Tibet & Rights in Taipei: About 300 people gathered at Liberty Square to mourn Tibetan activist Lobga Rangzen and protest China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, with Taiwanese supporters saying the threats feel shared across Tibet, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Taiwan. Taiwan-France Ties: President Lai Ching-te awarded France’s outgoing Taipei office director Franck Paris the Order of Brilliant Star for work strengthening cooperation in politics, culture, science and youth exchanges. Defense & Cross-Strait Pressure: China’s Taiwan Affairs Office dismissed Taipei’s five-day military drills as “empty show of force,” while Taiwan also warned more Taiwanese are missing or detained for questioning in China. Public Health & Safety: Taiwan extended a ban on bringing cats, dogs and other mammals into 19 national forest recreation areas until July 31, 2028 to curb rabies spread. Food Regulation: Health Minister Shih Chung-liang defended raising the apple pesticide fenpropathrin residue limit to 3 ppm, saying it matches major markets and follows expert review. AI/Markets & Industry: Taiwan shares rebounded after softer U.S. inflation; TWSE and TPEx reported June sales growth led by AI-driven semiconductor demand. Tech & Business Moves: Wevr said it topped 1 million visitors worldwide for its “Year of Global Firsts,” while Yoshinoya bought a 70% stake in Taiwanese-founded Kizuki Ramen for $28.7 million.