Regional news: Xi Jinping visits memorial, Chiba floods, and Taipei festival

In China, President Xi Jinping visited the Hundred Regiments Offensive Memorial Hall in Shanxi to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the start of the national War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. He emphasized the importance of passing down the “great anti-war spirit” and honoring the martyrs.

In Taiwan, the 2026 Dadaocheng Summer Festival concluded with a major event at the Dadaocheng Wharf. The festival featured a drone light show depicting Spider-Man and Taipei landmarks, alongside an eight-minute fireworks display, attracting over 140,000 attendees.

In Japan, Chiba Prefecture is struggling to clear more than 1,200 abandoned vehicles left on flooded roads following heavy rains on August 13–14. Local authorities report that the scale of the blockage makes it difficult to provide tow trucks for every vehicle, hindering traffic flow.

Meanwhile, in Guangzhou, China, traffic controls have been implemented around several major stadiums due to scheduled sports matches and performances on August 15 and 16. Authorities have advised citizens to use public transportation due to limited parking.