US-China UN messaging after Xi-Trump summit: China’s Vice President Han Zheng used the UN General Assembly to stress sovereignty, oppose “unilateral military actions,” and project Beijing as a new power center—while observers noted the speech avoided direct mention of the US and kept Taiwan in the background. Taiwan in the spotlight at the UN: Belize PM John Briceño renewed calls for Taiwan to have meaningful UN participation, citing Taiwan’s ties and role in semiconductors and AI; separately, Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine warned that Beijing could use UN seating rules to justify coercion against Taiwan. Xi presses Taiwan line in US talks: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Xi urged Washington to oppose “Taiwan independence” and handle the Taiwan issue cautiously, as Taiwan rejected Beijing’s framing. AI risk channel announced: The US and China agreed to create a special rapid-communication channel for major AI-related incidents, even as Taiwan and other disputes remain unresolved. Defense debate in Taiwan: A TaiwanPlus forum discussed whether Taiwan should lean into asymmetric, unconventional deterrence—raising the question of where “asymmetric” ends and “fighting dirty” begins. Soft power and outreach: Taiwan’s embassy in Saint Lucia donated Mandarin textbooks and workbooks to Form 1 students. Regional context: Japan and South Korea battled for Asian Games women’s basketball gold, with South Korea edging hosts Japan 75-70.