US–China Summit Watch: US Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent and China’s He Lifeng will meet in New York ahead of Trump–Xi talks in Washington, with trade/tariffs, AI, rare earths, Taiwan, and Iran-linked energy disruption on the agenda. Defense & Drones: Anduril founder Palmer Luckey says a delay in a $14B Taiwan arms package is hurting business; he also urges Taiwan to expand defense production and exports as drone warfare accelerates. Semiconductor Sentiment: Bank of America finds semiconductors remain the most crowded trade for a fourth straight month, though conviction is cooling from summer highs. Taiwan Labor & Industry: Kuai Kuai snack plant workers in Jhongli voted strike-ready after ASE’s takeover and relocation promises; Taiwan’s minimum wage review is also set to push for increases tied to inflation. Energy & Prices: Taiwan’s price stabilization task force extends tax cuts for key raw materials through March and keeps oil/natural gas/petroleum price controls to protect household purchasing power. Tech/AI Risk: A Reuters-linked op-ed highlights how near-autonomous AI agents can breach real systems, with Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs cited on agent mapping and account compromises. Regional Industry Push: Odisha, India, announced an 870-acre “Silicon Valley” hub after SEMICON India 2026, aiming to move from mining to advanced electronics. Maritime Trade: Yang Ming ordered another 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, signaling continued fleet upgrades for greener shipping.