Rare Earth Supply Security: China Northern Rare Earth Group plans a 50% expansion at the Bayan Obo mine in Inner Mongolia, adding $74 million to boost extraction and processing capacity for high-tech demand. AI Chips & Trade Friction: Apple is reportedly testing memory chips from CXMT, a firm blacklisted by the Pentagon, as global DRAM pricing pressure reshapes Western supply choices. Semiconductor Capital Markets: CXMT’s STAR Market IPO surged on debut, underscoring how China is pushing toward homegrown DRAM dominance despite years of setbacks. Humanoid Robotics IPO Buzz: Unitree priced its Shanghai IPO at 150.80 yuan, aiming to raise about $904 million, with retail demand reported at over 8,000x. Open-Weight AI Competition: Meta launched Muse Glimmer, challenging China’s open-weight AI lead with a locally runnable model and plans to release additional weights. Space Launch Setback: A Long March 7A rocket carrying a satellite exploded about 85 seconds after liftoff, with the cause under investigation. Extreme Weather: Typhoon Dolphin drove heavy rain inland, triggering closures and flood alerts in central China and major rainfall preparations in Beijing. Monetary Policy: China’s central bank released a 2026-2030 reform plan focused on strengthening monetary policy tools, macro-prudential management, and support for tech and green finance. Tech Tourism in Shenzhen: Shenzhen is drawing more overseas visitors for “tech-themed tours,” from drone demos to factory inspections, as entry rules ease.