Regional Diplomacy: Russia’s Eastern Economic Forum (Sept 1-4 in Vladivostok) is drawing growing international interest, with China, India, the UAE and Japan among confirmed participants. King’s Visit & Investment: Jordan’s King Abdullah is set to visit China Monday, with officials pitching deeper economic and investment cooperation aligned with Jordan’s modernization plans. SCO Strategy: A new look at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation frames it as shifting from a security bloc toward cross-border stability tied to Belt and Road projects. Myanmar Water Politics: Myanmar plans to restart the China-backed Myitsone dam after a decade of protests, despite concerns it could flood an area about the size of Singapore. Religious Monitoring: Reports from Chengdu describe workplace and school efforts to collect people’s religious affiliations, extending scrutiny beyond religious institutions. Tech & Sanctions: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urged Apple not to use Chinese memory chips, escalating pressure as Apple tests suppliers tied to US restrictions. Japan Historical Row: China’s Defense Ministry condemned Japanese officials’ Yasukuni Shrine visits, calling them a challenge to the postwar order. Philippines Tensions: Manila’s defense chief rejected China’s accusations over arrests of Filipino workers, calling Beijing’s stance a “squid tactic.” Climate Governance: China marked National Ecology Day with major progress claims, while Henan sealed levee breaches after Typhoon Dolphin rains. Law-Based Environment: China’s Ecological and Environmental Code took effect, with the top procuratorate pledging high-quality environmental case handling. Arctic Shipping: China is preparing a regular China-Europe cargo route via the Arctic’s Northern Sea Route, aiming to cut distance and bypass chokepoints. China-Iran-US Pressure: US carrier redeployments tied to the Iran war may temporarily reduce its Pacific presence as China’s regional posture hardens.