian refineries, Europe risks experiencing a diesel shortage. Fuel prices have already risen by nearly 40%, while stockpiles have fallen by 30%.
New Zealand announced its 36th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting 33 individuals and organizations, including over cyber activities and involvement in the abduction of Ukrainian children. The decision was made after the United States supported a bill to increase pressure on Russia.
The U. S. Senate backed a bill on sanctions against Russia and Iran, initiated by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Consideration in the House of Representatives is scheduled for next month, but there are concerns regarding Trump’s tariff powers.
According to Bloomberg, Kim Jong Un received up to $22 billion in foreign revenues from 2022 to 2025, four times more than in the previous period. This was made possible in part by supplying weapons and troops to Russia.
BYD has launched a new version of the Yangwang U8L Premium Edition in China with four seats, with prices starting at approximately $215,000. The model has a range of up to 1,205 km and charges from 10% to 70% in five minutes.