EZ News 09/12/23

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened marginally higher this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,433on turnover of 2-billion N-T. The market extended losses from a session earlier on Monday, as it fell more than 140 points on the back of a sell-off in artificial intelligence development-related stocks. Selling was seen across the main board, as investors remain concerned over the upcoming release of U-S consumer price index data for August later this week. **Premier Stresses "No Plans to Demolish CKS Hall" ** Premier Chen Chien-jen says the government currently has no plans to demolish (拆除) the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei as part of its ongoing transitional justice efforts. However, Chen says the Tsai administration remains focused on removing symbols of authoritarianism. The statement is in response to a opinion piece published by Liberty Times in which members of a Cabinet-level task force claimed the government has "little political will" to remove the memorial site. According to the premier, the government firmly believes that the removal of symbols of authoritarian regimes is an major aspect of its pursuit of transitional justice, and a task force is studying ways to re-purpose the memorial hall. **University Makes Second Successful Research Rocket Test ** Researchers at the Tamkang University have conducted a successful test flight of a research rocket. It marks the second successful launch by the university from the Xuhai rocket test site in Pingtung County since it became operational in 2022. According to the Taiwan Space Agency, the scientific research rocket was named "Jessie" - after a Pokemon character - and its launch validated (驗證) its payload and structural design, which incorporates composite materials. The single-stage rocket is fueled by an R-N-X composite propellant, known for its stability and safety. It's hoped it will be able to reach an altitude of 4.2-kilometers. **NKorean Leader Departs for Russia ** The Kremlin has confirmed that Russian president Vladimir Putin will meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un “in the coming days”. State media in North Korea has confirmed that Kim departed (離開) Pyongyang for Russia on a private train on Sunday. Chris Gilbert reports. **Sweden to Increase Military Spending ** The Swedish government wants to increase the country's defense budget by 28% as it prepares to join the NATO alliance. The increase would put Sweden on track (有望成功、在正軌上) to reach NATO's target for military spending to be 2% of a country's gross domestic product. Sweden’s center-right coalition government unveiled a defense bill Monday and said the defense budget will be increased by $2.4 billion. About $63 million will be spent on Sweden’s future membership of NATO. Sweden and neighboring Finland sought protection under the NATO security umbrella after Russia invaded Ukraine last year. Finland joined earlier this year but Sweden is still waiting. That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn