**Tai-Ex opening **

The Tai-Ex opened down 16-points this morning from yesterday's close, at

15,376 on turnover of 2.3-billion N-T.

The Tai-Ex followed most other regional markets and lost ground on Monday, as

investors were concerned that strong U-S jobs data could result in more

interest rate hikes by America's central bank to cool inflation.

**MAC Warning on China Visits **

The Mainland Affairs Council says any politicians choosing to visit China

must reflect the will of Taiwan to maintain democracy and peace.

The statement comes after the K-M-T announced that Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia

will be traveling to China from February 8 through 17.

According to the council, it has received notice of the trip from the K-M-T -

but is stressing that any cross-strait exchange must be based on the

principles of reciprocity (互惠) and dignity.

The council says visiting politicians must also promote mutual understanding

and cannot unilaterally agree to any political prerequisites or desired

outcomes, while also voicing their opposition to the use of force to resolve

cross-strait issues.

**Government Donates US$200,000 to Turkey Following Earthquake **

And,

The government has pledged to donate 200,000 U-S dollars to Turkey after the

country was struck by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake.

According to the foreign ministry's Department of West Asian and African

Affairs, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu has conveyed his condolences (哀悼) to

Turkey's representative in Taiwan on behalf of of the government

Department head Anthony Ho says the 200,000 U-S dollars in funds will be used

for disaster relief.

**Syria Calls on UN to Help with Earthquake Rescue **

War-ravaged Syria is calling on the United Nations and all member states to

help with rescue efforts, health services, shelter and food aid.

That's following a massive earthquake that killed thousands in Syria and

Turkey.

The quake-damaged area in Syria is divided between government-held territory

and the country’s last rebel-held enclave (飛地，被包圍在另外一個國家境內).

Syria’s U.N. ambassador was asked by reporters whether Syria would allow the

U.N. to deliver aid through other crossing points from Turkey.

He didn’t respond directly, but said the government is ready to help and

coordinate aid deliveries “to all Syrians in all territory of Syria.

**US Ohio Toxic Leak Containment Continues **

Workers are dealing with an Ohio train derailment (出軌) involving toxic

chemicals.

APcorrespondent Norman Hall reports.

**Spain PM Urges EU to Reindustrialize **

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is urging the European Union to

“reindustrialize” to end its dependence on energy, microchips and food from

outside the bloc.

On Monday, he called on the 27 EU nations to learn the lessons of shortages

provoked (刺激、引起) by the COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine.

Sanchez announced that a joint research project with 25 EU countries would

analyze reliance on other nations for energy, food, health and technology.

The speech was given to outline Spain's policy priorities before assuming the

rotating presidency of the EU council during the second half of 2023.

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 _____.

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