Taiwan’s opposition-controlled legislature has passed a motion to launch impeachment proceedings against President Lai Ching-te. Premier Cho Jung-tai seeks to stall civil service pension changes already approved by the legislature, saying the amendments could increase costs for taxpayers. And Taipei authorities are conducting security drills ahead of New Year celebrations after a fatal stabbing in the city last week. Plus: - The Ukrainian president says talks with US envoys were positive as Washington pushes to end the Russia-Ukraine war. - A November report puts the backlog of US arms orders to Taiwan at more than US$21 billion, led by nearly US$9 billion in traditional weapons. - Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says he will shorten his trip to Shanghai for the Twin Cities Forum, which kicks off this weekend, following last week’s stabbing incident.