Chengdu regulators said buyers of newly built commercial homes using the city’s housing provident fund loans must meet a minimum down payment of 15%. The measure includes a one-year interest subsidy equal to 20% of interest, capped at 25,000 yuan. New homes meeting green building one‑star or higher qualify for a 20% increase in the maximum housing provident fund loan limit. Districts may add targeted local subsidies or consumer vouchers—for group purchases, parking-space purchases and trade‑ins—

Ukraine still has alternative routes — rail, Danube ports and Romania’s Constanta — but their throughput is far below seaborne trade. Prior reports show rail and Danube routes currently each carry about 45% of export volumes; if Black Sea ports remain closed, alternative routes could sustain only roughly half of prior export capacity. ‘Not completely blocked’ therefore does not imply exports are not materially disrupted. Zelensky is also probing a limited, grain-focused ceasefire. Kyiv proposes sequencing: secure grain shipments first — Russia stops strikes on Ukrainian grain ports, vessels and export routes while Ukraine pauses attacks on Russian grain logistics — and has floated third‑country vessels with security guarantees to resume civilian grain shipping. Moscow wants any deal tied to Ukraine halting strikes on Russian energy infrastructure; that linkage is the current sticking point.

Aug 24, 2026, Beijing — China foreign minister said the Gulf is at a critical juncture and that the old cycle of recurring conflict must not be repeated. He urged disputing parties to seek solutions at the negotiating table rather than by force, said steps toward a ceasefire and ending hostilities must not be reversed, and called on parties to respond to international appeals for peace and to prioritize the welfare of regional populations. The immediate priority is de‑escalation and a return to dialogue. China said it will strengthen coordination with Kuwait and continue contributing to the restoration of regional peace and stability.