Taiwan Defense & Security: Taiwan proposed a record NT$1.1225tn defense budget for next year as Beijing steps up military pressure, while the island began receiving new F-16V Block 70 fighters to expand air-defense capacity and readiness. Cross-Strait Politics: Opposition lawmakers fast-tracked a motion condemning Premier Cho Jung-tai after he refused to countersign youth savings legislation, setting up a potential vote within a month. Semiconductors & AI Supply Chain: TSMC is reportedly readying 1.6nm (A16) mass production for Q4 2026, as Samsung raised advanced foundry prices by up to 15% amid tight AI-chip demand; Taiwan’s GDP outlook also faces debate over how sustainable AI-driven growth is. Global Tech Capital: Micron announced a $10bn U.S. research lab in Boise focused on next-gen memory, compute and packaging, while Harvard disclosed stakes in TSMC and SpaceX. Aviation & Business Travel: Starlux will launch Kaohsiung–Japan routes (Kobe and Okinawa) from Jan. 1, 2027, adding a third Taiwan departure city. Regional Geopolitics: U.S. allies in Asia are watching warily as Washington shifts military assets toward the Middle East, potentially weakening deterrence in the region.