Putin and Erdogan have agreed that gas supplies will in future be paid in rubles.

Around 160 countries have already criticised Pelosi's visit to Taiwan whilst expressing their support for the One China policy.

Meanwhile the west continues to try and convince itself that only its views matter.

The deputy head of Taiwan defence ministry's research and development unit was found dead on Saturday morning in a hotel room.

Let's not jump to hasty conclusions.

https://t.co/BCy3p5Wff3

Fortune 500 companies:

China 145
US 124

Total Chinese revenues now larger than total US revenues.

Saudi has condemned the Israeli attacks on Gaza.

China July data

Yuan-denominated trade balance 682.7bn yuan, est 600bn yuan, prev 650bn yuan.

Imports 7.4% y/y, est 5.7%, prev 4.8%

Exports 23.9% y/y, est. 19.6%, previous 22.0%.

Jan-July imports 5.3% y/y, exports 14.7%, trade surplus 3.14tn yuan.

Not content with trying to create a shitstorm wrt Taiwan, US is now trying to do so via India.

US is to take part in a joint military exercise with India less than 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the South Asian country's disputed border with China.

https://t.co/amRLiyu5jU

Full @rogerwaters interview with Michael Smerconish

https://t.co/pkvqA7Y0Xv

So it also turns out that Washington has been trying to threaten African nations wrt to buying Russia goods and the risk of being sanctioned.

There were never any savings.

Americans have applied for over 230m credit cards in last 4 months, largest increase since 08.

Credit card debt is also up 13% since April, largest increase since 2001.

Total credit card debt will shortly breach $1tn for first time

With respect to Zaporozhye NPP question everyone should ask themselves is why would Russia be firing rockets at this plant they currently occupy, given if they had wanted to destroy it would have have already done so by virtue of occupying it.

Is thinking really that difficult?

Stupidity continues with investment grade corporate bond ETF purchases rising 10 fold between June and July, not least due to significant buying of European vehicles.

Is anyone paying any attention to Europe which is now cratering?

It's long overdue that the UK govt starts to seriously ask itself why heart attacks and strokes are, in this case, overwhelming the NHS.

https://t.co/tQZv8Oi0kw

So it's appears there is a desperation to ensure that Trump doesn't stand in 2024.

The irony is raiding his home in Florida will only increase his popularity and support if he does.

Latvia has resumed importing Russian gas since August 5th.

Presumably now paying in rubles.

Nearly 78% of foreign companies operating in Russia currently remain there.

Blinken:

US hopes the situation in Ukraine will be resolved diplomatically over time, but for now it is necessary to defend Ukraine's sovereignty.

Clown show running US with deadly consequences.

Recorded an interview with @MartyBent yesterday. Always a pleasure and we discussed things that I don't normally cover which is very welcome. Will post links when it is available.

Diplomats from 30 Islamic countries visit Xinjiang and stated China is protecting minorities there.

Naturally western China experts will claim this is a lie but you should go there and see for yourself. Because unlike them I have done so.

Silver held in London vaults has reached its lowest level in 6 years.

If this trend continues we may see some interesting price movement. For 9 years we have consistently stated that true price discovery will only happen when west is effectively drained of silver and gold.