**Tai-Ex opening **

The Tai-Ex opened up 24-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 15,666

on turnover of 1.7-billion N-T.

The market lost ground after coming under heavy pressure on Wednesday, as

investors remained cautious ahead of the release of U-S inflation data for

April and continued to watch negotiations on the government's debt ceiling in

Washington.

Selling focused on the electronics sector as Taiwan Semiconductor

Manufacturing led the downturn despite raising its cash dividend payments for

earnings in the first quarter.

**Kishida Reiterates Taiwan's Security is Global Issue **

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is reiterated his belief in the

importance of continuing peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait - telling

Nikkei Asia that "it is a matter of importance not just to Japan, but the

whole international community."

Speaking ahead of the G-7 summit in the Japanese city of Hiroshima, Kishida

said Tokyo's position has always been that the issue of Taiwan should be

resolved peacefully through dialogue," and he believes the Group of Seven is

united on this."

According to Kishida, the G-7 leaders will demand Beijing act as a

responsible member of the global community and contribute to (貢獻) the

development of stable international relations through constructive dialogue.

**NCC to Appeal High Court Ruling on CTi Licence Renewal **

The National Communications Commission says it plans to appeal a ruling by

the Taipei High Administrative Court, which overturned its 2020 ruling

rejecting the renewal of CTi News' broadcast license.

The statement comes after the court sided with CTi News' appeal and ordered

the N-C-C to review the case based on the court's opinions.

The N-C-C says the court ruling has come as a "surprise" and is "regrettable

(令人遺憾的)".

Although siding with CTi News' calls for a review of its broadcast license

application, the court rejected a request for compensation from the

government and the immediate reinstatement of the broadcast license.

**Australia Trade Minister Calls for End to Curbs on China **

Australia is seeking to repair its strained economic ties with China.

Australia’s Trade Minister is meeting his Chinese counterpart in Beijing to

call for the end to all trade barriers (貿易障礙) on Australian exports.

Richard Kimber reports from Hong Kong.

**Nicaragua Orders Red Cross Closed **

Nicaragua has ordered the closure of the country's Red Cross, capping a

crackdown that has seen the government toss out out religious orders

(宗教組織), charities and civic groups.

The legislature voted to shutter the Nicaraguan Red Cross, accusing it of

"attacks on peace and stability" for helping treat injured protesters during

antigovernment demonstrations in 2018.

The legislature is dominated by President Daniel Ortega's Sandinista party.

The legislature ordered the country's Health Department to create “a new

Nicaragua Red Cross.”

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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