Senior US defense official Colby said the United States will absolutely not withdraw from Asia.

Japan Economy Watchers' Outlook Index for July 45.8, prior 45.7.

Aug 4, 2026 — China's Deputy Foreign Minister Miao Deyu met South African Deputy Foreign Minister Molaka in China. Miao cited the 2024 FOCAC Beijing summit decision by President Xi and President Ramaphosa to elevate China–South Africa ties to a new-era, all-round strategic cooperative partnership, and reiterated Beijing's announced zero-tariff measures for all African diplomatic partners. China signalled readiness to expand bilateral cooperation in governance, power and energy, and artificial intelligence, deepen people-to-people exchanges, and coordinate with South Africa within BRICS and other multilateral forums to uphold multilateralism and international fairness.