Washington and Taipei are reported to be close to a deal that would lower Taiwan’s tariff rate to 15% and expand TSMC investment in the US. Taiwan has resumed F-16 training after last week’s crash off the east coast, as the search for the missing pilot continues. And at a democracy forum in Taipei, speakers from Georgia and the Czech Republic shared lessons from countering authoritarian influence, offering insights relevant to Taiwan. Plus: - President Lai Ching-te met with two Canadian opposition lawmakers after Liberal Party members left the delegation early ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's Beijing visit. - Taiwan has enacted legal changes simplifying residency and employment for foreign workers and professionals, effective at the start of 2026. - Officials and architects gathered in Taipei to promote greener building standards and construction material recycling to improve urban sustainability.