US affairs expert Dmitry Drobnytsky says the Senate's newly passed Russia sanctions bill is likely to go unenforced and become a 'silent law' akin to the Jackson-Vanik amendment. The Senate on Friday overwhelmingly approved a measure, drafted with input from the late Senator Lindsey Graham, that would levy a 100% tariff on the five largest importers of Russian energy resources and a 500% tariff on all US imports from Russia. Drobnytsky said the bill is primarily political signalling, will likely

Fujian Maritime Safety Administration said Typhoon White Dolphin had forced suspension of 40 passenger ferry routes and 76 passenger ferries along the Fujian coast; all 115 coastal maritime construction projects were halted and 290 construction vessels evacuated, as of 1200 on Aug 8.

U.S. Vice President Vance said on the 8th that talks with Iran are ongoing and the U.S.-Iran confrontation remains in the "mid-game." He told Fox News the conflict has not ended but has moved beyond the opening phase. Washington is deploying diplomatic, economic and military measures to secure the best outcome. Vance said the U.S. priority is to maximize oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz and is watching whether Iran will make the long-term changes needed to improve relations; if not, the U.S. will continue to apply pressure. He added the U.S. is working to establish a navigation mechanism to ensure safe passage for vessels, including mine-clearing, which would also require Iran to commit not to fire on merchant ships.