Indonesian officials said rare-earth export policy has been clarified: the ban applies only to a single product, and exports of minerals not containing rare earths resumed on Sunday.

On Aug 2, Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan signed a decree reappointing Nikol Pashinyan as prime minister after accepting the collective resignation of Pashinyan’s government. Pashinyan had said on July 30 the cabinet would resign on Aug 2 following the formation of a new parliament. Under the Armenian constitution the president appoints the prime minister nominated by the parliamentary majority.

Sanya Maritime Safety Administration, via the China Maritime Safety Administration website, issued a navigation warning that parts of the South China Sea will be closed for military training. Restricted periods: Aug 3–7 daily 05:00–24:00 and Aug 8 07:00–18:00; entry is prohibited.