Taiwan Security: Taiwan indicted a retired Navy petty officer, Ma, accusing him of spying for China since 2008 and trying to recruit Taiwan-linked officials for classified defense and maritime information. PLA Activity Near Taiwan: Taiwan’s defense ministry reported 20 PLA aircraft sorties, 6 PLAN vessels, and 5 official ships, with 12 aircraft crossing the median line into Taiwan’s ADIZ during a “Joint Combat Readiness Patrol” and “Air-Sea Joint Drill.” Nepal Flood Response: After Aug. 26 floods and glacier-linked mudslides, Nepal raised the death toll to 1,344 and said nearly 5,000 remain missing; rescuers pulled a Chinese national alive from a hydropower tunnel, while China provided disaster data and relief materials including equipment for Bailey bridges. Pacific Missile Fallout: Pacific Islands Forum leaders urged transparency for ICBM tests, calling for at least 24 hours’ advance notice; China defended its “defensive” military policy after the July test drew regional anger. China-Taiwan Diplomatic Friction: Chinese artists boycotted South Korea’s Gwangju Biennale over a “Taiwan Pavilion” label, escalating a dispute that Beijing frames as a one-China issue. Cross-Border Military Talks (India-China): India and China are set for Corps Commander-level talks in the northeast, alongside plans for new military hotlines to reduce border escalation risks. Energy Politics: China and Russia highlighted expanding energy cooperation at a Vladivostok forum, with China’s vice premier stressing stability for global markets.