The Tai-Ex opened up 129-points this morning from yesterday's close, at

22,707 on turnover of 8.7-billion N-T.

The market closed moderatly higher on Wednesday on the back of last-ditch

buying focusing on select electronics and old economy heavyweights.

But turnover remained thin - with market watchers saying that's an indication

that many investors are uneasy as the end of a 90-day pause on U-S tariffs is

fast approaching.

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim says she believes Taiwan and the U-S are having

some "bumps" due to the potential imposition of sweeping tariffs on Taiwanese

goods by Washington …

…. but both sides are still talking with the hope of reaching a mutually

acceptable solution.

Hsiao made the comments at reception hosted by the American Institute in

Taiwan to celebrate U-S Independence Day.

Meanwhile,

A-I-T Director Raymond Greene, said in his address that the U-S and Taiwan's

economies are "well-positioned to help each other thrive (蓬勃發展),

especially in new and critical technologies" …

And Greene also praised Taiwan's expertise in high-tech, large-scale

production saying its "the perfect match for innovative U-S drone companies."

The Centers for Disease Control is reporting Taiwan's first case of P.

knowlesi malaria in 20 years.

The strain is primarily found in Southeast Asia and the C-D-C says the case

was imported.

C-D-C spokesman Philip Luo says the patient began experiencing symptoms

before entering Taiwan on June 19 and sought medical attention on June 25.

He was diagnosed with malaria two days later and remains hospitalized.

The new case has prompted (促使，提示) the C-D-C to lift the travel alert for

the Philippines to Level 1 for malaria.

The White House has confirmed that the US has frozen the shipment of some air

defense and precision guided weapons that were on track to be sent to

Ukraine.

Officials said the decision followed an assessment (評估) of U.S. stockpiles.

Kate Fisher reports from Washington

Rescuers are searching for 43 people missing in rough seas overnight after a

ferry carrying 65 people sank near Indonesia’s resort island of Bali.

The ferry sank almost half an hour after leaving East Java’s Ketapang port

late Wednesday.

The ferry carried 53 passengers, 12 crew members and 22 vehicles.

Two bodies have been recovered and 20 were rescued, many of them unconscious

after drifting in choppy (波浪滔滔的) waters for hours.

Nine boats have been searching for the missing people.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito has announced plans to honor Japanese World War II

prisoners during his visit to Mongolia next week.

Speaking Wednesday, he highlighted the hardships faced by thousands of

Japanese POWs who were captured (俘虜) after the Soviet Union declared war on

Japan in 1945.

Around 12-to-14-thousand prisoners were forced into labor under harsh

(嚴酷的) conditions, with about 1,700 dying in Mongolia.

Naruhito’s visit marks the 80th anniversary of the war's end as he continues

his efforts to promote peace.

That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____.

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