TaiwanPlus News – 18:00, May 24, 2024

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By TaiwanPlus

President Lai Ching-te has had a difficult first week in office as China has encircled Taiwan with military drills it says are "punishment" for Lai's remarks on Taiwan's sovereignty in his inaugural address. Meanwhile, the country has been split by a debate in the legislature over controversial reform bills proposed by opposition parties that would give lawmakers more power over the executive branch. The debate has spilled onto the streets as protesters opposing the bills and how they were introduced make themselves heard outside the legislature in Taipei. Plus: - Taiwan marks five years since same-sex marriage was legalized in the country. - Barracudas gather in large numbers off Taiwan's southern tip in a rare sight spotted by divers. - Fishing communities around the world are under threat as rising sea temperatures lead to swathes of bleached corals.