FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — A new poll shows Taiwan President Ma Ying-jou trailing his DPP opponent. Inequality, unemployment and close ties to China are complicating his bid for re-election next year. A crack team of Taiwanese paratroopers hurtled to Earth from 5,000 feet this month.

Their mission was simple: land in a targeted area in front of nationalist Kuomintang President Ma Ying-jou as he received military units marking the Republic of China’s 100^th anniversary. Read more from Cain Nunns in The Diplomat.