Oct 28 — China's Taiwan Affairs Office said Taipei's defense ministry has budgeted just over NT$80 mln to invite US personnel to observe the Han Kuang exercises this year and next. Spokesperson Chen Binhua said the Taiwan issue is China's internal affair and does not tolerate foreign interference, adding that the DPP's attempt to "use force to seek independence" or to "rely on outsiders to seek independence" is a miscalculation and "a dead end."

Westpac Auckland strategist Imre Speizer called the RBNZ’s decision to hold surprising, saying the bank remains cautious on a potentially stubborn medium-term inflation outlook and is seeking more evidence. He said the RBNZ still flags further tightening and that inflation risks are skewed to the upside, keeping its stance aligned with major central banks. ANZ MOOMOO Auckland strategist Tina Teng said the bank faces a trade-off between slower growth and energy-driven inflation: global risks — notably an oil-price spike and weaker growth — could pressure corporate profits and exports. A softer NZD supports exporters but raises import costs, feeding upward pressure on domestic inflation.

A-share MLCC sector extended gains; Rongqi Technology rose over 8%, Dongcai Materials climbed more than 4%, while Sanhuan Group, Bojie and Yachuang Electronics also advanced.