Real-time News

On August 15th, regarding the issue of non-Shanghai residents purchasing homes for replacement purposes, a staff member at the Shanghai Real Estate Transaction Center hotline stated that no new policies have been introduced. According to the hotline staff, non-Shanghai resident families who sell their only property can exchange it for one more home within the city, provided the ownership remains the same before and after. No social security or individual income tax certificates are required. This policy has been in effect since May 28, 2024. For non-Shanghai resident families or single adults selling some of their properties (i.e., owning two or more properties), when purchasing a new home, the number and location of the new home must match the previously sold property—if a property is sold outside the outer ring road, it can only be purchased outside the outer ring road; if a property is sold within the outer ring road, it can only be purchased within the outer ring road. No social security or individual income tax certificates are required. This policy has been in effect since February 26, 2026. Regarding home purchases and exchanges by foreign individuals, hotline staff stated that foreign individuals who sell all their properties in Shanghai can exchange them for and purchase one additional home in the city without submitting a foreigner's residence permit (work category), a Shanghai employment contract valid for at least one consecutive year prior to the date of purchase, or proof of social security and individual income tax payments valid for at least one consecutive year prior to the date of purchase. However, they still need to sign a commitment letter for self-occupancy of the property. This policy will take effect on July 29, 2026.

August 15th - According to Lighthouse Pro, as of August 15th, the total box office (including pre-sales) for August 2026 has exceeded 3 billion yuan. Spider-Man: New Day, Welcome to Dragon Restaurant, Eight Immortals, Odyssey, and Kung Fu Soccer are currently ranked in the top five at the August box office.

According to Iran's Press TV, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have killed seven people and injured three.

Ukrainian President Zelensky: The Ukrainian military attacked a Russian military airbase in Nizhny Novgorod and Russian oil facilities in Ust-Luga.

Ukrainian President Zelensky: The Ukrainian military attacked a Russian missile factory in Samara.

Indonesian disaster management official: The death toll from the earthquake has risen to 38.

On August 15, Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi stated in an interview with Iranian media that Iran has no intention of extending the ceasefire agreement with the United States and has not yet decided whether to restart negotiations with the US. He asserted that the US has violated the Iran-US memorandum of understanding, and that hostilities have resumed; therefore, there is no such thing as "extending the ceasefire agreement." Araqchi also said that Qatar and Pakistan, as mediators, are exchanging information and maintaining contact with Iran, but this does not mean that negotiations between Iran and the US are underway.

August 15th - According to a market survey by investment bank Lazard, investors in the secondary market for private equity fund shares are changing how they evaluate potential software investment targets. While awaiting further clarity on the disruptive impact of AI on business models and valuations, they are often "shifting funds to other investment opportunities." The investment bank stated that the vast majority of respondents (91%) believe that the main moat for software companies to cope with the threat of AI and avoid their products becoming obsolete is "the proprietary data advantage and network effects that are difficult for AI to replicate." Lazard stated that as of June this year, only 4% of respondents indicated that their investment approach in the software industry had not changed.

August 15th - According to Canadian sources on the 14th, with the deadline for the US to impose additional tariffs on Canada approaching, tariff negotiations between Canada and the US have reached a stalemate due to significant differences in core interests. It is understood that senior trade officials from both countries have held multiple rounds of intensive consultations in Washington in recent days, but their positions are far apart, and there are currently no signs of reaching an agreement. On July 20th, US President Trump signed several proclamations imposing a 50% tariff on hundreds of specific goods imported from Canada, including wine, hockey sticks, and cement, under Section 338 of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act. The new tariffs will take effect on August 19th, Eastern Time. In addition, tariffs imposed by the US on Canadian steel, aluminum, automobiles, and lumber since last year remain in effect.

The Israeli military: On Saturday, the Israeli military struck Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon in response to actions against Israeli soldiers within the security zone.

August 15 - According to on-site reporters, the death toll from the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia has reached 33, according to the governor of East Nusa Tenggara province.

On August 15th, a 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck Granada province in southern Spain. Local authorities stated that no casualties have been reported. The Andalusian regional government has activated its emergency response plan's early warning phase to prepare for potential secondary disasters and aftershocks. Previously, strong tremors were felt in the affected area and surrounding provinces, prompting some residents to evacuate outdoors. Emergency services subsequently received multiple reports of minor cracks in buildings and falling debris, and safety inspections and damage assessments were rapidly launched after the earthquake.

Iran's Communications Minister: More than 500 telecommunications sites were attacked during the war, and some facilities were hit again after being repaired and service restored.

On August 15th, it was announced that the 16th issue of Qiushi magazine, to be published on August 16th, will carry an important article by Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, entitled "Improving Disaster Prevention, Mitigation, and Relief Capabilities." The article emphasizes that my country has a vast territory, complex geography, and diverse climate, making it prone to frequent natural disasters. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee has consistently treated disaster prevention, mitigation, and relief as a major issue concerning the safety of the people and national security, making numerous deployments in areas such as conceptual transformation, institutional reform, system construction, and capacity building. It has led the vast number of cadres and the masses to overcome a series of major natural disasters, minimizing casualties and property losses to the greatest extent possible, with achievements recognized worldwide. To effectively carry out disaster prevention, mitigation, and relief work, it is essential to uphold the Party's overall leadership, adhere to the principle of putting people and their lives first, respect the laws of nature, prioritize prevention, persist in reform and innovation, maintain a systematic approach, and uphold social co-governance. These valuable experiences must be upheld and effectively utilized, and continuously enriched and developed in light of new realities.

August 15th - According to the Ministry of Emergency Management, affected by Typhoon Dolphin (No. 13 of this year) and recent heavy rainfall, Taihu Lake has experienced significant basin-wide flooding. It is predicted that the water level of Taihu Lake will continue to rise slowly in the later period. From August 15th to 16th, parts of eastern and southern Zhejiang Province will experience heavy rain, with some areas experiencing torrential rain. In accordance with the "National Flood and Drought Relief Emergency Plan" and relevant regulations, the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and the Ministry of Emergency Management decided to upgrade the flood control emergency response for Jiangsu Province from Level IV to Level III at 12:00 on August 15th, and activate a Level IV flood control emergency response for Zhejiang Province.

On August 15th, Mexican President Jacques Sinbaum stated at a morning press conference on August 14th that the US decision to revoke the visa of the son of former Mexican President López Obrador was politically motivated and constituted interference in Mexico's internal affairs. Sinbaum emphasized that Mexico must remain steadfast in the face of such events, and that Mexico and the US should maintain a mutually respectful bilateral relationship. In fact, the US revoked the visas of at least six Mexican ruling party officials in 2026 alone. Simultaneously, citing involvement in drug trafficking to the US, the US requested the extradition of four current governors, mayors, and members of parliament, as well as six former officials, to the US for trial. The Mexican government rejected the US request, citing insufficient evidence from the US.

UK Maritime Trade Organization: No damage assessment reported; environmental impact unknown.

UK Maritime Trade Organization: A projectile struck the hull; crew reports safety.

The UK Maritime Trade Organization: We have received reports that a bulk carrier was attacked by an unidentified object in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday.