Cybersecurity: FortiBleed is exposing tens of thousands of Fortinet FortiGate firewalls and VPNs, with attackers using leaked or unchanged passwords to crack logins, steal credentials, and move laterally across networks. Defense & Security: ASPI’s “Pressure Points” details how China is extending access and influence across the Pacific and Indian oceans, using a mix of naval presence, policing cooperation, and non-combat tools that can pressure Taiwan and regional partners without open conflict. Taiwan-US Politics: Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun reportedly faces Washington snubs after blocking a proposed defense-spending boost, with the U.S. canceling a planned meeting tied to the dispute. Taiwan Strait Tech/Trade: China’s Taiwan Affairs Office criticizes the DPP over reports of tighter AI chip export rules to the mainland, warning it could disrupt Taiwan’s semiconductor supply chains. Semiconductors & Markets: Gartner’s 2026 supply-chain ranking keeps Schneider Electric on top, with NVIDIA and Taiwan Semiconductor also highlighted as AI-driven demand reshapes logistics priorities. Research in Taiwan: NTU researchers traced a donated fossil bone to an extinct Ice Age peacock species unique to Taiwan, adding a rare data point to East Asia’s Pleistocene bird record. Drones for Defense: ZenaTech says its IQ Quad drone is moving toward U.S. Blue UAS certification to expand defense procurement opportunities.