Defense & Cross-Strait Tensions: President Lai Ching-te told the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents’ Club that Taiwan’s defense build-up is not provocation, as Beijing ramps up military and political pressure and Taipei seeks swift U.S. approval for a new arms package. Military Posture Updates: Taiwan’s MND reported multiple PLA sorties and PLAN/official vessels operating around the island, with one PLA aircraft crossing into the southwestern ADIZ. Hybrid Pressure & Elections: A cybersecurity expert warned of a coordinated Facebook disinformation push tied to China, aimed at building networks for influence ahead of Taiwan’s November local elections. Diplomacy in the Global South: Taiwan said Chinese pressure may have contributed to Taiwanese delegates being denied entry and detained at Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference, prompting withdrawal. International Tech Cooperation: MOFA deputy chief Chen Ming-chi inspected a “sovereign AI” data center site in Paraguay, part of Taiwan-backed investment plans. Maritime Claims: Beijing said it will make surveys east of Taiwan routine to assert sovereignty, including potential resource and underwater infrastructure work. Energy & Economy: CPC Corp. announced next week’s cuts to gasoline and diesel prices, citing easing international crude pressure. Regional Tech Supply Chains: China resumed gallium exports to Japan after a four-month pause, while rare-earth magnet-related curbs continue to squeeze supplies. Taiwan in Culture & Identity Debate: A Booker-winning Taiwanese novel set in Japanese-ruled Taiwan is reigniting arguments over Taiwan’s identity amid rising political sensitivity across the Strait.