Taiwan-US Defense Tensions: Beijing pressed Washington to “arrest the trend” on Taiwan arms sales after Trump’s China trip, seeking smaller, slower approvals and a pause around the visit. Legislative Defense Budget: Taiwan’s Legislature approved an NT$8.81 billion 2026 special defense procurement budget for five U.S. weapons systems, funded via borrowing, with HIMARS payments due soon. Cross-Strait Security: Taiwan reported multiple PLA sorties and vessel activity near the island, while China warned against “freedom of navigation” after a Canadian frigate transit through the Taiwan Strait. AI Economy & Finance: Taiwan raised its 2026 GDP growth outlook to the fastest in 16 years on AI-driven demand, while the central bank said it will take “timely” steps to protect financial stability amid tariff uncertainty and geopolitical risks. Computex Spotlight: Nvidia and AMD are set to dominate Computex with major Taiwan AI infrastructure investment plans, reinforcing Taiwan’s shift from chip-making to full AI system infrastructure. Regional Energy Mood: Asian markets rallied on hopes for a 60-day U.S.-Iran ceasefire extension, easing oil prices even as Strait of Hormuz risks linger. Governance & Oversight: Prosecutors opened an embezzlement probe into two former Ma foundation staffers, as the foundation’s internal dispute escalates.