TAIWAN

Trade Hurt by Missile Tests, Board Says: Chinese missile tests in the sea north of Taiwan in July and August sent the island’s September trade with China to its lowest monthly level since March, the Board of Foreign Trade said. September exports totaled $1.38 billion and imports $229 million, the board said. March exports were $1.48 billion and imports were $246 million. China staged two sets of missile tests after Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui’s unofficial visit to the United States in June. Beijing viewed the visit as a move promoting independence for Taiwan. Taiwan bans direct contact with China. All trade with China must be channeled through a third territory.