Japan's current account surplus rose 22.5% to 17.43 trillion yen (~$110B) in H1 2026, finance ministry data showed, as exports jumped 12.8% led by semiconductors and autos. June alone posted a 92.3 billion yen deficit — the first monthly shortfall in 17 months.

China's central bank unveils 2026-2030 reform plan targeting high-level financial opening-up, expanded global use of the renminbi and deeper market access. Plan also covers monetary policy framework and financial stability.

China's central bank has issued a reform and development plan for 2026-2030 aimed at accelerating high-level financial opening-up, including expanding global use of the renminbi, deepening two-way financial market access, building Shanghai as an international financial center and enhancing Hong Kong's role, along with domestic monetary policy and financial stability measures.

China's Zhuangzicun super-large high-speed rail bridge achieves closure in the Three Gorges Reservoir area of Chongqing, advancing the 350 km/h Xi'an-Chongqing rail corridor.

The Zhuangzicun super-large high-speed railway bridge has achieved closure in the Three Gorges Reservoir area of Chongqing Municipality in southwest China, forming part of a 350 km/h rail corridor between Xi'an and Chongqing.

China to issue 6 billion yuan sovereign bonds in Macao SAR on Aug. 20, the Ministry of Finance said, marking the fifth consecutive year of such issuance.

China's central government will issue 6 billion yuan (about 884 million U.S. dollars) of sovereign bonds to professional investors in the Macao SAR on Aug. 20, the Ministry of Finance and Macao SAR government announced. The issuance marks the fifth consecutive year of renminbi-denominated sovereign bonds in Macao, which officials said demonstrates central government support for Macao's economic diversification and financial sector competitiveness.

Tokyo stocks close higher as Nikkei 225 jumps 2.08% to 66,970.22 on tech, AI-related gains and a weaker yen; Topix up 0.63% to 4,100.61.

Tokyo stocks closed higher on Monday, with the Nikkei 225 rising 1,363.51 points, or 2.08 percent, to 66,970.22, supported by gains in heavyweight technology and AI-related shares and a weaker yen. The broader Topix index added 25.68 points, or 0.63 percent, to finish at 4,100.61.