Typhoon Bavi Watch: Taiwan is bracing for “destructive” winds and extreme rain as the storm nears, with the CWA warning of dangerous waves over 6 meters and possible up to 900 mm of rain in northern mountains; Taipei and nearby areas are preparing sandbags and tying down boats. Closures & Disruptions: Schools and offices in Taipei and multiple northern counties, plus Yilan and Hualien, will close Friday, while airlines cancel or suspend dozens of flights across the island and to regional hubs. Evacuations in Hualien: Hualien evacuated over 900 residents from 358 households due to landslide-dam risks, with monitoring focused on Wanli Creek and Matai’an Creek. Food Safety Recall: Taiwan expanded a tainted-oil recall tied to carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene, ordering removal of Central Union products and related processed foods from shelves by noon Friday. Cross-Strait Tensions: Taiwan condemned China for “glorifying violence” after an assault on a Taiwan-based Japanese commentator, escalating a political dispute over Beijing’s response. Markets & Policy: Taiwan’s central bank governor cautioned against excessive leverage as the AI-driven stock rally heats up, while June exports jumped 40.3% year-on-year to a record high, led by AI-related chips and electronics. Security & Diplomacy: Taiwan hosted a small group of foreign lawmakers on a Coast Guard patrol near Kinmen, underscoring concern over China’s expanding maritime “gray-zone” activities.