At a State Council press briefing on the 29th, Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun cited the National Innovation Index Report 2025, which ranks China 9th globally in comprehensive innovation capacity. He said China has advanced its science and technology innovation over the past five years and is accelerating a shift from global participant and contributor to pathfinder and leader, making it one of the fastest‑rising countries in innovation.

Japan's finance minister Katayama said persistent yen weakness remains a concern and that Japan and the United States will maintain close communication to keep FX markets orderly. Citing Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks at a recent US‑Japan summit in New York, Katayama said an undervalued yen is a problem and that Japanese and US financial authorities will continue close coordination. She said a Friday phone call with US Treasury Secretary Bessent reaffirmed shared concern about the yen's low valuation and an agreement to deepen cooperation; Katayama added she told Bessent Takaichi has said she is not a 'reflationist', a comment presented as signalling the government is not pursuing unlimited expansionary policy.

Japan's August coal imports fell 8.2% YoY; LNG imports fell 6.8% YoY.