German Chancellor Merz: Germany has enormous potential to restore its competitiveness.

Israel's defense said minister he met with the prime minister, the chiefs of staff and senior officers from the IDF Central Command to review the regional situation, including the threat map, counterterrorism operations and a sharp rise in settlement activity. He said data show Palestinian terror attacks in the West Bank fell for a second consecutive year to an unprecedented low.

Domestic News: 1. Wang Huning meets with US representatives at the third China-US Track 1.5 Dialogue. 2. New policy for national housing provident fund: first-time homebuyers can get loans up to 3.4 million yuan. 3. Following the placement of HK$80 billion, Cai Chongxin and Wu Yongming increased their holdings of Alibaba shares by HK$120 million. 4. The People's Bank of China: will conduct overnight reverse repurchase operations from August 27 to September 1, with a daily operation volume not exceeding 600 billion yuan; and will conduct 500 billion yuan of one-year MLF operations on August 25. International News: 1. Trump slams Canada for "taking advantage of the US," tariffs on many goods will rise to 50% starting next year. 2. International Energy Agency Executive Director Birol: There are currently no discussions on a second release of strategic petroleum reserves. 3. How will US Treasury bond repurchases be paid for? Bessant is reportedly targeting the nearly $1 trillion Treasury General Account (TGA). 4. Morgan Stanley: Raised its Brent crude oil price forecast, expecting prices to peak at $100 per barrel in the fourth quarter. 5. A Russian presidential decree stipulates that critical infrastructure owners who fail to ensure their safety in the face of external threats may have their facilities transferred to temporary management. 6. Middle East Situation— ① Bessant writes: The economic war against Iran will be like the Normandy landings. ② The US intends to wage an unprecedented economic war; Iran retaliates with oil exports. ③ Iran warns ships violating the rules for passage through the Strait of Hormuz will face penalties. ④ Iranian Foreign Ministry: Has not yet received a formal invitation to join the Mecca Mutual Defense Agreement. ⑤ According to Reuters: Sources say Pakistani Army Chief of Staff Munir spoke with Trump before his visit to Tehran. ⑥ The Iranian currency has fallen nearly 10% in two weeks; the central bank governor says the depreciation is a "temporary phenomenon." ⑦ Sources say the US Treasury Department is expected to announce an expansion of secondary sanctions against countries and entities doing business with Iran.