China-Mongolia Media Ties: China and Mongolia urged closer journalism cooperation at the 16th China-Mongolia Journalism Forum in Hohhot, saying objective reporting can deepen people-to-people trust. US-China AI Friction: U.S. agencies warned that China-based AI firms are using large-scale knowledge distillation to extract capabilities from U.S. frontier models, raising stakes ahead of late-September leader talks. Cyber Race Staffing: The CIA said it needs more tech-focused talent and new targets as AI speeds up cyber operations, with China highlighted as a key challenge. Trade Momentum vs Domestic Drag: China’s August exports rose 25% year-on-year, powered by cars and high-tech goods, while analysts flag widening “K-shaped” divergence as domestic demand stays soft. South China Sea Tensions: Philippines Defense chief Teodoro said a note delivered during a Seoul forum accused China of “coercion, bullying and aggression” after Beijing rejected the 2016 arbitration. UK-China Phone Call: Xi told UK PM Andy Burnham to “seek common ground,” pointing to cooperation in technology, education, healthcare and finance. Africa-China Reporting Lens: A West Africa workshop urged journalists to assess both China’s interests and African priorities, warning against one-sided narratives. South Africa Cherries to China: Beijing and Pretoria signed a protocol granting South African cherry producers market access to China for the first time. Nepal Flood Info Sharing: After the Aug. 26 disaster, Nepal said China now sends daily weather and glacier-risk updates, including via a WeChat group. Ford Under Pressure: The White House said it is “profoundly concerned” about Ford’s partnerships with Chinese firms like CATL and Geely, urging more U.S. supply-chain independence.