AI Chip Market Mood: South Korea’s KOSPI plunged again as SK Hynix’s results disappointed, deepening an Asia-wide tech selloff and raising worries that AI capex may be losing momentum. Taiwan Capital Markets: Quanta Computer is moving ahead with a major GDS sale, seeking up to about $2.2b—one of the biggest Taiwanese equity fundraises in nearly two decades—signaling confidence in AI server demand even as the market cools. Semiconductor Supply Chain: UMC reported a strong Q2 and said Intel 12nm design kits are on track for end-2026 delivery, while also advancing silicon photonics progress. US Trade Enforcement: U.S. CBP raided China-linked Vietnam factories over suspected transshipment, with a potential 40% penalty—another reminder of how tariff rules can reshape regional manufacturing. Energy & Cross-Strait Risk: Taiwan suspended about $800m of spot LNG buys from Papua New Guinea after PNG closed Taipei’s representative office, while keeping long-term contract volumes. Japan Earthquake Disruptions: A 7.1 quake in Kumamoto halted production at Sony’s image sensor hub, adding to supply-chain stress for camera components. Business Diplomacy: Taiwanese firms met Andhra Pradesh’s CM to discuss investment in semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, aiming to expand Taiwan-India industrial links. Policy/Defense: A senior U.S. defense official said military-to-military ties with China are stronger than in years, as Washington pushes to reduce miscalculation risks.