In a separate development, former US President Donald Trump reportedly urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to engage in direct talks with Japanese leader Takaichi. Trump also pressed Xi to lift China's export restrictions on Japan. This occurred during their meeting in the United States, as Tokyo sought to navigate increasing pressure from Beijing.

The mother of slain Hong Kong socialite Abby Choi Tin-fung has stated in court that a HK$72 million flat was not intended as a gift to her former in-laws. She accused them of profiting from her family's wealth, asserting that her daughter had purchased the property for her children.

Online discussions have reignited interest in the mercury mystery surrounding the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor. Claims suggest archaeologists have identified the source of mercury within the mausoleum, prompting renewed attention to ancient cinnabar sites in Shaanxi province.

France and Germany are advocating for a new European Union trade mechanism. This proposed tool would enable the bloc to instantly cut off market access for countries that create significant market distortions.

US F-35 stealth fighter jets participated in military exercises with Indian warplanes near the Pakistan border. This marks the first instance of America's advanced combat aircraft joining joint drills in India.

An elderly man in central China, who scavenged for 21 years, discovered a fortune of over 420,000 yuan (US$63,000) in his pension fund.