Pacific Standard 🚜🌻☂️
@pacstandardtw.bsky.social
An American perspective at the western frontier of liberal democracy, framed and focused through the lens of life in Taiwan. #LiberalHawk #NeoIdealist
#TaiwanIsACountry
#TaiwanIsACountry
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【速報】日米首脳が2日夜にも電話会談へ
日米両政府は、2日夜にも高市早苗首相とトランプ米大統領の電話会談を実施する方向で最終調整に入った。首相の ...
www.47news.jp
January 2, 2026 at 10:39 AM
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President Lai calls on opposition to focus on budget reviews, not impeachment attempts – Focus Taiwan: ‘Lai was responding to a reporter’s request for comment following his New Year’s Day address on the opposition’s impeachment plan.’
Lai calls on opposition to focus on budget reviews, not impeachment attempts - Focus Taiwan
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Thursday that the opposition parties' move to impeach him was "impossible to clear the legislative floor" and therefore a "waste of time," urging them instead to focu...
focustaiwan.tw
January 2, 2026 at 10:44 AM
President Lai calls on opposition to focus on budget reviews, not impeachment attempts – Focus Taiwan: ‘Lai was responding to a reporter’s request for comment following his New Year’s Day address on the opposition’s impeachment plan.’
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The US governments adds Chinese oil companies and tankers with ties to Venezuela to its list of sanctioned vessels – Bloomberg
US Sanctions Chinese Companies, Tankers With Venezuela Links
The Trump administration stepped up a pressure campaign against Venezuela’s oil exports by sanctioning companies based in Hong Kong and mainland China, along with related oil tankers it accused of eva...
www.bloomberg.com
January 2, 2026 at 11:12 AM
The US governments adds Chinese oil companies and tankers with ties to Venezuela to its list of sanctioned vessels – Bloomberg
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The protests come after a year of a record number of executions in Iran, with more than 1,500 people put to death in 2025 – the highest number since 1989. Human rights groups say the Iranian authorities have used the death penalty to instil fear among the population and crush dissent.
Two people confirmed dead as Iran protests turn into ‘battlefield’
Nationwide protests against living conditions enter fifth day with security forces reportedly using live ammunition
www.theguardian.com
January 2, 2026 at 11:20 AM
The protests come after a year of a record number of executions in Iran, with more than 1,500 people put to death in 2025 – the highest number since 1989. Human rights groups say the Iranian authorities have used the death penalty to instil fear among the population and crush dissent.
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Elon Musk agrees that all Americans of African origin who commit fraud should be stripped of US citizenship. Surely he realizes that in quantum, he easily ranks number one in that group.
January 2, 2026 at 5:57 PM
Elon Musk agrees that all Americans of African origin who commit fraud should be stripped of US citizenship. Surely he realizes that in quantum, he easily ranks number one in that group.
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NYT editorial board, in an extensive and reflective piece, calls the period we are now living in "a political era that began on Jan. 6, 2021."
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/31/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/31/o...
Opinion | Trump Is the Jan. 6 President
www.nytimes.com
January 2, 2026 at 6:09 PM
NYT editorial board, in an extensive and reflective piece, calls the period we are now living in "a political era that began on Jan. 6, 2021."
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/31/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/31/o...
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Breaking news: Iran is offering to sell advanced weapons systems including ballistic missiles, drones and warships to foreign governments for cryptocurrency, in a bid to use digital assets to bypass western financial controls ft.trib.al/DVCp51D
January 1, 2026 at 3:40 PM
Breaking news: Iran is offering to sell advanced weapons systems including ballistic missiles, drones and warships to foreign governments for cryptocurrency, in a bid to use digital assets to bypass western financial controls ft.trib.al/DVCp51D
This is an incredible contribution:
"the FIS has also published a manual about cognitive blind spots. “Many people have little to no knowledge of how human thinking works,” the handbook laments, urging the FIS staff to reflect on their mental biases to better understand both the present and future."
"the FIS has also published a manual about cognitive blind spots. “Many people have little to no knowledge of how human thinking works,” the handbook laments, urging the FIS staff to reflect on their mental biases to better understand both the present and future."
January 2, 2026 at 9:39 AM
This is an incredible contribution:
"the FIS has also published a manual about cognitive blind spots. “Many people have little to no knowledge of how human thinking works,” the handbook laments, urging the FIS staff to reflect on their mental biases to better understand both the present and future."
"the FIS has also published a manual about cognitive blind spots. “Many people have little to no knowledge of how human thinking works,” the handbook laments, urging the FIS staff to reflect on their mental biases to better understand both the present and future."
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President Stubb:
We are closer to peace than at any time during the war. But at the same time, we cannot be sure whether Russia is ready for peace.
Ukraine is part of a free and democratic Europe now and in the future. We will continue to support Ukraine. We will not tire.
We will seek a solution
We are closer to peace than at any time during the war. But at the same time, we cannot be sure whether Russia is ready for peace.
Ukraine is part of a free and democratic Europe now and in the future. We will continue to support Ukraine. We will not tire.
We will seek a solution
January 2, 2026 at 9:00 AM
President Stubb:
We are closer to peace than at any time during the war. But at the same time, we cannot be sure whether Russia is ready for peace.
Ukraine is part of a free and democratic Europe now and in the future. We will continue to support Ukraine. We will not tire.
We will seek a solution
We are closer to peace than at any time during the war. But at the same time, we cannot be sure whether Russia is ready for peace.
Ukraine is part of a free and democratic Europe now and in the future. We will continue to support Ukraine. We will not tire.
We will seek a solution
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Large-scale protests have been continuing in Iran for five days now. They were triggered by a sharp collapse of the national currency and a rapid surge in prices.
Inflation has reached around 40%, while food prices have risen by 60-70%. The rial at one point fell to 1.4 million per US dollar.
Inflation has reached around 40%, while food prices have risen by 60-70%. The rial at one point fell to 1.4 million per US dollar.
January 2, 2026 at 9:24 AM
Large-scale protests have been continuing in Iran for five days now. They were triggered by a sharp collapse of the national currency and a rapid surge in prices.
Inflation has reached around 40%, while food prices have risen by 60-70%. The rial at one point fell to 1.4 million per US dollar.
Inflation has reached around 40%, while food prices have risen by 60-70%. The rial at one point fell to 1.4 million per US dollar.
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If your commitment to Taiwan expires the moment fabs are replicated,
then you were never committed to Taiwan — only to leverage.
then you were never committed to Taiwan — only to leverage.
January 2, 2026 at 8:48 AM
If your commitment to Taiwan expires the moment fabs are replicated,
then you were never committed to Taiwan — only to leverage.
then you were never committed to Taiwan — only to leverage.
This is such a stereotypical CCP-style move by the KMT that you can almost see the signature between the lines.
Manufacture leverage from scratch, appeal to "common sense" and "win win" psychology, steer the outcome closer to your objectives.
Manufacture leverage from scratch, appeal to "common sense" and "win win" psychology, steer the outcome closer to your objectives.
Wonders how that is likely when the KMT-controlled legislature froze the Constitutional Court, but well...
focustaiwan.tw/politics/202...
focustaiwan.tw/politics/202...
KMT leader urges reconciliation to break constitutional deadlock - Focus Taiwan
Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) on Thursday called for political reconciliation in Taiwan, saying cooperation was needed to enable the Legislature to "function normally."
focustaiwan.tw
January 2, 2026 at 8:45 AM
This is such a stereotypical CCP-style move by the KMT that you can almost see the signature between the lines.
Manufacture leverage from scratch, appeal to "common sense" and "win win" psychology, steer the outcome closer to your objectives.
Manufacture leverage from scratch, appeal to "common sense" and "win win" psychology, steer the outcome closer to your objectives.
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Here’s a jewel from the Pingtung County Donggang New Year’s Eve party (屏東縣東港的跨年晚會)
Mee Mee the Sheep (羊妹妹) by Hsieh Tsai-yin (謝采吟) —Queen of the Sheep Songs (羊咩咩歌后)
For your listening pleasure, full song video link in first comment.
Mee Mee the Sheep (羊妹妹) by Hsieh Tsai-yin (謝采吟) —Queen of the Sheep Songs (羊咩咩歌后)
For your listening pleasure, full song video link in first comment.
January 2, 2026 at 1:26 AM
Here’s a jewel from the Pingtung County Donggang New Year’s Eve party (屏東縣東港的跨年晚會)
Mee Mee the Sheep (羊妹妹) by Hsieh Tsai-yin (謝采吟) —Queen of the Sheep Songs (羊咩咩歌后)
For your listening pleasure, full song video link in first comment.
Mee Mee the Sheep (羊妹妹) by Hsieh Tsai-yin (謝采吟) —Queen of the Sheep Songs (羊咩咩歌后)
For your listening pleasure, full song video link in first comment.
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If you are a resident of California, the state now has a portal where you can demand deletion of your personal data from 500+ registered data brokers with a single request form, for free.
consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov
consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov
consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov
January 2, 2026 at 2:26 AM
If you are a resident of California, the state now has a portal where you can demand deletion of your personal data from 500+ registered data brokers with a single request form, for free.
consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov
consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov
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Will they? Won't they? With the possibility of legislature being dissolved and a new set of elections being held that wipes away the TPP, should the KMT file for no confidence in the premier, I wonder if that increases the incentive for the two pan-Blue parties to compete
"Will the TPP and KMT Cooperate in Upcoming Local Elections?" by @brianhioe.bsky.social
Will the TPP and KMT Cooperate in Upcoming Local Elections? | New Bloom Magazine
Questions about whether the TPP and KMT will cooperate in the upcoming local elections have been raised, with TPP chair Huang Kuo-chang announcing that he will run for New Taipei mayor.
newbloommag.net
January 2, 2026 at 5:15 AM
Will they? Won't they? With the possibility of legislature being dissolved and a new set of elections being held that wipes away the TPP, should the KMT file for no confidence in the premier, I wonder if that increases the incentive for the two pan-Blue parties to compete
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Welcome response, but 2 days late.
January 2, 2026 at 5:29 AM
Welcome response, but 2 days late.
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Cuz I just saw Taiwan again falsely described as a ‘subtropical island,’ —a reminder that southern part of country is tropical. The Tropic of Cancer crosses Taiwan in Chiayi County, Shuishang Township and Hualien County, Ruisui Township & Fengbin Township. There are even markers that can be visited
January 2, 2026 at 5:46 AM
Cuz I just saw Taiwan again falsely described as a ‘subtropical island,’ —a reminder that southern part of country is tropical. The Tropic of Cancer crosses Taiwan in Chiayi County, Shuishang Township and Hualien County, Ruisui Township & Fengbin Township. There are even markers that can be visited
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Nvidia works to meet strong H200 demand from Chinese tech companies — Reuters
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
search.app
January 2, 2026 at 5:28 AM
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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Best Twitter riposte of the day. And Washington met his payroll for the Continental Army with money furnished by the Spanish Crown, too.
January 2, 2026 at 5:19 AM
Best Twitter riposte of the day. And Washington met his payroll for the Continental Army with money furnished by the Spanish Crown, too.
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NYT: Hegseth demanded the resignation of the commander of U.S. forces in Europe and NATO, General Christopher Cavoli, who stated in a declaration submitted to the Senate committee in April that Russia poses a "chronic" and "growing" threat
January 2, 2026 at 5:06 AM
NYT: Hegseth demanded the resignation of the commander of U.S. forces in Europe and NATO, General Christopher Cavoli, who stated in a declaration submitted to the Senate committee in April that Russia poses a "chronic" and "growing" threat
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Reuters: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said the island is determined to defend its sovereignty and boost its defense, after China fired rockets towards the island as part of military drills
January 2, 2026 at 4:40 AM
Reuters: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said the island is determined to defend its sovereignty and boost its defense, after China fired rockets towards the island as part of military drills
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“I’m sure you’re aware of our connections with the Trump Administration,” the North Carolina Republican Party's communications director wrote in an email response to us. “I would strongly suggest dropping this story.”
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
“Biblical Justice, Equal Justice, for All”: How North Carolina’s Chief Justice Transformed His State and America
Paul Newby, a born-again Christian, has turned his perch atop North Carolina’s Supreme Court into an instrument of political power. Over two decades, he’s driven changes that have reverberated well be...
www.propublica.org
January 2, 2026 at 4:00 AM
“I’m sure you’re aware of our connections with the Trump Administration,” the North Carolina Republican Party's communications director wrote in an email response to us. “I would strongly suggest dropping this story.”
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
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I felt this was one of the best ICRT episodes I have been on. Kitsch is deeply informed about military matters while Ralph provided valuable insight on Justice Mission was received in China including Hong Kong. The parts about disinformation were very good imo. Also touched on the defense budget.
I join Taiwan ICRT's podcast this week, hosted by Gavin Phipps, along with Michale Fahey and Ralph Jennings to talk about China's Justice Mission exercise and Taiwan's recent military acquisition and defense reform.
podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/a...
podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/a...
A year end stern cross-strait warning
Podcast 單集・Taiwan This Week・2026/01/02・52 分鐘
podcasts.apple.com
January 2, 2026 at 3:29 AM
I felt this was one of the best ICRT episodes I have been on. Kitsch is deeply informed about military matters while Ralph provided valuable insight on Justice Mission was received in China including Hong Kong. The parts about disinformation were very good imo. Also touched on the defense budget.
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Gavin Phipps' ICRT podcast with my good friends Michael Fahey and Kitsch Liao, along with the thoughtful journalist Ralph Jennings.
podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/a...
podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/a...
A year end stern cross-strait warning
Podcast 單集・Taiwan This Week・2026/01/02・52 分鐘
podcasts.apple.com
January 2, 2026 at 3:34 AM
Gavin Phipps' ICRT podcast with my good friends Michael Fahey and Kitsch Liao, along with the thoughtful journalist Ralph Jennings.
podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/a...
podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/a...
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China is laughing. Please realize where you’re headed with this nonsense, before it’s too late.
January 2, 2026 at 2:12 AM
China is laughing. Please realize where you’re headed with this nonsense, before it’s too late.