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.

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.

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.

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.

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