Defense Budget Signal: Taiwan’s Cabinet approved a 2027 defense budget of NT$1.1225 trillion (3.01% of GDP), with a US academic calling it a “very positive development” that keeps Taipei on track for 5% by 2030. US-Taiwan Strait Tensions: A US Navy P-8A Poseidon transited the Taiwan Strait in international airspace, with China tracking the flight and the US 7th Fleet framing it as support for a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” Cross-Strait Security Pressure: Taiwan said it detected a surge in Chinese military activity around its territory, while Japan reported Chinese ISR operations near the Ryukyus involving a Y-9 and a TB-001 drone. Legislative Clash: Lawmakers fast-tracked a motion condemning Premier Cho Jung-tai after he refused to countersign youth savings-account legislation, deepening political deadlock. Domestic Policy Push: The Legislature passed menstrual equity rules for schools and expanded tax relief for parents of minor children as Taiwan tackles a declining birth rate. Governance & Rights: A court ordered an additional 18 months for a Chinese spouse convicted under Taiwan’s Anti-infiltration Act for election interference. International Friction: Taiwan protested an Etihad in-flight announcement that referred to Taiwan as “Taiwan, China,” and the Civil Aviation Administration said the airline apologized. Local Environment: Nantou County removed 25,717 giant snakehead fry from Sun Moon Lake this year, a sharp jump from last year.