Taiwan–China Maritime Tensions: Taiwan’s coast guard deployed more than five patrol ships after China announced a “law enforcement operation” east of the island, saying Beijing has no sovereign rights there and the move violates international law; Taipei detected four Chinese vessels departing Xiamen and monitored them outside restricted waters. Defense & Deterrence: Taiwan also reported continued PLA activity around its territory, with multiple aircraft and naval/official ships detected over two days, as regional maritime disputes intensify. Drone “China-free” Push: A Taiwanese drone maker, Carbon-Based Technology, plans to more than double its workforce and expand facilities as Taiwan seeks to position itself as a trusted, “non-red” drone hub backed by a government investment plan through 2030. AI Hardware & Capital Markets: Nvidia’s push for “physical AI” and its Taiwan-linked investment narrative continues to feed investor focus on the island’s role in the U.S.–China AI race, while broader market coverage highlights how investors are getting more selective amid AI stock volatility. Retail Investing Angle: A Reuters explainer on how U.S. retail investors can access SpaceX’s IPO (including broker eligibility basics and risks) adds a global finance hook for readers. Startup Ecosystems: Singapore entered the world’s top 10 startup ecosystems for the first time, underscoring regional competition for tech capital and talent.