Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 491-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 26,995 on turnover of 9.8-billion N-T. The market closed slightly higher on Monday, despite investors opting to dump large-cap tech stocks before regular index adjustments by M-S-C-I went into effect after the market closed. FM touts increase in US state engagement Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is touting an increase in U-S state engagement in Taiwan. Speaking at reception hosted by the American State Offices Association in Taipei, Lin said there has been a significant increase in engagement from U-S state governments .. … as more representative offices are opening in Taiwan and a growing number of trade missions (貿易代表團) are visiting the country. According to Lin, there were currently 26 U-S state and territorial offices in Taiwan, over half of which opened or reopened in the last three years - while Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Idaho opened offices this year. The foreign minister says he believes the trend reflects the building momentum between Taiwan and American state governments. Dust storm in China to worsen Taiwan's air quality from today And, The Ministry of Environment says a dust storm in Inner Mongolia is expected to worsen Taiwan's air quality today and is advising the public to reduce (減少) outdoor activities and wear face masks. According to the ministry, pollutants carried from Inner Mongolia and the Shandong-Shanghai corridor by monsoon winds are expected to push PM2.5 readings in northern Taiwan to 30 to 50 micrograms per cubic meter this morning … …. rising to between 100 to 150 micrograms per cubic meter in the afternoon. The center and south are set to be affected from the afternoon through to the evening. The air quality is expected to improve to a "good" or "moderate" level by Saturday. China Warns Nationals in DRC China has urged its citizens living in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo to immediately leave due to the ongoing conflict in the region. Fighting between Congolese forces and rebels has intensified (加劇的) in the mineral-rich region where Chinese firms are engaged in mining rare earth minerals. Chris Ocamringa has more from Kinshasa… Sudan Rejects Mediators' Ceasefire Proposal Sudan’s top general has rejected a ceasefire proposal from U.S.-led mediators, calling it “the worst yet.” The proposal aimed to halt a devastating (毀滅性的) war that has gripped Sudan for over 30 months. General Abdel-Fattah Burhan accused the mediators of being “biased (有偏見的)”. Sudan plunged into chaos in April 2023 due to a power struggle between the military and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The conflict has killed at least 40,000 people and created a massive (大量的) humanitarian crisis. The mediators, known as the Quad, comprise the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE, and have been working for over two years to end the fighting. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
