TAIWAN STRAIT MEDIAN LINE

Income taxes rattle Canada: Rich Californians pay an average of 10%, while Canadians pay 70% more
Canadians will see a slight income tax cut in July, reducing the average tax burden from just over 17% to just below. While income taxes vary by province, they remain significantly higher than in the U.S. These higher taxes fund universal healthcare, education subsidies, and family benefits.

Indian export consignments gradually resuming through Red Sea route: Exporters
Good news for Indian exporters. Shipments are slowly resuming via the Red Sea. This follows months of disruptions due to regional tensions. The move will reduce transportation time. Freight rates have also stabilised. The Red Sea route is crucial for trade with Europe and the US. Most ships had rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope.

Japan says China conducted research near Pacific atoll
Japan has accused China of conducting unnotified maritime scientific research within its exclusive economic zone around Okinotori Island. The Japanese coastguard spotted a Chinese vessel extending a wire into the waters, prompting a demand to cease activity and a diplomatic protest. China argues Okinotori is merely rocks, invalidating Japan's EEZ claim, a stance supported by other nations.

China accuses Taiwan of cyberattack on tech company
The foreign hacker organisation behind the attack was "supported by" Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), authorities in the capital of Guangdong province said, based on an initial police investigation.

Widen the net, but hold the safety line
Central banks, including the Fed and BoJ, have increasingly used unconventional monetary policies to address financial market crises. While the RBI has been more conservative, the growing interconnectedness of financial institutions may necessitate direct intervention with NBFCs and MFs.

‘Worst landing ever’: Air New Zealand flight battles turbulence in Wellington skies
Air New Zealand Flight NZ417 faced a turbulent landing at Wellington Airport due to severe winds, forcing the pilots to abort the initial attempt. Passengers described the approach as harrowing, but the flight landed safely on the second try. Wellington's challenging weather conditions, exacerbated by recent extreme winds in the region, continue to cause disruptions for travelers.
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Gisborne: How New Zealand’s most isolated spot became its priciest rental market, costing a fortune
Gisborne, a remote New Zealand city, faces a rental crisis, becoming the nation's most expensive due to Cyclone Gabrielle's damage and pandemic-related construction delays. An influx of recovery workers further strains the limited housing supply, driving up rental costs. Efforts to build affordable housing are underway, but completion is not expected until August 2026, leaving many residents struggling.
Taiwan bolsters combat readiness, prepares for 'war of endurance' against China threat
Taiwan's military is prioritizing combat readiness and overhauling training programs in response to increasing threats from China. President Lai Ching-te emphasizes the need to stockpile supplies and prepare for a potential war of endurance. The annual Han Kuang exercises are extended to identify weaknesses, and a troop number review is scheduled to assess ongoing military enhancements.
China intensifies military activities around Taiwan
Taiwan's Defence Ministry reported Chinese military activity near the island. Several PLA aircraft and naval vessels were observed. Some aircraft crossed the median line into Taiwan's ADIZ. US lawmakers have also raised concerns with hotel chains. They are unhappy with the 'Taiwan, China' label. The legislators say it contradicts US policy.
Foxconn among potential bidders for Singaporean chip assembly firm UTAC in $3 billion deal, sources say
Foxconn is reportedly among the potential bidders for Singapore's UTAC Holdings, a semiconductor assembly and testing business valued at approximately $3 billion. Wise Road Capital, UTAC's owner, has engaged Jefferies to manage the sale, anticipating non-binding bids by the end of the month. UTAC's China presence may limit interest from U.S. based entities.
Amid 'Jensanity', Nvidia signals plans to keep AI crown
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang concluded a high-profile visit to Taiwan, highlighting new strategies amid slowing global AI spending. At Computex, he unveiled NVLink Fusion and enterprise AI servers to expand Nvidia's market reach. However, investors fear a drop in spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure as well as damage to sales from US trade friction.
Border talks with India and Bhutan advancing, says China's white paper on security; Highlights internal, external threats
China's new white paper identifies internal and external threats, including border disputes with India and Bhutan, while emphasizing the importance of political and regime security under the CPC. The paper highlights challenges in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and East China Sea, accusing Western forces of containment efforts and interference in internal affairs.
US weekly jobless claims fall as labor market remains stable
America saw a dip in unemployment claims last week. This hints at stable job growth in May. Initial claims fell to 227,000. Experts predict a rise in claims later. Layoffs might increase in 2025 due to trade policies. The median unemployment duration rose to 10.4 weeks in April. Uncertainty regarding tariffs is affecting hiring decisions.
US Hellscape military doctrine aims to fight China without soldiers on the frontline
From pink boxers in Afghanistan to drone swarms in the Taiwan Strait, the US is moving towards a new and unheard of war strategy. Boots on the ground win wars but they also come with a flipside - lives lost. Now, a new unmanned war doctrine, Hellscape, seeks to keep the American soldier off the battlefield, at least in the initial phase of conflict. This time, no one’s going in with a rifle and a flag
Nvidia's AI plans in Taiwan: All you need to know
Announced at the Computex 2025, the projects to be developed in partnership with key Taiwanese players and backed by government support, point to Taiwan’s growing role in the global AI race. On the cards are building Taiwan’s first large-scale AI supercomputer, a new AI computing centre, among others.
Taiwan's president downplays tariff tensions with the US as 'frictions between friends'
Amidst ongoing trade negotiations with the U.S., Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has downplayed tariff tensions as mere "frictions between friends." Despite initial 32% tariffs imposed by the U.S., later reduced to 10%, Lai remains optimistic, emphasizing the long-standing cooperation between the two regions.
Taiwan says 'willing' to talk to China as island boosts defences
Marking his first year, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te expressed willingness to engage in talks with China under conditions of parity and dignity, while simultaneously reinforcing the island's defense capabilities. He emphasized the importance of deterring war through preparedness and international cooperation.
Delta can sue CrowdStrike over computer outage that caused 7,000 canceled flights
The Atlanta-based judge also let Delta pursue a computer trespass claim, and a narrowed claim that CrowdStrike fraudulently promised not to introduce an "unauthorised back door" into the carrier's computers. In a statement on Monday, CrowdStrike's lawyer Michael Carlinsky said he was confident the judge will find Delta's case has no merit, or will limit damages to the "single-digit millions of dollars" under Georgia law.
Taiwan's Foxconn says AI data centre with Nvidia to have 100 MW of power
Foxconn said on Tuesday an artificial intelligence center it has announced with Nvidia will be built in phases and is targeted to have 100 megawatts of power.
Foxconn and Nvidia launch Taiwan’s first AI supercomputing hub with latest Blackwell GPUs
Foxconn and Nvidia have teamed up to build a state-of-the-art AI supercomputing hub in Taiwan, featuring Nvidia’s latest Blackwell GPUs. This “AI Factory” will accelerate AI development across smart cities, electric vehicles, and manufacturing, supporting researchers and businesses alike. The project, backed by Taiwan’s government and partners like TSMC, aims to boost automation, innovation, and AI adoption nationwide.
China’s Jiutian SS-UAV spooks US, challenges its air superiority, but can it outfly latest air defenses?
China’s new Jiutian SS-UAV is being pitched as a game-changing high-altitude drone with long-range, multi-role capability. Unveiled at the 15th Zhuhai Airshow, it boasts modular payloads, swarm drone launches, and AI-driven controls. But its real test lies in contested regions like the Taiwan Strait, where US and allied high-altitude missile systems stand ready
Nvidia unveils plan for Taiwan's first 'AI supercomputer'
Nvidia boss Jensen Huang announced plans for Taiwan's "first AI supercomputer", as he showcased on Monday the company's latest advances in artificial intelligence. Huang said Nvidia would work with Taiwanese tech giants Foxconn and TSMC as well as the government to build Taiwan's "first AI supercomputer .. for the AI infrastructure and AI ecosystem".
Nvidia's Huang sparks 'Jensanity' in Taiwan with AI hero's welcome
Visiting Taipei for Computex last year, some Taiwanese media termed the expression "Jensanity" to describe the level of devotion he generates when he visits. This year, Nvidia has set up a pop-up store selling playing cards, shirts and other memorabilia with Huang's image on it. His fame in Taiwan prompts bafflement from Nvidia colleagues, given he is often largely unnoticed when he attends similar events in the United States, and concern from his bodyguards as they try to hold back reporters and fans alike.
Global chip giants converge on Taiwan for Computex
Taiwan produces the bulk of the world's most advanced chips, including those needed for the most powerful AI applications and research. Top executives from Qualcomm, MediaTek and Foxconn will also speak at Computex, where advances in moving AI from data centres into laptops, robots and cars will be in the spotlight.
India’s March quarter GDP growth pegged at 6.8%: ET Poll
Economists predict India's Q4 FY25 GDP growth at 6.8%, fueled by strong agricultural output and rural demand, although slightly below RBI's forecast. Inventory stocking ahead of potential US tariffs also contributed. While rural consumption recovers, urban demand remains tepid due to slow wage growth and reduced savings, hindering a full-blown economic recovery.
Taiwan completes initial tests of Tien Kung IV missiles
Taiwan has completed initial evaluations of its new Tien Kung IV missiles, with mass production expected next year. The advanced air defense system boasts a 70km altitude, surpassing previous models and enhancing interception capabilities against cruise and ballistic missiles. Taiwan also aims to develop additional weapon systems and increase defense spending to bolster national resilience and acquire US arms.
Taiwan MND detects 16 sorties of Chinese aircraft, six naval vessels in its territory
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported detecting multiple PLA aircraft and vessels operating near the island over the weekend. A significant number of these aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan's ADIZ.
IT salary growth: Infosys, Wipro hike median pay by 30% since FY21
Indian IT firms like Infosys and Wipro have seen median salary increases of 30% since FY21, while Tech Mahindra's pay remained flat recently. Global firms Cognizant and Accenture experienced more moderate hikes. However, the growth rate of annual increments is showing a cooling trend across the industry, influenced by factors like growth and attrition.
Taiwan detects 8 sorties of Chinese aircraft, 7 naval vessels near its territory
Taiwan's defense ministry reported increased Chinese military activity around the island, including aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entering Taiwan's ADIZ. These actions have raised concerns about regional stability amid China's continued claims over Taiwan. A recent survey indicates that a majority of Chinese citizens oppose using force for reunification.
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