Guangdong will distribute 30 mln yuan in cultural and tourism consumption subsidies from Sept. 11 to Oct. 31, covering Mid-Autumn and National Day holidays. Subsidies operate in two tracks: offline via Cloud QuickPass app coupons redeemable at partner merchants, and online via instant discounts when buying coupons on participating platforms. Eligible products include hotels and homestays, attraction tickets, tour packages, cruises/yachts, study‑tour and family products, and senior wellness/healt

Financial Times reports Chancellor John Healey will use his October budget to pause the pledge to raise defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030 and defer difficult funding decisions for the armed forces. Healey had argued 3% by 2030 as a milestone toward NATO's 3.5% target by 2035; that aim is now uncertain. The budget will prioritise closing an almost £5bn defence equipment funding gap left by former prime minister Starmer, government sources said. Institute for Fiscal Studies researcher Bee Boileau estimates lifting to 3% by 2030 would require roughly an extra £10bn a year at current prices; reaching 3.5% would need about £25bn. Under current plans UK defence spending is projected at 2.7% of GDP by 2030.

Pakistan said it is not obliged to follow sanctions on Iran unless they are imposed by the UN, signaling intent to keep trading despite US warnings of penalties. Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad is honoring bilateral agreements and trade remains active, with both sides seeking to expand commerce. Pakistan and Iran agreed to expedite a free trade agreement and aim to raise bilateral trade to $10bln, more than double current levels. Islamabad has sought to balance ties with the US and Iran during the war and earlier helped negotiate oil-tanker evacuations.