EZ News 07/16/25

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 132-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,968 on turnover of $5.5-billion N-T. Japan's defense ministry highlights Chinese military drills around Taiwan Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani highlighted Chinese drills around Taiwan yesterday in the defense white paper. His ministry emphasized China's intensification of the drills surrounding Taiwan since last year, and they accuse Beijing of trying to isolate the DPP government. The document points out that China has been actively increasing its military presence around Taiwan in recent years. The report noted Beijing's large-scale drills after President Lai Ching Te's inauguration in May of last year, as well as those around National Day on October 10th. Beijing aims to criticize the Lai administration and deter the US from deepening security ties with Taiwan, according to the report. The PRC further aims to divide Taiwanese society and isolate the Lai government by using a dual strategy of hardline (強硬的) military action in addition to pushing to strengthen economic ties with Taiwan. The report says that the exercises around Taiwan share three main characteristics, including combat training, propaganda orientation, and normalization. Notably, the report emphasizes that the exercises serve as a political messaging tool for the CCP, who broadcast footage of the drills widely. Nakatani says, Japan will reinforce its defense capabilities and respond calmly. (AH-CNA) EU Seeking Action from Israel on Aid to Gaza The European Union is seeking updates and more action from Israel on implementing a new deal to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The deal aims to provide food and fuel to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents after more than 21 months of war. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Tuesday there was a need for effective implementation (執行) and called for a ceasefire. Ministers meeting in Brussels will also discuss Iran’s nuclear program, tensions in Georgia and Moldova and new sanctions on Russia. Supreme Court paves way for Department of Education dismantling The US Supreme Court has paved the way for the dismantling of the Department of Education - saying the Trump administration can move ahead with mass layoffs. A lower court had blocked the move over concerns that gutting (摧毀內部) the agency would undermine its mission - which is dictated by Congress. Toni Waterman has more. France PM Proposes Cutting Two Public Holidays France’s prime minister has proposed cutting two public holidays to save money in next year’s budget. He suggested on Tuesday to remove Easter Monday and Victory Day which marks the Allied victory over the Nazis. The prime minister argued that this would boost tax revenues from increased economic activity. The proposal is part of a broader plan to save $51.3 billion US dollars and reduce France’s debt and deficit. President Emmanuel Macron tasked the prime minister with balancing these cuts while increasing defense spending. The plan faces opposition from unions and political rivals (競爭對手). The government has no parliamentary majority and must secure support to pass the budget this fall. That leaves its fate uncertain. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn