Taiwan's government says it is cracking down on China's intimidation campaign against Taiwanese citizens, a move that's reassuring for Taiwan's democracy but signals rising pressure from Beijing ahead of elections.

• China's state broadcaster released satellite images showing Taiwan under the view of a Chinese satellite, which Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council called a form of cross-border intimidation and strongly condemned.
• Premier Cho Jung-tai said the government is using both legal and technical tools to block China's cross-border repression tactics.
• Lawmakers pointed to a pattern beyond the satellite images, including an alleged paid attack on a comedian critical of China and alleged surveillance of a Taipei mayoral candidate, drawing comparisons to past cases of China pressuring Taiwanese public figures.
• The government says it's boosting defense spending and weapons purchases, framing China's military drills near Taiwan and in the region as threats to regional peace that are angering other countries too.

Outlook: Expect continued friction as Taiwan tightens legal protections against foreign interference while China keeps up pressure tactics in the run-up to upcoming elections.