Cross-strait security: Taiwan’s military carried out its first joint combat drill using multiple attack drones, alongside Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missiles and HIMARS rockets, as President Lai pushes modernisation. U.S. deterrence watch: MAC Deputy Minister Shen Yu-chung said Washington remains committed to deterrence along the first island chain, while Taiwan is watching how Trump and Xi handle Taiwan policy in their Sept. 24 meeting. Defense readiness drills: A separate Taiwan exercise integrated HIMARS, loitering munitions, air-defense systems and anti-ship missiles to test cross-service coordination against a maritime target. Tech and trade ties: TAITRA said Taiwan and the Philippines can deepen AI and semiconductor cooperation via Pax Silica, while Taiwan Expo 2026 in Manila showcased energy, healthcare, agriculture and smart tech. Airport business & consumer buzz: EVERRICH launched a “Formosan Terroir” immersive campaign at Taoyuan Airport, and early buyers snapped up iPhone 18 Pro models. Health and safety: A Singaporean woman died in a Taiwan hospital after being run over by a bus in Taichung. Sports—Asian Games: Chinese Taipei beat India 3-0 in men’s soft tennis; India’s teqball star Quimcy Dsouza advanced to women’s singles semis; and India’s women’s cricket quarter-final vs Japan headlines Friday action. Public diplomacy: Taiwan donated about US$9.4 million to Japan’s Kumamoto quake recovery.