Market sources say ByteDance's 1H 2026 net profit fell YoY after increasing AI investment. Group revenue rose about 30% YoY in 1H, driven by overseas operations; TikTok-related overseas revenue now exceeds 30% of total (25% in 2024; 30% in 2025) while Douyin remains the largest single revenue contributor. ByteDance did not comment.

At a Sept. 16 briefing, the Taiwan Affairs Office addressed reports that Taiwan’s 2027 defense budget and special budget will approach 4% of GDP and that Lai Ching-te has pledged to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP. The office criticized the Democratic Progressive Party, saying the move risks crowding out social welfare spending, harming Taiwanese interests and pushing Taiwan into a more dangerous position, and warned such policies will face strong public opposition.

South Korea's deputy prime minister said from South Korea's perspective the country cannot slow the development of artificial intelligence now.