UK-China Tech Spying: MI5 issued a rare public “Espionage Alert” naming the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI/CAGT) as tied to China’s MSS, saying it funded 100+ UK academics in AI, cyber, covert comms and steganography—warning universities to review or stop ties or face possible prosecution. US-China Trade Reset: The US and China agreed on about $60 billion in reciprocal tariff cuts on non-sensitive goods, extending a broader tariff truce as G20 trade talks continue amid overcapacity pressure. AI Influence Campaigns: US officials say Iran, China and Israel-linked groups used Chinese open-source AI models and autonomous “agents” to scale social-media influence operations. China National Day Messaging: Ahead of the PRC’s 77th anniversary, Xi Jinping stressed “firm confidence” and national rejuvenation while reiterating opposition to Taiwan independence and external interference. China-Regional Military Footprint: China and Laos inaugurated a joint military flight training and support centre at Ban Keun, extending China’s air reach in Southeast Asia. Economy Watch: China’s factory PMI edged back above growth in September, offering a modest lift after contraction. South China Sea Tensions: Reports say China escalated pressure on Manila with live-fire drill no-sail zones and naval/coast guard actions near Second Thomas Shoal. US AI Safety Standoff: Trump rejected joint US-China AI safety efforts, citing concerns about China’s tech theft and bad-faith compliance.