Taiwan Struck by 6.0 Magnitude Earthquake, 27 Injured

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.

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.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has announced exceptional financial results for the latest quarter, with a staggering 57% increase in profits reaching $11.4 billion and a 39% rise in revenue totaling $26.88 billion. The world’s leading chipmaker credited this growth largely to soaring demand for its advanced 3nm and 5nm chips, widely used by major companies such as Apple and Nvidia. Despite looming U.S. restrictions on AI chip exports to China, TSMC's CEO, C.C. Wei, expressed confidence in the company’s communication with U.S. government officials and believes that necessary special permits will be granted. Looking forward, TSMC anticipates revenue for the first quarter of 2025 to be between $25 billion and $25.8 billion, with AI-driven demand likely counterbalancing seasonal declines in the smartphone market. For the entirety of 2025, the company projects a 20-30% increase in revenue and plans to invest up to $42 billion in expansion efforts. This includes the establishment of new fabrication plants in the U.S., Japan, Germany, and Taiwan, further solidifying TSMC's leadership in the global semiconductor industry. The company's stock has more than doubled in value over the past year, underscoring the growing appetite for high-performance chips fueled by the AI boom.