Taiwan: Record Defense Spending; China’s Economy Slows in July

China’s GDP growth dropped to a more than three-year low in the second quarter. We take a closer look at the engines driving the country’s economic growth—and which one is failing to fire.

Taiwan’s 2027 defense spending of $35 billion is a new record for the island. It marks a 16 percent increase from a year earlier, and Taiwan’s president called it an investment in peace.

A U.S. aircraft carrier is shifting from the Pacific to the Middle East. We look at what that move means for China and U.S. military presence in Asia.

President Donald Trump is issuing an order to scale back U.S.–South Korea military drills. But the exercises are moving ahead as planned. North Korea and China are watching closely.

China is continuing to selectively stockpile oil amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Here’s how Beijing is building up its reserves while global supplies remain under pressure.

1. China’s Economy Slows to 3.5-Year Low in July

2. China’s Premier Calls for Stable External Demand

3. Taiwan: Record Defense Spending, Invests in Peace

4. USS George Washington Shifts from Asia to Middle East

5. U.S.-South Korea Drills Begin Despite Trump’s Cut Order

6. S. Korea President Urges Peace Talks with North Korea

7. CCP Intel Official Buys Building Near White House

8. China Had 200K BPD Oil Surplus in July Amid Iran War

9. Communist Movements Use Democracy as Path to Power

10. Trump: Democratic Socialism Hides Communism