As Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te prepares to visit the country's three diplomatic allies in the Pacific region, his planned stopover in U.S. territory earns a sharp response from China. Meanwhile, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says he's confident an annual Taipei-Shanghai forum will be held as planned despite current cross-strait tensions. And after Taiwan's win in the WSBC Premier12 baseball championship, the team captain's victory celebration has gone viral for highlighting the country's unique political position.

Plus:

●A 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah goes into effect.

●Campaigners say easier naturalization of foreigners to Taiwan is necessary to meet the country's future needs.

●Conservation officials responsible for central Taiwan's picturesque Sun Moon Lake employ electroshocks to curb the numbers of invasive giant snakehead fish.