Nikkei reports Tokyo Electron aims to halve equipment startup time after delivery, starting with new models; CEO Kawai said the company will deploy robotics in production to shorten lead times. He said monthly order volumes are rising and that almost all major customers plan new fabs within the next two years. Tokyo Electron's Tokyo-listed shares showed buying interest today.

U.S. Vice President Vance said Trump still retains multiple options to respond to Iran.

On July 9 the National Health Commission and two other agencies published the 2026 National Essential Medicines List, effective Sept. 1. Semaglutide is included but restricted to diabetes treatment and does not cover weight‑loss indications. Novo Nordisk is currently the sole supplier in China; more than 10 domestic firms have filed marketing authorization applications for generic versions. Novo says the compound patent expired in China earlier this year but regulatory data exclusivity runs until Q2 next year, after which generics could legally enter the market.