Cross-strait security and diplomacy: President Lai Ching-te told the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents’ Club Taiwan’s defense build-up is not a provocation, while urging swift U.S. approval of a new arms package as China steps up military activity around the island. Defense posture at sea and in the air: Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence reported multiple PLA aircraft sorties and PLAN/official vessels operating around Taiwan, including one PLA sortie crossing into Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ. Disinformation warning: A cybersecurity expert flagged a coordinated China-linked Facebook disinformation push tied to Taiwan’s upcoming local elections, noting synchronized posts and overseas page administrators. Economy and housing: Taiwan’s central bank said AI-driven growth is not creating “Dutch disease,” while the Ministry of the Interior reported property transactions in 2025 fell to a nine-year low amid selective credit controls. Energy prices: State oil supplier CPC cut domestic gasoline and diesel prices next week, citing easing international crude pressure. Public health: A Taiwanese study found air pollution is a stronger trigger for cardiovascular emergency visits than weather alone, especially for older adults in northern Taiwan. Tech diplomacy: MOFA deputy minister Chen Ming-chi inspected a “sovereign AI” data center site in Paraguay, as Taiwan expands overseas AI infrastructure ties. Weather: CWA issued heat alerts across Taiwan and tracked Tropical Storm Mekkhala forming near Guam. Culture and identity debate: A Booker Prize-winning Taiwanese novel has reignited debate over Taiwan’s shifting identity and history amid rising political sensitivity.