Cross-Strait Security: Taiwan’s Coast Guard warned off Chinese oceanographic research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 22 from restricted waters off Su’ao, shadowing it with patrol ships and issuing radio orders; the vessel left the area early Friday, with Taiwan citing China’s use of research/government vessels as a pretext for “hegemonic expansion.” Markets & Energy: Global stocks cooled after relief over a US-Iran interim framework, as talks for a permanent deal were postponed amid renewed Lebanon-Israel strikes; oil prices stayed volatile with Strait of Hormuz traffic improving but uncertainty lingering. Semiconductor Supply Chain: The US raised concerns to ASML that an EUV lithography system may have reached China despite export curbs; ASML denied any EUV shipment or EUV-specific components to China. Biotech Expansion: Avance Clinical announced expansion of Asia Pacific and mainland China operations, adding Singapore/Malaysia teams and scaling commercial presence in Shanghai and Beijing, with Taiwan included in its existing footprint. Local Business & Culture: Sanxia locals and students revived a land-based dragon boat race on Sanxia Old Street using recycled inflatable boats, aiming to boost tourism and preserve local heritage. Defense Industry Demand: Ukrainian drone makers are pitching combat-proven systems to Japan and Taiwan as Asian rearmament accelerates. Trade Policy: Japan said it will impose anti-dumping duties on nickel-added stainless steel from China and Taiwan, with levies up to ~45% for China and ~21% for Taiwan. Finance: UOB Private Bank appointed Dennis Hong as Regional Market Head for Greater China and North Asia, starting September 2026, to grow wealth management across China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan. Healthcare Trial Update: MAIA Biotechnology activated a new US site at Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute for Phase II THIO-101, enrolling patients for a telomere-targeting agent ateganosine in non-small cell lung cancer.