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U.S. President Biden Affirms Strong U.S.-South Korea Alliance in Call with Acting President Han Duck-soo

On December 14, U.S. President Joe Biden held a phone call with South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, emphasizing the unwavering strength of the U.S.-South Korea alliance. Following the impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol by the National Assembly, Han Duck-soo has assumed the role of acting president.

According to AFP, the White House stated that President Biden reaffirmed that the U.S.-South Korea alliance would continue to be a cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region during Han's tenure as acting president. Biden also praised the resilience of South Korea’s democracy and rule of law and reiterated the steadfast commitment to bilateral relations.

On the night of December 3, without prior warning, President Yoon caused a political shock by proposing "martial law," sparking instability in South Korea's political landscape. An initial impeachment vote on December 7 failed to pass, but a second vote on December 14 succeeded with 204 votes in favor, 85 against, 3 abstentions, and 8 invalid ballots.

With the impeachment approved by a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, President Yoon’s powers were suspended, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assumed the duties of acting president. The Constitutional Court now has 180 days to deliver a final ruling on the impeachment, with a deadline set for mid-June next year.

The Constitutional Court, which comprises nine justices, currently has three vacancies. At least seven justices must be present to proceed with the case, and a minimum of six votes is required to uphold the impeachment. If the impeachment is confirmed, a presidential by-election must be held within 60 days. If the impeachment is overturned, Yoon will immediately resume his presidency.

During this period, Acting President Han Duck-soo will carry out the constitutional and legal duties of the presidency, including commanding the military, declaring martial law, and signing or approving treaties. Although President Yoon is suspended, he retains his presidential status, allowing him to continue residing in the presidential residence, receiving a basic monthly salary, and enjoying state-provided security and ceremonial privileges.

South Korean Parliament Approves Impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol with 204 Votes in Favor, 85 Against

On the afternoon of December 14 (Saturday), the South Korean National Assembly passed an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol with 204 votes in favor and 85 against. President Yoon's position will now be suspended until the Constitutional Court delivers its final ruling. However, some observers believe the political instability in South Korea may not subside in the short term.

Earlier this month, on December 3, President Yoon unexpectedly declared martial law under the pretext of combating anti-state forces, aiming to overcome opposition party resistance. However, facing a strong public backlash and an emergency parliamentary resolution that overturned the martial law decree, Yoon was forced to rescind it just six hours later.

Subsequently, the opposition-led National Assembly initiated an impeachment motion against Yoon. While the ruling People Power Party initially managed to block the first impeachment attempt through procedural tactics, the opposition party launched a second attempt, gaining support from several dissenting members of Yoon's own party. This led to the successful passage of the impeachment motion, which now awaits a decision from the Constitutional Court.

In a statement following the impeachment vote, President Yoon said, "With all the encouragement and support I have received, I will dedicate myself to serving the nation until the very last moment." Following the impeachment, Yoon's powers will be suspended, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as acting president. Han pledged to maintain government stability and strengthen vigilance against North Korea to address any potential threats.

The Constitutional Court will now deliberate on the impeachment. If it rejects the motion, Yoon can resume his duties as president. However, if it upholds the impeachment, Yoon will be removed from office, triggering a presidential election within 60 days. Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae announced that the court would convene on December 16 (Monday) to discuss the case timeline and assured that the proceedings would be conducted "swiftly and fairly."

If the Constitutional Court upholds the impeachment, Yoon Suk-yeol will become the second South Korean president to be removed from office through impeachment, following Park Geun-hye, the nation's first female president.

TIME Magazine announced on December 12, 2024, that President-elect Donald Trump has been named its Person of the Year, marking his second time receiving the honor, the first being in 2016. After winning the presidential election in 2016, Trump was also selected as TIME's Person of the Year. Over the years, 13 U.S. Presidents, including current President Joe Biden, have been awarded this recognition.

This year’s list of honorees includes 10 individuals: Trump, current Vice President Kamala Harris, Britain's Princess Kate Middleton, entrepreneur Elon Musk, Russian dissident Alexey Navalny’s widow Yulia Navalnaya, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, American actor Joe Rogan, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

After being named Person of the Year, Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, daughter Ivanka Trump, Tiffany Ariana Trump, and Vice President-elect James David Vance, was invited to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

TIME also published an exclusive interview with Trump, in which he was asked about the possibility of war with Iran during his presidency. Trump responded that the situation is very unstable, and anything could happen. He also suggested that the U.S. may change its policy towards Ukraine, noting that Ukraine’s use of U.S.-provided missiles to strike Russian territory could further escalate the conflict. Trump also emphasized his plan to expel illegal immigrants to the fullest extent allowed by law. Additionally, he stated that discussions would be held with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) regarding the potential termination of the children's vaccination program, hinting that certain vaccines for children could be canceled in the future.

On December 12, the Japanese government announced the passage of a historic bill, officially legalizing medical marijuana. This marks a significant shift in Japan's cannabis policy and provides patients with a new treatment option. Under the new law, medical marijuana will be available only to patients who have undergone strict screening, must be prescribed by certified doctors, and used in controlled medical facilities.

The passage of this bill followed years of debate and discussion, particularly over issues like social acceptance of cannabis and its health impacts. The Japanese government stated that medical marijuana would be used to treat conditions that are difficult to manage, such as cancer, chronic pain, and epilepsy, and that its use will be strictly limited to prevent any adverse effects on society.

The amendments to Japan's Cannabis Control Law and Narcotics Control Law officially took effect on December 12, legalizing the use of marijuana-based medicinal products. However, to prevent misuse following the legalization, penalties for possession or use of marijuana as a drug have been increased under the "Drug Use Offense" law. The maximum sentence for illegal possession is now raised from a maximum of 5 years in prison to 7 years.

Experts note that the implementation of this policy will have a profound impact on Japanese society, as it may help alleviate pain for some patients but could also spark legal and ethical discussions. With the new law in effect, the medical marijuana market is expected to gradually develop, but balancing therapeutic use with preventing abuse remains a crucial challenge for the Japanese government.

On December 10, Malaysia's Parliament passed amendments to the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code in a third reading, classifying "doxing" (publicly sharing private information) as a criminal offense. The amendments aim to combat the growing problem of cyberbullying, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison for the most severe cases.

The newly amended laws stipulate that if a person uses language or communication methods to threaten, insult, or defame others with the intention of provoking or causing harm, they will face up to one year in prison, a fine, or both. If bullying behavior leads to the victim's suicide or suicide attempt, the sentence could be up to 10 years. In cases where private information is shared online to harass or intimidate others, "doxing" could lead to up to three years in prison or a fine.

Malaysia's Minister of Law, Azalina Othman Said, emphasized that current laws are ineffective in regulating cyberbullying on social media platforms. The country needs regulations that address actions that can harm others even without explicit intent. She clarified that these amendments are not aimed at limiting free speech, but are designed to protect society, especially women and children, from the harms of online bullying.

According to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), between January and November 2024, there were 8,339 reported cases of cyberbullying, averaging 27 incidents per day.

On December 8th, President-elect Trump stated that he plans to terminate "birthright citizenship" on the first day of his second term. This means that babies born in the U.S. will no longer automatically acquire American citizenship. Trump said that he would take strict measures to curb the phenomenon of foreign pregnant women traveling to the U.S. to give birth in order to grant their newborns automatic U.S. citizenship. He emphasized, "U.S. citizenship should be based on genuine ties and contributions, not on the exploitation of loopholes in our laws." Trump argued that this practice not only burdens the U.S. healthcare system but also goes against the original intent of the nationality law, and thus requires immediate reform.

According to the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, babies born in the U.S., regardless of their parents' nationality or immigration status, automatically acquire U.S. citizenship. Trump had criticized this provision during his first term in office and called for legislative or executive changes. While relevant proposals were not implemented at that time, the issue remains a key part of his campaign for re-election.

Trump's statement quickly sparked responses from various groups. Supporters believe this policy could effectively protect U.S. resources and legal systems from abuse, while enhancing the value of American citizenship. However, critics have described it as a "racist policy," arguing that it could deepen racial and immigration divisions in the U.S. and challenge constitutional rights.

In his upcoming campaign, Trump is expected to continue using this issue to galvanize support from conservative voters, while pushing for more stringent immigration-related policies. His campaign team has stated that this is just one part of his broader reform agenda, aimed at restoring "America First" policies.

Currently, the Democratic Party and other opponents have criticized Trump's remarks, arguing that his proposals lack feasibility and may face constitutional challenges. The controversy surrounding "birth tourism" will likely remain a hot topic on the U.S. political stage in the future.

Fearing a spike in prices due to President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on imported goods, as many as one-third of Americans have begun stockpiling essential items like toilet paper and non-perishable foods. Concerns over the future, marked by fear and uncertainty, have led to this trend.

According to a survey conducted in late November by CreditCards.com, a website specializing in credit card and financial information, 30% of 2,000 American respondents said they planned to shop more than usual during this year’s holiday season. Among them, 39% cited concerns over potential price increases driven by tariffs as the primary reason for their early purchases.

Currently, the top stockpiled items among Americans include toilet paper (77%), non-perishable foods (76%), medical supplies (58%), over-the-counter medicines (54%), personal care and cosmetics (24%), household items and appliances (33%), firearms and ammunition (26%), and water filtration systems (25%). Most respondents indicated that they would complete part or all of their holiday shopping this December.

Trump has repeatedly stated that he plans to impose tariffs on foreign imports after taking office. His proposals include a 10% tariff on Chinese imports and a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. Economists have warned that such tariffs could increase the cost of goods like gasoline and lumber, trigger inflation, and raise prices across a wide range of products domestically.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who took office in July, will make his first visit to the Persian Gulf region on the 9th, aiming to strengthen economic and defense cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.

According to a Reuters report, a UK government statement on the 8th highlighted Starmer's objective to enhance investment and deepen defense and security partnerships. The statement described the two Middle Eastern nations as among "the most important partners for the UK today."

Starmer's Gulf tour is scheduled to begin today with his arrival in the UAE, where he will hold talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Later in the day, he will travel to Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

The government statement also emphasized that "key issues" for the visit include Middle East stability, particularly the urgent need for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, the release of all hostages, and expedited humanitarian aid to Gaza. Starmer remarked that the Gulf region holds significant untapped potential. His goal is to attract investments from the wealthy Gulf nations to help rebuild the UK's aging infrastructure and advance its clean energy transition mission.

Starmer also stated his commitment to pushing forward the Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement, strengthening bilateral research and development collaborations, and exploring future partnership plans. The UK government views the UAE and Saudi Arabia as major investment sources, with trade between the UK and UAE valued at £23 billion (approximately NT$950 billion) and trade with Saudi Arabia estimated at £17 billion (approximately NT$702.1 billion), reflecting the considerable financial flows between these nations.

Amid escalating international tensions, French President Emmanuel Macron invited former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Paris for a historic trilateral meeting. The primary objectives of the summit were to advance solutions for the Ukraine-Russia conflict and discuss strategies for preserving global peace and economic stability.

During the discussions, Zelensky reiterated that any peace plan must be based on principles of "justice," emphasizing that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable. He called on the international community to increase military and economic support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. Trump expressed his desire for a swift end to the war, proposing a negotiated resolution. He stressed that while the U.S. has a responsibility to promote peace on the global stage, it must avoid excessive involvement in armed conflicts.

Macron, acting as a pivotal mediator, advocated for Europe to take a more proactive role in addressing the war while coordinating closely with the U.S. He also highlighted the importance of stabilizing the global economy and energy supplies as key topics of the talks. Although no concrete agreements were reached, all parties acknowledged that establishing mechanisms for dialogue is a critical step toward peace. Macron pledged that France would continue working to facilitate broader multilateral discussions, including with Russia.

Observers remain cautiously optimistic, suggesting that the high-profile meeting could lay the groundwork for a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake occurred on the morning of December 5th, off the Pacific coast, 63 kilometers northwest of Petrolia, Northern California. The earthquake had a shallow depth of 0.6 kilometers, followed by multiple aftershocks. Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning for 4.7 million people within the earthquake's affected region, but the warning was later lifted. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to facilitate disaster response efforts.

The earthquake struck at 10:44 AM local time. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the initial magnitude was recorded as 6.6, but it was later revised to 7.0. The quake was strongly felt in many areas of Northern California, including San Francisco, and the National Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning for coastal regions of California and Oregon.

Seismologists noted that the earthquake occurred at the boundary of the North American, Pacific, and Gorda tectonic plates, releasing energy equivalent to 16 atomic bombs. The rupture area was approximately 900 square kilometers. Given the seismic activity in the region, experts suggest that stronger earthquakes may occur in the future. This year, there have already been nine earthquakes worldwide with magnitudes of 7.0 or higher, and the public is advised to stay vigilant.