Japanese firms increased capital spending in Q2, signaling resilience to the Middle East conflict and raising the likelihood of an upward GDP revision. Data published Tuesday showed capital expenditure excluding software rose 2.9% quarter-on-quarter

Domestic News: 1. President Xi Jinping met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek on the sidelines of the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. 2. Li Qiang chaired an executive meeting of the State Council, which studied relevant work on promoting high-quality development of investment attraction; and discussed and approved in principle the draft revision of the "Law of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of Tax Collection". 3. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology launched a special action to cultivate artificial intelligence application service providers. 4. The Ministry of Commerce and seven other departments issued implementation opinions on promoting the expansion and upgrading of commodity consumption. 5. China's manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) was 49.8% in August, rebounding from the previous month. 6. National standards for vehicle exterior dimensions were released, relaxing restrictions on the size of protrusions in intelligent vehicles. 7. Ministry of Finance: The total profits of state-owned enterprises reached 2,508.99 billion yuan in the first seven months of 2026, a year-on-year increase of 0.6%. 8. The National Press and Publication Administration announced the approval information for domestic online games in August 2026, with a total of 209 games approved. International News: 1. According to Nikkei: Japan's budget request for fiscal year 2027 is expected to reach a record high of 143 trillion yen. 2. Trump stated he will respond to the Iranian missile attack. 3. Nvidia will invest $3.5 billion in MediaTek to deepen AI chip cooperation. 4. US Treasury Secretary Bessenter: Unable to change the equilibrium price of bonds, will work with Vought to advance fiscal integration. 5. US Treasury Secretary Bessenter: Has faith in Japan; the Bank of Japan will take measures to promote the yen's appreciation. 6. The EU stated it will continue to cooperate with the US and the G7 to maintain pressure on Iran. 7. Trump declared "Iran is dead," listing multiple accusations that Iran has "completely failed." 8. US Treasury Secretary Bessenter: Oil prices will fall. The Iranian conflict will be resolved.

Wall Street Journal reports U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has tendered his resignation to President Trump after long-standing disagreements with Defense Secretary Hegseth over the direction of Army reform and changes to senior officers; he is expected to depart within days.