Taipei

Taipei has stated that Washington understands Taiwan's defense requirements, amid ongoing concerns over the island's security. The remarks underscore the close, if unofficial, security relationship between the United States and Taiwan as cross-strait tensions with Beijing continue to shape regional diplomacy.

Political analysis site Frozen Garlic examines the contest for Taipei City mayor, framing it as a battle between a Kuomintang princeling and a Democratic Progressive Party outsider. Although Taipei has long been a KMT stronghold, support for the DPP's candidate Puma Shen is described as rising rapidly and unexpectedly, prompting discussion about whether the party's traditional dominance in the capital is under threat.

Pope Leo has called on the Catholic Church to confront its own failings, according to the Taipei Times. The appeal comes as the new pontiff continues to set the tone of his papacy, emphasizing honesty, accountability and reform within Church institutions. Details of the specific failings he referenced or the setting of his remarks were not reported.

Chiayi Science Park in southern Taiwan is showing signs of moving into a third phase of development, according to a Taipei Times report. Expansion of the park would extend the science park model that has driven Taiwan's semiconductor and technology industry, bringing potential new investment, firms and jobs to the Chiayi area.