US government shutdown delays Q3 GDP data release

The ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown has forced the postponement of the country's third-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) figures that were scheduled for release this week.

The postponement has left policymakers, financial institutions and businesses to make decisions in the dark without key data.

The federal government shutdown, now in its 31st day, could soon set an all-time record, with little sign of compromise between the Democratic and Republican parties.

The shutdown could cost the U.S. economy between seven billion and 14 billion U.S. dollars, depending on how long it drags on, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) said in a report this week.

US government shutdown delays Q3 GDP data release

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command on Tuesday conducted drills in waters east of Taiwan Island, focusing on all-dimensional force projection, breaching and raids by elite forces, as well as the seizure of key ports, according to the theater command.

On Tuesday afternoon, task forces from the amphibious assault ship Hainan, along with those from destroyers, frigates, and unmanned aerial vehicles, carried out joint drills.

The drills tested the capabilities of task force coordination, systemic operations, and precision strikes on key targets, said the theater command.

PLA's amphibious assault ship Hainan takes part in drills around Taiwan