Yuan Peng on rising East, declining West; Another weapons test; Li Yundi destroys career; NBA China troubles

Today’s Essential Eight items:

1. FT reports there was a second weapons test

2. US-China and an interview with Yuan Peng

3. Latest Delta outbreak worsening

4. Xi in Shandong for an inspection tour

5. China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers meeting

6. Li Jiaqi and livestream sales

7. Li Yundi lacking in Core Socialist Values, PRC career now over

8. More China trouble for the NBA

Thanks for reading.