EZ News 03/17/26

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 38-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,380 on turnover of 7.6-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Monday as investor sentiment remained muted due the impact of the US-Israel war against Iran, which has resulted in rises in international crude oil prices. Lai urges supply chain cooperation among democracies President Lai Ching-te is calling for closer cooperation among democratic partners to strengthen supply chain and economic resilience. Speaking at the opening of the Yushan Forum in Taipei, Lai said his administration wants to work with like-minded countries to form "international teams" with them … .. and intends to leverage (善用) the many advantages of these partners to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. According to Lai, his government will form national teams in specific fields to keep making Taiwan stronger, while also go beyond that, by building international teams to keep leveraging the power of solidarity with other nations. The two-day Yushan Forum runs through today. Over 400 households and business affect by power outage in Taichung's Beitun District Tai-Power says electricity has been restored to over 400 households and business affected by a power outage last night in Taichung's Beitun District. The affected business included the Costco north Taichung Warehouse. According to Tai-Power, electricity was restored to all households and businesses by 10PM after emergency repairs were carried out and cause of the outage is under investigation. Tai-Power says an initial investigation has found that a fuse box (保險絲盒) failure in the underground substation of a residential building was likely the cause of the power outage. The faulty equipment is being disassembled for inspection. UAE Lifts Brief Airspace Closure The United Arab Emirates lifted a brief airspace closure this morning after the country faced incoming Iranian attacks. The state-run news agency quoted the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority as saying the closure had ended. The authorities said “the situation stabilized,” allowing flights to resume. The earlier closure announcement showed the balancing act Emirati authorities face in trying to keep their long-haul carriers, Emirates and Etihad, flying as Iranian attacks continue to target the country. On Monday, an Iranian drone attack set a fuel tank ablaze (燃燒) at Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel. UK WORKING WITH ALLIES TO RE-OPEN STRAIT OF HORMUZ The UK is working with all of its allies to re-open the Strait of Hormuz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at a press conference this morning. He also announced a government contribution of over $70million to support British households (家庭) with rising oil costs. Lara Bentley reports from London Spain King on Conquest of Americas Spain’s King Felipe says Spain’s conquest of the Americas involved abuse and ethical controversy, as Spain and Mexico remain at odds over calls for an apology. On Monday, Felipe made the remarks during a visit to a museum exhibition in Madrid. He told Mexico’s ambassador to Spain that parts of the conquest do not make Spain proud by today’s values. Mexico has demanded a formal apology for years, which Spain has refused to do. Mexico’s president said she needed to review Felipe's comments but acknowledged similar conciliatory (願意和解的，安撫的) remarks made last year by Spain's foreign minister. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn