Taiwan Executes First Prisoner in Five Years, Sparking Outrage

Scientists have recently identified a new species of parasitic crustacean, named Synagoga arabesque, found clinging to black coral in Taiwanese waters. This discovery was made during a scuba diving expedition by researchers from Moscow State University and Academia Sinica in Taiwan, and the findings were published in the journal ZooKeys. S. arabesque distinguishes itself from its relatives by attaching as an external parasite, unlike others in its genus that typically drift among plankton. The presence of this unusual species brings to light the vast unknowns still present in marine biology, particularly regarding undiscovered parasitic species in the Indo-Pacific region. While the discovery is significant, it comes during a critical time as oceans face severe threats from pollution and climate change. Issues like plastic waste and ocean acidification are endangering marine ecosystems. Marine life, including the coral that S. arabesque depends on, is increasingly compromised, with many species struggling to develop their shells and exoskeletons due to changing ocean conditions. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing research into marine biodiversity and the urgent need to protect oceanic life from human-induced threats.

A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake shook Taiwan early Tuesday, resulting in injuries for 27 individuals and causing significant damage to buildings, including caved-in ceilings. The US Geological Survey confirmed the earthquake occurred shortly after midnight with its epicenter located 12 kilometers north of Yujing, a region famous for mango farming. Local authorities reported that rescue operations were launched in the Nanxi district, where individuals, including a child, were trapped under a collapsed structure. Officials noted that aside from the injured, some residents were rescued from elevators and others sustained injuries from falling debris. Fortunately, no major damage was reported in the area. Taiwan’s health ministry confirmed a total of 27 injuries related to the incident. In response to the quake, TSMC, the Taiwanese semiconductor giant, evacuated employees from certain factories located in central and southern Taiwan. Taiwan is situated at the convergence of two tectonic plates on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it particularly susceptible to seismic activity. This recent quake follows a deadly 7.4-magnitude earthquake in April 2024 that resulted in at least 17 fatalities. In the aftermath of past devastating earthquakes, Taiwan has enhanced its building codes to ensure structures are more resilient and implemented an advanced early warning system to alert citizens of potential seismic threats.

In a surprising visit to Taipei, former Vice President Mike Pence called on Donald Trump’s incoming administration to uphold its commitment to Taiwan as tensions with China escalate. Speaking just before Trump’s second inauguration, Pence warned that reducing US support for Taiwan could lead to a nuclear arms race in the Asia-Pacific region. Pence emphasized that if China were to successfully annex Taiwan, neighboring countries might lose confidence in US deterrence, prompting them to pursue their own nuclear capabilities. He advocated for continued military support and encouraged the new administration to negotiate a free trade agreement with Taiwan. During his visit, Pence attended the signing of an agreement between the Taipei Language Institute and the US Purdue Research Forum, and was expected to meet with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-Khim. Pence also criticized a rising isolationist sentiment within the Republican party, particularly after Trump made remarks suggesting a waning support for Taiwan, including claims that Taiwan had "stolen" the US semiconductor industry. He underscored the importance of maintaining a tough stance on China, highlighting the dire implications of American disengagement. As the Chinese Communist Party, led by Xi Jinping, vows to annex Taiwan, Pence reiterated the significance of US support, stating, "America stands with Taiwan" for the security and future of freedom in the region.