EZ News 01/07/24

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. MND: China Rocket Launch Passes Over Central Taiwan The Ministry of National Defense says a Chinese rocket launched earlier this morning posed no threat to Taiwan. Officials say the rocket was launched from Sichuan at 4am, and its flight path passed over central Taiwan en route to the western Pacific, at an altitude above Earth's atmosphere. The MND says the military closely monitored the launch using intelligence and surveillance systems, maintaining appropriate (適當的) alerts and responses. Officials emphasized that there is no danger to Taiwan from the launch. (NS) Miaoli Records Lowest Temp for Flatlands This Winter The coldest temperature of the winter season has been recorded in Miaoli County. Monitoring stations in the county's San-wan Township recorded lows of 4.2 degrees early this morning, and Meteorologist Wu De-rong confirms that this is the lowest recorded temperature for flatland areas, so far this season. Wu says the current cold front combined with radiative (輻射的) cooling has significantly lowered temperatures, with parts of Miaoli County dropping below 6 degrees this morning. The Central Weather Administration has issued cold surge advisories for 13 cities and counties, mostly in northern, and central Taiwan, as well as parts of the south. Wu says athe cold front will continue, with lows dipping to 5 degrees in some areas. And from this Thursday, the cold will intensifying, with stronger winds, and wet, chilly weather. He says northern Taiwan could see highs of just 13 degrees, and mountain snowfall is possible above 2,000 meters. (NS) NKorea Claims New Hypersonic Missile in Test North Korea says its latest weapons test was a new hypersonic intermediate-range missile designed to strike targets in the Pacific. The North Korean state media report came a day after South Korea’s military said it detected North Korea launching a missile that flew 1,100 kilometers before landing in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. North Korea demonstrated multiple weapons systems last year that can target its neighbors and the United States, including solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles. There are concerns that its military capabilities could advance further through technology transfers from Russia, as the two countries align (使結盟；使密切合作) over the war in Ukraine. Kim reiterated that his nuclear push was aimed at countering threats posed by hostile forces but didn't directly mention the U.S. Nigeria Activates Quaratine for Visitors from China Nigeria says it is activating (啟動) surveillance measures on people coming into the country from China. This follows the outbreak of a virus in the country, causing respiratory problems especially among children. Tesem Akende reports. Indonesia Gains BRICS Membership Brazil has announced that Indonesia has been admitted as a full member of BRICS, the bloc of developing economies. Brazil holds the group’s presidency for 2025. Indonesia’s candidacy was endorsed (贊同的) by BRICS leaders in August 2023, according to Brazil’s Foreign Ministry. However, the Asian nation opted to formally join the bloc only after the formation of its newly elected government in 2024. BRICS was formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2009, and added South Africa in 2010. Last year, the alliance expanded to embrace Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn