Podcasts about lai ching

Hsiao Bi-khim | 蕭美琴 is Taiwan's Vice President, sworn in on May 20, 2024, alongside President Lai Ching-te. A seasoned diplomat, she served as Taiwan's de facto ambassador to the United States from 2020 to 2023, becoming the first Taiwanese official to attend a U.S. presidential inauguration since 1979 when she attended Joe Biden's in 2021. Known as Taiwan's “cat warrior” for her deft diplomacy, Hsiao strengthened U.S.-Taiwan ties, advancing arms sales, trade agreements, and Taiwan's global presence despite China's opposition. Born to a Taiwanese father and American mother, she grew up in Taiwan and New Jersey, earning a BA from Oberlin College and an MA from Columbia University. Hsiao advocates for Taiwan's sovereignty, democratic resilience, and inclusion in international organizations, as seen in her 2025 meetings with U.K. and Israeli delegations. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: ⁠https://www.roka.com⁠ - USE CODE SRS ⁠⁠https://www.betterhelp.com/srs⁠⁠ This episode is sponsored. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self. ⁠⁠https://www.bubsnaturals.com/shawn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.meetfabric.com/shawn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.shawnlikesgold.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.helixsleep.com/srs⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://hexclad.com/srs⁠⁠Find your forever cookware @hexclad and get 10% off at hexclad.com/srs! #hexcladpartner ⁠⁠https://www.moinkbox.com/srs⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.paladinpower.com/srs⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://uscca.com/srs⁠ Hsiao Bi-khim | 蕭美琴 Links: X - https://x.com/bikhim  X - https://x.com/TECRO_USA  Presidential Office - https://english.president.gov.tw  Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs - https://en.mofa.gov.tw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 112-points this morning from Friday's close, at 21,773 on turnover of 6.3-billion N-T. The market closed slightly lower Friday - after retreating from earlier gains as investors remained cautious ahead of the release of U-S jobs data. The bellwether electronics sector remained sluggish throughout the session despite some late buying, while select non-tech stocks, particularly in the financial and petrochemical sectors, drew interest and lent support to the broader market. French National Assembly delegation visits Taiwan A delegation of members of the French National Assembly has arrived in Taiwan for a six-day visit. The delegation is being led Marie-Noelle Battistel, the president of the Assembly's Taiwan-France Friendship Group. Battistel is visiting at the invitation of the Lai administration and is being accompanied by four other deputies in the lower house of the French Parliament. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation is slated to hold talks with President Lai Ching-te and other senior government officials in Taipei aimed at enhancing (增強) bilateral relations. They will also meet with Minister without Portfolio Lin Ming-hsin and Economics Minister Kuo Jyh-huei. 'Time 100' recipient gets honorary doctorate from Taitung university Philanthropist Chen Shu-chu has been presented with an honorary doctorate degree by National Taitung University for her humanitarian contributions (貢獻). Chen was a vegetable vendor at Central Market in Taitung City for over half a century before she retired in 2018. She gained fame here in Taiwan when she was named as one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people of 2010 for her philanthropy. Chen received her degree with the National Taitung University alumni at a graduation ceremony held at the university's Chihpen Campus for her contributions to society. She was introduced at the event by Taitung County Deputy Magistrate Wang Chih-hui - who cited her as an example of human love transcending (超越) technological advancement. Israel Reports Thunberg Vessel Diverted to Israel Israel's Foreign Ministry says a Gaza-bound aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists has been diverted (改變方向) to Israel. In a post on X, it said the boat “is safely making its way to the shores of Israel.” The passengers “are expected to return to their home countries,” it added, without providing further details. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which had organized the voyage to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and protest Israel's blockade of the territory, said the activists had been “kidnapped by Israeli forces.” Colombia Presidential Hopeful Shot and Wounded A Colombian senator and would-be presidential candidate is shot and wounded (受傷) at a rally. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports France World Oceans Day Dozens of research and exploration vessels have set sail off the French coastal city of Nice across across the Bay of Angels. The event on Sunday marked World Oceans Day and the opening of the third U.N. Ocean Conference. It aimed to showcase the beauty of the ocean and the growing urgency to protect it. Thousands of delegates, including heads of state, scientists, and environmental advocates, are expected in Nice this week to confront growing threats to the ocean, and the need to transform pledges (承諾) into protection. The conference is expected to bring the High Seas Treaty closer to ratification, allowing countries to establish marine protected areas in international waters, which cover nearly two-thirds of the ocean and remain largely ungoverned. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 打造綠能與AI科技的示範驗證場域，串聯嘉義、南科、高雄及屏東等園區，大南方智慧轉型的關鍵樞紐，歡迎一同探索沙崙智慧綠能科學城，共創智慧未來！ 參訪進駐資訊請至 https://sofm.pse.is/7qmrvq 網站查詢 經濟部能源署/臺南市政府經濟發展局(廣告) -- NISSAN為提升車主夏季駕乘感受，限時推出X-TRAIL、KICKS及SENTRA「涼夏特仕版」限量各200台，雙前座升級通風座椅，提供涼爽舒適的駕駛體驗。 本月入主NISSAN任一車款再贈Dyson時尚吹風機組，及零利率方案，讓消費者輕鬆入主、無壓升級NISSAN車款。 https://sofm.pse.is/7qk7ag -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 214-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 21,341 on turnover of 5.5-billion N-T. The main board gained ground on Tuesday despite large-cap semiconductor stocks losing some early gains amid ongoing investor concerns over the U-S' tariff policies. Market watchers say although the index staged a technical rebound from Monday's downturn, investors remain cautious about the U-S introducing possible tariffs on semiconductors. Guatemala president to be in Taiwan Wednesday before heading to Japan Guatemala's President Bernardo Arevalo is visiting Taiwan today. It is his first visit to Taiwan since taking office in 2024 and the trip is part of an Asian tour that will also take him to Japan. Arevalo has said the trip to Taiwan is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and attracting foreign investment, and he will be meeting with President Lai Ching-te. The Guatemalan president is being accompanied (陪伴) during his visit by the country's economics and foreign ministers as well as his wife. Digital ministry to order social media firms to publish transparency reports Digital Minister Huang Yen-nan says Meta, LINE, TikTok and Google will be required to publish transparency (透明性，公開處理) reports before the end of the year as part of government-led efforts to combat fraud. According to Huang, the move means the four companies will be subject to formal regulatory supervision. Huang says the companies submitted fraud prevention plans in May. The transparency reports are part of the Fraud Crime Hazard Prevention Act, which took effect at the end of July of last year. It means that social media companies must verify the identities of advertisers and sponsors, create fraud prevention plans, and remove any fraudulent advertisements within a set timeframe after receiving a notification from authorities. Family of flamethrower attack suspect detained The family of the man accused of carrying out an "antisemitic attack" with a makeshift (暫時代替，臨時湊合) flamethrower in the US state of Colorado has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed the news on Tuesday. Nick Harper reports from Washington. Brazil Affirmative Action Law Signed Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has signed a new law to expand the country's affirmative action policies. The law signed on Tuesday increases the quota for government jobs reserved for Blacks from 20% to 30% and adds Indigenous people and descendants of Afro-Brazilian enslaved people to the group of beneficiaries. The changes apply to permanent (長久的，永久的) and public employment positions across Brazil's federal administration, agencies, public foundations, public companies and mixed-capital companies run by the government. As approved by Congress, the quota will be revised in 2035. Brazil's government said 55% of the country's population is made up of Black or mixed-race people. It added that more than 70% of Brazilians living below the poverty line are also Black or mixed race, while only 1% of people from those ethnicities are in leadership positions in the private sector. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 新鮮事、新奇事、新故事《一銀陪你聊“新”事》 第一銀行打造公股銀行首創ESG Podcast頻道上線啦 由知名主持人阿Ken與多位名人來賓進行對談 邀請您一起落實永續發展 讓永續未來不再只是想像 各大收聽平台搜尋：ㄧ銀陪你聊新事 https://sofm.pse.is/7qk76c -- 「親家JIA」19-27坪，全新落成，坐擁大安核心門牌。 350公尺達忠孝復興站，直通市府、機場、車站，850公尺接建國高架。 四大百貨、綠廊公園環繞，七分鐘生活圈涵蓋大潤發與市場，便利質感兼具。 城市菁英嚮往的私藏寓所，首選「親家JIA」，即刻入主 02-2772-6188。 https://sofm.pse.is/7qmry6 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

La semana pasada se celebró en Singapur el Diálogo Shangri-La, la principal cumbre de seguridad y defensa en Asia. El secretario de Defensa de EEUU, Pete Hegseth, aprovechó para advertir que cualquier intento de China de tomar Taiwán por la fuerza tendría consecuencias devastadoras. Sus palabras buscaban tranquilizar a los aliados asiáticos, preocupados por el compromiso de estadounidense especialmente tras los aranceles impuestos por Donald Trump a países como Japón, Corea del Sur y Taiwán. Estos aranceles generaron dudas en Taiwán sobre si EEUU respondería a una invasión china. Hegseth fue claro: China representa una amenaza “inminente” para Taiwán, y EEUU prioriza la disuasión para evitar un conflicto, pero que están preparados para luchar y ganar si es necesario. Hegseth insistió que la región del Indo-Pacífico es prioritaria en términos estratégicos y que no abandonarían a sus aliados. Eso sí, no detalló cómo respondería a una agresión china, pero dijo confiar en que China no invadirá Taiwán durante el mandato de Trump. Eran muchos los que esperaban algo así, pero, a pesar del discurso del secretario de Defensa, los aliados asiáticos siguen inquietos. Los aranceles y la reorganización militar de EEUU, que ha reducido ligeramente su presencia en la región, provocan incertidumbre sobre su compromiso a largo plazo. El riesgo de conflicto, ya sea por Taiwán o por las continuas disputas en el Mar de China Meridional, preocupa a los estrategas estadounidenses. China posee la armada más grande del mundo y un arsenal de misiles diseñado para dominar el Pacífico. Taiwán es una presa de pequeño tamaño y muy cercana a sus costas, un brazo de mar que en su parte más estrecha tiene solo 150 kilómetros de anchura. Taiwán se ha puesto a modernizar su ejército ante una posible invasión. El nuevo Gobierno del presidente Lai Ching-te ha adoptado la “estrategia del puercoespín”, con la idea de convertir cualquier intentona china de invadir la isla en una operación insostenible en el tiempo. Lai Ching-te ha promovido una serie de reformas, entre las que se encuentran extender el servicio militar obligatorio a un año de duración y aumentar el número de ejercicios militares. El gasto en defensa también se ha incrementado. Lo han colocado ya en el 2,5% sobre el PIB, con planes de alcanzar el 3% en pocos años. Junto a eso el Gobierno ha puesto en marcha una serie de iniciativas destinadas a desarrollar sus propias armas de alta tecnología y alcanzar la independencia energética. Esto último es algo especialmente complicado ya que Taiwán importa el 95% del gas y el petróleo que consume. La sociedad taiwanesa también se prepara. Se está promoviendo activamente una identidad nacional distinta a la china, y se ha creado un ejército de reserva de un millón y medio de efectivos compuesto por veteranos. Pero es mucho el camino que les queda por recorrer. El gasto en defensa, aunque está creciendo, sigue siendo insuficiente, y las reservas de gas actualmente sólo garantizan el suministro para ocho días. La amenaza china está ahí. Xi Jinping considera que se debe acometer la reunificación nacional cuanto antes y no elimina hacerlo por la fuerza. Los ejercicios militares son continuos y han hecho hasta simulacros de bloqueo de la isla. La cuestión les urge, pero parece que han encontrado un modo de disuadir con éxito algo que creen inevitable. En La ContraRéplica: 0:00 Introducción 3:58 El puercoespín taiwanés 32:12 La economía de guerra rusa 36:25 La UE y China 44:06 Por qué los bares están llenos · Canal de Telegram: https://t.me/lacontracronica · “Contra la Revolución Francesa”… https://amzn.to/4aF0LpZ · “Hispanos. Breve historia de los pueblos de habla hispana”… https://amzn.to/428js1G · “La ContraHistoria de España. Auge, caída y vuelta a empezar de un país en 28 episodios”… https://amzn.to/3kXcZ6i · “Lutero, Calvino y Trento, la Reforma que no fue”… https://amzn.to/3shKOlK · “La ContraHistoria del comunismo”… https://amzn.to/39QP2KE Apoya La Contra en: · Patreon... https://www.patreon.com/diazvillanueva · iVoox... https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-contracronica_sq_f1267769_1.html · Paypal... https://www.paypal.me/diazvillanueva Sígueme en: · Web... https://diazvillanueva.com · Twitter... https://twitter.com/diazvillanueva · Facebook... https://www.facebook.com/fernandodiazvillanueva1/ · Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/diazvillanueva · Linkedin… https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-d%C3%ADaz-villanueva-7303865/ · Flickr... https://www.flickr.com/photos/147276463@N05/?/ · Pinterest... https://www.pinterest.com/fernandodiazvillanueva Encuentra mis libros en: · Amazon... https://www.amazon.es/Fernando-Diaz-Villanueva/e/B00J2ASBXM #FernandoDiazVillanueva #taiwan #china Escucha el episodio completo en la app de iVoox, o descubre todo el catálogo de iVoox Originals

立法院 lì fǎ yuàn - Legislative Yuan (Taiwan's parliament)立委(立法委員) lì wěi (lì fǎ wěi yuán) - legislator國民黨 guó mín dǎng - Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan's main opposition party民進黨 mín jìn dǎng - Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Taiwan's ruling party民眾黨 mín zhòng dǎng - Taiwan People's Party (TPP)多數 duō shù - majority法案 fǎ àn - bill; proposal國會改革法案 guó huì gǎi gé fǎ àn - congressional reform bill花東交通三法 huā dōng jiāo tōng sān fǎ - three transportation bills for Hualien and Taitung更有力的監督政府 gèng yǒu lì de jiān dū zhèng fǔ - more effective government oversight濫權 làn quán - abuse of power審判權 shěn pàn quán - judicial power行政處分權 xíng zhèng chǔ fèn quán - administrative penalty power五權分立 wǔ quán fēn lì - five-branch separation of powers (Taiwan system)考試院 kǎo shì yuàn - Examination Yuan (Taiwan's branch in charge of civil service exams)監察院 jiān chá yuàn - Control Yuan (for auditing and oversight)審查過程 shěn chá guò chéng - review process充分 chōng fèn - sufficient; thorough用人數壓過去 yòng rén shù yā guò qù - push through by majority numbers立法凌駕行政 lì fǎ líng jià xíng zhèng - legislation overriding the executive branch衝突 chōng tú - conflict; clash阻擋 zǔ dǎng - to block; to obstruct搶下了主席台 qiǎng xià le zhǔ xí tái - seized the speaker's podium一口氣通過了 yì kǒu qì tōng guò le - passed in one go爭議 zhēng yì - controversy公民團體 gōng mín tuán tǐ - civic groups集結抗議 jí jié kàng yì - gather to protest發起連署 fā qǐ lián shǔ - launch a petition罷免 bà miǎn - recall (from office)藍營 lán yíng - the “blue camp” (KMT and allies)訴求 sù qiú - demand; appeal中共代理人 zhōng gòng dài lǐ rén - Chinese Communist Party proxy中共政協主席 zhōng gòng zhèng xié zhǔ xí - Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference王滬寧 Wáng Hùníng - Wang Huning (top CCP official)高層 gāo céng - high-ranking official統戰 tǒng zhàn - united front (political strategy by CCP)頭號人物 tóu hào rén wù - top figure; key player被台灣社會質疑 bèi tái wān shè huì zhí yí - questioned by Taiwanese society賣台 mài tái - betray Taiwan to China政權 zhèng quán - regime; political power舔共 tiǎn gòng - to flatter or appease the Chinese Communist Party賴清德 Lài Qīngdé - Lai Ching-te (Taiwan's current president)搞台獨 gǎo tái dú - push for Taiwan independence靠攏美國 kào lǒng měi guó - align with the U.S.製造社會對立 zhì zào shè huì duì lì - create social division綠色恐怖 lǜ sè kǒng bù - “green terror” (term used to criticize the DPP)獨裁極權 dú cái jí quán - dictatorship and authoritarianism加速台獨 jiā sù tái dú - accelerate Taiwan independence不擇手段地謀獨 bù zé shǒu duàn de móu dú - seek independence by any means necessary---If you've been learning Chinese and feel like you want a bit more support, I'd love to help!

We talk President Lai Ching-te's marking his first year office, Nvidia's Jensen Huang attending Computex in Taipei and more. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

President Trump's decision to step back from peace efforts in the Russia-Ukraine war after a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin has rattled NATO allies and raised fears of weakening Western unity. Critics warn the move emboldens Moscow, while Trump touts future trade with Russia. Meanwhile, in Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te marked his first year by calling for dialogue with China while pledging to bolster defenses amid growing military threats and political friction at home. And the US and EU are moving forward with easing sanctions on Syria, hoping economic relief will prevent renewed civil war, despite concerns over Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Jamil Anderlini, Ken Moriyasu, Liz Sly join Ivo Daalder on World Review to analyze and offer insights on this week's pressing global developments. 

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 77-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 21,603 on turnover of 2.3-billion N-T. The market closed flat on Tuesday as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing saw its early gains eroded due to stiff resistance ahead of the critical 1,000 N-T per share mark - despite the opening of Computex in Taipei. Lai calls Beijing an 'aggressor' that threatens peace President Lai Ching-te has marked the first anniversary of his taking office by holding a press conference during which he accused Beijing of being an "aggressor" by threatening peace across the Taiwan Strait. However, despite branding China as an "aggressor," Lai also reiterated his openness to continuing exchanges and collaborations with China provided that each side treats the other equally and with respect. According to Lai, he remains willing to "engage in dialogue instead of confrontation" and work with China toward peace and prosperity. Lai also told reporters that many countries, including Taiwan, are under the threat of aggressors - but Taiwan is, on the contrary, committed to pursuing (追求) peace. CDC reporting 88% rise in COVID outpatients and emergency visits The Centers for Disease Control is reporting an 88.2-per cent weekly increase in the number of COVID outpatient and emergency visits last week. According to the C-D-C, there were 19,097 outpatient and emergency visits from between May 11 and 17. Although that figure is up from the previous week, it was still lower than same period of last year. C-D-C Deputy Director-General Philip Luo says the current COVID outbreak will peak in mid-to-late June, when weekly outpatient and emergency visits reach between 55,000 and 65,000 and it will continue through the end of July. SA president to meet Trump on Wednesday amid deteriorating relations South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is due to meet his US counterpart Donald Trump today. The crunch talks come amid ideological (思想) differences, geopolitical alliances, and domestic policy conflicts. Kate Fisher reports from Washington UN Sounds Warning on Colombia Indigenous Groups The United Nations human rights office in Colombia says that five Indigenous groups in northern Colombia's mountain range face “physical and cultural” extinction. The UN says this threat stems from armed group conflicts over their territory and insufficient (不足的) state protection. Colombia's representative for the UN High Commissioner for Human Right says the risk of physical and cultural extinction of Indigenous People of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is “an ongoing (持續存在的) tragedy that we can and must prevent.” He urged the Colombian government to protect the Indigenous groups, whose combined population is approximately 55-thousand people. In 2022, UNESCO added the ancestral knowledge of these Indigenous groups to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 【台灣虎航 台中獨家直飛名古屋】 開航價$2,399元起，中台灣虎迷每週3班直飛名古屋，說走就走！ 立即訂購：https://sofm.pse.is/7nee2y -- －挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行－ 中國信託銀行APP超越大升級， 眾多好用功能，力挺你的金融需求！ 趕緊註冊行動銀行，就送OPENPOINT100點。 立即點擊連結看活動詳情～ https://sofm.pse.is/7nlk82 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

"Tonnerre dans le détroit" : c'était début avril et c'était le nom d'un exercice militaire chinois autour de Taïwan.Au programme, simulations de frappe et de blocus de l'île revendiquée par Pékin. Depuis 2022, la Chine a multiplié les exercices à grande échelle, une manière de marquer sa revendication de souveraineté, selon les experts. De son côté, le président taïwanais Lai Ching-te, au pouvoir depuis mai 2024, ne cherche pas spécialement à apaiser Pékin : il affirme que l'île est "déjà un pays indépendant" et que la Chine est une “force étrangère hostile”.Dans ce contexte, les craintes d'invasion ont encore augmenté après la diffusion d'images de navires de débarquement chinois, comparables aux jetées provisoires utilisées en Normandie pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Bluff ou réalité ? Pékin prépare-t-il vraiment une action militaire ? Et quel impact, dans ce contexte, d'une arrivée de Donald Trump au pouvoir aux Etats-Unis, le grand allié de Taïwan ?Réalisation : Maxime MametInvités : Valérie Niquet, spécialiste de la Chine à la Fondation pour la recherche stratégique, et Marc Julienne, directeur du Centre Asie de l'Institut français des relations internationalesSur le Fil est le podcast quotidien de l'AFP. Vous avez des commentaires ? Ecrivez-nous à podcast@afp.com. Vous pouvez aussi nous envoyer une note vocale par Whatsapp au + 33 6 79 77 38 45. Si vous aimez, abonnez-vous, parlez de nous autour de vous et laissez-nous plein d'étoiles sur votre plateforme de podcasts préférée pour mieux faire connaître notre programme. Hébergé par Acast. Visitez acast.com/privacy pour plus d'informations.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 52-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 20,575 on turnover of 5.7-billion N-T. The market closed slightly lower on Tuesday as investors remained concerned over possible American tariffs on semiconductor imports. The main board rallied early in the session, but selling set in and escalated late in the trading day, with large cap semiconductor stocks in focus, to push the Tai-Ex into negative territory. Central bank to inspect banks to prevent forex market speculation The central bank says it will begin inspections into the local banking sector to discourage speculators from targeting the foreign exchange market and to ease volatility. The move comes as the New Taiwan dollar rapidly appreciated against the U-S dollar earlier this week. Foreign media reports have said the central bank has suffered losses of 2-trillion N-T since the beginning of May due to the alleged speculating (做投機買賣). However, Foreign Exchange Department head Tsai Jiong-min says the bottom line remained sound so the volatility in the forex market will not affect the bank's ability to pay its profits to the national treasury. KMT referendum bills placed on agenda at Legislature Friday Two K-M-T proposed referendums have been placed on the agenda of the legislative plenary session scheduled for Friday for discussion before being put to a vote. One of the proposals calls for a national referendum against the abolition of the death penalty, while the other asks for a vote in opposition to martial law in Taiwan after President Lai Ching-te in March proposed reinstating (恢復) military trials. The push for the two proposals comes after the expiration of the one-month negotiation period required for bills involving interparty disputes before proceeding to a second reading. India Airstrikes in Pakistan Days after 26 people were killed in a terror attack in Indian administered Kashmir, New Delhi says it has hit 'terrorist infrastructure' in Pakistan. India has defended the strikes, targeting nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan administered Kashmir, calling its response 'measured (慎重的), responsible and designed to be non-escalatory in nature' Neha Poonia has more. Venezuela Opposition Leaves Argentina Diplomatic Compound Five members of Venezuela's political opposition have left the Argentine diplomatic compound in their country's capital, Caracas, where they had sheltered for more than a year to avoid arrest. and were in the United States on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the group is now in the United States. Rubio did not provide details of the group's movements to reach the U.S., but he described the event as a rescue operation. The official states that “The U.S. welcomes the successful rescue of all hostages (人質) held by the Maduro regime at the Argentinian Embassy in Caracas,” The government of Argentine President Javier Milei allowed the five people into the ambassador's residence in March 2024. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 《TECHIT, TECHIE》一個分享技術新知與科技應用的平臺，每一集都會送上當周國際間最夯的科技話題，並邀請尖端科技業者，聊聊他們的黑科技及實際應用。 包含AI、5G通訊應用、太空科技、綠色能源及電競Esports等，科技迷千萬不要錯過！ 立即收聽

賴清德 Lài Qīngdé - Lai Ching-te (name of Taiwan's president)宣布 xuānbù - to announce軍方 jūnfāng - military滲透 shèntòu - infiltration恢復 huīfù - to restore, to resume軍事審判制度 jūnshì shěnpàn zhìdù - military tribunal system實施 shíshī - to implement, to carry out犯罪 fànzuì - crime, to commit a crime軍事法 jūnshì fǎ - military law軍事法庭 jūnshì fǎtíng - military court一般法庭 yìbān fǎtíng - civilian court, general court義務役士官 yìwù yì shìguān - conscripted officer義務兵 yìwù bīng - conscripted soldier審理 shěnlǐ - to try (a case), to hear國安 guó'ān - national security交流 jiāoliú - communication, exchange軍事機密 jūnshì jīmì - military secrets間諜 jiàndié - spy, espionage退役 tuìyì - to retire from military service打架 dǎjià - to fight, to have a fight偷竊 tōuqiè - to steal, theft違反 wéifǎn - to violate, to break (a law)國家效忠義務 guójiā xiàozhōng yìwù - national loyalty duty洩漏 xièlòu - to leak, to disclose軍事機密 jūnshì jīmì - military secrets擅離職守 shàn lí zhíshǒu - to desert one's post竊取 qièqǔ - to steal, to take without permission軍用武器 jūnyòng wǔqì - military weapons破壞 pòhuài - to destroy, to damage軍用設施 jūnyòng shèshī - military facilities損毀 sǔnhuǐ - to damage, to destroy軍用設備 jūnyòng shèbèi - military equipment揭露 jiēlòu - to expose, to revealIf your goal in 2025 is to improve your Chinese, meet more Taiwanese friends, and discuss a variety of topics like politics, culture, war, news, economics, and more! I invite you to book a one-on-one trial lesson with me

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 99-points this morning from Friday's close, at 19,972 on turnover of 4.3-billion N-T. The market gained nearly 400-points on Friday as investors were buoyed following a third consecutive rally on Wall Street overnight, driven by hopes for the U-S Federal Reserve to cut interest rates. Chen Chien-jen hope for Lai Ching-te can attend new pope's inauguration Former Vice President Chen Chien-jen has attended the funeral of Pope Francis' and is expressing his hope President Lai Ching-te will be invited to the new pope's inauguration ceremony. Speaking to reporters, Chen said he spoke with former U-S President Joe Biden, Japan's Foreign Minister and the delegation (代表團) heads from Paraguay and Guatemala following the funeral. Chen also says he believes he had completed his mission as Lai's special envoy to Pope Francis' funeral service. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Chen was seated next to Thailand's representative, as delegations at the funeral were arranged in alphabetical order according to French, the official language of diplomacy. FM wraps up Eswatini trip with rhino conservation donation Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has wrapped-up his trip to Eswatini with a pledged donation to support local rhinoceros conservation efforts. Lin returned to Taiwan on Sunday after a five-day visit to the African kingdom to attend King Mswati III's 57th birthday celebration as President Lai Ching-te's special envoy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Lin pledged a 55,000 U-S dollar donation to the Eswatini-based nonprofit trust that manages four game parks in the country, on the final day of the visit. According to the ministry, Lin also named a new baby rhino recently born in one of the parks under the Big Game Parks "Formosa" to symbolize (象徵) friendship between the two countries. Iran President Visits Port Explosion Victims Iran's president visits those injured in port explosion that killed at least 28 people AP correspondent Julie Walker reports Greenland PM on US New Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen says that the U.S. isn't showing Greenlanders proper respect. Nielsen said Sunday that the mineral-rich Arctic island “will never, ever be a piece of property that can be bought by just anyone.” Nielsen made the remarks in defiance of U.S. President Donald Trump's interest in taking control of the strategic (有戰略優勢的、關鍵的) territory as he stood side by side with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on the second day of a three-day official visit. Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. SKorea Liberal Party Chooses Former Leader as Presidential Candidate South Korea's main liberal opposition party has tapped its former leader Lee Jae-myung as presidential candidate in the June 3 vote. The Democratic Party said Sunday that Lee has won nearly 90% of the votes cast during the party's primary. He defeated two competitors. Lee is a liberal who wants greater economic parity in South Korea and warmer ties with North Korea. He has solidified his position as front-runner to succeed recently ousted (罷免，逐出) conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol. A Gallup Korea poll released Friday said 38% of respondents preferred Lee while all other aspirants (有志者) obtained single-digit ratings. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 382-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 19,861 on turnover of $8.6-billion N-T. The market ended the day down on Thursday, as the market fell into consolidation mode amid lingering concerns by investors about the impact of U-S tariffs on Taiwan's semiconductor industry. Taiwan FM and King unveil oil reserve facility project in Eswatini Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and Eswatini's King Mswati III have jointly presided over an unveiling ceremony for an oil reserve facility project Taiwan will build to enhance the energy resilience of its ally. Lin attended the ceremony marking The Strategic Oil Reserve Facility project as part of his ongoing visit to Eswatini. According to Taiwan's embassy in Eswatini, the oil reserve facility project is expected to be completed in three years and will ensure a 60-day fuel reserve for the kingdom. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says prior to (之前) attending the oil reserve facility project ceremony, Lin presented a letter from Lai and cows as gifts while meeting the king and queen mother. The foreign minister in the kingdom this week as a special envoy for President Lai Ching-te to pariticpate in the king's 57th birthday celebrations. Vegetation in Yangmingshan fire could take 1 year to recover The Ministry of the Interior says a fire that destroyed some 4.5 hectares of vegetation in Taipei's Yangmingshan could take about a year to recover. The fire broke out on April 14 near the Xiao-You-Keng Recreation Area and burned for about five hours - destroying silvergrass and portions of the Yangmingshan National Park's arrow bamboo forest. No deaths or injuries were reported. Authorities have said the fire was likely caused by air quality monitoring equipment belonging to the National Science and Technology Council installed at the site. Besides the vegetation, the fire also damaged various amenities (設施), including ropes, sand-filled barriers and several wooden posts along the forest trail. Total estimated damage caused by the fire is being put at between 1.7 and 1.8-million N-T. NATO chief in Washington for talks Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte is in Washington for talks with senior members of the Trump administration as Ukraine peace talks are stalling (停滯). He'll meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz at the state department on Thursday. Kate Fisher reports. Vatican Keeps Basilica Open Overnight for Mourners The Vatican kept the doors St. Peter's Basilica open overnight, as lines of mourners waited to pay their last respects (致敬) to the pope. Officials closed the basilica for just an hour and a half Thursday morning for cleaning, and by the evening that day, the Vatican says more than 90,000 people had paid their respects. After three days of public viewing, a funeral Mass including heads of state will be held Saturday in St. Peter's Square. The pope will then be buried in St. Mary Major Basilica, near his favorite Madonna icon. Namibia New President Announces Free Education Changes New Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has announced that her government will introduce free education at state universities and technical colleges starting next year. Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as Namibia's first female leader last month. Namibia already provides free education in public elementary and high schools, though parents still typically have to pay for school uniforms, stationery, books, and hostel fees. There have been calls for years for all levels of education to be subsidized (補貼的) by the government in the country of around 3 million people in southern Africa. Two of Namibia's seven universities are state run and will offer free education under the policy. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 2025年COMPUTEX以「AI Next」為主題，5月20日至23日於南港展覽館隆重登場！ 吸引1,400家國內外科技大廠、新創企業及加速器等夥伴共襄盛舉，同時舉辦多場精采活動，歡迎踴躍預登參觀！ 報名連結

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 370-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 19,163 on turnover of 6.4-billion N-T. The market extended its losses from a session earlier on Tuesday to close down by more than 300-points. However, investors this morning reacted positively to rise on Wall Street overnight - where indexes made up for the sharp declines seen during the previous session. Lai touts safety and social consensus as prerequisites for any nuclear policy shift President Lai Ching-te has been meeting with environmental groups and is seeking to assure them that his administration's position on nuclear power remains unchanged. Speaking a closed-door meeting with representatives from a dozen environmental groups, Lai said any changes to the government's nuclear policy must meet "three prerequisites." Those prerequisites (玡矗兵ン) include ensuring nuclear safety, achieving proper nuclear waste management and securing social consensus on the issue. Lai also stressed that the government "maintains an open attitude toward new and advanced nuclear technologies" as it works to provide stable energy supply and meet its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Civil servants to receive pay raise starting in May And, Premier Cho Jung-tai has announced that civil servants, military personnel and public school teachers will have a 3-per cent pay raise issued beginning in May. The pay rise was approved by the Cabinet in July of last year. Cho says the pay hike was delayed because the Cabinet believed it was inappropriate to allocate the funds before its efforts to overturn ( 崩陆) the 3.1-trillion central government budget plan approved by the Legislature were resolved. He he went on to say that a decision was finally made Tuesday morning to start dispensing the 3-per cent salary raise for civil servants starting next month. UN Appoints Head of Review of UNRWA The United Nations chief has appointed a British human rights activist to carry out a strategic review of the U.N. agency helping Palestinian refugees. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric announced the review on Tuesday. He said Ian Martin, a former head of Amnesty International, will also be looking at the ¨consequences and risks for Palestinian refugees〃 of UNRWAˇs operations. The purpose is to assess its impact under the "present political, financial, security and other constraints (兵ン).〃 Israel has banned the agency, known as UNRWA, from operating on its territory. But its Palestinian staff have still been key to delivering aid and running medical clinics in Gaza, even though Israel has cut off all humanitarian deliveries since March 2. IMF Slashes US Growth Forecast The International Monetary Fund has slashed the United States' growth forecast for this year, warning that tariffs are creating a "major negative shock ( 侥阑)" worldwide. Nick Harper reports from Washington. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 2025年COMPUTEX以「AI Next」為主題，5月20日至23日於南港展覽館隆重登場！ 吸引1,400家國內外科技大廠、新創企業及加速器等夥伴共襄盛舉，同時舉辦多場精采活動，歡迎踴躍預登參觀！ 報名連結

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 115-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 18,990 on turnover of 3-billion N-T. The market fell by almost 300 points on Monday due to lake of investor interest in semiconductor heavyweights as U-S tariff polices continue to impact market sentiment. Large-cap semiconductor stocks led the broader market lower once again sending the electronics index down by 1.6-per cent by the close of the day's trading. Premier approves NT$88 billion U.S. tariff support package Premier Cho Jung-tai has approved the Cabinet's 88-billion N-T support package aimed at mitigating (減輕) the impact of higher U-S tariffs on Taiwan's economy. However, details on what the plan contains remain relatively vague. Cabinet Secretary-General Kung Ming-hsin says the plan will offer Taiwan companies various forms of financial support and will serve as a sort of "umbrella on a rainy day." Departments responsible for administering the 20 measures contained in the package are slated to explain them in more detail in the coming days. Foreign minister to attend Eswatini king's birthday celebration Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung will lead a delegation to Eswatini King Mswati III's 57th birthday celebration as President Lai Ching-te's special envoy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Lin will be heading a delegation of government officials and a group of business representatives to Eswatini from today through Saturday. The delegation will attend festivities (慶祝活動) and the main celebration, which is scheduled on Friday. Lin will present a letter from Lai and cows as gifts to Eswatini's king and Queen According to the ministry, the foreign minister will also hold meetings with Eswatini's Prime Minister Russell Dlamini and the kingdom's foreign minister on bilateral ties and projects. Pope Francis World leaders are paying tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, as the Vatican declares (宣稱) nine days of mourning. AP correspondent Trisha Thomas reports. UN Sounds Warning on Haiti Gang Violence The top U.N. official in Haiti is sounding an alarm to the U.N. Security Council that escalating (不斷升級) gang violence is liable (很可能會發生的) to lead the Caribbean nation to “a point of no return.” Maria Isabel Salvador is warning that “Haiti could face total chaos” without increased funding and support for the operation of the Kenya-led multinational force helping Haiti's police to tackle the gangs' expanding violence. She spoke to the Security Council on Monday. The gangs have grown in power since the 2021 assassination of the president and are now estimated to control 85% of the capital and are moving into surrounding areas. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 2025年COMPUTEX以「AI Next」為主題，5月20日至23日於南港展覽館隆重登場！ 吸引1,400家國內外科技大廠、新創企業及加速器等夥伴共襄盛舉，同時舉辦多場精采活動，歡迎踴躍預登參觀！ 報名連結

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 79-points this morning from Friday's close, at 19,321 on turnover of 1.6-billion N-T. The market ended slightly higher on Friday, despite a rather bumpy ride for Wall Street last Thursday as Nvidia helped pull down the tech-heavy Nasdaq. Measures to curb stock market short selling to continue Meanwhile, The Financial Supervisory Commission says measures to curb (抑制) short selling on the Tai-Ex will continue this week amid ongoing uncertainties about U-S tariff policies. The measures were first put in place during the week of April 7 after U-S President Donald Trump unveiled "reciprocal" tariffs on Taiwan of 32-per cent and were then extended into last week. Unlike its previous two announcements, the F-S-C this time has not specified the duration (持續時間) of the extension of measures to curb short selling. The local main board last week ended 0.68-per cent lower after falling 8.31-per cent the week before. Cannabis decriminalization campaigners rally for end to 'war on weed' The Taiwan Weed Safety Education Association has held a rally outside the Legislative Yuan calling on the government to end its "war" on marijuana. The event was titled "2025 Green Sensation" and the group and its supporters used the rally to call on lawmakers and President Lai Ching-te to "eliminate the stigma (（尤指不公正的）惡名) against marijuana and discriminatory policies against the marijuana community." Participants also urged the government to relax allowable levels of T-H-C, align cannabis policy with international norms, and remove cannabis from government-led anti-drug campaigns. The Ministry of Justice has responded to the rally by reiterating that it remains illegal to possess or use cannabis and warned that such offenses are prosecuted as serious crimes. Israeli probe into the killings of 15 Palestinian medics in Gaza finds 'professional failures' The Israeli military has wrapped up its investigation into the killings of 15 Palestinian medics in the Gaza Strip last month . AP correspondent Joe Federman reports Yemen US Airstrikes Leave Dead and Wounded Houthi rebels say U.S. airstrikes targeting Yemen's capital killed 12 people and wounded 30 others. The deaths mark the latest in America's intensified campaign of strikes targeting (攻擊) the rebels. The Houthis described the strike as hitting the Farwa neighborhood market in Sanaa's Shuub district. That area has been targeted before by the Americans. The U.S. military's Central Command did not immediately acknowledge the strikes. Strikes overnight into today also hit other areas of the country. Zurich Zoo Asian Elephant Born The Zurich Zoo says a 19-year-old Asian elephant has given birth to a male calf. Its name starting with the letter Z will be announced later this week. A light-sensitive monitoring camera picked up the birth and the calf's earliest wobbly (搖搖晃晃的) steps before dawn on Saturday at the zoo's elephant park. The Asian elephant is a critically endangered species with about 50,000 estimated in the wild, and their numbers are declining. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ ✨宏匯廣場 歡慶璀璨女王節✨

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 85-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 19,424 on turnover of $2.4-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan extended their losses Thursday from a session earlier, falling more than 120 points, as market sentiment remained cautious ahead of an investor conference scheduled by contract chipmaker TSMC to start after the market closes. Stocks outside the tech sector also largely moved in the doldrums (低迷) amid uncertainties caused by tariff threats by Washington. Lai calls for more trade cooperation with NZ amid global challenges President Lai Ching-te is urging New Zealand to expand trade and business opportunities with Taiwan. Speaking during a meeting with a visiting New Zealand parliamentary delegation, Lai said both sides can work together to "explore even more diverse markets" - such as smart agriculture, food manufacturing, biomedicine, the digital economy and clean energy. Lai also called for Taiwan and New Zealand should deepen cooperation and jointly advance their economies and industrial development in the face of global challenges. There have recently been calls for the government to seek market diversification (多樣化) for Taiwan products in the wake of levies imposed by the United States on Taiwanese goods earlier this month. Pro Go player Lin Chun-yen claims long-awaited HaiFong title Nine-dan Go player Lin Chun-yen has captured his first Hai-Fong Tournament title after 16 years on the professional-circuit. He beat 6-dan Hsu Ching-en in the final match of a best-of-three series held at Taipei's Hai-Fong Go Association. It marked Hsu's third consecutive runner-up finish at the annual tournament, which is one of eight major titles in Taiwan and the season opener for the domestic pro Go circuit. The victory was the 27-year-old's first major pro title in Taiwan in nearly three and a half years. Lin's next target is the Taiwan Mei-Jin title, where he faces 8-dan pro Chen Qi-rui in a best-of-three semifinal series. US Judge Rules Google Broke Antitrust Laws A federal judge has ruled that Google broke antitrust laws by maintaining an illegal monopoly in the digital advertising space. The decision could force major changes to one of the tech giant's biggest revenue streams. Ira Spitzer reports. Italy Cable Car Accident Leaves Four Dead Officials in southern Italy say that a cable car carrying tourists south of Naples has crashed after the cable snapped, killing at least four people and critically injuring one. Italy's alpine rescue was responding to the accident on Monte Faito on Thursday. The cable car accident happened just a week after the destination (目的地) reopened for the season. The cable car at Castellammare di Stabia is popular for its views of the Mount Vesuvius volcano and the Bay of Naples. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni expressed her condolences for the victims and their families and said she was in touch with rescuers. She was in Washington, where she met with U.S. President Donald Trump. Researchers Find Possible Chemical Signs of Life on Faraway Planet Astronomers have detected possible chemical signs of life on a faraway planet. But they caution much more work is needed to confirm their findings. The research, led by scientists at the University of Cambridge, found evidence of compounds (化合物) that on Earth are only produced by living organisms on the planet known as K2-18b. The planet is 124 light-years away. One light year is equivalent to about 9.5-trillion kilometers. Scientists not involved in the research describe the findings as interesting, but not nearly enough to show the existence (存在) of life on another planet That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ ✨宏匯廣場 歡慶璀璨女王節✨

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 78-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 19,389 on turnover of 5-billion N-T. The market lost ground again on Wednesday - tumbling nearly 400-points - as the trade war between the United States and China escalated after Washington imposed a fresh round of export controls on Nvidia and A-M-D selling to Chinese buyers. NDC to focus on silicon photonics, build new economic shield National Development Council Minister Paul Liu says the government plans to prioritize the development of silicon photonics. According to Liu, that will be carried out by taking advantage of the island's strength in the semiconductor and artificial intelligence industries to build another shield to protect the local economy. The N-D-C head says over the longer term, government is determined to focus on potential segments as silicon photonics to boost its competitive edge (競爭優勢) and take a larger share of the global market. In addition to silicon photonics, Liu says the government has also listed quantum and autonomous robot development as additional potential economic shields. US congressional group visits Taiwan to meet with President Lai Ching-te A U-S Congressional delegation is visiting Taiwan this week. The delegation is being led by U-S Senator Pete Ricketts, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's Subcommittee on East Asia, and is slated to meet with President Lai Ching-te and other top government officials. The bipartisan delegation includes Senators Chris Coons and Ted Budd. The American Institute in Taiwan says the talks will focus on bilateral relations, regional security, trade and investment, and other issues of mutual (共同的) interest. NKorea Threatens Retaliation After US Bombers Fly Over South North Korea has threatened retaliation after the U.S. flew long-range bombers over South Korea during training with its forces. The U.S. flew the B-1B bombers Tuesday during an aerial drill that Seoul said was meant to show the two countries' deterrence (威懾) capability. North Korea views such drills as an invasion rehearsal and is particularly sensitive to the U.S. mobilization of strategic assets such as long-range bombers, aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines. North Korea's Defense Ministry was quoted as saying the U.S. action would inevitably hurt U.S. security and North Korea “will deter by dint of powerful force" the U.S. aggression. North Korea often test-launches missiles in response to U.S. flyovers of B-1B bombers. US judge threatens contempt inquiry for Trump administration over deportations A US judge has threatened to start criminal contempt proceedings against the Trump administration for defying (違抗) his order to stop the deportation of more than 200 migrants to El Salvador. Nick Harper reports from Washington. Bolide Seen Over Mexico A bright object, initially appearing to be a meteorite, lit up the skies over Mexico's capital at 3am local time. Videos of a ball of fire shooting over the country and dissolving in a burst of light over Mexico City quickly became the fuel for memes circulating on social media. But scientists were quick to note that the object was a bolide (火流星). Bolides, defined by NASA as fireballs, are exceptionally bright meteors that are spectacular enough to be seen over a very wide area. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ ✨宏匯廣場 歡慶璀璨女王節✨

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found Click On Picture To See Larger Picture Thousands of workers at the IRS combined owe a total of nearly 50 million in overdue taxes. Trump's tariffs are working, China is panicking and now they are making fun of American's. Big Fail. Trump confirms the economic target,the Federal Reserve, it is time to end the endless. The [DS] says the quiet part out loud, they are working with AG to try to keep Trump in court for the next four years. Their plan is now failing which means they will be moving to the next phase. Trump's counterinsurgency is building, the MAGA movement is gaining support. Bongino sends another message letting everyone know they are working behind the scenes. This is bigger than anyone can imagine.   (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); Economy https://twitter.com/LizMacDonaldFOX/status/1912112506631332319  2,484 IRS contractor employees owed taxes, with 1,729 not on payment plans. Despite the IRS's authority to terminate employees who willfully fail to pay taxes, only 20 of the 70 agents identified as willfully avoiding taxes were terminated. And: Between 2004 and 2024, the IRS identified 1,650 IRS employees who willfully violated tax laws. Offenses included improperly claiming dependents, repeatedly failing to file timely tax returns, and falsely claiming tax credits. Despite a 1998 law mandating termination for such violations, only 39% of the 1,580 employees caught evading taxes between 2004-2013 were fired, resigned, or retired, while 61% received lesser penalties such as suspensions or reprimands. This, as Democrats demanded $80B for 87,000 more agents and workers to audit you to pay for record government overspending. That's now been cut to $38B. https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1912086393527951866 https://twitter.com/libsoftiktok/status/1912205461908004882 How come the chinese sound like the Democrats, Calling the people of the US names Taiwan President Sounds Hopeful About First Round of Tariff Talks Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te,  , indicated that the first round of trade talks with the Trump administration has gone "smoothly." That's a hopeful note, especially given that Taiwan is a major manufacturer of semiconductors - which are essential in the operation of almost everything these days. The first round of talks between representatives of Taiwan and the U.S. was held on Friday.   Source: redstates.com https://twitter.com/unusual_whales/status/1912136074618372229   Canada has announced a temporary six-month relief from counter tariffs on U.S. goods used in manufacturing, processing, and food and beverage packaging, effective as of April 15, 2025. This measure aims to ease supply chain pressures and support Canadian industries by reducing costs for businesses reliant on these imports. The relief applies to goods that cannot be sourced domestically or reasonably from non-U.S. suppliers, and in cases where exceptional circumstances could severely impact the Canadian economy.    https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/1911868130168647861  No, A 50% Tariff Doesn't Mean A 50% Price-Hike The tariff doomsday machine is roaring again.  This time, it's over talk of a 50% tariff on certain imports. Predictably, the panic-peddlers are out in force, warning that such a tariff means retail prices will skyrocket 50%.     a tariff applies to the transaction value, not the final retail price.  The transaction value is what the importer pays the exporter, plus freight and insurance.  That cost is just the first step in a long supply chain.

China concluyó este miércoles sus maniobras militares de dos días alrededor de Taiwán, isla sobre la que reivindica su soberanía. Unos ejercicios con fuego real y con un simulacro de bloqueo y ataques contra puertos e infraestructuras energéticas claves. Todo indica que se trata de una advertencia. Parece que a Pekín no le han sentado muy bien los últimos comentarios del mandatario de Taiwán, Lai Ching-te, y por eso habría lanzado esta nueva maniobra militar."Estos ejercicios nos llegan relativamente poco tiempo después de que el actual presidente de Taiwán haya calificado a la República Popular China como fuerza hostil extranjera. Y remarcamos este punto: 'Extranjera'. Esto, obviamente, da a entender otro sutil mensaje y quizás no tan sutil, de la intención de cierta parte de la dirigencia política en Taiwán de ir separándose de China", explica Diego Riddick, secretario del Centro de Estudios Chinos de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata, en Argentina. Eso no quiere decir, sin embargo, que vaya a haber un ataque militar inminente contra Taiwán. Al menos si no se cruza una línea roja bien definida por los chinos."La República Popular China en esto es muy concisa y muy clara. La reunificación de Taiwán con China es un hecho inminente. Así lo ha calificado Xi Jinping y sistemáticamente la República Popular China establece que esta reunificación con Taiwán se va a llevar a cabo de manera pacífica y de manera consensuada, siguiendo el famoso consenso de 1992 entre ambos lados de los estrechos. Ahora bien, esto no descarta el uso de la fuerza militar, si Taiwán decide declarar unilateralmente la independencia", precisa el experto. Aunque China desarrolla frecuentemente ejercicios militares de intimidación en el estrecho que separa al continente de la isla, estas últimas maniobras han pillado desprevenido a más de uno, como a Estados Unidos. Washington reconoce a China como país, estableció relaciones diplomáticas en 1979, pero se abstiene de indicar en qué circunstancias intervendrían militarmente para defender a Taiwán. Es lo que se conoce como "la ambigüedad estratégica"."Replicando lo que dice de alguna manera Washington, no dando el aviso de estas maniobras, China interpreta que no debe dar ningún tipo de aviso ni de señal en este sentido. ¿Por qué? Porque (para ellos) la cuestión de Taiwán es un asunto interno de la República Popular China que bajo ningún concepto puede discutir con poderes foráneos", concluye Diego Riddick. 

"Strait Thunder-2025A", that's the code name of the ongoing military exercises conducted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army in the middle and southern areas of the Taiwan Strait. The PLA Eastern Theater Command made the announcement hours ago on Wednesday, a day after launching joint military exercises around the island on Tuesday. China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said on Tuesday that the drills are a resolute punishment for Lai Ching-te authorities' blatant "Taiwan independence" provocations. What triggered the latest reactions from Beijing? What has Lai Ching-te said or done since he took office last May? How will the drills impact the situation across the Strait?

The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army's joint training exercises around the Taiwan Strait serves as a stern warning to separatist forces attempting to disrupt peace in the Taiwan Strait and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, a Chinese mainland spokeswoman said on Tuesday.大陆发言人周二表示，解放军东部战区在台海周边展开联合演习训练，是对企图破坏台海和平、维护国家主权和领土完整的分裂势力的严厉警告。The Eastern Theater Command began inter-service combat exercises around Taiwan Island on Tuesday.东部战区周二开始在台湾岛周边举行跨军种实战演习。According to Zhu Fenglian, the spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, the drills are a resolute response to the provocative actions of the Lai Ching-te administration seeking "Taiwan independence".国务院台办发言人朱凤莲表示，演习是对赖清德当局谋“独”挑衅行为的坚决回应。She condemned Lai's persistent advocacy of a separatist stance, calling the mainland as "external hostile forces" and promoting the so-called "17 strategies" to counter the mainland, obstructing cross-Strait exchanges, and escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait.她谴责赖清德执意鼓吹分裂立场，将大陆称为“外部敌对势力”，并推行所谓的“十七条战略”来对抗大陆，阻碍两岸交流，加剧台海紧张局势。"These behaviors solidified Lai's role as a disruptor of cross-Strait peace and a creator of Taiwan Strait crises, fully exposing his anti-peace, anti-dialogue, anti-democracy and anti-humanity nature," she said.“这些行为进一步坐实了赖清德作为两岸和平破坏者和台海危机制造者的角色，充分暴露了其反和平、反对话、反民主、反人类的本质。”朱凤莲表示。"In response, there will be no tolerance or leniency, but rather resolute countermeasures and strict punishment."“对此，我们绝不会姑息纵容，而是坚决反制、严厉惩处。”The spokeswoman emphasized that "Taiwan independence" means war and pursuing such a path would endanger the people of Taiwan.发言人强调，“台独”意味着战争，走这条道路只会危害台湾人民。The unwavering determination and unyielding capabilities to resolve the Taiwan question and achieve national reunification will not permit any individual or force to separate Taiwan island from China, leaving no room for any form of separatist activities, she said.她表示，中国政府解决台湾问题、实现国家统一的坚定意志和强大能力，不容任何人、任何势力把台湾岛从中国分裂出去，更不会给任何形式的分裂活动留下空间。It is crucial to note that the countermeasures are directed at separatist activities and not aimed at broader Taiwan compatriots, she added.她最后补充，需要注意的是，这些反制措施针对的是分裂活动，不针对广大台湾同胞。national sovereignty国家主权territorial integrity领土完整provocativeadj.挑衅的cross-Strait exchanges两岸交流countermeasuren.对策compatriotn.同胞

China surrounded Taiwan with warships and jets in a major military drill, calling it a warning to President Lai Ching-te. The PLA deployed the Shandong carrier group and practiced joint air-land strikes. The Philippines' top general said war is “inevitable” if Taiwan is invaded and warned that China is infiltrating Filipino institutions. U.S. and Philippine forces will soon launch large-scale joint drills. Meanwhile, Russia expanded its military draft, Germany deployed troops to NATO's eastern flank, and Britain declared Russia a national threat.Rick Wiles, Doc Burkhart. Airdate 4/1/25Join the leading community for Conservative Christians! https://www.FaithandValues.comYou can partner with us by visiting TruNews.com, calling 1-800-576-2116, or by mail at PO Box 399 Vero Beach, FL 32961.Get high-quality emergency preparedness food today from American Reserves!https://www.AmericanReserves.com             It's the Final Day! The day Jesus Christ bursts into our dimension of time, space, and matter. Now available in eBook and audio formats! Order Final Day from Amazon today!https://www.amazon.com/Final-Day-Characteristics-Second-Coming/dp/0578260816/Apple users, you can download the audio version on Apple Books!https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/final-day-10-characteristics-of-the-second-coming/id1687129858Purchase the 4-part DVD set or start streaming Sacrificing Liberty today.https://www.sacrificingliberty.com/watchThe Fauci Elf is a hilarious gift guaranteed to make your friends laugh! Order yours today!https://tru.news/faucielf

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 188-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 20,884 on turnover of 5.2-billion N-T. The market plunged more than 4-per cent on Monday on the back of investor concerns over U-S President Donald Trump's tariff threats that could become reality later this week. Monday's decline was the fourth steepest in terms of points in the Tai-Ex's history. Lai urges steps to stabilize Taiwan's economy as U.S. tariffs loom President Lai Ching-te has told Premier Cho Jung-tai to take steps to guarantee Taiwan's economic stability ahead of the expected imposition of "reciprocal tariffs" by the United States tomorrow. According to Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo, Lai made the call after hearing a presentation by Cho and members of the government's "Taiwan-U.S. trade work group." Kuo says the report included assessments (評估) of possible U-S tariff levels, modeling and estimates of their economic impact, and various potential response plans. The Cabinet's Office of Trade Negotiations has said it's been preparing for the tariffs and has already developed "multifaceted response plans." Interior Minister disbands standby rescue team to help Myanmar after Earthquake Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang says the government has disbanded a rescue team that was on standby to travel to Myanmar following last Friday's magnitude 7.7 earthquake. According to Liu, her office made the decision after considering the continuing military conflict between Myanmar's military junta and local rebel groups over the past few days despite the strong earthquake. Liu told reporters the government would be unable to guarantee the safety of rescue team members once they arrive there and decided to take team members off standby (支援) and allow them to return to their regular operations in Taiwan. The rescue teams had been on standby since late Friday. Trump administration sanctions six Chinese officials over Hong Kong Crackdown The US has announced sanctions against six officials from China and Hong Kong over the Chinese government's crackdown on the city's pro-democracy movement. Washington and its allies have accused (指控) Beijing of not honoring a commitment to allow the formerly British territory a high degree of autonomy. Ira Spitzer reports. Lithuania 3 Missing Soldiers Bodies Recovered The U.S. Army says three of the soldiers who went missing in Lithuania have been found dead in an armored vehicle that was pulled from a swampy area in Lithuania early Monday. Another soldier is still missing. The bodies of the three were recovered after a massive (大量的) six-day effort by U.S., Polish and Lithuanian armed forces and authorities to dig the M88 Hercules vehicle out of a peat bog at the training ground. The Army says the soldiers were on a tactical training exercise when they and their vehicle were reported missing early Tuesday. Hundreds of Lithuanian and U.S. soldiers and rescuers had joined the search through the thick forests and swampy terrain. The Navy dive team is now searching the area using radar for the fourth soldier who is still missing. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 紐西蘭昆士蘭，一出發就快樂！ 大堡礁浮潛、摩頓島海豚互動，沉浸純淨大自然； 夜遊皇后碼頭，購物美食一站滿足，一次旅程，精彩滿載！ https://sofm.pse.is/7cze6f -- MITSUI OUTLET PARK 林口 激安買物祭 3/28(五)-4/13(日) ⭐lululemon全台首家OUTLET就在林口 ⭐雙會員首十日滿3仟贈3佰 ⭐滿額抽萬元鐵道旅遊贊助金 ⭐永豐聯名卡友最高贈刷卡金5,500元 ⭐韓國美食慶典，等你來嚐鮮！ 活動詳情：https://sofm.pse.is/7cze6m -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 167-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,093 on turnover of 5.4-billion N-T. The market closed little changed on Wednesday, as many investors opted to stay on the sidelines amid lingering concerns over tariff threats from the Trump administration. The slump came after tech stocks took hit on Wall Street overnight - as the Nasdaq lost 2-per cent. Turnover stood at 214-billion N-T and market watchers say the low turnover was evidence that investors are reluctant to chase prices for now before the White House announces its reciprocal tariff policy - which is expected by April 2. Analysts say the local main board is expected to continue to move in a narrow range at around the 240-day moving average of 22,330 points before those reciprocal tariff actions are launched. Four former-servicemen found guilty of selling documents to China operative The Taipei District Court has sentenced four former military personnel to prison terms after finding them guilty of selling documents to a middleman for the Chinese intelligence services. Three of those sentenced were members of the 211th Military Police Battalion, which guards the Presidential Office, while the fourth served in the ministry's Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command. The four were convicted for breaching (違反) national security laws and accepting bribes and given sentences of between five and seven years. The sentences can be appealed. Academics slam Lai's populism, freedom of speech erosion Some 75 academics are accusing President Lai Ching-te of using populism to rally supporters, leading to the rapid erosion of free speech in Taiwan .. .. and have all co-signed a statement titled "Defending Taiwan's Democracy, Rule of Law, and Peace." They're calling on the government to the government to halt its actions and avoid (避免) further harming Taiwan's democracy and rule of law for the sake of short-term political gain. They're also arguing that "in order to defend" Taiwan's "democracy, rule of law, peace and security," the government should "adhere to the constitutional system and take immediate and effective measures to improve cross-strait relations." NKorea Kim Observes Drone Tests North Korea says leader Kim Jong Un observed tests of newly developed reconnaissance and attack drones this week and called for their increased production. Photos released by state media Thursday showed Kim observing what appeared to be a large reconnaissance (偵察) drone roughly resembling Boeing's E-7 Wedgetail airborne warning and control aircraft. Other images showed exploding drones crashing into targets. The report said the exploding drones feature unspecified artificial intelligence capabilities. State media said Kim expressed satisfaction with the drones' performance and approved plans to expand production, emphasizing that drones and AI should be top priorities in efforts to advance his military and adapt it to modern warfare. Trump 25Percent Tariffs on Auto Imports Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on all automobiles imported into the United States. The US president says the move is intended to boost (增強；推動) domestic manufacturing but it's expected to raise prices for US car buyers. Ira Spitzer has more. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 85-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,204 on turnover of 4.8-billion N-T. The market closed higher on Monday led by artificial intelligence related stocks ahead off the start of Nvidia's annual G-P-U technology conference - at which its hoped the company will be showcasing positive leads. Chinese 'military unification' influencer 'in theory' must go by 24th Interior Minister Liu Shi-fang says a Chinese national who advocated for China's annexation of Taiwan through military force should, "in theory," leave the country within 10 days of receiving her deportation order. According to Liu, the woman received that deportation order on Saturday. Speaking during a legislative hearing, the interior minister said the deportation order is "somewhat similar (相似的)" to registered mail - where the time starts from the day after the recipient receives the letter. .. and if "it was delivered to your house but you didn't receive it until the next day, then counting would start from the third day, which means there is some wiggle room." The statement comes after the National Immigration Agency this past weekend announced that a deportation order had been sent to a woman identified by a public social media account known as "Yaya in Taiwan." St. Kitts and Nevis foreign minister visits Taiwan The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Saint Kitts and Nevis' foreign minister is visiting Taiwan this week. According to the ministry, it's the third time that Denzil Douglas has visited Taiwan is his capacity (職位) as foreign minister and he will be meeting with senior government officials during his five-day stay. Douglas and his delegation were welcomed on arriving at Taoyuan International Airport by Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi. Douglas is scheduled to meet with President Lai Ching-te and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung this week. The delegation will also visit the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Israel Launches New Strikes Against Hamas Israel launched new strikes against Hamas and promised ‘increasing military force' after talks on on further hostage releases stalled. Early Friday morning, Israel's Prime Minister's office said it instructed the army to strike Hamas across Gaza. The statement said it was because of Hamas' repeated refusals to release its hostages and its rejection (拒絕) of all offers it received from the U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and mediators. The strikes come after nearly two months of a ceasefire to pause the 17-month long war where dozens of hostages were released for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas is believed to have 24 living hostages and the bodies of 35 others. Sweden Gives Uganda Funds for Ebola Sweden has announced new funding of $2 million to support Uganda's response to the ongoing Sudan Ebola Virus Outbreak. The funding will strengthen efforts in the affected districts of Kampala, Mbale, and Jinja – focusing on risk communication, infection prevention (預防), and critical health services. Michael Baleke reports. Pope Shows Slight Improvement Pope Francis is registering new slight improvements in his monthlong treatment for double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pope is now able to spend some time during the day off high flows of oxygen and use just ordinary supplemental oxygen delivered by a nasal tube. Doctors are also trying to cut back on the amount of time he uses a noninvasive (非侵入性的) mechanical ventilation mask at night, to force his lungs to work more. The Vatican press office also provided some details Monday on the first photo of the pope released since his hospitalization. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ YES！我的高股息國際巨星來啦！ 國際級的高股息！？哪一檔這麼給力？ 00963 中信全球高股息，嚴選海外優息企業，掌握全球收益機會，3月首次除息囉！ 上除息行列！打開券商APP，輸入00963，3/17前買進即可參與，趕緊下單去！ https://user285523.pse.is/79hhbf -- 福斯原廠認證中古車提供一站式購車安心保障 歐洲進口跨界休旅 The T-Cross 配備 Level 2 駕駛輔助系統 限時優惠 66.8 萬起再享一年原廠保固 試駕請洽璿豐汽車 03-3349555 https://sofm.pse.is/7at53b -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened continued to lose ground this morning from yesterday's decline - opening down 73-points at 23,530 on turnover of 5.1-billion N-T. The market fell on Wednesday after U-S President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 25-per cent tariff on chips, cars and pharmaceuticals (藥品). Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing was the focus of selling - as its share price shed 0.91-per cent. The stock's losses contributed about 80-points to the Tai-Ex's total decline for the day and sent the electronics index lower by 0.38-per cent, while the semiconductor sub-index was down 0.57-per cent. Lai calls Taiwan 'a chess player, not a chess piece' President Lai Ching-te is describing Taiwan as "a chess player, not a chess piece" in the shifting geopolitical climate. Lai made the statement during a meeting of the D-P-P's Central Standing Committee, as he's seeking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to strengthening the island's defense through increased spending and reforms (改革). D-P-P spokeswoman Han Ying says Lai expressed confidence Taiwan will be able to successfully navigate the rapidly changing international landscape … .. while at the same time, ensuring national security and preserving its leading position in the global semiconductor supply chain. More free flu vaccines to be available from today And, The Centers for Disease Control says 100,000 doses of newly purchased flu vaccines for the free government-funded program are now available to high-risk groups. The vaccines passed inspection last Friday before being distributed (散發、分配) to local health authorities for today's rollout. Distribution of the flu vaccines doses comes as the C-D-C reported just over 148,000 hospital visits for flu-like illness last week. The additional flu-vaccines doses are available to individuals aged 65 and over, infants over the age of 6 months, preschool children and those at higher risk of contracting the flu. UN Warns of Rebel Offensive in Congo Top United Nations officials in Africa have warned an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council that the offensive of Rwanda-backed rebels in mineral-rich eastern Congo is threatening peace in the wider region. A U.N. special envoy for Congo urged the council on Wednesday to take "urgent (緊迫的) and decisive steps to avert a wider regional war.” The U.N. special envoy for the Africa's Great Lakes region said the recent seizure of major cities in eastern Congo by M23 rebels show that “the risk of a regional conflagration is more real today than ever before.” France's U.N. ambassador called for the council to adopt a resolution urging an end to the M23 offensive. US Texas Measles Outbreak Spreads to Vaccinated A measles outbreak linked to unvaccinated children in West Texas is now spreading to (擴散，蔓延) vaccinated individuals. Health officials say four people who have had their jabs, are among those infected. Toni Waterman has more. Canada Announces HSR Plans The Canadian government says it is moving ahead with a multi-billion dollar plan to build a high-speed rail network between Quebec City and Toronto. The planned rail network will be 100% electric, span approximately 1,000 kilometers, and reach speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a news conference the government will commit the equivalent of (等值) $2.74 billion US dollars over six years to iron out specifics before construction can begin. Officials say it's too soon to estimate the final cost of the project or when it will be completed. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 76-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 23,589 on turnover of 4.8-billion N-T. The market closed higher on Tuesday after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing got a boost from last-ditch buying. However, turnover remained limited, as analysts say many investors are still waiting for U-S President Donald Trump's decision regarding semiconductor tariffs on Taiwan. Lai promulgates amended law tightening recall petition rules President Lai Ching-te has signed off on amended legislation that tightens requirements for petitions used to initiate the recall of elected officials. Promulgation of the amendments to the Public Officials Election And Recall Act comes after lawmakers voted to uphold (贊成，維護) the legislation following a re-vote requested by the Cabinet last week. The amendments were proposed by the K-M-T and had the back of the Taiwan People's Party. The D-P-P says it is preparing to petition the Constitutional Court to rule on the constitutionality of the amended law. Banana prices to remain high until May or June The Ministry of Agriculture says the price of bananas is expected to remain high until May or June. The statement comes as banana prices have shot up in recent weeks. According to the Agriculture and Food Agency, the price of bananas at Taipei's First and Second Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Markets on Monday was 107.1 N-T per kilogram. That was an 84.2-per cent from the same date of last year. The agency says the high prices are mainly the result of "several typhoons" that struck Kaohsiung and Pingtung last year. Prices for guavas, jujubes and wax apples have also risen this year due to the impact (影響) of the typhoons. US Agencies Expecitng Mass Layoffs From the US…. Major layoffs are expected at NASA and NOAA this week. New hires are expecting pink slips (解僱通知單), while hundreds of other employees at the space and weather agencies have accepted the Trump Administration's offer to leave. Toni Waterman has more. Australia Mass Whale Stranding More than 150 false killer whales are stranded on a remote beach on Australia's island state of Tasmania. Officials say marine experts including veterinarians are at the scene on Wednesday near Arthur River on Tasmania's northwest coast. Of the 157 beached whales, 136 appeared to still be alive. The inaccessibility (交通不便，難以接近) of the beach, ocean conditions and challenges to getting specialist equipment to the remote area were complicating (使複雜化) a response. Authorities have not yet requested public help to rescue the whales. Brazil Approves Joining OPEC Brazil's government has approved joining OPEC+, a group of major oil-exporting nations. Brazil was invited to join the group in 2023. It includes the members of OPEC, the longstanding (長期存在的) group set up to coordinate oil production to stabilize markets, plus several more significant oil-producing nations. Brazil's participation will be limited to discussing industry-related issues, but the South American country will not participate in decisions. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

We talk Donald Trump's return to the White House and Taiwan; lawmakers passing a slashed central government budget; Constitutional Court rulings taking effect after being signed into by President Lai Ching-te and more. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Government pledges to reduce carbon emissions by 26-30 percent by 2030 The government says it plans to further reduce carbon emissions to reflect the island's commitment to net zero. Speaking at the third meeting of the Presidential Office's climate change committee, President Lai Ching-te announced what he called the government's "more ambitious ( 有雄心的) carbon reduction targets." According to Lai, his administration will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by between 26 and 30-per cent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. Lai told the committee that the revised reductions mean Taiwan's carbon emissions should be reduced between 30 and 34-per cent by 2032. The president went on to say it's crucial for the people of Taiwan to take more active steps in fulfilling a responsibilities to the international community. TaiwanICDF opens applications for overseas volunteers The Taiwan I-C-D-F foreign aid agency has announced that's accepting applications for its annual volunteer program that provides humanitarian and other assistance to the nation's diplomatic allies and less-developed countries. The agency is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And it says it will recruit 44 volunteers to work in areas such as information technology, public health, veterinary science, nutritional science, nursing, health education, mental health and epidemiological (流行病學的) statistics. Taiwanese nationals aged 20 or above are eligible (有資格的) to apply. Those selected will be deployed to one of 11 countries in the Asia Pacific, the Caribbean, Africa, and Central and South America for six months to a year, it added. The deadline for all applications is February 10. Cold weather forecast in run-up to Lunar New Year The Central Weather Administration says low temperatures and rain can be expected ahead of Lunar New Year's Day next Wednesday. A strong continental cold air mass is forecast to approach Taiwan on Monday - sending the mercury down to below 10 degrees in some areas. The cold front is forecast to be at strongest on Lunar New Year's Eve and into Lunar New Year's Day - when parts of the north and east could see lows of 9-degrees. Other area will see lows of between 12 and 14-degrees next Tuesday and Wednesday. The weather administration says snow is also likely to fall at elevations over 2,000-meters in the north and east. The cold front is expected to weaken from next Thursday and temperatures rebound. However, another cold front is expected to approach the island on the second to last day of the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday - once again bringing down temperatures in the north and east. Trump to Visit States Hit by Natural Disasters US President Donald Trump will today visit North Carolina and California, two American states recently ravaged (摧殘) by natural disasters. Benji Hyer reports. UN Climate Interrupting Schooling The United Nations Children's Fund says over 200 million children had their schooling interrupted last year because of heatwaves, cyclones, flooding and other extreme weather. UNICEF says it amounted to one in seven school-going children across the world being kept out of class at some point in 2024 because of climate crises. The new UNICEF report released today also outlines (概述) how some countries saw hundreds of their schools destroyed, with low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa hit especially hard. But while deadly floods and cyclones hit the world in 2024, UNICEF says heatwaves were “the predominant climate hazard shuttering schools last year." That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 小AI，剛領獎金投資什麼好? 2025投資絕不能少了美國 新上市的中信NASDAQ 009800，美股核心配置最佳選擇 還有鎖定創新實力的中信美國創新科技009801 太好了！現在就買起來 009800、009801讓投資再次偉大 2月11日盛大掛牌，各大券商皆可下單 https://sofm.pse.is/74tn96 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

We talk how Taiwan remembers Jimmy Carter, the latest on Ko Wen-je's legal woes; Lai Ching-te's New Year's Day address and more. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Taiex Opening Down The Taiex opened down 59 points this morning on the first trading day of the year, at 22,975, on turnover of $3.87 billion NT. Lai proposes talks with Beijing to ease tourism restrictions President Lai Ching-te is describing China as the "real barrier" to cross-strait exchanges - not Taiwan - and he is urging Beijing to hold talks with Taipei to ease restrictions on tourism. Speaking at the Presidential Office following his New Year's Day address, Lai said if China is genuinely sincere about reopening tourism links … … then the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association and the Association for Tourism Exchange across the Taiwan Straits should begin negotiations to ease those restrictions." Lai cited government data - saying the number of Taiwanese traveling to China for tourism or business reached 2.05-million between January and November of last year - while only 285,000 Chinese tourists visited Taiwan during the same period. He also criticized Beijing for banning Chinese students from pursuing (追求) degrees in Taiwan. Tamkang Bridge makes CNN's architecture projects set to shape the world in 2025 list The under construction Tamkang Bridge linking New Taipei City's Bali and Tamsui districts has made CNN's list of the top 11 architecture projects set to shape the world in 2025. The 920-meter long road, light rail and pedestrian bridge was designed by Iraqi-British architect architect Zaha Hadid. When completed it will be the world's longest single-tower, asymmetric (不對稱的) cable-stayed suspension bridge. It ranks 11th in CNN's list of architectural projects set to shape the world this year. CNN describes it as featuring "a surprisingly slender profile, with the entire structure supported by just a single concrete mast - which the firm's project description says minimizes the bridge's visual impact on its surroundings." The bridge is set to open for traffic in the first half of next year. Montenegro Shooting Leaves 10 Dead Montenegro's interior minister says at least 10 people, including two children, were killed in a shooting in the western city of Cetinje. The shooter, who was on the run, also seriously wounded four people in the attack on Wednesday. Police dispatched (發送，派遣) special troops to search for the attacker in the city, located some 30 kilometers northwest of the capital, Podgorica. A statement said the man fled the scene armed after opening fire at the bar. US Las Vegas Police Investigate Trump Towers Vehicle Fire Police in Las Vegas are investigating a vehicle explosion outside the city's Trump Towers hotel complex. Videos circulating online show a Tesla cyber truck exploding (爆炸) in front of the hotel entrance. Ira Spitzer reports. Puerto Rico Power Partially Restored Electric power has been restored to nearly all affected customers across Puerto Rico after a sweeping blackout plunged the U.S. territory into darkness on New Year's Eve. By Wednesday afternoon, energy officials said power was back up for 98% of Puerto Rico's 1.47 million utility customers. Luma Energy, the private company overseeing transmission and distribution of power in the archipelago, said lights returned to households as well as Puerto Rico's hospitals and water and sewage facilities after the massive outage that exposed the persistent electricity problems plaguing (困擾) the island. Still, the company warned that customers could still see persistent temporary outages. It said full restoration across the island could take up to two days. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Some of the people making LGBTQ news in 2024 including Taiwan's LGBTQ-supportive incoming president Lai Ching-te, trans-supportive Missouri Rabbi Daniel Bogard, anti-LGBTQ Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Philadelphia's Guinness World Record-breaking Drag Queen Story Time, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's pro-insurrectionist wife Martha Ann, Thailand's pro-marriage equality lawmakers, U.S. Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman, predictably hostile national convention Republicans, Democrats nominating Kamala Harris for president, Australian officials on sexual orientation and gender identity questions in the 2026 Census, U.S. Supreme Court hearing on Tennessee's ban on pediatric gender-affirming health care, and the “queenly” Sir Elton John. NewsWrap returns next week. All this on the December 30, 2024 edition of This Way Out! Join our family of listener-donors today at http://thiswayout.org/donate/ NOTE TO RADIO STATIONS: The weekly program uploaded to SoundCloud will soon include a pitch for This Way Out/Overnight Productions (Inc.). Stations can download a pitch-free version from radio4all.net or Pacifica's AudioPort.Org. For more information, contact Brian@ThisWayOut.org.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 106-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 23,226 on turnover of 2.4-billion N-T. The market closed marginally higher on Tuesday despite rising by over 200-points early in the session - as investor uncertainty kicked-in over Donald Trump's pending return to the White House. Analysts say Trump's possible tariffs have spooked many investors - which has led to uncertainty in the local market. Lawmakers reject Lai's justice nominees Lawmakers have rejected all seven justice nominees selected by President Lai Ching-te to fill the vacancies on the Constitutional Court. None of the seven nominees, including law professor Chang Wen-zhen and former lawmaker Yao Li-ming received the necessary 57 votes in the 113-seat Legislature for approval. Chang and Yao had also been nominated by Lai to serve as the head and deputy head of the Judicial Yuan. The K-M-T has argued that all of Lai's nominees were partisan (偏袒的). Flu epidemic expected this week And, The Centers for Disease Control says over 90,000 flu-like cases were reported last week - and influenza will enter an epidemic phase later this week. According to the C-D-C, total of 94,882 visits to emergency departments and outpatient clinics (門診) for flu-like symptoms were reported from December 15 through 21. That was a 16-per cent increase compared to the number of cases recorded the previous week. The C-D-C is saying based on predictions, the flu epidemic phase is expected to begin this week, with a peak in the number of cases likely to be seen around the Lunar New Year holiday period. Haiti Journalists Killed by Gangs in Hospital Reopening Two reporters were killed in Haiti, as authorities tried to reopen Port-au-Prince's biggest public hospital after it was shut down by gangs earlier this year. AP's Lisa Dwyer reports Kurds Launch Counteroffensive in Syria Kurdish-led fighters in Syria, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces, say they have launched a counter-offensive against the Ankara-backed Syrian National Army to take back areas near Syria's northern border with Turkey. The Kurdish-led force is Washington's critical ally in Syria, targeting sleeper cells (秘密行動人員) of the extremist Islamic State group scattered across the country's east. Since the fall of Bashar Assad earlier this month, clashes have intensified (加劇的) between the U.S.-backed group and the SNA, which captured the key city of Manbij and the areas surrounding it. A Britain-based opposition war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, says that since the SNA's offensive in northern Syria against the Kurds started earlier this month, dozens from both sides have been killed. Russia Baby Mammoth Remains The 50,000-year-old remains of a baby mammoth uncovered by melting permafrost have been unveiled to the public by researchers in Russia's Siberia region. They call it the best-preserved mammoth body ever found. The female mammoth nicknamed Yana weighs more than 100 kilograms and is 120 centimeters tall. Her remains are one of seven mammoth carcasses recovered worldwide. Yana will now be studied by scientists at Russia's North-Eastern Federal University, which called the find “exceptional” (特殊的). The university has a dedicated (專門的) mammoth research center and museum. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 134-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,798 on turnover of $5.02-billion N-T. The market came under heavy pressure on Thursday - as it tumbled more than 230 points to close below the 23,000 point mark - due to selling sparked by a plunge on Wall Street overnight after the U-S Federal Reserve implied it plans to slow the pace of its rate cut cycle. Selling was seen across the board with the bellwether electronics sector in focus before its losses were trimmed in the afternoon session, which managed to cap the downturn by the end of the trading day. Police officer suspended from duty for leaking secrets A police officer has been detained for allegedly leaking secrets about President Lai Ching-te's itinerary while he was seconded to the National Security Bureau. According to the Sixth Special Police Corps, an investigation found that the police officer likely leaked undisclosed (未公開的) information related to Lai to his friends during his tenure at the N-S-B which began in May. The police officer was discharged from the N-S-B and returned to the Sixth Special Police Corps on December 8. A court approved a request by prosecutors to detain him for allegedly leaking secrets and violating the Classified National Security Information Protection Act on December 9. The police corps says it has also suspended the officer in accordance with the Police Personnel Management Act. UN Chief warns 'AI arms race' could have major security implications The UN's top official is warning artificial intelligence is evolving faster than our ability to govern it. Antonio Guterres said on Thursday there's an urgent need for global governance (治理) frameworks. He joined US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at a Security Council meeting to discuss the opportunities and risks of AI. Sally Patterson reports from New York, where the United Nations is headquartered. Kenya Declares GenderBased Violence Most Pressing Security Threat The Kenyan government has declared gender-based violence the nation's most pressing (緊迫) security threat, with 100 women killed in the past four months alone, most of them by men who were known to them, including intimate partners. Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary referred to the escalating crisis as “the elephant in the room,” and said authorities have investigated most of the cases, which are pending in court. The official says since September 2023, a staggering 7,107 cases of sexual and gender-based violence have been reported in Kenya. He adds that the police inspector general has formed a specialized unit to combat femicides — the killing of girls or women because of their gender. Kenya's Cabinet this week approved the setting up of a presidential working group to provide recommendations on how to stop gender-based violence. Wright Contempt of Court An Australian computer scientist who falsely claimed to be the founder of the bitcoin cryptocurrency has been found to have committed contempt of court by breaching an order of London's High Court. In a judgment on Thursday, the justice on the case said Craig Wright had committed “a clear breach” of an order in March that barred him from launching or threatening further legal action related to bitcoin. Wright, who is not in the U.K., has been sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years For eight years, Wright had claimed that he was the man behind “Satoshi Nakamoto,” the pseudonym (筆名;假名) that masked the identity of the creator of bitcoin. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ MITSUI OUTLET PARK林口 冬祭好物節12/6（五）開催

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened marginally down this morning from yesterday's close, at 23,014 on turnover of 7-billion N-T. The market closed slightly lower on Tuesday as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing fell into negative territory and as investors are being cautious ahead of the conclusion of this week's two-day policymaking meeting of the U-S Federal Reserve. New Examination Yuan head confirmed by Legislature Lawmakers have confirmed the appointment of Chou Hung-hsien and Hsu Shu-hsiang as the new president and vice president of the Examination Yuan. The appointments of six members of the Examination Yuan have also been confirmed following a vote in the Legislative Yuan. Chou is the incumbent Examination Yuan vice president, and was confirmed by a vote of 59 to 53. Chou has worked in public office for the past 16 years, serving in various (各種各樣的) positions including in the Examination Yuan and the Executive Yuan. Supreme Prosecutors Office prosecutor Ker Li-ling is the only one of President Lai Ching-te's seven nominees for the Examination Yuan not to have been be confirmed by the Legislature. The president, a vice president, and between seven and nine members of the body responsible for administering (施行) national civil servant exams and appointing, training and protecting the rights of civil service personnel are appointed by the president to four-year terms. CDC reporting decline in enterovirus cases The Centers for Disease Control is reporting a decline (減少) in the number of enterovirus case being reported to health authorities. According to the C-D-C, outpatient and emergency visits from between December 8 and 14 totaled 17,508 a decline of 21.4-per cent from the previous week. However, C-D-C Deputy Director-General Tseng Shu-hui is warning that that the enterovirus epidemic remains at its highest level in a decade for this period despite the decline in the number of weekly cases. Health officials say monitoring over the past four weeks has found that the coxsackie-virus A-16 strain was the most prevalent (流行) circulating here in Taiwan. And that was followed by the A-6, A-2, and enterovirus D-68 strains. US Mangione Faces Murder Charges in NY The suspect accused of (被指控) killing a top healthcare insurance official has been charged with murder in New York Luigi Mangione was indicted on 11 counts on Tuesday, including first-degree murder and murder as an act of terrorism. His lawyer says he plans to plead not guilty to the charges. Sally Patterson has more. Denmark AntiWhaling Activist Freed from Prison Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson will not be extradited to Japan after being freed from prison in Denmark, his lawyer said. The Canadian-American citizen is now planning to return home to be reunited with his family during the festive season after spending five months in custody in Greenland. Japan had asked Denmark to extradite Watson, who was arrested earlier this year under a Japanese warrant. The former head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, whose high seas confrontations with whaling vessels have drawn support from celebrities and featured in a reality television series, said he is “quite relieved” (鬆了口氣) to be free. Watson's foundation said he faced a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison in Japan, which does not have an extradition treaty with Denmark. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ UL.OS，來自日本大塚製藥 男人系健膚專家 獨家保濕成分 AMP，全天候滋潤你的肌膚，讓你從 AM 到 PM 都狀態滿分，健康又有型！ 各大藥妝店與網購平台，熱賣中！ https://bit.ly/3DdDJLu

Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 44 points this morning from yesterday's close, at 23,002 on turnover of 3.4 billion NT. The market rebounded on Thursday, after Wall Street resumed its upward climb as an update on inflation in America appeared to clear the way for more help for the economy from the U-S Federal Reserve. AIT says Chinese Activity Not Response to Lai's US Stopovers The American Institute in Taiwan says it doesn't believe increased Chinese military activity near Taiwan this week was a response to President Lai Ching-te's recent stopovers in the United States. The institute believes the "elevated activity in the East China Sea and South China Sea follows a broader increase in China's military posture (姿態) and military exercises over the last several years .. .. and it does not see this wider activity as a response to Lai's transit (轉機)." An A-I-T spokesperson says the United States continues to call on Beijing to "avoid any destabilizing or escalatory actions (升級動作) that might undermine regional peace and stability… and will continue coordinating with allies and partners regarding our shared concerns." The statement was issued by A-I-T following China's designating of seven areas east of Zhejiang and Fujian provinces from Monday to Wednesday as "temporary reserved areas" of airspace (空域保留區). Government Seeking Private Investment in Public Infrastructure The National Development Council says it's seeking private investment in public infrastructure (基礎建設) projects. According to the N-D-C's Economic Development Department, the government is set to create a ministerial-level mechanism (機制) to encourage such investment in order to "boost cooperation between the government and the private sector in jointly building Taiwan." Department head Chiu Chiu-ying says the mechanism will bring together officials from the N-D-C, the Ministry of Finance and the Financial Supervisory Commission to work with private enterprises … .. who are interested in investing in "major public infrastructure projects" projected to "yield stable returns." Chiu also says it's hoped that bringing in private capital (私人資金) for public projects will help alleviate financial burdens on both central and local governments. Lows of 11°C Forecast for North and Center The Central Weather Administration says a continental cold air mass is forecast to bring temperatures in the north and center down to 11 degrees early Sunday morning. According to the administration's forecast center, cold air mass will affect Taiwan from tomorrow through Sunday. The effects of the cold front will be the strongest on early Sunday morning - with lows of between 11 and 13 degrees forecast for the north and center, while other areas could see lows of between 14 and 15 degrees. The mercury will rebound slightly on Monday. However, another cold air mass is forecast to begin affecting the island next Friday. Nato calls on nations to ramp up defense spending In global news, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is urging European nations to shift to a wartime mindset… He also pointed up a need to ramp up (增加) defense spending to counter an aggressive Russia… as Sagher Meghani reports. US Mideast Initiatve Meanwhile… Top U.S. officials are in the Middle East pressing for stability in Syria and an end to Israel's 14-month war in the Gaza Strip in a last-ditch diplomatic push by the outgoing Biden administration. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Jordan and Turkey on Thursday for talks on how to ensure a peaceful transition of power in Syria following the ouster of longtime President Bashar Assad. National security adviser Jake Sullivan is in Israel in a bid to wrap up a ceasefire with Hamas militants. Sullivan expressed cautious optimism that conditions are ripe for halting (中止) the conflict. South Korea latest And… The leader of South Korea's ruling party is expressing support for impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeoul over his martial law declaration. Local media reports say Han Dong-hoon now says removing Yoon is the only viable option left to restore politicial stability (恢復穩定政治). On Thursday, the embattled president defended his martial law declaration, which some media reports considred a confession of treason. Han voiced his support days before South Korea's National Assembly holds a second vote calling for Yoon to be impeached.

① For the first time since 1962, France's government has collapsed in a no-confidence vote. What does it tell about the current state of French politics? (00:49)② The UNESCO has inscribed Spring Festival on its intangible cultural heritage list. We explore the values of the festival and why it deserves a spot on the list. (14:37)③ Taiwan's Lai Ching-te has made a second US stop on his ongoing tour of the Pacific islands. By arranging for Lai to make two so-called stopovers on the US territory, is Washington sending a wrong signal on the Taiwan question? (24:50)④ A new report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute shows that American defense companies clocked 50% of the global military sales in 2023. We break down a few key findings in this report. (33:15)⑤ Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have announced a border demarcation deal on the last contested frontier in Central Asia, potentially ending decades of territorial disputes. How significant is this step? (43:57)

For one of his final international engagements as US president, Joe Biden arrives in Angola, making good on his promise to visit an African country. Another president on tour is Taiwan's Lai Ching-te, who visits the Marshall Islands after trips to Hawaii and Guam over the weekend. Plus: Monocle's Paris bureau chief, Simon Bouvier, on Donald Trump's selection of property developer Charles Kushner – his son-in-law Jared's father – as US ambassador to France. And we get the latest business news from Bloomberg and look ahead to the Fashion Awards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

① Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has embarked on a four-day trip to China. We explore what's at stake in his visit and the prospect of China-Nepal cooperation. (00:52)② In a foreign ministers' meeting convened in the Chinese city of Chengdu, China and Central Asian countries agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation based on a historic China-Central Asia summit last year. What is China looking for in Central Asia? (14:57)③ China has strongly condemned the US arranging for Lai Ching-te's stopover in Hawaii. Why does the separatist Taiwan leader make this visit now? (24:55)④ China's manufacturing sector expands in November, reflecting impact of stimulus. (34:59)⑤ Protesters in Georgia have taken to the streets over the government's decision to freeze EU accession talks. We explore the core issues leading to these protests, and how the current crisis might influence the country's political trajectory in the long run. (44:12)

As Taiwan's president Lai Ching-te embarks on his first international tour, we explore this delicate moment for an island that China still claims as a rogue province. Will China really try to reclaim Taiwan? And how would the island – and its allies – go about its defence? Andrew Mueller speaks with journalist, William Yang, and defence expert, Arthur Ding, in Taipei, plus filmmaker Venessa Hope in London.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taiwan's president Lai Ching-te is set to defy Beijing with his upcoming Pacific trip that will include US stopovers. Alessio Patalano joins Emma Nelson to discuss what China's response might be. Plus: Vienna sausage stands gain Unesco status and we discuss Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo's legacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk President Lai Ching-te visiting Pacific Island allies, a visit by Chinese students, a rejected citizenship petition and more. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Since 2020 Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense has been reporting the number of incursions China makes by sea and air into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone. These incursions now happen on a daily basis and already the tally for this year alone has surpassed the total number of occurrences that took place last year in 2023.   Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/psychological-defense-and-practices-to-manage-stress-for-the-people-of-taiwan-a-talk-with-dr-hsiao-wen-lo-ep-296/   Recently, on October 14th, just days after President Lai Ching-te's Double Ten Day speech, China's military initiated the "Joint Sword-2024B" drills, a simulated blockade which took place in the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan. According to Taiwan's MND, a record number of 153 Chinese military aircraft were detected around Taiwan within a 25-hour period.   We've previously discussed China's gray zone military tactics and civil defense preparedness, on this podcast, but just as important is something called psychological defense.   In July we brought Talking Taiwan to the 53rd annual Taiwanese American Conference, East Coast that was held at West Chester University. I sat down with Dr. Hsiao-Wen Lo (駱筱雯) who spoke at the conference about Psychological Defense for the People of Taiwan.   We also got into a discussion about the related topics of trauma and practices to manage stress and maintain good mental health.   This episode is sponsored in part by the Taiwanese American Council of Greater New York.   Here's a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode: ·   How Dr. Lo got interested in psychological defense ·   What is psychological defense ·   The importance of the mind-body connection ·   Types of trauma: psychological trauma, generational trauma, collective trauma ·   What is psychological warfare ·   The Chinese People's Liberation Army's psychological warfare tactics ·   The impact of long-term stress ·   Post traumatic growth ·   Fight or Flight states ·   Strategies to deal with stress ·   The erasure of Taiwan by China   Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/psychological-defense-and-practices-to-manage-stress-for-the-people-of-taiwan-a-talk-with-dr-hsiao-wen-lo-ep-296/

In July we took the show on the road bringing Talking Taiwan to the 53rd annual Taiwanese American Conference, East Coast that was held at West Chester University. I sat down and spoke with New Taipei City Councilor Chen Nai-Yu (陳乃瑜市議員). We spoke about how she went from being a journalist to a politician, working on Lai Ching-te's presidential campaign, and the controversial bills that got passed in Taiwan's legislature in May and that led to massive protests and the Bluebird Movement.    Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/counselor-chen-of-new-taipei-city-talks-about-her-political-career-and-the-controversial-bills-passed-by-taiwans-legislature-ep-295/   Special thanks to Bill Wu who sat in on the interview to provide translation assistance to City Councilor Chen, and to Anmy Lee for additional research and translation assistance.   This episode is sponsored in part by the Taiwanese American Council of Greater New York.   Here's a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode: ·          How Naiyu went from working as a journalist for 14 years to becoming a politician ·          Issues she's focused on as a City Councilor ·          Anti-Han Kuo-yu rally in Kaohsiung ·          Naiyu's work as a journalist ·          How her experience as a journalist prepared her to be a politician ·          The challenges she faced in working on Lai Ching-te's presidential campaign ·          Cases of state-owned land on which people built personal mansions ·          The different communication styles and approaches to social media use of Lai Ching-te and Ko Wen-je ·          What Naiyu has to say about President Lai Ching-te's personality and character ·          What could happen with the controversial bills that led to the Bluebird movement protests in Taiwan in May ·          Cases of ill-gotten assets and how the handling of ill-gotten assets could be reversed ·          Naiyu's observations of the Bluebird movement ·          The most rewarding thing about being a City Councilor   Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/counselor-chen-of-new-taipei-city-talks-about-her-political-career-and-the-controversial-bills-passed-by-taiwans-legislature-ep-295/

C dans l'air l'invitée du 14 octobre : Alice Ekman, analyste spécialiste de l'Asie et auteure de, Dernier vol pour Pékin, aux éditions du Champs/Flammarion (2024). Regain de tensions à Taïwan. La Chine a déployé, lundi 14 octobre, avions et navires pour encercler l'île dans le cadre d'une opération militaire. Pékin a qualifié ces nouveaux exercices de "sérieux avertissements" face aux "actions séparatistes des forces de l'indépendance de Taïwan'". "Il s'agit d'une opération légitime et nécessaire pour sauvegarder la souveraineté de l'Etat et l'unité nationale", a estimé le capitaine Li Xi, porte-parole du commandement oriental de l'armée chinoise. Les exercices, baptisés "Joint Sword-2024B", ont lieu "dans des zones au nord, au sud et à l'est de l'île de Taïwan", a-t-il expliqué. Ils "se concentrent sur des patrouilles de préparation au combat mer-air, le blocus de ports et zones clés" ou encore "l'assaut de cibles maritimes et terrestres". Des chasseurs, des bombardiers, d'autres avions d'attaque, ainsi que plusieurs destroyers et frégates ont été déployés. Le président taïwanais Lai Ching-te a convoqué une réunion de sécurité. Ces manœuvres qui entrent "en contradiction avec le droit"international, selon le chef de la sécurité Joseph Wu.Les Etats-Unis, qui avaient dès vendredi mis en garde contre toute "provocation" de Pékin à l'égard de Taipei, ont dénoncé des opérations "injustifiées" qui représentent un "risque d'escalade". Washington reconnaît Pékin au détriment de Taipei comme pouvoir légitime depuis 1979, mais reste l'allié le plus puissant de Taïwan et son principal fournisseur d'armes. La Chine considère Taïwan comme une partie de son territoire à réunifier un jour et, si elle privilégie une solution pacifique, n'a jamais renoncé à employer la force militaire pour en reprendre le contrôle.

China is reportedly taking aim at down-ballot races as the 2024 election comes closer. We have more on who experts and lawmakers say have been targeted. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te says Beijing “has no right” to represent Taipei. He made the remarks as the Taiwanese government celebrates its 113th birthday. Beijing says it will add more U.S. defense companies and executives to its sanction list for doing business with Taiwan. Australian lobster could soon be back on Chinese menus. Canberra announces a breakthrough with Beijing: an agreement to lift the last major trade ban on Australian goods. ⭕️ Watch in-depth videos based on Truth & Tradition at Epoch TV

On this week's Defense & Aerospace Report Washington Roundtable, sponsored in part by Hanwha Defense USA, Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute think tank, former Pentagon Europe chief Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security, and former Pentagon Comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Venter for Strategic and International Studies join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss President Biden's call for Congress to approve emergency aid in the wake of two devastating and deadly hurricanes; electoral impact of historic amounts of disinformation that have hampered rescue and recovery efforts; update on Russia's war on Ukraine as as Moscow makes incremental progress as Russian casualties top 600,000; Ukraine's efforts to stockpile ammunition and protect itself from US election outcome next month; Laos hosts ASEAN; Beijing overreacts despite a measured address by Lai Ching-te on Taiwan's National Day; Vice President Harris names Iran as a leading threat; Israel Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu calls on Lebanon to rid itself of Hezbollah as Israel continues operations in Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank, as Jerusalem considers retaliation against Iran's recent missile attack that's expected to target the country's oil infrastructure.

In this episode of Pekingology, Freeman Chair in China Studies Jude Blanchette is joined by Kharis Templeman, Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution and the manager of the Project on Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific Region. He is also a Lecturer at the Center for East Asian Studies at Stanford University. They discuss Taiwan's Lai Ching-te administration, and the strategy Beijing may adopt to govern its relations with the Taipei.

F-16s flew overhead, marching bands played, and singers entertained with cultural performances during Taiwan's presidential inauguration on Monday. The inauguration of President Lai Ching-te was “quite the party,” Asia analyst Michael Cunningham tells “The Daily Signal Podcast,” after attending the event in Taiwan. The new president has a challenging job in front of him as the country continues to face threats of hostility from China. Lai's inaugural speech was overall “probably the most direct and the hardest-line inaugural address we've seen towards China yet,” says Cunningham, who serves as a research fellow in The Heritage Foundation's Asian Studies Center. (Heritage founded The Daily Signal in 2014.)The new president likely angered leaders in Beijing, according to Cunningham, when during the speech he said the Republic of China—Taiwan—and the People's Republic of China are “not subordinate to each other.” While Cunningham calls this statement “common sense,” it is also “not something that you say generally if you're the president of Taiwan” because China interprets this as a “two-China philosophy,” when China actually considers Taiwan a part of the mainland.Ultimately, Cunningham says Lai is expected to seek to preserve the status quo between China and Taiwan.Cunningham joins the show to discuss where the relationship between China and Taiwan stands and whether America's relationship with Taiwan is expected to change under Lai's presidency.Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.