EZ News 12/19/23

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Taiwan passes law to tighten security at military facilities Taiwan is moving to tighten security at military bases around Taiwan. Under the bill, people inside a military facility taking unauthorized pictures or video or engaging in any other reconnaissance activities with an intent to endanger national security shall be subject to up to three years in jail. And individuals caught entering restricted military areas will be subject to a fine of up to $200-thousand NT for trespassing (違法、 擅自進入、侵入). Defense officials say the new law will not apply to military aficionados taking pictures or filming fighter jets landing and taking off from a military base, if such actions did not endanger the safety of military activities or national security. Centuries-old poetry to illuminate celebration of Arabic language in Taipei The National Central Library will host a 13-day exhibition centered around a centuries-old poetry collection, in celebration of World Arabic Language Day on Dec. 18. The libary says the exhibition is set to display how the Arabic language has inspired creativity in poetry and art for centuries, and is in line with the theme "Arabic -- the Language of Poetry and Arts," chosen by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. In addition to showcasing traditional attire (服裝), cultural artifacts and literature in the Arabic-speaking world, the exhibition spotlights "The Mu'allaqat," a collection of works by renowned classical Arab poets from the sixth or seventh century. The exhibition opens today, and will run through the end of the year. Force to Protect Transiting Ships in Red Sea The U.S. and a host of other nations are creating a new force to protect ships transiting the Red Sea that have come under attack by drones and ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the force in Bahrain early today. Under the new initiative, dubbed Prosperity Guardian, countries including the UK, Canada, and the Netherlands will protect transiting (通過) ships. Some will conduct joint patrols while others provide support in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. This comes after US officials say another commercial vessel has been attacked in the Red Sea. U.S. correspondent William Denselow reports. Iceland Volcano Eruption A volcanic eruption started Monday night on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, prompting the country’s civil defense to be on high alert. Officials say the eruption appears to have occurred about four kilometers from the town of Grindavik, and local webcam video showed the moment of the eruption as a flash of light illuminating the sky at 10:17pm local time. Iceland’s foreign minister says there are no disruptions (中斷、擾亂) to flights to and from Iceland and that international flight corridors remain open. He says a coast guard helicopter will attempt to confirm the exact location — and size — of the eruption, and will also measure gas emissions. That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn