China’s Foreign Ministry said on Aug. 18 it had noted reports the US embassy in the Philippines plans a Palawan-based center to help Filipino fishermen report illegal fishing and will closely monitor developments. Spokesman Lin Jian said China does not oppose routine US-Philippine cooperation but said such activity should promote mutual understanding and regional stability and must not target third parties or harm third-party interests.

A-shares agricultural-products processing sector extended gains; COFCO Sugar hit its daily limit, while COFCO Technology, Joyvio Foods, Baolingbao, Chenguang Bio and Huazi Industrial advanced.

China is continuing its push to boost consumption in lower-tier markets, MOFCOM said, noting third- and fourth-tier cities plus counties account for over 70% of the population and about 60% of GDP and retail sales. In the first five months, county- and township-level retail sales of consumer goods made up 39.3% of national retail sales; key beneficiaries include county commercial renovations, chain retail, elderly-care and childcare services, cultural tourism and rural services, and the policy may help local governments convert inefficient state assets from sunk costs into operating assets.