Cross-Strait Diplomacy: China banned four New Zealand MPs for a year after their Taiwan visit, with Beijing demanding an apology; New Zealand and Australia said the move is inappropriate and will be raised directly with China. Legislative Response: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing’s pressure tactics that derailed President Lai’s Eswatini trip, citing threats tied to flight clearances and debt relief. Security & Military Posture: Taiwan reported another tense coast-guard standoff near the Pratas Islands, accusing China of “forcing” into restricted waters and trying to create a false jurisdiction claim. Legal Warfare: A U.S. congressional commission report says Beijing is increasingly using “lawfare” in its Taiwan strategy, pointing to a case involving DPP lawmaker Puma Shen. Defense-Industrial Signals: Taiwan tested U.S.-made TOW and Javelin missiles against maritime targets as it refines anti-landing defense strategy. Tech-Policy Spillover: Bloomberg reports Trump officials are debating loopholes in U.S. China tech rules, raising concerns that Chinese firms may still buy Nvidia’s most advanced AI chips outside China. Public Life & Society: Shih Hsin University President Chen Ching-ho took unpaid leave after telling graduates to “end themselves,” with the school issuing an apology and naming an acting president.