EZ News

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened marginally lower this morning from yesterday's close, at 31,749 on turnover of 8.5-billion N-T. The market closed at yet another new record high on Tuesday, as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing recouped its early losses on the back of investor optimism over the company's fundamentals. Analysts say T-S-M-C continued to attract bargain hunters and that resulted in the chipmaker's share price rising by 0.85-per cent to close at 1,775 N-T. No invite for Taiwan to Honduras presidential inauguration The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has not received an invitation to the inauguration of Honduras' president-elect Nasry Asfura. The statement comes amid reports that President Lai Ching-te had expressed an interest in attending the January 27 event. According to the foreign ministry's Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs, the lack of (沒有…) an invitation is due to Taiwan not having official diplomatic ties with Honduras. The department has not said whether or not it approached members of the incoming Asfura administration for an invitation. Asfura pledged to restore ties with Taipei if he was elected president during his campaign. Epidemic flu period may begin this week, peak around Lunar New Year The Centers for Disease Control was warning that Taiwan could enter a flu epidemic as early as this week, as case numbers are continuing to rise ahead of Lunar New Year holiday. According to the C-D-C, outpatient and emergency visits for flu-like illnesses reached 104,348 from the week of January 11 to 17. That figure marked a second consecutive weekly increase and was an increase of 11.9-per cent from the previous week. The C-D-C says the number of weekly visits for flu-like illnesses could climb to as high as 140,000 during the peak period (高峰期). Health officials say 458 severe flu cases and 88 flu-related deaths have been recorded so far this flu season. The C-D-C is urging people in high-risk groups to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Trump: "you'll find out" how far he'll go to acquire Greenland US President Donald Trump says people will "find out" how far he's willing to go to acquire Greenland. It comes as he prepares to meet worried European allies on Wednesday in Davos, who are becoming increasingly vocal (直言不諱的) in their push back against the President's plans. Nick Harper reports from Washington NZ PM Announces National Election Date New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced a national election will be held Nov. 7th. New Zealand elections are held every three years with the government selecting the date. Voters choose which party they prefer to see in government and also select a local candidate to represent their constituency (選區) in parliament. Luxon, who is leader of the center-right National party, became prime minister in 2023. His chief opponent is Chris Hipkins, leader of the center-left Labour party. 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 54-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 31,584 on turnover of 11-billion N-T. The market hit yet another new closing high as Monday on the back of continuing strong shows by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. T-S-M-C saw its share price climb to a record high of 1,780 N-T in intraday trading, before closing 1.15-per cent higher at 1,760 N-T. Defense Minister briefs lawmakers on weapons procurement plans Defense Minister Wellington Koo has briefed members of the Legislative Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee on weapons systems the military hopes to procure under the 1.25-trillion N-T special defense budget. According to Koo, the defense ministry is seeking to purchase more than 200,000 U-A-Vs, as well as precision artillery (精準火炮), long-range missiles, air defense missiles and anti-tank missiles Koo told lawmakers during the closed-door session that he will be given a detailed explanation in regards the weapons systems being eyed by the defense ministry, when the special defense budget has been referred to committee review. Lows of 8-degree as cold air mass moves in And, The Central Weather Administration says, a strong continental cold air mass will send temperatures drop to as low as 8-degrees in some areas this week. The cold front will move south from this afternoon and strengthen from tomorrow through Thursday. Lows tomorrow and Thursday in the north are forecast to fall to between 12 and 13 degrees. While the mercury could drop to between 13 and 14 degrees overnight in the center and south. The cold air mass is expected to weaken starting Saturday - when daytime temperatures will rebound (反彈). Iran Protests Leave Over 4000 Dead Activists say the bloody crackdown on demonstrators taking part in nationwide protests in Iran killed at least 4,029 people. The Human Rights Activists News Agency offered the toll today, saying more than 26-thousand people have been detained in the crackdown. It said of the dead, over 3-thousand-700 were demonstrators, and nearly 30 were children. It fears many more may have been killed. The agency has been accurate (準確的) in previous unrest in Iran and relies on a network of activists on the ground to confirm each death. This comes as a U.S. aircraft carrier, which days earlier had been in the South China Sea, passed Singapore overnight to enter the Strait of Malacca. This puts it on a route that could bring it to the Middle East. US FBI asking agents to volunteer for Minnesota deployment: reports The FBI is reportedly asking agents to volunteer for a deployment to Minnesota, as clashes between anti-ICE protestors and federal agents intensify. The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security have beefed up (加強) their presence in Minneapolis after an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good - a US citizen and mother of three - in her car two weeks ago. Toni Waterman has the story. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

新年目標又破功了嗎？不是你不自律，是沒人教你怎麼面對卡住的時刻。 《劉軒的 How to 人生學》是一個 Podcast，透過實用的心理練習與專家觀點，陪你用不折磨自己的方式，重新開始這一年。 現在就來聽 >> https://sofm.pse.is/8luwbg -- 《一銀陪你聊“新”事》全新第五季上線囉！ 本集我們要帶你認識一位—— 把不完美活成光芒的「三指歌后」蔡佩芙🎙️ 她從小因先天限制承受異樣眼光， 卻用歌聲找到出口、用創作累積力量， 一步步唱出自己的舞台，也照亮別人的人生。 一起來收聽吧🎧 https://sofm.pse.is/8luwbp －－－－以上為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ Magnitude 4.3 quake rattles mountainous areas of south and center TVGH suspends 3 doctors after video shows vendor taking part in surgery Europe won't be blackmailed High-speed train derails in southern Spain Suspected gang members in Guatemala's capital kill seven police officers -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 34-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 30,845 on turnover of $8-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Thursday as investors awaited the outcome of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's investor conference - which began after the trading day ended. Danjiang Bridge to host opening events in both April and May Events are slated to take place to mark the completion of the Danjiang Bridge in the lead-up to its officially opening on May 12. Both the New Taipei City Government and the Highway Bureau will be hosting events from between April 25 and May 9. The bridge will be open to the public to walk across on April 25 and the Highway Bureau will be holding a parade on the bridge the following day featuring performances by musical groups. A concert will also be taking place in May 2 and the bridge will be open for a public picnic day on May 3. Construction of the 920-meter-long bridge is due to be completed in April and when completed, the Danjiang Bridge will become the longest asymmetric (不對稱的) single-tower cable-stayed bridge in the world. Officials say the bridge will cut the travel time between Tamsui and Bali by about 25-minutes. Trump threatens to send troops to Minnesota as tensions rise following second ICE shooting US president Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy troops to Minnesota in response to rising tensions between protesters and federal agents. His warning came just hours after a man was shot and wounded (受傷的) by an immigration officer who had been attacked with a shovel and broom handle in Minneapolis. Kate fisher reports from Washington UN SecretaryGeneral Criticizes Violations of Intl Law and Concentration of Wealth The United Nations chief is lashing out at countries that violate international law and calling the concentration of power and wealth by the world’s richest 1% “morally indefensible.” Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke to the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday at the start of his final year at the helm (領導地位) of the United Nations. He said the U.N.'s 193 member nations are facing “a world marked by self-defeating geopolitical divides, brazen violations of international law, and wholesale cuts in development and humanitarian aid.” He said all these forces are shaking the foundations of global cooperation at a time when it is needed most. Guterres warned of the dangers of a concentration of power and wealth in the world's richest 1%, who hold 43% of global financial assets. He also criticized countries that don’t pay their U.N. dues on time — another jab at the Trump administration, which did not pay its mandatory dues to the U.N.’s budgets in 2025. Wikipedia Partners with AI Companies Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia written by volunteers, is embracing artificial intelligence to mark its 25th anniversary. The site has signed up new AI partners, including Meta and Microsoft, alongside existing ones with companies like Google. These companies are paying to access Wikipedia content, supporting its nonprofit mission. Founder Jimmy Wales welcomes AI training on Wikipedia data, emphasizing (強調) its human-curated nature. The Wikimedia Foundation urges AI developers to pay for access, as bots heavily tax (使負重擔) its servers. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 新年目標又破功了嗎？不是你不自律，是沒人教你怎麼面對卡住的時刻。 《劉軒的 How to 人生學》是一個 Podcast，透過實用的心理練習與專家觀點，陪你用不折磨自己的方式，重新開始這一年。 現在就來聽 >> https://sofm.pse.is/8lj4xw -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 194-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 30,746 on turnover of 11.3-billion N-T. The market gained ground again on Wednesday as buying rotated to select tech stocks that had been lagging behind semiconductor shares in recent sessions. Presidential impeachment hearings begin Lawmakers have begin public hearings to discuss impeaching President Lai Ching-te. The first hearing took place yesterday and a second hearing is scheduled for today as part of the legislature's impeachment review process. The Committee of the Whole Yuan will then hold formal (正式的) review meetings on January 21 and 22. The lead sponsors will use those meetings to explain the grounds for impeachment and Lai will be invited to give a 15-minute statement followed by questioning by lawmakers. A second review meeting is scheduled for May, after which the impeachment case will be put to a vote in the Legislative Yuan on May 19. The impeachment needs a two-thirds majority of lawmakers for it to pass. Taiwan passport rises three spots in global ranking Taiwan's passport has risen three place in the latest Henley Passport Index to move up to 33rd spot. The rise means it returned to the same place it was in the rankings in January of last year. The index rank passports by the number of destinations its holder can travel to without a visa. The latest survey shows that Taiwan passport holders can travel to 139 countries and territories without a visa. The Singaporean passport was ranked (排名) the most powerful with visa-free access to 192 destinations out of a total of 227. US to freeze visa processing for 75 countries The Trump Administration says it will indefinitely halt visa processing for immigrants from 75 countries, including Brazil, Russia and Iran. The State Department says this latest restriction - which kicks in next week - is aimed at people trying to quote .. "extract (強索) wealth from the American people." Toni Waterman has more from DC Canada BC Ends Experiment Decriminalizing Limited Drug Possession Canada’s Pacific coast province of British Columbia is ending its three-year experiment in decriminalizing possession (擁有) of small amounts of drugs. British Columbia's health minister says the province is not seeking an extension (延伸) of its agreement with Canada’s federal health agency that allowed the decriminalization of small amounts of drugs for personal possession. The three-year pilot project, slated to end Jan. 31st, initially allowed adults to possess up to 2.5 grams cumulatively of opioids, crack and powdered cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA. But in 2024, the exemption was amended to restrict such possession to private homes and places where homeless people are legally sheltering, as well as designated health-care clinics and overdose prevention, drug checking and supervised consumption sites. The minister says the goal was to make it easier for people o come forward and seek help, but it "hasn't delivered the results" officials hoped for. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 新年目標又破功了嗎？不是你不自律，是沒人教你怎麼面對卡住的時刻。 《劉軒的 How to 人生學》是一個 Podcast，透過實用的心理練習與專家觀點，陪你用不折磨自己的方式，重新開始這一年。 現在就來聽 >> https://sofm.pse.is/8lbq4n -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 35-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 30,742 on turnover of 7.5-billion N-T. The market closed at yet another new high on Tuesday as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing extended its momentum from a session earlier amid optimism over global demand for A-I applications. Cabinet refusing to comment on reports of US tariff deal The Cabinet is refusing to comment on reports that Taiwan and the U-S are close to completing a trade deal. Reports have been suggesting the deal will reduce the U-S tariff rate on Taiwan products will from 20 to 15-per cent, and commit Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing to invest significantly more in the U-S. Cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee says Taiwan and the U-S have already reached "broad consensus (共識)" on related issues, and are currently discussing the timing of a wrap-up meeting. And according to Lee, any confirmed arrangements will be announced publicly. T-S-M-C has not commented on the report, but is expected to address the issue at its investor conference tomorrow. Former Legislative Speaker Su Jia-chyuan named SEF chairman Former Legislative Speaker Su Jia-chyuan has been appointed as chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation. Su had long been widely tipped for the post after his predecessor, Frank Wu, announced his resignation on December 18. According to Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo, President Lai Ching-te invited Su to take the post, citing his "extensive (全面的) political experience and successful track record in international exchanges." Kuo says Lai is expressing his hope that Su will strengthen the Straits Exchange Foundation's operations and help promote "positive and healthy" cross-strait exchanges. Su most recently served as chairman of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association for more than three years. Iran Protest Death Toll Surpasses 2Thousand Activists say the death toll from nationwide protests in Iran has surpassed 2,000 people. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate (準確的) in previous unrest in recent years, gave the latest toll. It says most of the dead over more than two weeks of protests were protesters and 135 were government-affiliated. With the internet down in Iran, gauging the demonstrations from abroad is difficult. The demonstrations began a little over two weeks ago in anger over Iran’s ailing economy and theocracy, particularly the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Human Rights Activists News Agency warns that the death toll will rise. US Justice Department Prosecutors Resign Over Minnesota ICE Shooting Investigation From the US…. Justice Department prosecutors are resigning amid turmoil (動盪) over Minnesota ICE shooting investigation AP correspondent Ed Donahue reports. France Le Pen in Court to Appeal Embezzlement Conviction French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has returned to court to appeal an embezzlement (挪用公款) conviction that risks affecting her 2027 presidential ambitions. She denies any wrongdoing. She was found guilty in March of misusing European Parliament funds and sentenced to a five-year ban from holding office, among other penalties. The appeal trial involving Le Pen and 10 others opened on Tuesday and is set to last five weeks. The verdict is expected possibly before summer. Le Pen argues the funds were used appropriately (適當地). The case weighs heavily on her political future, as she has worked to bring the far right into France’s mainstream politics. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 《一銀陪你聊“新”事》全新第五季上線囉！ 本集我們要帶你認識一位—— 把不完美活成光芒的「三指歌后」蔡佩芙🎙️ 她從小因先天限制承受異樣眼光， 卻用歌聲找到出口、用創作累積力量， 一步步唱出自己的舞台，也照亮別人的人生。 一起來收聽吧🎧 https://sofm.pse.is/8l5k5t -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 63-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 30,630 on turnover of 8.2-billion N-T. The market closed higher yesterday as buying was sparked by gains posted on Wall Street at the end of last week. However, the main board declined from the day's high of 30,681 after profit-taking set-in late in the session, as investors turned cautious ahead of the anticipated U-S Supreme Court ruling later this week on Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs. Taiwan F-16s return to the sky after no-flight order lifted The Air Force says its fleet of F-16s jet fighters have now resumed regular training operations following safety checks. The fleet was grounded in response to the disappearance of an F-16V and its pilot going missing in waters off the east coast last Tuesday. According to the Air Force, all of its F-16s passed inspections, with pilots and ground crews completing simulation (模擬) and maintenance training, respectively. The Air Force also released photos of a group of four F-16Vs making preparations for takeoff, with one piloted by Maj. Gen. Hu Chung-hua -- the chief of the Air Force's 5th Tactical Mixed Wing based in eastern Hualien County. Taipei to launch 'smoke-free city' plan this year Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says his administration is looking at various options to limit smoking in public places and some version of the policy is likely to be implemented this year. According to Chiang, a "Taipei smoke-free city" plan is expected to be launched by the end of this year. Chiang says city officials are studying the establishment of designated (指定的) smoking areas in Tokyo, which has cut down on secondhand smoke and cigarette litter in the Japanese capital. The Taipei mayor also said that it's very possible the city will make reference to examples abroad, such as using designated smoking areas or booths to improve the quality of public spaces. US Trump Administration Sends Hundreds More Agents to Minneapolis Hundreds more federal agents are being deployed (部署) to Minneapolis by the Trump administration. It comes amid protests after a woman was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in the city. Kate Fisher reports from Washington Iran Protest Death Toll Rises Activists say the death toll from Iran’s nationwide protests has reached at least 646 people with the number expected to rise further. The toll as of Tuesday comes from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate (準確) throughout multiple years of demonstrations. According to the Associated Press, the agency relies on a network of activists inside Iran that confirms all reported fatalities. Iran’s government has not provided casualty figures for the demonstrations, as all communications remain blocked in the country. Pope Meets with Venezuela Opposition Leader Machado Pope Leo XIV has met with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the Vatican. During Monday's meeting, which was not previously announced, the Venezuelan leader asked the pope to intercede (調解) for the release of hundreds of political prisoners held in Venezuela and for a swift transition to democracy. Machado is touring Europe and the United States after escaping Venezuela in early 2025. The pope called for Venezuela to remain independent and urges the protection of human rights following the capture (捕拿) of former President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 《一銀陪你聊“新”事》全新第五季上線囉！ 本集我們要帶你認識一位—— 把不完美活成光芒的「三指歌后」蔡佩芙🎙️ 她從小因先天限制承受異樣眼光， 卻用歌聲找到出口、用創作累積力量， 一步步唱出自己的舞台，也照亮別人的人生。 一起來收聽吧🎧 https://sofm.pse.is/8kxek8 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 183-points this morning from Friday's close, at 30,472 on turnover of 10.8-billion N-T. The market closed lower on Friday, but remained above the 30,000 point mark on the back of investor optimism that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing would report strong sales for 2025 after the main board closed. Lai announces approval of NT$2.94 billion 'smart health' subsidies President Lai Ching-te says his administration has approved 197 subsidy programs worth about 2.94-billion N-T under a plan to encourage medical institutions to adopt 'smart health care' technologies. The subsidy programs are part of the five-year 48.9-billion N-T Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan, which the government launched last year. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Nobel Health Care Forum in Taipei, Lai said the subsidy programs are designed to leverage (利用，發揮（優勢）) the advantages of smart health care to strengthen medical services. According to Lai, although average life expectancy in Taiwan is currently above 80, people spend an average of 8.4 years in poor healthand that means "about 10-per cent of the average lifespan is unhealthy," with some people bedridden, using wheelchairs or needing daily care. HPA to publish new dietary guidelines in Q2 2026 Health Minister Shih Chung-liang says the Health Promotion Administration will issue new daily dietary guidelines in the second quarter of this year. It will be the first such update since 2018. A draft of the new guidelines was completed late last year. According to Shih, eggs will be promoted more than in the past, given the growing body of research (大量的研究成果) showing they are an excellent source of nutrition. And while earlier guidelines only recommended skim or low-fat milk, the updated guidelines recognize that whole milk contains important nutrients, as long as it is consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. US Minnesota More Immigration Arrests Minnesota braces for what's next amid (…之中) more protests and immirgration arrests AP's Lisa Dwyer reports Italy Olympic Venue Guard Death Authorities have confirmed the death of a guard at construction site near a 2026 Winter Olympic venue in the mountain resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo. The death occurred during a frigid overnight shift, when temperatures plunged to minus 12 degrees Celsius. Italy’s infrastructure minister has called for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the 55-year-old worker’s death. Italian media reported that the death happened on Jan. 8, outside Cortina’s ice arena, and Milan Cortina organizers said that the worker died of a heart attack. City officials expressed deep sadness and concern (憂慮) over the incident. The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are scheduled for Feb. 6-22. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 新感覺夾心土司 多種口味隨心挑選 讓你隨時隨地都有好心情 甜蜜口感草莓夾心、顆粒層次花生夾心、濃郁滑順可可夾心 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、精選原料金黃蛋沙拉 輕巧美味帶著走，迎接多變的每一天 7-Eleven多種口味販售中 https://sofm.pse.is/8ks95x -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 10-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 30,370 on turnover of $6.5-billion N-T. FDA announces recall of Nestle formula powder over potential contamination The Food and Drug Administration says Nestle has preemptively recalled 83,496 cans of baby formula powder over potential contamination (污染) of the toxin cereulide. The move comes amid a global recall of the food company's baby formula products earlier this week. According to the F-D-A, Nestle Taiwan self-reported that two batches of its products sold in Taiwan may have used potentially contaminated ingredients. Those products are batches (批次) of it Illuma Infant Growth Formula and Illuma Toddler Growth Formula. Nestle Taiwan says it initiated voluntary recalls as a precaution to safeguard consumer health and safety. The company says it has lso set up a dedicated hotline to handle returns and exchanges. The F-D-A is urged consumers who have purchased the products to stop consumption and return the product. MOEA updates guidelines for foreign students interning in Taiwan The Ministry of Economic Affairs has updated guidelines to protect the rights of foreign students interning in Taiwan. The updated Guidelines Governing the Application of Foreign Students to the ROC in the Capacity of Interns in Enterprises and Organizations includes clearer rules on student eligibility, internship stipends and working hours. Under the revised rules, students must be enrolled (已註冊) at overseas universities officially listed by the Ministry of Education, the and the economic ministry's Department of Investment Review. Students must have completed at least one semester of study before coming to Taiwan and be of an age appropriate for their program. They must also be studying a field related to their internship and have basic Chinese or English communication skills to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the internship. US Withdraws from dozens of international bodies and organisations The United States is withdrawing from dozens of international organizations and bodies, many of which are associated with the United Nations, in the latest sign of Washington stepping back from multilateralism (多邊主義). Mitch McCann reports: Philippines Garbage Mound Collapse Leaves Dead and Missing A huge mound of garbage has collapsed in a waste segregation facility in a central Philippine city, killing one person and leaving at least 27 others missing. Police say that firefighters and disaster-mitigation personnel retrieved eight people, including workers at the facility, who were trapped (被困) Thursday afternoon in the avalanche of trash and debris in the village of Binaliw in Cebu city. Local officials say one of those rescued, a female worker at the landfill, died while being brought to a hospital. Authorities and officials at the waste management facility, which has 110 employees, are to hold an emergency meeting today UN Forecasts Global Growth Slightly Lower This Year The United Nations is forecasting that the global economy will grow by 2.7% this year. That's slightly lower than last year’s estimate, citing the impact of higher U.S. tariffs, economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. U.N. economists predict that growth will edge up to 2.9% in 2027. That’s still well below the average 3.2% growth between 2010 and 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic hurt economies around the globe. The U.N. economists say there was “unexpected resilience" to sharp increases in U.S. tariffs last year. They are pointing to solid consumer spending and easing inflation, which helped sustain (維持) growth.. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 新感覺夾心土司 多種口味隨心挑選 讓你隨時隨地都有好心情 甜蜜口感草莓夾心、顆粒層次花生夾心、濃郁滑順可可夾心 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、精選原料金黃蛋沙拉 輕巧美味帶著走，迎接多變的每一天 7-Eleven多種口味販售中 https://sofm.pse.is/8kjd9k -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 104-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 30,330 on turnover of 12-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Wednesday, as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing pulled back on profit taking after hitting a record closing level a session earlier - but the main board remained above the 30,000 point mark. Air Force to call on US to speed-up collision-avoidance system work following F-16V incident The Air Force is urging the U-S to expedite work to install automatic ground collision avoidance systems on its F-16V fighter jets and hopes the process (過程) can be completed sooner than initially planned. It comes after an F-16V jet went missing off of Hualien on Tuesday evening. Authorities are still searching for the missing aircraft and its pilot. The incident has led to concerns about the speed in which automatic ground collision avoidance systems are being installed on Taiwan's F-16Vs. The project was initially slated for completion in 2028. However, the Air Force says it now hopes it can completed by the end of this year. Subject: E*MOEA gives final approval for Nvidia's Taipei headquarters Return to Table of contents The Taipei City Government says the Ministry of Economic Affairs has given its final approval for Nvidia to build its overseas headquarters at the Beitou-Shilin Technology Park. Nvidia is now set to submit its investment proposal to the city government later this month. Nvidia C-E-O Jensen Huang is expected to visit Taiwan later this month to attend (出席) the signing ceremony. The Nvidia headquarters will be designed by local architect Kris Yao. Yao's previous projects include the China Steel Corporation Headquarters in Kaohsiung and the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum in Chiayi. WH: US has started marketing Venezualan oil on the global marketplace The White House says the US has already started marketing Venezuelan oil in the global marketplace. It comes as President Trump says Venezuela has agreed to make up to 50 million barrels of crude (原油) available to the US. Jagruti Dave has more from Washington Canada PM to Visit China Next Week Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit China next week where he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping as Canada looks to reduce its reliance (依賴) on the United States. The visit, announced on Wednesday, is the first to China by a Canadian prime minister in more than eight years. Xi invited Carney to China when they met during an Asia-Pacific summit last fall and it comes as the two countries move to restore stronger ties after years of tensions. Carney will travel to China from Jan. 13 to 17. EU Snow and Ice Hampering Travel Snow and ice are hampering travel in parts of Europe as flights have been grounded and roads clogged (堵塞). More than 1,000 passengers spent the night at Amsterdam's airport as staff worked to clear snow from runways. At least 800 flights were canceled at the airport on Wednesday. France's weather service has issued alerts for snow and black ice. People were urged to work from home. Swedish and Finnish cities also faced disruptions with trams and buses halted. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 新感覺夾心土司 多種口味隨心挑選 讓你隨時隨地都有好心情 甜蜜口感草莓夾心、顆粒層次花生夾心、濃郁滑順可可夾心 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、精選原料金黃蛋沙拉 輕巧美味帶著走，迎接多變的每一天 7-Eleven多種口味販售中 https://sofm.pse.is/8kahwc -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 163-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 30,412 on turnover of 23-billion N-T. The market closed above the 30,000 point mark once again on Tuesday, as buying was further boosted by investor optimism over Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's sales amid the current A-I boom. Analysts say investors are betting that T-S-M-C will deliver positive leads (商機線索) at its investor conference next Thursday. NSB says Beijing paired Taiwan drills with cyberattacks and cognitive warfare The National Security Bureau says Beijing paired military drills against Taiwan with information operations and cyberattacks from between December 29 and January 2. According to the bureau, the move resulted in the spreading of more than 19,000 "controversial" messages and the launch of millions of hacking intrusions (入侵). In a report submitted to the Legislative Yuan, the N-S-B says the online activity involved 799 abnormal accounts and focused on amplifying skepticism about the U-S, Taiwan's military and President Lai Ching-te, referring to concerns about Taiwan's ability to defend itself. CDC warns that influenza epidemic to hit late January and peak over Lunar New Year The Centers for Disease Control says it expects to see a rise in flu cases in the later this month and a further increase around the Lunar New Year holiday period. According to the C-D-C, a total of 82,161 people sought medical treatment for flu-like illness from the week of December 28 to January 3 - and that level remains about the same as the previous week. The C-D-C is projecting that Taiwan will again enter a flu epidemic ( 流行病) period in the latter half of this month, following a previous period from late September to late November this winter and it's likely to peak around the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday, which begins on February 14. UN Human Rights Office Expresses Renewed Concern Over U.S. Actions in Venezuela The UN Human Rights office says it's concerned America's military action in Venezuela is going to make the situation (情況) in the country even worse, and that US actions undermined international law. Mitch McCann reports from the United Nations in New York: Canada FM and Governor General to Visit Greenland Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says his foreign minister and the governor general will visit Greenland in early February in the wake of renewed threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to annex the Danish territory. Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Governor General Mary Simon are expected to open a consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Simon became Canada's first Indigenous governor general in 2021 and previously served as Canada's ambassador to Denmark. Carney says the future of Greenland and Demark are decided solely (唯一地，完全) by the people of Denmark. He spoke while meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the Canadian Embassy in Paris. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 新感覺夾心土司 多種口味隨心挑選 讓你隨時隨地都有好心情 甜蜜口感草莓夾心、顆粒層次花生夾心、濃郁滑順可可夾心 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、精選原料金黃蛋沙拉 輕巧美味帶著走，迎接多變的每一天 7-Eleven多種口味販售中 https://sofm.pse.is/8k5gk3 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 171-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 29,933 on turnover of 14-billion N-T. The market moved sharply higher on Monday - as it closed above the 30,000-point mark for the first time as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing smashed closing records on the back of investor optimism toward demand for its high-end processes. Three individuals and Tokyo Electron Taiwan indicted over new TSMC trade secret theft The Taiwan High Prosecutors' Office Intellectual Property Branch has indicted three individuals and Tokyo Electron Taiwan for stealing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's 14-nanometer technology secrets. Those indicted include Chen Li-ming, a former T-S-M-C engineer who worked at Tokyo Electron Taiwan, a T-S-M-C employee and a Tokyo Electron employee. Two of the individuals have been charged with reproducing trade secrets relating to national core (核心) key technologies under the National Security Act. While the other individual and Tokyo Electron Taiwan have been charged with destroying evidence in a criminal case. All three individuals and Tokyo Electron Taiwan have also been indicted in a seperate investigation into the theft of T-S-M-C's 2-nanometer technology. Tourism authority issues guidelines to protect foreign accommodation interns The Tourism Administration has issued updated guidelines to better protect foreign interns in the accommodation/hospitality sector. It comes after the government opened the sector to foreign students enrolled in overseas schools last year to help address labor shortages. The administration says more than 1,900 students came to Taiwan to work as interns last year, but there were concerns over inadequate (不足) protections. Under the updated guidelines, foreign interns who perform work beyond their training must receive payment equivalent to at least the minimum wage, training must not exceed more than eight hours a day or 40 hours a week … … and it cannot be scheduled between 10PM and 6AM, without the individual intern's consent. Iran Protest Death Toll Rises to at Least 35 Activists say the death toll in violence surrounding (周圍的) protests in Iran has risen to at least 35. The figure came from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which said more than 1,200 people have been detained in the protests, which have been ongoing for more than a week. It said 29 protesters, four children and two members of Iran’s security forces have been killed. The semiofficial Fars news agency, believed close to Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, says some 250 police officers and 45 members of the Guard’s all-volunteer Basij force have been hurt. UK Gov to Seize Illegal Migrants Phones Mobile phones will now be seized from illegal migrants entering the UK without arrest. The country's government says the new powers will help gather more information on smuggling (走私) gangs organising the Channel crossings. Lara Bentley has more… Auschwitz Survivor Eva Schloss Obit Auschwitz survivor Eva Schloss, stepsister of Anne Frank, has died at 96. The Anne Frank Trust UK, where she was honorary president, said she died Saturday in London. King Charles III praised Schloss for her lifelong dedication to overcoming hatred and prejudice (偏見). Born in Vienna in 1929, Schloss fled to Amsterdam and became friends with Anne Frank. Both families hid from the Nazis but were eventually captured. Schloss survived Auschwitz and later moved to Britain. She became a prominent Holocaust educator, speaking worldwide and writing books. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 新感覺夾心土司 多種口味隨心挑選 讓你隨時隨地都有好心情 甜蜜口感草莓夾心、顆粒層次花生夾心、濃郁滑順可可夾心 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、精選原料金黃蛋沙拉 輕巧美味帶著走，迎接多變的每一天 7-Eleven多種口味販售中 https://sofm.pse.is/8jzezq -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 429-points this morning from Friday's close, at 29,779 on turnover of 15.7-billion N-T. The market closed at a new high Friday,as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing continued to break records amid the current A-I boom. MOFA welcomes new SVG leader's pledge to maintain diplomatic ties The Ministry of Foreign Affairs say it welcomes a recent pledge (保證) by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' new prime minister that his government will maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Godwin Friday assumed office in late November and he made the Taiwan comments during a recent radio interview. Friday has been quoted as saying that diplomatic relations with Taiwan remain, as do relations with all countries with which Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has diplomatic ties. According to the foreign ministry, it will continue close communications with the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' government to deepen bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both peoples. Panama-flagged cargo ship refloated off Hualien without oil spill A Panama-flagged bulk carrier that ran aground off Hualien County on New Year's Day has been successfully refloated and towed into Hualien Port. Authorities says no oil pollution has been detected. The C-S-E Prosperity Express was refloated by two tugboats under coast guard escort after passing hull inspection and safely berthed (停泊) at Wharf No. 22. According to the Maritime Port Bureau, no oil leakage was observed during or after the operation, despite the ship carrying more than 200-metric tons of residual fuel. The carrier is operated by China Steel Express. US Rebuts Russian Claims of Ukrainian Attack on Putin Residence U.S. national security officials have determined that Ukraine did not target a residence belonging to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a drone attack last week. That's according to President Donald Trump. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov last Monday said Ukraine launched (發射) a wave of drones at Putin’s state residence in the northwestern part of Russia. The allegation came just a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had traveled to Florida for talks with Trump. Trump initially appeared to take the Russian allegations at face value and said he was angry. Maduro Case to Revive Legal Debate Over Foreign Leaders Immunity Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has taken the place of her ally President Nicolas Maduro who was captured by the United States in a nighttime military operation. Legal experts say Maduro's case will revive a legal debate over immunity (豁免) for foreign leaders tested in another trial. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports SKorean Star Ahn Sung-ki Obit A Seoul hospital says prominent South Korean movie star Ahn Sung-ki has died. He was 74. The hospital says Ahn died this morning. Ahn has been fighting blood cancer for years. Ahn is one of South Korean cinema’s most beloved (被喜愛的) and respected stars. His 60-year extensive career and positive, gentle public image earned him the nickname “The Nation’s Actor.” That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 新感覺夾心土司 多種口味隨心挑選 讓你隨時隨地都有好心情 甜蜜口感草莓夾心、顆粒層次花生夾心、濃郁滑順可可夾心 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、精選原料金黃蛋沙拉 輕巧美味帶著走，迎接多變的每一天 7-Eleven多種口味販售中 https://sofm.pse.is/8jugvg -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 53-points this morning on the new year's first trading day, at 29,016, on turnover of 6.5-billion N-T. Taiwan shares closed the final trading session of 2025 at a record high Wednesday, led by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, as the benchmark index capped a second straight year of historic gains fueled by strong demand tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure. For the full year, the benchmark surged nearly 26 percent, surpassing the rise recorded in 2024 and setting a new record for annual point gains for the second consecutive year. The index has now risen more than 20 percent for three straight years. Lockheed gets Taiwan contract The Pentagon says Lockheed Martin has been given a contract involving foreign military sales to Taiwan to meet what Washington is describing as an "urgent operational need" of Taiwan's Air Force. The contract has a ceiling value of 328-million U-S dollars. According to the Pentagon, the contract is for the procurement (採購) and delivery of 55 Infrared Search and Track Legion Enhanced Sensor Pods, processors, pod containers and processor containers. The work is expected to be completed by June of 2031 First official record of Formosan black bear entering worker's hut in Alishan The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency says a Formosan black bear broke into a worker's hut in Alishan's Dabang Village and ate food from a refrigerator and from canned goods. According to the agency's Chiayi branch, personnel were sent to inspect (察看) the site and set up infrared cameras to track the bear after receiving the report. The agency has released photos showing an open refrigerator, broken eggs in a carton, and empty food cans inside the hut - which sits at an elevation of 1,190-meters in Alishan. Experts found footprints near the worker's hut and, based on the damaged canned food, concluded that a Formosan black bear was responsible. Although Formosan black bears are occasionally sighted in the Alishan area, the Dabang Village incident marks the first officially recorded case of a bear entering a worker's hut and eating food. Iran Protests Leave at Least 3 Dead Protests over Iran's struggling economy have spread into rural areas, with at least three people killed. Authorities reported the fatalities on Wednesday and Thursday in cities home to Iran’s Lur ethnic group. The demonstrations are the largest since 2022. The protests began due to economic pressures, with Iran's currency rapidly depreciating (貶值). Demonstrators have also chanted against the country’s theocracy. Trump delays tariff hike on furniture and kitchen cabinets as affordabilitycrisis bites The White House says planned tariff hikes on items like furniture and kitchen cabinets are being pushed back one year. The delay comes as the administration insists its trade strategy is working - even as high prices continue to frustrate (感到煩躁) voters. Toni Waterman has more from Washington. Anthony Joshua to Stay in Nigeria After Release from Hospital British boxer Anthony Joshua is initially staying in Nigeria as he recuperates from injuries sustained after a deadly crash. A vehicle carrying the former heavyweight champion and two of his associates crashed (撞擊) into a stationary truck on Monday on a local highway. The two associates were killed. Joshua was released from a Lagos hospital on Wednesday afternoon and he paid his respects to his deceased friends at the morgue. His promoter, Matchroom Boxing, told The Associated Press that Joshua will remain in Nigeria over the coming days.” That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 新感覺夾心土司 多種口味隨心挑選 讓你隨時隨地都有好心情 甜蜜口感草莓夾心、顆粒層次花生夾心、濃郁滑順可可夾心 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、精選原料金黃蛋沙拉 輕巧美味帶著走，迎接多變的每一天 7-Eleven多種口味販售中 https://sofm.pse.is/8jkzkb -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 16-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 28,723 on turnover of 5-billion N-T. The market closed lower on Tuesday after Wall Street fell overnight as heavyweight tech stocks lost ground from last week's big gains, but the downturn was limited due to government-led funds picking up large cap stocks to minimize volatility. MND highlights China's disinformation during large-scale drill The Ministry of National Defense's Political Warfare Bureau says it identified 46 pieces of disinformation related to China's military exercise on Monday and Tuesday. According to the bureau, the disinformation mainly focused on attacking the Lai administration's policies, slandering (誹謗) the armed forces, and eroding (逐漸毀壞) trust in the United States. Defense ministry spokesman Sun Li-fang says that every major Chinese military exercise since August 2022 has combined military and non-military actions aimed at influencing public opinion here in Taiwan, as well as in neighboring countries and Taiwan-friendly countries. President Lai Ching-te urged the public in a social media post to be mindful of disinformation accompanying the exercise. Lawmakers pass law amendments to Fraud Crime Hazard Prevention Act Lawmakers have passed amendments to the Fraud Crime Hazard Prevention Act. The revisions increase penalties for for high-value fraud and also offer sentence reductions for offenders who voluntarily surrender to authorities and pay full restitutions (歸還,賠償) to their victims. Under the amended Act, judicial and prosecutorial authorities are also authorized to notify financial institutions and virtual asset service providers to flag bank accounts, e-payment accounts, credit cards and virtual asset accounts suspected of being linked to fraud. And the amendments also add new penalty tiers (等級). Those found guilty of high-value fraud exceeding 10-million N-T face a prison sentence of up to 10-years While for fraud cases exceeding 100-million N-T, the statutory prison term has been increased to 7 years. Trump confirms US has bombed Venezuelan port, adds new sanctions US President Donald Trump says the US has struck an alleged drug loading dock inside Venezuela, marking the first strike on Venezuelan soil in his months-long pressure campaign against the government of Nicolas Maduro. Toni Waterman has more from Washington. Italy Approves 2026 Gov Budget Italy’s Parliament has approved the government’s 2026 budget, which includes deficit-cutting measures. The budget aims to reduce the 2026 deficit to 2.8% of GDP, aligning with the European Union's demands. Premier Giorgia Meloni's conservative coalition won the final vote on Tuesday. Meloni describes the budget as serious and responsible, focusing on families, work, businesses and health care. However, the center-left opposition criticizes it for not addressing poor salaries and high taxes. About 25% of the budget’s funding comes from the financial sector, with tax hikes on banks and insurance companies. The European Central Bank warns these levies (課稅) could reduce credit flow. Germany bank Theft Police in Germany say thieves stole tens of millions of euros worth of property from safety deposit boxes inside a bank vault that they drilled into during the holiday lull (暫時平靜[). Some 2,700 bank customers were affected by the theft at the bank branch Monday in Gelsenkirchen. Investigators believe the theft to be worth somewhere between 10 and 90 million euros. German news agency dpa reported that the theft could be one of Germany’s largest heists (搶劫). 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 87-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 28,723 on turnover of 6.4-billion N-T. The market closed higher on Monday as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing saw its share price hit a new record high on the back of reports the company plans to raise prices for its advanced chips. China carrying out live-fire drills around Taiwan China is carrying out live-fire military drills around Taiwan today and has said they will be taking place until 6 o'clock this evening in five designated maritime and airspace zones. The exercises are code-named "Justice Mission 2025." According to coordinates provided by China's Eastern Theater Command, the drills were to be staged (舉辦) in the sea and in the airspaces north of Keelung, east of Taitung, south of Pingtung, southeast of Penghu, and northwest of Taoyuan. The Ministry of National Defense says all five of the drill zones are within Taiwan's territorial waters. According to the ministry, the island's armed forces have established an ad hoc emergency operations center and are respond to developments. Cause of Taichung power outage under investigation Tai-Power says the cause of a power outage that affected over 9,000 households in Taichung's Beitun District is under investigation. The outage began at around 8:55 last night and power was restored (恢復) by 10:30. According to the Tai-Power, the outage not only affected households, but also large numbers of businesses and several fire stations located in the district. Tai-Power says repair teams arrived at the scene and found that the fault was located in the power distribution room. The state generator says personnel carried out repairs, before carrying out two power transfer operations to isolate the fault area. Repair teams also reduced the power outage in order to minimize the number of households affected. Israel PM to Meet Trump in Florida Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to meet President Trump in Florida later today for talks that are expected to (預計，預期) focus on the Gaza peace plan, Iran and Lebanon. Blake Sifton reports from Tel Aviv China Condemns Panama Monument Demolition China has condemned the demolition (拆除) of a monument honoring the Chinese community in Panama. Panama’s president echoed the condemnation, blaming local authorities and pledging the monument would be rebuilt. Overnight, videos circulated on social media showing large excavators tearing down the monument. The Chinese Embassy in Panama accused the local authorities of having “brazenly (明目張膽) and forcibly demolished” the monument and “seriously damaged the friendly sentiments of the Chinese people towards the Panamanian people.” It's the latest development as the Trump administration in the US pushes for the Central American nation to distance itself from Beijing. Turkey Armenia to Simplify Visa Procedures Turkey and Armenia have agreed to simplify visa procedures to normalize ties, according to Turkey's Foreign Ministry. The Turkish Foreign Ministry said electronic visas will be available for both countries' passport holders starting Jan. 1-st. Relations have been strained by historic grievances (不平，委屈) and Turkey’s alliance with Azerbaijan. The countries have no formal diplomatic ties, and their border has been closed since the 1990s. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 客家委員會《客家影像故事》徵件中！ 手機、相機都能拍。 今年年度主題是「水」，埤塘、水圳、溪流、河壩的客庄故事都可以。 拍水的主題就有機會拿50 萬大獎！ 徵件到115年4月30日，詳細資訊可到客委會官網查詢 連結：https://sofm.pse.is/8j4uut -- 全台南最多分店、最齊全物件，在地團隊懂台南，也懂你的需求。 不管是買屋、賣屋，還是從築夢到圓夢， 房子的大小事，交給台南住商，讓你更安心。 了解更多：https://sofm.pse.is/8j4uv9 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 106-points this morning from Friday's close, at 28,662 on turnover of 4.6-billion N-T. The market closed out last week higher, as investors continued to pick up tech heavyweights, while turnover remained moderate, despite many foreign institutional investors being away for the holidays. Analysts say then lack of foreign institutional investors saw local investors dominating the trading day, and they tended to buy large cap electronics stocks, in particular Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. Lai says Taiwan must raise cost of war and build indigenous defense to deter China President Lai Ching-te says his administration will continue to raise the cost of aggression and strengthen the island's indigenous defense capabilities to deter China. Speaking in a an exclusive interview with Sanlih E-Television News, that aired on Sunday, Lai repeated previous comments that peace can only be secured (保護，使…穩固) through strength. Lai also reiterated that his administration will not provoke China and remains "firmly committed to maintaining the status quo." And he stressed that peace "must be backed by real strength," rather than relying on an agreement or the goodwill of an aggressor. Snow-chasing rider fined for bringing horse onto public road in Wuling And, A man who rode a horse in Wuling in the Hehuanshan area has been fined by police on Sunday for violating traffic regulations. While national park authorities says that are reviewing whether additional penalties will apply. Police say the man was riding his horse on public road at Wuling in an apparent (明顯的) attempt to see snowfall and was issued fine for violating the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act. The incident drew widespread public attention after the man and his horse were spotted in a parking lot in the Hehuanshan area. Subject: E*NKorea Claims Missile Launch to Test Nuclear Deterrence Return to Table of contents North Korea says it fired long-range strategic cruise missiles into the sea to test the country’s nuclear deterrence. The official Korean Central News Agency reports that the missile launches occurred off the country’s west coast on Sunday in the presence of leader Kim Jong Un. The launches were the latest weapons display by North Korea ahead of its planned ruling Workers's Party congress early next year. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said it was aware of several cruise missile launches made from North Korea's capital region on Sunday morning. It said South Korea maintains a readiness to repel any potential North Korean provocations (激怒, 挑撥) through its alliance (聯盟) with the United States. Last week, North Korea test-launched new anti-air missiles off its east coast and unveiled apparent progress in the construction of its first nuclear-powered submarine. Trump and Zelensky meet but report no major breakthroughs US President Donald Trump said a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia was "a lot closer" after he met with Ukrainian leader Volodomyr Zelensky in Florida. However, the meeting didn't appear to yield (產生) any major breakthroughs on key sticking points. Ira Spitzer reports. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 全台南最多分店、最齊全物件，在地團隊懂台南，也懂你的需求。 不管是買屋、賣屋，還是從築夢到圓夢， 房子的大小事，交給台南住商，讓你更安心。 了解更多：https://sofm.pse.is/8hxmkk -- 客家委員會《客家影像故事》徵件中！ 手機、相機都能拍。 今年年度主題是「水」，埤塘、水圳、溪流、河壩的客庄故事都可以。 拍水的主題就有機會拿50 萬大獎！ 徵件到115年4月30日，詳細資訊可到客委會官網查詢 連結：https://sofm.pse.is/8hxmk2 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Police investigating note posted on Eslite memorial wall KMT and TPP propose 'Taiwan Future Accounts' for children Tai-Ex opening higher Turkey busts Islamic State group Britain's King delivered 2025 Christmas speech -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 73-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 28,384 on turnover of $4.9-billion N-T. Analysts say with foreign institutional investors absent, major local investors seized the opportunity to control the session by buying TSMC, after a U.S. tech rally. TSMC's gains offset losses suffered by other tech heavyweights. And when many large-cap tech stocks trade in weakness, local investors parked their money in smaller tech stocks. Taipei Public Asked Not to Leave Food and Drinks at Attack Memorial Space Taipei Metro is asking the public not to leave food or drinks at a memorial space for victims of a random knife attack last week. The memorial located at Taipei Main Station Exit M7 honors 57-year-old Yu Jia-chang, who was killed on December 19th while attempting to stop the attacker. Transit officials say the hallway near the exit is narrow and they are asking that visitors only leave flower bouquets. Workers will inspect the site daily and remove any food, drinks, or inappropriate (不當) messages after the station closes each night. Taipei Metro also says says it plans to build a permanent monument to recognize Yu's bravery. The Taoyuan City Government also announced it will honor Yu by enshrining him in the Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine. (NS) 5 undersea cables planned to boost communications resilience: Minister The Minister of Digital Affairs says Taiwan will add two international and three domestic undersea communications cables as part of its efforts to strengthen communications resilience. Minister Lin Yi-jing says the new undersea cables will be hardened with an "armor-like" protective layer, so they will not be easily damaged. According to Lin, the planned undersea cables are part of the ministry's "three-dimensional defensive communications network" initiative, which aims to strengthen Taiwan's communication from land, air and sea. The MInister says the initiative also includes the addition of an Amazon low-earth-orbit satellite constellation and the inauguration of a high-orbit geosynchronous (地球同步) satellite being built by American manufacturer Astranis. On land, the ministry will plan disaster-resilient base stations, expand its existing fleet of vehicles with satcom-on-the-move capability, and procure a large number of mobile diesel generators. Supreme Court blocks Chicago National Guard deployment The US Supreme Court has issued a preliminary ruling blocking the Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops to Chicago. The decision is a rare setback for the administration from the conservative-leaning court, which has largely sided with President Trump so far in testing the limits (試探底線) of executive power. Ira Spitzer reports. Egypt Musem Begins Reassembling Phraoah's Boat The Grand Egyptian Museum has begun reassembling (重新組裝) a boat belonging to Pharaoh Khufu in its exhibition hall. The cedarwood vessel, one of two found with King Khufu, started coming together on Tuesday as visitors watched. The project is expected to take around four years, according to the museum. King Khufu ruled over 4,500 years ago and built the Great Pyramid of Giza. The museum, located near Cairo, houses nearly 50-thousand artifacts. Experts believe the boats were used for Khufu’s funeral or his afterlife journey. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 客家委員會《客家影像故事》徵件中！ 手機、相機都能拍。 今年年度主題是「水」，埤塘、水圳、溪流、河壩的客庄故事都可以。 拍水的主題就有機會拿50 萬大獎！ 徵件到115年4月30日，詳細資訊可到客委會官網查詢 連結：https://sofm.pse.is/8hf3ft -- 全台南最多分店、最齊全物件，在地團隊懂台南，也懂你的需求。 不管是買屋、賣屋，還是從築夢到圓夢， 房子的大小事，交給台南住商，讓你更安心。 了解更多：https://sofm.pse.is/8hf3g8 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 104-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 28,253 on turnover of $6.4-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed sharply higher Monday, led by the electronics sector, after artificial intelligence-related stocks surged in the United States at the end of last week. Momentum continued yesterday as contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing pushed the broader market ahead, and memory chip suppliers continued moving upwards due to a supply shortage. Buying also spread to non-tech stocks with the electric machinery industry in focus, providing more support to the Taiex. Taiwan cracks down on threats following Taipei attack Authorities are intensifying (強化) actions against online threats, following Friday's deadly knife and smoke bomb attacks in Taipei, which killed 3. Taichung prosecutors say a man was ordered detained and held incommunicado after he posted online referencing plans for large-scale attacks. Investigators searching his home and seized his phone. The Criminal Investigation Bureau said that about 20 online posts involving threats or calls for indiscriminate attacks had been identified nationwide as of Sunday. Hualien man fined after ostrich runs wild In Hualien's Yuli township, a man has been fined after his pet ostrich escaped its enclosure and was spotted running among motorists on Provincial Highway 9. Authorities in the township say that one officer was conducting (進行) an "online patrol" yesterday morning when they came across photos of the loose ostrich on social media. Officers were able to find the owner, surnamed Huang, who said he usually kept the bird in an enclosure. But yesterday morning, the bird was apparently scared by something and took off running down the highway… running a red light and continuing south to a factory near Yuli Senior High School. All in all, it ran about 2.5 kilometers. After questioning Huang, police issued him a citation under the law… which stipulates a fine of 300-600 NT. Denmark summons US ambassador over Greenland appointment Denmark has summoned the US ambassador after Donald Trump's appointment of a special envoy to Greenland. The US president has repeatedly expressed (表達) interest in taking over the island, angering the Danish government, which has controlled Greenland for centuries. Ira Spitzer reports. Nigeria Abducted Children and Teachers Released Nigerians have welcomed back 130 children and teachers who were released after being seized in one of the largest mass abductions (綁架) in the country’s history. Some of the children appeared to be malnourished or in shock on Monday as they arrived at a government ceremony. Police said they were freed Sunday, a month after gunmen stormed their Catholic school in Niger state’s Papiri community in a predawn attack. Authorities said plans were underway to reunite the children with their families before Christmas. Officials did not say whether a ransom — common in such abductions — had been paid. France Cyberattack Knocks Out Postal Service A suspected cyberattack has knocked France’s national postal service and its banking arm offline during the busy Christmas season. La Poste said Monday the attack disrupted package deliveries and online payments, but customer data was not impacted (受影響). At a Paris post office, employees turned away frustrated (惱怒的，不滿意的) customers trying to send or retrieve packages. Customers of the bank were blocked from using the application to approve payments or conduct other banking services. The bank redirected approvals to text messages. It said teams are working to resolve the situation quickly. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 客家委員會《客家影像故事》徵件中！ 手機、相機都能拍。 今年年度主題是「水」，埤塘、水圳、溪流、河壩的客庄故事都可以。 拍水的主題就有機會拿50 萬大獎！ 徵件到115年4月30日，詳細資訊可到客委會官網查詢 連結：https://sofm.pse.is/8ha32e -- 全台南最多分店、最齊全物件，在地團隊懂台南，也懂你的需求。 不管是買屋、賣屋，還是從築夢到圓夢， 房子的大小事，交給台南住商，讓你更安心。 了解更多：https://sofm.pse.is/8ha32s...