China-Vietnam Trade Talks: Premier Li Qiang told Vietnam’s PM Le Minh Hung China is ready to keep expanding and upgrading bilateral trade, building on recent top-leader consensus. China-Mongolia Cooperation: Wang Yi urged Mongolia to keep strengthening mutual trust, as Mongolia commissioned a China-aided central sewage treatment plant in Ulaanbaatar. Rail and Bridge Progress: Sichuan’s high-speed rail integration advanced with two tunnel breakthroughs, while the world’s longest steel arch bridge hit a key milestone in construction. Digital Tax Crackdown: China will require instant digital invoicing at gas stations from Nov. 1 to curb fuel tax evasion. Anti-Graft Sweep: A retired PICC insurance executive is under investigation, showing the campaign’s reach beyond active posts. Cybersecurity: Google says a Chinese-linked hacking group targeted U.S. and Canadian research institutions for over a year. South China Sea Flashpoint: Taiwan reported Chinese law-enforcement vessels entering restricted waters near Taiping Island for the first time. Flood Disruptions: Heavy rains in southern China forced relocations and disrupted transport, with emergency response upgraded in Guangdong and Guangxi. Education and Jobs: China’s universities cut thousands of “obsolete” arts degrees as students steer toward AI-era tech and manufacturing roles. Hong Kong Economy Blueprint: Hong Kong launched a public consultation on its first 2026-2030 five-year economic plan, with the Northern Metropolis as a main growth engine. Property Finance Stress: Developer Vanke secured another state-backed shareholder loan to meet debt obligations amid the ongoing slump.