Asia Intelligence Brief — Monday, August 3, 2026

Rio Times · Asia Intelligence Brief August 3 —China PMI China’s official manufacturing gauge fell to 49.2 in July, its first contraction in five months. —BOJ signal The Bank of Japan held rates but Governor Ueda hinted at a September hike as inflation overshoots. —SK Hynix surge SK Hynix shares jumped about 30% after revealing roughly US$500 billion in AI-memory supply deals. —Scarborough Shoal China’s navy and air force staged live-force drills near the disputed shoal on 1 August. —Shipki La trade Seasonal India-China barter trade through the Himalayan pass resumed after a six-year freeze. —Record heat South Korea’s Yangsan recorded 42.5C, the highest temperature ever measured in the country. Asia Intelligence Brief August 3 — Asia is wary and on-edge, caught between China’s surprise fact