EZ News 01/10/23

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 39-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,495 on turnover of 2.6-billion N-T. The market closed slightly lower on Tuesday, as the main board gave up its early gains ahead of Saturday's elections. Selling sent old economy and financial stocks lower, while the bellwether electronics sector remained above the previous day's closing level, despite coming off an initial upturn - and that was led by large semiconductor stocks. Lai Urges Beijing to Engage in Talks with Taiwan D-P-P presidential candidate Lai Ching-te is calling on China's leadership to assume responsibility for regional stability and engage in dialogue with Taiwan. Speaking at at a press conference in Taipei, Lai said the "door will always be open to engagements (互動) with Beijing on the principles of equality and dignity." Lai said if elected he will continue President Tsai Ing-wen's policies, including efforts to maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and expand links with democratic nations. Lai went on to say that believes his being elected "will be helpful for creating a new situation in the Indo-Pacific region" that will contribute to the "stability of the Taiwan Strait." Air Force Plays Down T-34C Trainer Replacement Plan The Ministry of National Defense is stressing that it has not made any final decision on whether to choose locally designed and built jet trainers to replace the Air Force's aging fleet of Beechcraft T-34Cs. The statement comes after the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation earlier this week announced that it had completed the first stage of design for a military trainer aircraft to replace the T-34Cs. A-I-D-C said a prototype is expected to be completed by 2028, and mass production could begin in 2031. However, the defense ministry says it is "still considering (考慮) whether to "choose locally-made trainers, trainers that are the results of local and international cooperation, or simply rent new trainers instead of buying them." Yemen Houthi Rebels Fire at Red Sea Ships Yemen’s Houthi rebels have unleashed a barrage of drones and missiles targeting shipping in the Red Sea, though no damage was initially apparent (明顯的). That's according to a private intelligence firm and the British military. The assault late Tuesday happened off the Yemeni port cities of Hodeida and Mokha. In the Hodeida incident, the intelligence firm said ships described over radio seeing missiles and drones, with U.S.-allied warships in the area urging “vessels to proceed at maximum speed.” Off Mokha, ships saw missiles fired, a drone in the air and small vessels trailing them. A Houthi official acknowledged the attack in comments reported by Al Jazeera. Japan Moves to Clarify Runway Instructions After Haneda Crash Officials in Japan are implementing emergency steps to avoid collisions at Tokyo’s Haneda airport after two aircraft crashed on the tarmac last week. Investigators believe vague updates from the control tower may have led a pilot to mistakenly (錯誤地) believe he had clearance to enter the runway while another aircraft was landing. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo. That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn