TaiwanPlus News – 18:00, December 18, 2023

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By TaiwanPlus

The long-awaited national security trial of publisher Jimmy Lai is underway in Hong Kong, with the Apple Daily founder facing life in prison if convicted. With Taiwan's general election under a month away, a prominent civil defense organizer is holding classes on how to oppose Chinese disinformation aimed at influencing the vote. As the clock ticks down, presidential candidates are seeking to rally their respective bases -- but will the ruling Democratic Progressive Party be able to hold on to the youth vote? Also: - Taiwan's government says it is confident that a leak is not to blame for the oil pollution that has affected the country's east coast. - The trunk of the "Elephant Trunk" stone arch formation on Taiwan's north coast, a cherished local landmark, has collapsed into the sea. - At the first Tap Out Island jiu-jitsu contest in Taipei, only total surrender will do.