Cross-strait security: Taiwan’s National Security Council deputy secretary-general Lin Fei-fan said the island’s preparations for a possible Chinese attack are “not a provocation,” urging people to take the threat seriously as China ramps up military pressure. Grey-zone pressure: China’s nuclear-capable submarine missile test in the Pacific drew condemnation from U.S. allies and alarm across the region, while Taiwan said it’s tracking rising Chinese naval activity. Freedom of speech under pressure: Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim condemned the Taichung assault on Japan-linked commentator Akio Yaita, calling it a warning about transnational repression. Typhoon Bavi disruptions: Taiwan’s Maritime and Port Bureau will suspend multiple ferry routes ahead of the storm, with the worst rain expected Friday and Saturday and 29,000 troops on standby. Economy & markets: Taiwan’s inflation hit a 17-month high in June; the Taiex fell more than 2% as investors rotated out of electronics amid valuation worries and regional geopolitical jitters. Food safety: Central Union Oil was fined NT$165.2 million for failing to promptly report tainted soybean oil containing excessive benzo[a]pyrene. Finance sector: FSC approved Bank SinoPac’s merger with King’s Town Bank and E.Sun Financial’s acquisition of Mercuries Life. Sports & culture: Taiwan’s National Palace Museum will display a famed Genghis Khan portrait in a new exhibition; and Taiwanese-American Stuart Fairchild signed with the Seattle Mariners.