Taiwan is drawing more international attention thanks to its booming AI industry, not just the threat from China — a net positive framing for Taiwan's position in the world.

• Taiwanese community groups in the Washington area held National Day celebrations in Maryland, with Taiwan's representative office plus Maryland state officials attending.
• Deputy representative Yang Yi-shan said Taiwan has been pushed further onto the world stage, driven as much by the AI boom as by pressure from Beijing.
• President Lai Ching-te's written message stressed building a "non-red supply chain" with democratic allies and developing key AI technologies.
• Lai said keeping the Taiwan Strait peaceful and stopping outside forces from changing the status quo is a national strategic goal, and that Taiwan will not back down.
• The gathering doubled as a food-and-music festival, with stalls selling Taiwanese street food drawing families from across the region.

Outlook: Taiwan will keep leaning on its chip and AI strength to deepen ties with the US and other democracies while tensions with China continue.