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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government must urgently rule out Ute Tax 2.0 – Federated Farmers

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Federated Farmers is calling on Revenue Minister Simon Watts to urgently rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars each year.
    Inland Revenue has proposed major changes to the way FBT applies to utes, which are common and essential work tools for most farmers across New Zealand.
    “This could very quickly become a ‘Ute Tax 2.0’ and it seems to be being pushed through by stealth,” says Federated Farmers transport spokesperson Mark Hooper.
    “Farmers will be incredibly concerned that the government are consulting on new rules that could add thousands of dollars of additional tax payments each year.
    “This would be a huge cost for farmers, tradies and other productive New Zealanders and unfairly punish the legitimate use of these work vehicles.
    “The previous Government’s Ute Tax was bad enough, but at least that was a one-off cost. These new FBT charges would be annual and cost farmers an arm and a leg each year.”
    Under the proposal, utes costing over $80,000 and provided to farm owners or other major shareholders would be taxed at 100% of their value (capped at $80,000), even if used almost exclusively for farm work.
    That would result in an annual tax bill of between $5,500 and $8,200.
    Everyone else, like employees and sharemilkers, would be taxed on 35% of the ute’s value. That’s around $1,800 to $2,700 annually for a $50,000 vehicle.
    “The old system at least allowed people to keep logbooks and potentially pay less tax if the private use was genuinely small,” Hooper says.
    “Now the Government wants to scrap all that and slap a flat tax on nearly every farm ute in the country, even if the ute almost never leaves the farm except to drive home.”
    Federated Farmers says the proposal completely ignores the reality of how farmers use their vehicles, often crossing public roads between blocks or driving into town for supplies at Farmlands or the vet.
    “These are not Queen Street vanity purchases. A four-wheel drive ute is a core piece of equipment that farmers need to do their job each day,” Hooper says.
    “If it leaves the farm to get fencing gear or pick something up from the vet, that’s still work. But under these new rules, it would be taxed as private use.”
    The IRD consultation period closed on 5 May, but Federated Farmers says the lack of clear direction from the Minister is causing anxiety in the rural sector.
    “The recently announced Investment Boost tax deduction was incredibly well received by farmers and has generated real economic activity, particularly at Fieldays,” Hooper says.
    “Unfortunately, all that good work risks being undone if the Government is giving with one hand and taking with the other.
    “We understand this is just a proposal and no final decisions have been made, but we’re calling on Simon Watts to move quickly and take these potential FBT changes off the table.
    “There’s no way the Government should be introducing taxes that would unfairly punish farmers for driving legitimate work vehicles.”
    Federated Farmers is calling on Revenue Minister Simon Watts to categorically rule out the Ute Tax 2.0.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why does my phone sometimes not ring when people call? A communications expert explains

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Jairo Gutierrez, Professor, Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Auckland University of Technology

    Tada Images

    There’s a certain feeling I get in the pit of my stomach when I’m waiting for an important call to come through. You know the type – maybe a call from your boss, a potential new employer or news of a loved one who’s due to give birth.

    In these situations, I usually stare at my phone, willing it to ring. I make sure – over and again – it’s not on silent or “do not disturb” mode. When the screen is out of my sight, I imagine I can hear the familiar ringtone.

    Then it pops up – the missed call notification. But the phone never rang. What happened?

    How do mobile calls work?

    When making a mobile call using 4G or 5G networks, the caller dials a number and their network operator (Telstra or OneNZ, for example) routes the request to the recipient’s device.

    For this to work, both phones must be registered with an IP Multimedia Subsystem – or IMS – which automatically happens when you turn on your phone. IMS is the system that allows the combination of voice calls, messages and video communications.

    Both phones must also be connected to a 4G or 5G cell phone tower. The caller’s network sends an invite to the recipient’s device, which will then start to ring.

    This process is usually very fast. But as generations of cellular networks have evolved (remember 3G?), becoming faster and with greater capacity, they have also become more complex, with new potential points of failure.

    From phone failures to ‘dead zones’

    Mobile phones use Voice over LTE (VoLTE) for 4G networks or Voice over New Radio (VoNR) for 5G. These are technologies that enable voice calls over those two types of networks and they use the above mentioned IMS.

    In some countries such as New Zealand, if either of these aren’t enabled or supported on your device (some phones have VoLTE disabled by default), it may attempt to fall back to the 3G network, which was switched off in Australia in 2024 and is currently being phased out in New Zealand.

    If this fallback fails or is delayed, the recipient’s phone may not ring or may go straight to voicemail.

    Another possibility is that your phone may have failed to register with the IMS network. If this happens – due to something like a software glitch, SIM issue, or network problem – a phone won’t receive the call signal and won’t ring.

    Then there are handover issues. Each cell phone tower covers a particular area, and if you are moving, your call will be handed over to the tower that provides the best coverage. Sometimes your phone uses 5G for data but 4G for voice; if the handover between 5G and 4G is slow or fails, the call might not ring. If 5G is used for both data and voice, VoNR is used, which is still not widely supported and may fail.

    Mobile apps introduce other potential problems. For example, on Android, aggressive battery-saving features can restrict background processes, including the phone app, preventing it from responding to incoming calls. Third-party apps such as call blockers, antivirus tools, or even messaging apps can also interfere with call notifications.

    Finally, if your phone is in an area with poor reception, it may not receive the call signal in time to ring. These so-called “dead zones” are more common than telcos would like to admit. I live at the end of a long driveway in a well-covered suburb of Auckland in New Zealand. But, depending on where I am in the house, I still experience dead zones and often the WiFi-enabled phone apps will more reliably cause the phone to ring.

    Battery-saving features on phones can restrict background processes, including the phone app, preventing it from responding to incoming calls.
    ymgerman/Shutterstock

    What can I do to fix it?

    If your phone frequently doesn’t ring on 4G or 5G there are a few things you can do:

    • make sure VolTE/VoNR is enabled in your network settings
    • restart your phone and toggle airplane mode to refresh network registration
    • check battery optimisation settings and exclude the phone app you are using
    • contact your carrier to confirm VoLTE/VoNR support and provisioning.

    But ultimately, sometimes a call will just fail – and there’s very little an everyday person can do about it. Which yes, is annoying. But it also means you have a failsafe, expert-approved excuse for missing a call from your boss.

    Jairo Gutierrez does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Why does my phone sometimes not ring when people call? A communications expert explains – https://theconversation.com/why-does-my-phone-sometimes-not-ring-when-people-call-a-communications-expert-explains-258400

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Introduces Resolution to Celebrate the 250th Birthday of the United States Army

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – On Monday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) introduced a resolution to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Army, honoring its storied history from the American Revolution to the Global War on Terror.
    The resolution also honors the bravery and patriotism of soldiers and veterans from Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, the former of which recently joined Senator Marshall at the Army’s 250th birthday parade on Saturday, June 14, in Washington, D.C.
    “It was a pleasure and honor to host 450 troops from Kansas’ own Fort Riley, honoring the ‘Big Red One,’ especially as they passed the storied 1st Division Monument, which holds special meaning as we celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday and honor all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said Senator Marshall. “These young men and women are the best of the best, the first division that the President calls to defend our freedoms. This event was an important demonstration of patriotism that American citizens need to see, and it is a breath of fresh air to finally have a President who is going above and beyond to honor our nation’s heroes.”
    Senator Marshall comes from a long line of Americans who served in the US Army, including his son, brother, father, and grandfather. Specifically, Senator Marshall was honorably discharged from the National Guard with the rank of Captain in 1991.
    Click here to read the full text of the resolution.
    Background:

    Kansas is home to critical military installations, including Fort Riley, home of the First Infantry Division – the oldest continuously serving division in the U.S. Army – and Fort Leavenworth, home of the U.S. Army’s Combined Arms Center (CAC) and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
    Fort Leavenworth, established in 1827, is the oldest continuously operating military installation west of the Mississippi River and the oldest permanent settlement in Kansas. Known historically as the “intellectual center of the Army,” all modern 5-star Army generals have passed through and studied at Fort Leavenworth, including George Marshall, Douglas MacArthur, Henry Arnold, Dwight Eisenhower, and Omar Bradley.
    The 1st Infantry Division, currently garrisoned at Fort Riley, is the oldest continuously serving division in the Army and was constituted on May 24, 1917. The Division has consistently been the first division to deploy into the wars of the United States, sending the first troops into World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, and Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During World War II, the 1st Infantry Division was the first to reach England, the first to fight the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, the first on the beaches in Normandy during D-Day, and the first to capture a major German city.
    Senator Marshall recently attended the 250th birthday parade celebration of the U.S. Army, alongside 450 troops from Fort Riley’s ‘Big Red One.’
    Senator Marshall worked for seven years on the FIRST Act, legislation that added 631 names of Big Red One Soldiers to the First Infantry Division Monument.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Op-Ed: The U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday: A Personal and National Triumph

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – On Monday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) published an op-ed in The Washington Times, marking the celebration of the 250th Birthday of the United States Army, and reflecting on how these celebrations can restore pride in America again.
    Read the full op-ed HERE or below:
    The Army’s 250th Birthday: A Personal and National Triumph
    Senator Roger Marshall
    The Washington Times
    June 16, 2024
    Standing in a quiet room at Gettysburg last month, I read about Lincoln’s Address—many headlines from 1863 called it “silly,” others “a perfected gem.” That’s the America I love: where we speak freely, protest boldly, and debate fiercely. Yet, as I scanned coverage of the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration on June 14, 2025, one truth was missing: 1.3 million soldiers gave their lives to protect those freedoms. The grand parade and festival on the National Mall weren’t just a showcase of strength; it was a rebirth of patriotism, a moment that hit me personally and resonated for our nation.
    My family’s story is woven into the Army’s 250 years. Every generation has served. Three ancestors fell in the Civil War’s brutal fields. A great-uncle, along with many other brave soldiers, suffocated from nerve gas in the Argonne Forest during World War I, the “war to end all wars.” Two other great-uncles stormed Normandy’s beaches; later in the Second World War, my wife lost an uncle. My dad served, my brother served, I served, and my son serves today. I’ve always believed every American should serve, not just for duty, but to feel the weight of sacrifice. At this great celebration, watching my grandsons’ eyes light up as tanks rumbled by on the Mall, I saw history spark their young hearts. This celebration wasn’t just about the past; it was about inspiring the future.
    I’ve lived through patriotism’s highs and lows. The Korean War, before my time, sparked questions about America’s global role. Vietnam, which I watched as a kid, left us confused—protests clashed with America First pride. The Gulf Wars came, and as 9/11’s memory faded, we debated how far was too far. Over the last four years, an open border signaled a nation adrift, with our military and law enforcement wondering if their commander-in-chief had their backs. Patriotism seemed shattered. But June 14 was a new day. The first-ever Army birthday celebration on the National Mall, with 6,600 soldiers marching, felt like a reset—a bold reclaiming of national pride.
    My daughter and niece, there with their young kids, saw it too. They said the parade taught their children military history, American pride, and gratitude for freedoms won through sacrifice. Veterans at home, glued to their TVs, felt seen—many watched every moment, marveling at “cool weapons,” tanks, and drones. Nearby us was a mom whose son re-enlisted, sworn in by President Trump. Tears streamed down her face as she waved her flag, her Army shirt emblazoned with her son’s regiment. “This is for all who served,” she said. I wish every veteran could’ve been flown to D.C. to feel that joy.
    The celebration’s significance ran deeper. It honored a legacy: the Army, born a year before the Declaration of Independence, secured our freedom in the Revolutionary War and defended us through the Civil War, World Wars, and modern conflicts. It showcased unity, with events like the wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier echoing the Army’s motto, “This We’ll Defend.” It highlighted innovation—radar, the internet, wireless tech—all rooted in Army ingenuity that shaped global progress. It inspired, with the “Be All You Can Be” campaign driving recruitment to 85% of 2025’s target, promising the strongest class in years. And as a prelude to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, it set the stage for national reflection.
    While too much of the media focused on other issues, no one can doubt that this celebration restored pride, boosted military morale, and sent a message to the world. As my grandson exclaimed, “America’s Army is undefeated,” rolling through 250 years of victories. To those burning flags or kneeling during the anthem, it’s a gut punch—a pain that breaks the hearts of those who served. I wish they’d served, felt the cost of freedom, had held a dying soldier in their arms as they said their last words, or joined a Chaplain as they delivered the news of a lost loved one to a young wife and children.  As riots flare, let’s remember: millions died so we can stand, debate, and rebuild.
    Regardless, when the President calls, the Army is rolling along!

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Buffalo, Gillibrand Highlights How President Trump’s Big Beautiful Betrayal Will Hurt Buffalo Hospitals, Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Proposal Would Increase Costs, Put Rural Hospitals At Risk Of Closure, Threaten Nursing Home Operations, And Make It Harder For Kids To Access Care

    If Bill Passes, An Estimated 45,000 People Would Lose Health Insurance And 31,000 Risk Losing Some Or All SNAP Benefits In The Buffalo Area Alone

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited the St. Joseph Campus of Catholic Health to highlight how President Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” will hurt Buffalo hospitals and families. If passed, this legislation would cause 10.9 million Americans, including up to 1.5 million New Yorkers, to lose their health insurance coverage by 2034, and 11million would be at risk of having their SNAP benefits reduced or eliminated.

    President Trump’s bill would cause Americans to lose their benefits by imposing work requirements on people receiving Medicaid and even stricter, more onerous work requirements for SNAP recipients. This would force families with children and people with disabilities to jump through more hoops to access benefits, and it would generate additional administrative costs for the program. In New York State, work requirements for Medicaid will cost an estimated $510 million annually to administer and enforce.

    President Trump’s bill would also put rural hospitals at risk of closure by limiting the use of provider taxes, which help make it possible for rural and urban hospitals and clinics to remain open and care for patients by providing maternity, emergency, and behavioral health care. Funds collected by states through provider taxes are often directed to health care providers whose costs far exceed base Medicaid payment rates. These providers are typically located in rural America – where health care services are hard to find – or in dense urban areas, where the cost to deliver health care is high and health care providers are serving more people with Medicaid.

    “President Trump’s bill is not ‘beautiful’—it’s a betrayal of millions of hard-working Americans,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This bill includes the largest cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in history, and it puts the future of our state’s critical rural hospitals in jeopardy. Congress and the Trump administration should be focused on bringing down the cost of essentials, not limiting access to the health care and benefits that so many New Yorkers rely on to get care and put food on the table. This is an unacceptable piece of legislation, and I will do everything in my power to stop it from passing.”

    “As an Occupational Therapist, I’ve seen firsthand the impacts of delayed and diminished healthcare,” said Rep. Kennedy (NY-26). “Treatable conditions become chronic illnesses, quality of life decreases, and ultimately, lives are cut short. The Republican reconciliation bill is a direct attack on working families and the healthcare they rely on in every community across our nation. This bill will make Americans less healthy and hurt Western New Yorkers.”

    Gillibrand was joined by Joyce Markiewicz, President and CEO of Catholic Health, and Denise Abbott, President of the Buffalo Central Labor Council.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Aggravated robbery – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A 31-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly threatening staff at a convenience store in Alice Springs in the early hours of this morning.

    Around 2:50am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report of an aggravated robbery at a convenience store on Todd Street. The offender had allegedly entered the store armed with a knife, threatened a staff member, and stolen items before leaving the store.

    The offender was tracked by police CCTV operators, resulting in his arrest by police within 3 minutes of the alleged offending. CCTV operators were also able to assist police in locating the discarded knife, which was seized.

    He was charged with Going armed in public and Aggravated Robbery, and was remanded in custody to appear in court on 18 June.

    Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Michael Curtiss said, “I want to acknowledge the excellent police work by our CCTV operators, alongside members on the ground, which resulted in the swift arrest of the offender.”

    Police continue to urge anyone who witnesses crime or antisocial behaviour to contact police on 131 444. In an emergency dial 000. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Woman charged over Port Adelaide robberies

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A woman has been charged over two robberies at Port Adelaide yesterday.

    Just before 3pm on Monday 16 June, it will be alleged a woman armed with a machete entered the service station on Grand Junction Road and demanded money from staff.

    The woman stole food items and left the store. Thankfully no one was physically injured.

    Police quickly responded and arrested a 30-year-old woman from Munno Para who was still in the area. The machete was safely recovered.

    Officers searched the woman and also found a taser in her bag.

    Western District Police will allege that the woman was also involved in an attempt robbery at another service station on Grand Junction Road just prior to this incident occurring.

    The woman was charged with two counts of attempt robbery, theft and possess dangerous article and is expected to face court later today.

    Anyone with information that may assist with investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers. You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or freecall 1800 333 000

    CO2500024878

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is ‘cognitive shuffling’ and does it really help you get to sleep? Two sleep scientists explain

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Melinda Jackson, Associate Professor at Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University

    Ursula Ferrara/Shutterstock

    If you’ve been on social media lately – perhaps scrolling in the middle of the night, when you know you shouldn’t but you just can’t sleep – you might have seen those videos promoting a get-to-sleep technique called “cognitive shuffling”.

    The idea, proponents say, is to engage your mind with random ideas and images via a special formula:

    1. pick a random word (such as “cake”)
    2. focus on the first letter of the word (in this case, C) and list a bunch of words starting with that letter: cat, carrot, calendar and so on
    3. visualise each word as you go along
    4. when you feel ready, move onto the next letter (A) and repeat the process
    5. continue with each letter of the original word (so, in this case, K and then E) until you feel ready to switch to a new word or until you drift off to sleep.

    It’s popular on Instagram and TikTok, but does “cognitive shuffling” have any basis in science?

    Where did this idea come from?

    The cognitive shuffling technique was made famous by Canada-based researcher Luc P. Beaudoin more than a decade ago, when he published a paper about how what he called “serial diverse imagining” could help with sleep.

    One of Beaudoin’s hypothetical examples involved a woman thinking of the word “blanket”, then thinking bicycle (and imagining a bicycle), buying (imagining buying shoes), banana (visualising a banana tree) and so on.

    Soon, Beaudoin writes, she moves onto the letter L, thinking about her friend Larry, the word “like” (imagining her son hugging his dog). She soon transitions to the letter A, thinking of the word “Amsterdam”:

    and she might very vaguely imagine the large hand of a sailor gesturing for another order of fries in an Amsterdam pub while a rancid accordion plays in the background.

    Sleep soon ensues. The goal, according to Beaudoin, is to think briefly about:

    a neutral or pleasant target and frequently [switch] to unrelated targets (normally every 5-15 seconds).

    Don’t try to relate one word with another or find a link between the words; resist the mind’s natural tendency toward sense-making.

    While the research into this technique is still in its infancy, the idea is grounded in science. That’s because we know from other research good sleepers tend to have different kinds of thoughts in bed to bad sleepers.

    People with insomnia are more focused on worries, problems, or noises in the environment, and are often preoccupied with not sleeping.

    Good sleepers, on the other hand, typically have dream-like, hallucinatory, less ordered thoughts before nodding off.

    Good sleepers typically have dream-like, hallucinatory, less ordered thoughts before nodding off.
    fran_kie/Shutterstock

    Sorting the pro-somnolent wheat from the insomnolent chaff

    Cognitive shuffling attempts to mimic the thinking patterns of good sleepers by simulating the dream-like and random thought patterns they generally have before drifting off to sleep.

    In particular, Beaudoin’s research describes two types of sleep-related thoughts: insomnolent (or anti-sleep) and pro-somnolent (sleep-promoting) thoughts.

    Insomnolent thoughts include things such as worrying, planning, rehearsing, and ruminating on perceived problems or failings.

    Pro-somnolent thoughts on the other hand involve thoughts that can help you fall asleep, such as dream-like imagery or having a calm, relaxed state of mind.

    Cognitive shuffling aims to distract from or interfere with insomnolent thought. It offers a calm, neutral path for your racing mind, and can reduce the stress associated with not sleeping.

    Cognitive shuffling also helps tell your brain you are ready for sleep.

    In fact, the process of “shuffling” between different thoughts is similar to the way your brain naturally drifts off to sleep. During the transition to sleep, brain activity slows. Your brain starts to generate disconnected images and fleeting scenes, known as hypnagogic hallucinations, without a conscious effort to make sense of them.

    By mimicking these scattered, disconnected, and random thought patterns, cognitive shuffling may help you transition from wakefulness to sleep.

    And the preliminary research into this is promising. Beaudoin and his team have found serial diverse imagining helps to lower arousal before sleep, improve sleep quality and reduce the effort involved in falling asleep.

    However, with only a small number of research studies, more work is needed here.

    It didn’t work. Now what?

    As with every new strategy, however, practise makes perfect. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t see an improvement straight away; these things take time.

    Stay consistent and be kind to yourself.

    And what works for some won’t work for others. Different people benefit from different types of strategies depending on how they relate to and experience stress or stressful thoughts.

    Other strategies to help create the right conditions for sleep include:

    If, despite all your best efforts, night time thoughts continue to impact your sleep or overall wellbeing, consider seeking professional help from your doctor or a trained sleep specialist.

    Melinda Jackson has received funding from the Medical Research Future Fund, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) and Dementia Australia. She a board member of the Australasian Sleep Association.

    Eleni Kavaliotis has previously received funding from an Australian government Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship. She is a member of the Australasian Sleep Association’s Insomnia and Sleep Health Council.

    – ref. What is ‘cognitive shuffling’ and does it really help you get to sleep? Two sleep scientists explain – https://theconversation.com/what-is-cognitive-shuffling-and-does-it-really-help-you-get-to-sleep-two-sleep-scientists-explain-256444

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is ‘cognitive shuffling’ and does it really help you get to sleep? Two sleep scientists explain

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Melinda Jackson, Associate Professor at Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University

    Ursula Ferrara/Shutterstock

    If you’ve been on social media lately – perhaps scrolling in the middle of the night, when you know you shouldn’t but you just can’t sleep – you might have seen those videos promoting a get-to-sleep technique called “cognitive shuffling”.

    The idea, proponents say, is to engage your mind with random ideas and images via a special formula:

    1. pick a random word (such as “cake”)
    2. focus on the first letter of the word (in this case, C) and list a bunch of words starting with that letter: cat, carrot, calendar and so on
    3. visualise each word as you go along
    4. when you feel ready, move onto the next letter (A) and repeat the process
    5. continue with each letter of the original word (so, in this case, K and then E) until you feel ready to switch to a new word or until you drift off to sleep.

    It’s popular on Instagram and TikTok, but does “cognitive shuffling” have any basis in science?

    Where did this idea come from?

    The cognitive shuffling technique was made famous by Canada-based researcher Luc P. Beaudoin more than a decade ago, when he published a paper about how what he called “serial diverse imagining” could help with sleep.

    One of Beaudoin’s hypothetical examples involved a woman thinking of the word “blanket”, then thinking bicycle (and imagining a bicycle), buying (imagining buying shoes), banana (visualising a banana tree) and so on.

    Soon, Beaudoin writes, she moves onto the letter L, thinking about her friend Larry, the word “like” (imagining her son hugging his dog). She soon transitions to the letter A, thinking of the word “Amsterdam”:

    and she might very vaguely imagine the large hand of a sailor gesturing for another order of fries in an Amsterdam pub while a rancid accordion plays in the background.

    Sleep soon ensues. The goal, according to Beaudoin, is to think briefly about:

    a neutral or pleasant target and frequently [switch] to unrelated targets (normally every 5-15 seconds).

    Don’t try to relate one word with another or find a link between the words; resist the mind’s natural tendency toward sense-making.

    While the research into this technique is still in its infancy, the idea is grounded in science. That’s because we know from other research good sleepers tend to have different kinds of thoughts in bed to bad sleepers.

    People with insomnia are more focused on worries, problems, or noises in the environment, and are often preoccupied with not sleeping.

    Good sleepers, on the other hand, typically have dream-like, hallucinatory, less ordered thoughts before nodding off.

    Good sleepers typically have dream-like, hallucinatory, less ordered thoughts before nodding off.
    fran_kie/Shutterstock

    Sorting the pro-somnolent wheat from the insomnolent chaff

    Cognitive shuffling attempts to mimic the thinking patterns of good sleepers by simulating the dream-like and random thought patterns they generally have before drifting off to sleep.

    In particular, Beaudoin’s research describes two types of sleep-related thoughts: insomnolent (or anti-sleep) and pro-somnolent (sleep-promoting) thoughts.

    Insomnolent thoughts include things such as worrying, planning, rehearsing, and ruminating on perceived problems or failings.

    Pro-somnolent thoughts on the other hand involve thoughts that can help you fall asleep, such as dream-like imagery or having a calm, relaxed state of mind.

    Cognitive shuffling aims to distract from or interfere with insomnolent thought. It offers a calm, neutral path for your racing mind, and can reduce the stress associated with not sleeping.

    Cognitive shuffling also helps tell your brain you are ready for sleep.

    In fact, the process of “shuffling” between different thoughts is similar to the way your brain naturally drifts off to sleep. During the transition to sleep, brain activity slows. Your brain starts to generate disconnected images and fleeting scenes, known as hypnagogic hallucinations, without a conscious effort to make sense of them.

    By mimicking these scattered, disconnected, and random thought patterns, cognitive shuffling may help you transition from wakefulness to sleep.

    And the preliminary research into this is promising. Beaudoin and his team have found serial diverse imagining helps to lower arousal before sleep, improve sleep quality and reduce the effort involved in falling asleep.

    However, with only a small number of research studies, more work is needed here.

    It didn’t work. Now what?

    As with every new strategy, however, practise makes perfect. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t see an improvement straight away; these things take time.

    Stay consistent and be kind to yourself.

    And what works for some won’t work for others. Different people benefit from different types of strategies depending on how they relate to and experience stress or stressful thoughts.

    Other strategies to help create the right conditions for sleep include:

    If, despite all your best efforts, night time thoughts continue to impact your sleep or overall wellbeing, consider seeking professional help from your doctor or a trained sleep specialist.

    Melinda Jackson has received funding from the Medical Research Future Fund, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) and Dementia Australia. She a board member of the Australasian Sleep Association.

    Eleni Kavaliotis has previously received funding from an Australian government Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship. She is a member of the Australasian Sleep Association’s Insomnia and Sleep Health Council.

    – ref. What is ‘cognitive shuffling’ and does it really help you get to sleep? Two sleep scientists explain – https://theconversation.com/what-is-cognitive-shuffling-and-does-it-really-help-you-get-to-sleep-two-sleep-scientists-explain-256444

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Previews SAC-D Hearing on FY 26 Budget Request for the Intelligence Community

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement in advance of the June 17th closed hearing with Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, John Ratcliffe, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and Lieutenant General William J. Hartman, Acting Director of the National Security Agency:

    “U.S. national security depends on the professionalism, objectivity, and integrity of a well-resourced intelligence community. As I’ve observed before, fighting conflict is far costlier than deterring it. And the costs of strategic surprise – the failure of intelligence – can be catastrophic. That’s why the defense subcommittee takes very seriously its responsibility to equip the IC for an array of sensitive and evolving missions.

    “In return, we expect the nation’s seniormost intelligence officials to provide candid observations on the challenges facing both the IC and the decisionmakers their work informs. I look forward, in particular, to thorough assessments of U.S. interests in ongoing conflicts:

    “I will expect Director Gabbard, Director Ratcliffe, and General Hartman to address the current state of Russia’s war in Ukraine, the potential consequences of an outcome that strengthens Vladimir Putin, and the potential damage to U.S. alliances and partnerships of withholding further support to Ukraine.

    “Likewise, I will expect them to assess Israel’s ongoing response to Iran’s decades-long war against America, Israel, and our Arab partners, and the stakes of allowing Iran to continue its nuclear enrichment operations and support for terrorist proxies.

    “Even more broadly, I will expect the leaders of the IC to demonstrate their grasp of the undeniable alignment and coordination of America’s adversaries. I expect them to outline how Chinese economic support for Iran and Iranian material support for Russia’s war informs the global assessments they offer to the Commander-in-Chief.

    “Allies and partners from Europe to Japan are looking to the United States to meet this coordinated aggression with a coordinated response. Retreating from this mantle of leadership will not strengthen or advance American interests.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Previews SAC-D Hearing on FY 26 Budget Request for the Intelligence Community

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement in advance of the June 17th closed hearing with Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, John Ratcliffe, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and Lieutenant General William J. Hartman, Acting Director of the National Security Agency:

    “U.S. national security depends on the professionalism, objectivity, and integrity of a well-resourced intelligence community. As I’ve observed before, fighting conflict is far costlier than deterring it. And the costs of strategic surprise – the failure of intelligence – can be catastrophic. That’s why the defense subcommittee takes very seriously its responsibility to equip the IC for an array of sensitive and evolving missions.

    “In return, we expect the nation’s seniormost intelligence officials to provide candid observations on the challenges facing both the IC and the decisionmakers their work informs. I look forward, in particular, to thorough assessments of U.S. interests in ongoing conflicts:

    “I will expect Director Gabbard, Director Ratcliffe, and General Hartman to address the current state of Russia’s war in Ukraine, the potential consequences of an outcome that strengthens Vladimir Putin, and the potential damage to U.S. alliances and partnerships of withholding further support to Ukraine.

    “Likewise, I will expect them to assess Israel’s ongoing response to Iran’s decades-long war against America, Israel, and our Arab partners, and the stakes of allowing Iran to continue its nuclear enrichment operations and support for terrorist proxies.

    “Even more broadly, I will expect the leaders of the IC to demonstrate their grasp of the undeniable alignment and coordination of America’s adversaries. I expect them to outline how Chinese economic support for Iran and Iranian material support for Russia’s war informs the global assessments they offer to the Commander-in-Chief.

    “Allies and partners from Europe to Japan are looking to the United States to meet this coordinated aggression with a coordinated response. Retreating from this mantle of leadership will not strengthen or advance American interests.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Van Hollen, Kaine Introduce Legislation to Sanction Salvadoran Officials for Human Rights Abuses, Collusion with Trump Administration in Violation of Constitutional Rights

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Van Hollen, Kaine Introduce Legislation to Sanction Salvadoran Officials for Human Rights Abuses, Collusion with Trump Administration in Violation of Constitutional Rights

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) introduced new legislation in a continuation of their efforts to hold El Salvador accountable for its human rights abuses and its collusion with the Trump Administration to imprison people from the United States without due process. The Senators’ legislation would apply sanctions on Salvadoran officials and others who have engaged in international human rights violations or worked to deprive individuals residing in the United States of their rights under the U.S. Constitution.

    The legislation would additionally explicitly sanction Salvadoran President Bukele and Vice President Ulloa, as well as El Salvador’s Ministers of Foreign Relations, Defense, and Justice and Public Security, among others. In addition to its actions alongside the Trump Administration to imprison people from the United States, Bukele and his government have continued to jail and persecute innocent Salvadoran citizens, including journalists and human rights advocates such as Ruth López.

    “President Bukele and his regime are continuing to commit abhorrent human rights atrocities and eradicate due process,” said Senator Padilla. “We must hold Bukele and all responsible parties accountable for the suspension of constitutional rights and continued collusion with the Trump Administration to imprison people from the United States without due process. Imposing economic sanctions and visa restrictions on Bukele and his corrupt government is a necessary step to push El Salvador to finally uphold international human rights law and respect fundamental civil liberties.”

    “President Bukele and the Government of El Salvador are colluding with the Trump Administration, taking American taxpayer dollars to imprison people as part of a scheme to violate their constitutional rights. We must hold Bukele and his cronies accountable for these wrongful actions as well as for the gross violations of human rights they are committing in El Salvador. This legislation would do just that by placing sanctions on Bukele and those in his government who are responsible for these abuses. We must send a clear signal that these injustices are unacceptable and must end,” said Senator Van Hollen.

    “Under President Bukele, tens of thousands of Salvadorans and even U.S. residents remain jammed in megaprisons without due process. President Bukele may think he has a friend in President Trump, but he should know that Americans will not tolerate his efforts to undermine the rule of law and democratic institutions—whether in El Salvador or here in the United States,” said Senator Kaine. “That’s why I’m introducing this legislation with my colleagues to sanction foreign nationals complicit in Bukele’s behavior and the Trump Administration’s illegal actions to deny due process to people living in the United States.”

    The Senators’ legislation is supported by the Latin America Working Group, the Washington Office on Latin America, Human Rights Watch, and Immigration Hub.

    Additional Background:

    • Sanctions: Imposes property-blocking and visa sanctions on President Bukele, key members of his cabinet, and other foreign persons working on behalf of the Salvadoran government that have:
      • engaged in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, including in connection with the ongoing “state of exception” in El Salvador;
      • engaged in the scheme, including by accepting U.S. taxpayer dollars, to deprive individuals residing in the United States of their Constitutional rights; or
      • provided material support to any person that has engaged in the above activities.
    • Termination/Snapback of Sanctions: Sanctions cannot be terminated until at least four years after the bill is enacted and unless the President certifies to Congress that the Government of El Salvador is no longer engaged in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights and no longer engaged in the scheme, including by accepting U.S. taxpayer dollars, to deprive individuals residing in the United States of their Constitutional rights. If the President determines that either of those conditions resume, then sanctions shall be reimposed.
    • Reporting Requirements: Requires reports to Congress that provide transparency on Salvadoran officials subject to a variety of sanctions authorities, U.S. government assistance to El Salvador, bilateral written agreements between the United States and El Salvador, and compliance with U.S. laws including the Leahy Laws and the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. Also requires a report on the actions of Salvadoran officials, including President Bukele, to use cryptocurrency as a mechanism for gross corruption, graft, and sanctions evasion.
    • Blocking International Financial Assistance: Instructs the United States to use its voice and vote in international financial institutions to oppose financial assistance to the Government of El Salvador until the appropriate Presidential certification is transmitted to Congress.
    • Prohibiting U.S. Funds for El Salvador: Prohibits any U.S. funding for the Government of El Salvador until the appropriate Presidential certification is transmitted to Congress.

    “Senators Van Hollen, Kaine, and Padilla’s bill to impose sanctions on the regime of President Nayib Bukele is timely and importantly puts a spotlight on the gross violation of human rights that have occurred under President Bukele’s state of exception. Since March 2022, 85,000 people have been detained, constitutional guarantees have been suspended, and over 350 people have died while under state custody. Systemic torture and persecution are state policies. Significantly, the bill also addresses the pervasive corruption that has occurred since President Bukele took office and prevents the IMF and other international financial institutions not to lend support. Not one penny of our tax dollars should support this regime until there is an end to the human rights violations, and the rule of law, judicial independence, and government transparency are restored.  All Members of Congress should get behind this bill,” said Vicki Gass, Executive Director, Latin America Working Group.  

    “Targeted individual sanctions for gross human rights violations are a critical diplomatic tool the U.S. can use to push for change and hold authoritarian actors accountable; as El Salvador’s political and human rights crisis deepens, strong international action like this becomes essential,” said Ana María Méndez-Dardón, Director for Central America at the Washington Office on Latin America.

    “We are heartened to see Senators confronting the human rights abuses of government officials in El Salvador. This bill an important reminder that uncritical US government support to President Bukele will not last forever and a recognition that nobody should be deported to Salvadoran prisons,” said Juan Pappier, Deputy Director of the Americas division, Human Rights Watch.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Van Hollen, Kaine Introduce Legislation to Sanction Salvadoran Officials for Human Rights Abuses, Collusion with Trump Administration in Violation of Constitutional Rights

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Van Hollen, Kaine Introduce Legislation to Sanction Salvadoran Officials for Human Rights Abuses, Collusion with Trump Administration in Violation of Constitutional Rights

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) introduced new legislation in a continuation of their efforts to hold El Salvador accountable for its human rights abuses and its collusion with the Trump Administration to imprison people from the United States without due process. The Senators’ legislation would apply sanctions on Salvadoran officials and others who have engaged in international human rights violations or worked to deprive individuals residing in the United States of their rights under the U.S. Constitution.

    The legislation would additionally explicitly sanction Salvadoran President Bukele and Vice President Ulloa, as well as El Salvador’s Ministers of Foreign Relations, Defense, and Justice and Public Security, among others. In addition to its actions alongside the Trump Administration to imprison people from the United States, Bukele and his government have continued to jail and persecute innocent Salvadoran citizens, including journalists and human rights advocates such as Ruth López.

    “President Bukele and his regime are continuing to commit abhorrent human rights atrocities and eradicate due process,” said Senator Padilla. “We must hold Bukele and all responsible parties accountable for the suspension of constitutional rights and continued collusion with the Trump Administration to imprison people from the United States without due process. Imposing economic sanctions and visa restrictions on Bukele and his corrupt government is a necessary step to push El Salvador to finally uphold international human rights law and respect fundamental civil liberties.”

    “President Bukele and the Government of El Salvador are colluding with the Trump Administration, taking American taxpayer dollars to imprison people as part of a scheme to violate their constitutional rights. We must hold Bukele and his cronies accountable for these wrongful actions as well as for the gross violations of human rights they are committing in El Salvador. This legislation would do just that by placing sanctions on Bukele and those in his government who are responsible for these abuses. We must send a clear signal that these injustices are unacceptable and must end,” said Senator Van Hollen.

    “Under President Bukele, tens of thousands of Salvadorans and even U.S. residents remain jammed in megaprisons without due process. President Bukele may think he has a friend in President Trump, but he should know that Americans will not tolerate his efforts to undermine the rule of law and democratic institutions—whether in El Salvador or here in the United States,” said Senator Kaine. “That’s why I’m introducing this legislation with my colleagues to sanction foreign nationals complicit in Bukele’s behavior and the Trump Administration’s illegal actions to deny due process to people living in the United States.”

    The Senators’ legislation is supported by the Latin America Working Group, the Washington Office on Latin America, Human Rights Watch, and Immigration Hub.

    Additional Background:

    • Sanctions: Imposes property-blocking and visa sanctions on President Bukele, key members of his cabinet, and other foreign persons working on behalf of the Salvadoran government that have:
      • engaged in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, including in connection with the ongoing “state of exception” in El Salvador;
      • engaged in the scheme, including by accepting U.S. taxpayer dollars, to deprive individuals residing in the United States of their Constitutional rights; or
      • provided material support to any person that has engaged in the above activities.
    • Termination/Snapback of Sanctions: Sanctions cannot be terminated until at least four years after the bill is enacted and unless the President certifies to Congress that the Government of El Salvador is no longer engaged in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights and no longer engaged in the scheme, including by accepting U.S. taxpayer dollars, to deprive individuals residing in the United States of their Constitutional rights. If the President determines that either of those conditions resume, then sanctions shall be reimposed.
    • Reporting Requirements: Requires reports to Congress that provide transparency on Salvadoran officials subject to a variety of sanctions authorities, U.S. government assistance to El Salvador, bilateral written agreements between the United States and El Salvador, and compliance with U.S. laws including the Leahy Laws and the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. Also requires a report on the actions of Salvadoran officials, including President Bukele, to use cryptocurrency as a mechanism for gross corruption, graft, and sanctions evasion.
    • Blocking International Financial Assistance: Instructs the United States to use its voice and vote in international financial institutions to oppose financial assistance to the Government of El Salvador until the appropriate Presidential certification is transmitted to Congress.
    • Prohibiting U.S. Funds for El Salvador: Prohibits any U.S. funding for the Government of El Salvador until the appropriate Presidential certification is transmitted to Congress.

    “Senators Van Hollen, Kaine, and Padilla’s bill to impose sanctions on the regime of President Nayib Bukele is timely and importantly puts a spotlight on the gross violation of human rights that have occurred under President Bukele’s state of exception. Since March 2022, 85,000 people have been detained, constitutional guarantees have been suspended, and over 350 people have died while under state custody. Systemic torture and persecution are state policies. Significantly, the bill also addresses the pervasive corruption that has occurred since President Bukele took office and prevents the IMF and other international financial institutions not to lend support. Not one penny of our tax dollars should support this regime until there is an end to the human rights violations, and the rule of law, judicial independence, and government transparency are restored.  All Members of Congress should get behind this bill,” said Vicki Gass, Executive Director, Latin America Working Group.  

    “Targeted individual sanctions for gross human rights violations are a critical diplomatic tool the U.S. can use to push for change and hold authoritarian actors accountable; as El Salvador’s political and human rights crisis deepens, strong international action like this becomes essential,” said Ana María Méndez-Dardón, Director for Central America at the Washington Office on Latin America.

    “We are heartened to see Senators confronting the human rights abuses of government officials in El Salvador. This bill an important reminder that uncritical US government support to President Bukele will not last forever and a recognition that nobody should be deported to Salvadoran prisons,” said Juan Pappier, Deputy Director of the Americas division, Human Rights Watch.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer Tours Food Bank, Defends Food Assistance Amid Trump Administration Cuts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Legislation – Luxon’s ACT Party Government dragging NZ workers back in time – Workers First Union

    Source: Workers First Union

    Today’s introduction of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill to Parliament shows that the ACT Party – a fringe libertarian party with the support of fewer than one in ten New Zealanders – is now the leading force in Christopher Luxon’s “hands-off” Government and has been given a green light to drag Aotearoa backwards with a disastrous suite of anti-worker ‘reforms’.
    “It’s clear that Brooke van Velden and the ACT Party are now redefining the future of workers in New Zealand with the blessing of a negligent Prime Minister,” said Dennis Maga, Workers First Union General Secretary.
    “These are the most significant anti-worker law changes that this country has seen in decades, and they will make life worse for every working person in the country to the benefit of exploitative employers.”
    “This Bill ‘am

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Environment – EPA seeks feedback about new weedkiller for wheat and barley crops

    Source: Environmental Protection Authority

    The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) wants feedback on an application to import or manufacture Tower, a new herbicide used to control certain broadleaf and grass weeds in wheat and barley crops.
    Adama New Zealand Limited has applied to introduce the new herbicide, which contains the active ingredients:
    – chlorotoluron at 250 g/L
    – pendimethalin at 300 g/L
    – diflufenican at 40 g/L.
    Chlorotoluron is a new active ingredient to Aotearoa New Zealand. It has been approved in Europe. Pendimethalin and diflufenican have previously been assessed and substances containing these active ingredients are already approved for use in New Zealand.
    Adama says the product offers a new mode of action and should reduce the risk of resistance developing when used as part of an integrated weed management programme.
    Almost 100,000 hectares of New Zealand land is used for wheat and barley production. Annual crop sales total around $300 million for both crops combined.
    The EPA has carried out a human health and environmental risk assessment and is now inviting submissions on this application.
    If approved, Tower could only be used by professionals in commercial settings using ground-based application. It would be applied after sowing and before wheat and barley plants emerge.
    Dr Lauren Fleury, EPA Hazardous Substances Applications Manager, says the EPA is making strong progress to boost efficiency in assessing applications, with eight applications for new active ingredients currently in progress.
    “We understand the importance of timely access to new products. Since 1 July 2024, we have reduced the queue of hazardous substance release applications by 21 percent, and we are on track to complete the highest number of decisions in five years.”
    Submissions close on 30 July.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Measles alert for Sydney

    Source: Australian Green Party

    NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious on an international flight and while visiting several locations in Sydney.
    The case recently returned from South-East Asia where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries including Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
    People who were on board the below flight or attended the following locations should watch for the development of symptoms. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
    Monday 10 March:

    Vietnam Airlines flight VN773 departed Ho Chi Minh City 9:20pm Sunday 9 March, arriving in Sydney 9:50am Monday 10 March.
    Sydney International Airport arrivals terminal and baggage claim from 10am to midday.

    Thursday 13 March:

    The Children’s Hospital Westmead Emergency Department waiting room entering via the Westmead Precinct entrance 10 from 10:30am to 5pm.

    South Western Sydney Local Health District A/Director of Public Health, Dr Mitchell Smith, said anyone who travelled on flight VN773 or visited the above locations at those times you should monitor for symptoms.
    Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.
    “Symptoms to watch out for include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body,” Dr Smith said.
    “It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms until the end of March 2025.
    “It’s important for people to stay vigilant if they’ve been exposed, and if they develop symptoms, to please call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.
    “We want to remind the community to make sure they are up-to-date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.
    “This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.
    “Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”
    The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective, and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.
    Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR up to six months earlier if they are travelling to areas with a high risk for measles. Parents should consult their GP.
    People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
    For more information on measles, view the measles fact sheet.
    If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
    ​

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s cultural heritage workshops boost rural revitalization, employment

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 16 — China’s intangible cultural heritage workshops are proving a powerful force for rural revitalization, with over 11,000 such workshops preserving traditional crafts, creating jobs and boosting local economies, official data shows.

    These workshops are distributed across 2,005 county-level regions, including 670 formerly impoverished counties and 135 key counties designated to receive rural revitalization assistance, and have generated employment for more than 1.2 million people in related industries.

    Notably, over 4,300 workshops operate directly in villages, providing flexible work arrangements particularly suited to elderly residents, women, and people with disabilities through home-based production and daily wage models.

    The Chinese government has actively promoted the role of intangible cultural heritage in cultural preservation and economic development. In December 2021, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and other central government departments issued a policy document specifically guiding the establishment and operation of these workshops, emphasizing talent cultivation, job creation and industrial support.

    At the local level, 18 provinces have introduced policies to certify and manage these workshops, offering funding, marketing assistance and resource coordination.

    In Zhejiang Province, for example, the Xiaoshan district has paired workshops with villages. The provincial-level Xiaoshan pickled radish intangible cultural heritage workshop has connected over 40,000 farmers through contract-based production, generating an output value of 300 million yuan (about 42 million U.S. dollars) in 2024.

    As of March this year, the number of national-level intangible cultural heritage inheritors has grown to nearly 4,000.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: FM spokesperson: China welcomes Vietnam to join as BRICS partner country

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China welcomes Vietnam to join as a BRICS partner country, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

    Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on the news that the BRICS chair Brazil announced the formal admission of Vietnam as a partner country of the group on Friday.

    China welcomes Vietnam to join the BRICS as a partner country, Guo said, noting that Vietnam’s participation in BRICS cooperation will not only benefit its own development but also align with the common interests of BRICS and the Global South.

    “We believe that Vietnam will make positive contributions to the BRICS mechanism,” the spokesperson added.

    A new partner to the BRICS family marks a further expansion of the mechanism’s representativeness and highlights its appeal and influence, Guo said, noting that China stands ready to work with other member and partner countries to build a more comprehensive, close, practical, and inclusive partnership, advance the high-quality development of “BRICS Plus” cooperation, and make greater contributions to upholding multilateralism, defending fairness, and promoting shared development.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 1 dead, 6 missing in central China fireworks factory explosion

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    An explosion at a fireworks factory in central China’s Hunan Province on Monday had left one person dead, six missing and nine injured as of 5 p.m., local authorities said.

    The explosion occurred at Shanzhou Fireworks Co., Ltd. in Linli County under Changde City at approximately 8:23 a.m. Monday, the county Party committee’s publicity department said, adding that all the injured are receiving medical treatment, with non-life-threatening conditions.

    The blast site is a single-story reinforced concrete structure. Established in July 2017, the factory employs over 150 people, most of whom were outside the explosion zone when the accident occurred.

    Immediately following the accident, emergency teams at various levels were mobilized to the scene. Rescue efforts remain focused on locating the missing, treating the injured, evacuating nearby residents, and investigating the cause of the accident.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China urges US to stop coercing other countries into taking sides

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China has always supported Latin American and Caribbean countries, including Panama, in upholding their independence and autonomy and opposing hegemony, bullying and foreign interference, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

    Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks in response to reports that the U.S. Embassy in Panama stated the United States will work with Panama to install seven new communications towers with U.S. technology, replacing Chinese company Huawei’s equipment. Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has urged the U.S. embassy to refrain from making public declarations regarding decisions made solely by the Panamanian government.

    Addressing a regular press briefing, Guo said that the United States has long conducted surveillance and cyberattacks in Latin America and the Caribbean, causing adverse effects across the Western Hemisphere and leaving countries in the Americas feeling insecure.

    He added that while carrying out friendly cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries, China has always adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, openness, inclusiveness and win-win collaboration. “China never seeks spheres of influence, nor does it engage in geopolitical competition, let alone coerce other countries into taking sides,” the spokesperson said.

    Noting that Latin America and the Caribbean are not anyone’s backyard, Guo urged the United States to stop politicizing economic, trade, and scientific and technological issues, stop interfering in other countries’ internal affairs and undermining their sovereignty and independence, stop coercing other countries into taking sides or restricting cooperation with China, and instead focus on promoting regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-Central Asia Summit to draw new blueprint for future cooperation

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    At the upcoming Second China-Central Asia Summit to be held later this week, heads of state will jointly draw a new blueprint for future cooperation, open up new space for Belt and Road cooperation and build an even closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in Beijing on Monday.

    Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a press briefing when answering a related query.

    Noting Central Asia is not only the place where the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was first proposed, but also a pace-setter in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, Guo said that all five Central Asian countries have signed BRI cooperation documents with China, and China and Central Asian countries have implemented a series of signature projects designed to boost development and make lives better for the people.

    Trade between China and Central Asian countries hit a record high of 674.15 billion yuan in 2024, up by 116 percent compared with that of 2013. Guo said that all sides have found a new model of mutually beneficial cooperation through the China-Kazakhstan Crude Oil Pipeline project and the China-Central Asia Gas Pipeline project. The China-Tajikistan highway, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan highway and the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway have taken regional connectivity to new levels, and practical cooperation is expanded to digital economy and green transition.

    “China has mutual visa exemption with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The Luban Workshops project is picking up speed. People-to-people and cultural exchanges have moved onto the fast lane and brought our peoples close to each other,” Guo said, pointing out that high-quality Belt and Road cooperation is increasingly becoming a key focus of China-Central Asia cooperation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘China Tourism Year’ kicks off in Kazakhstan

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    The opening ceremony of Kazakhstan’s “China Tourism Year” was held on Monday at the National Museum of Kazakhstan, with around 300 guests from China and Kazakhstan in attendance.

    Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli and Kazakh Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabosynov delivered speeches at the event.

    As a major highlight of the “China Tourism Year” in Kazakhstan, the exhibition titled “Silk and the Silk Road: From China to Kazakhstan” also opened on the same day at the National Museum.

    The exhibition is divided into three sections, “The Origin of Silk,” “The Road of Silk,” and “The Use of Silk”, aiming to showcase the historical richness and modern development of Silk Road culture, as well as the friendship and cultural exchange between China and countries along the Silk Road.

    The exhibition will run through August 8.

    The opening ceremony also featured cultural performances, a Hanfu fashion show, and hands-on experiences with intangible cultural heritage. In addition, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the China National Silk Museum and the National Museum of Kazakhstan.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese car brands double sales in Spain, gaining over 10% market share

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Chinese car brands accounted for 10.12 percent of total vehicle registrations in Spain during the first five months of 2025. The figure more than doubled the 23,235 units registered in the same period last year, the Spanish Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers (ANFAC) announced on Monday.

    Felix Garcia, ANFAC’s director of communications and marketing, described the May sales figures as “very positive.” “More than 112,000 units sold and the growth of over 18 percent show that it was the best May since 2019, before the pandemic began,” he said in a statement.

    ANFAC’s data includes not only Chinese carmakers such as Chery and BYD, but also European brands owned by Chinese automotive groups, such as Volvo under the Geely group and MG under SAIC Motor.

    According to a recent survey conducted by online car dealer Coches.net and the Spanish vehicle distributors’ association Ganvam, seven out of ten Spaniards expressed a favorable opinion of Chinese brand cars, saying they would consider buying one.

    BYD, the world’s largest plug-in car manufacturer, sold 7,788 units in Spain by the end of May, marking a dramatic rise from just 54 units sold two years ago. In May, BYD overtook Tesla as the best-selling electric car brand in the country.

    The rising popularity of Chinese vehicles aligns with the broader growth in electrified vehicle sales, including pure electric and plug-in hybrids, which have taken 20 percent of the Spanish market, according to ANFAC.

    “Pure electric vehicles went up to 8 percent, while other electrified vehicles now exceed 11 percent. Together, they account for around 19 percent of the market share. This is key to rejuvenating the country’s Motor Vehicle Fleet and reducing emissions,” Garcia added.

    The Spanish government’s MOVES incentive program also plays a role in encouraging electric vehicle purchases, offering subsidies of up to 7,000 euros for buyers. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xiaomi powers EV growth through smart manufacturing

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Lei Jun, founder and chairman of Xiaomi, speaks to the media at Xiaomi’s automobile factory in Beijing, capital of China, June 16, 2025. Located in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, China’s tech giant Xiaomi’s automobile factory sprawls across over 700,000 square meters. Integrating research, testing, production and sales, the factory is open to the public to showcase its cutting-edge automotive production capabilities. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Inside a workshop at Chinese tech giant Xiaomi’s electric vehicle (EV) factory, the scene is a stark contrast to what one might expect to see on a factory floor.

    With few workers in sight, robotic arms move with precision and speed, seamlessly assembling vehicle body components. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) glide across the floor, efficiently transporting materials to their designated stations.

    Xiaomi entered the EV market in 2021, setting up a state-of-the-art factory spanning some 720,000 square meters in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, also known as Beijing E-Town — a key innovation hub for China’s autonomous driving industry. The market newcomer unveiled its SU7 model in March 2024.

    Every 76 seconds, a new Xiaomi vehicle rolls off the production line at the factory, with over 700 robots operating around the clock to enable the full automation of key processes such as large-scale die casting.

    The factory embodies Xiaomi’s vision for smart manufacturing, in which intelligent machines take the lead and automation fuels both quality and efficiency.

    To Lei Jun, founder and chairman of Xiaomi, the importance of sustained investment in innovation is self-evident.

    “Upholding our unwavering principle of ‘technology as the foundation,’ Xiaomi has invested over 100 billion yuan (about 13.93 billion U.S. dollars) in R&D over the past five years, making significant strides in many core capabilities. In the next five years, we plan to invest another 200 billion yuan to pursue new heights in global next-generation hard tech,” Lei said.

    “Over the past five years, we have steadfastly pursued our high-end strategy,” Lei noted, adding that amid intense competition in the auto market, Xiaomi remains committed to long-term thinking — strengthening its core competitiveness, meeting diverse consumer demands, and advancing up the value chain in close collaboration with industry partners in an expansive, fast-evolving market.

    Since March 2024, Xiaomi has delivered over 250,000 vehicles, quickly emerging as a key player in China’s rapidly growing new energy vehicle market by leveraging advanced smart manufacturing and a favorable policy environment to fuel its rapid ascent.

    “Xiaomi owes its growth and success to the fertile ground for innovation that Beijing provides,” Lei said. “Supportive ‘soft’ environments and robust ‘hard’ policies have nurtured a group of innovative companies like Xiaomi, enabling them to forge ahead on new development tracks.”

    Data shows that Beijing’s R&D intensity — measured as the ratio of total R&D spending to GDP — has remained above 6 percent for six consecutive years, reflecting the city’s strong commitment to innovation. This dedication is also recognized globally: according to a report released earlier this year, Beijing ranks among the world’s top 10 innovation cities.

    The report, published in January, was compiled by the Shenzhen International Science and Technology Information Center, the Center for Industrial Development and Environmental Governance of Tsinghua University, and research publishing and information analytics company Elsevier.

    “Manufacturing is the foundation of our nation and the cornerstone of a strong country. As both a contributor to and a beneficiary of China’s manufacturing development, we aim not only to bring the benefits of technology to consumers, but also to continue advancing on the path of innovation,” Lei noted. 

    Robots work at Xiaomi’s automobile factory in Beijing, capital of China, June 16, 2025. Located in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, China’s tech giant Xiaomi’s automobile factory sprawls across over 700,000 square meters. Integrating research, testing, production and sales, the factory is open to the public to showcase its cutting-edge automotive production capabilities. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Visitors learn about a new energy vehicle at Xiaomi’s automobile factory in Beijing, capital of China, June 16, 2025. Located in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, China’s tech giant Xiaomi’s automobile factory sprawls across over 700,000 square meters. Integrating research, testing, production and sales, the factory is open to the public to showcase its cutting-edge automotive production capabilities. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US stocks rebound as investors brush off Middle East tensions

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    U.S. stocks ended higher on Monday, recovering from Friday’s sharp losses as investors’ concerns over ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran eased somehow.

    Escalation of conflicts between Iran and Israel had briefly rattled markets — oil prices surged, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) spiked, and gold prices rose as investors sought safe havens. However, Monday’s action suggested confidence remained intact. High-yield credit spreads widened by just 2 basis points.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 317.30 points, or 0.75 percent, to 42,515.09. The S&P 500 added 56.14 points, or 0.94 percent, to 6,033.11. The Nasdaq Composite Index increased by 294.39 points, or 1.52 percent, to 19,701.21.

    Seven of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors ended in green, with communication services and technology leading the gainers by adding 1.53 percent and 1.52 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, utilities and health led the laggards by losing 0.50 percent and 0.40 percent, respectively.

    Market history supports the idea that geopolitical shocks are often short-lived in their market impact. According to Deutsche Bank analysts Parag Thatte and Binky Chadha, the S&P 500 typically drops around 6 percent in the three weeks following a geopolitical event, but usually recovers those losses in the next three weeks.

    Deutsche Bank’s Henry Allen added in a Monday note that geopolitical events tend to have lasting effects on equities only when they disrupt the real economy, either by slowing growth or driving inflation. So far, investors seem to be betting that neither scenario is likely in the near term.

    Despite lingering geopolitical concerns, historically low equity positioning and resilient fundamentals may be keeping a broader sell-off at bay, allowing risk appetite to return for now. “Focus will remain on geopolitical headlines, but as long as the conflict stays limited between Israel and Iran, it’s unlikely to materially impact the markets,” said Tom Essaye at the Sevens Report.

    Tesla rose more than 1 percent on Monday, while Meta Platforms climbed 2.9 percent, helping power the broader market. Palantir, often seen as a beneficiary of rising geopolitical instability due to its defense and AI ties, rose near 3 percent.

    The rising move comes ahead of a key week for monetary policy. Investors digested a weaker-than-expected manufacturing survey released Monday morning by the New York Fed, adding to signs of slowing momentum in the industrial sector. Still, the data did little to shift expectations ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision on Wednesday.

    According to CME Group’s FedWatch Tool, futures markets are pricing in a 100 percent chance that the Fed will hold rates steady, despite renewed pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called on Fed Chair Jerome Powell to cut interest rates.

    However, elevated oil prices stemming from the conflict in the Middle East are expected to keep inflation risks on the Fed’s radar and reduce the likelihood of rate cuts in the near term. “Markets got a reminder that tariffs aren’t the only potential source of market volatility,” said Chris Larkin at E*Trade from Morgan Stanley. “Right now, markets are signaling they expect the situation in the Middle East will remain contained, but any surprises could have an oversized impact on sentiment.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s postal sector sees strong growth in parcel handling

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China’s postal sector handled 86.18 billion parcels from January to May 2025, a 17.6 percent year-on-year increase, according to data released Monday by the State Post Bureau.

    Express delivery services accounted for 78.77 billion of these parcels, surging 20.1 percent from the same period last year.

    In terms of business revenue, China’s postal industry witnessed stable growth, with revenue rising 8 percent year on year to 718.73 billion yuan (about 100.12 billion U.S. dollars).

    The significant growth in parcel deliveries is a sign of a thriving consumer market. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, retail sales of consumer goods in China increased by 5 percent year on year from January to May, up from the 4.7-percent growth in the first four months of the year. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sao Paulo parts ways with manager Zubeldia

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Sao Paulo has sacked Argentine manager Luis Zubeldia after a poor start to the Brazilian Serie A season, the club said on Monday.

    Sao Paulo is currently 14th in Brazil’s 20-team top-flight standings with just two wins from 12 games so far. The club has fared better in the Copa Libertadores, finishing top of its group to advance to the last 16, where it will meet Colombia’s Atletico Nacional over two legs in August.

    “By mutual agreement and in an amicable manner, it was decided that Luis Zubeldia will not remain in charge of the team,” Sao Paulo said in a statement on its official website.

    Zubeldia guided Sao Paulo to 38 wins, 27 draws and 20 losses after taking charge in April last year.

    Media reports said former Argentina striker Hernan Crespo was the frontrunner to assume the vacant position. Crespo, who had an eight-month spell in charge of the club in 2021, has been out of work since parting ways with United Arab Emirates outfit Al Ain last November. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: What the Shenzhou-20 astronauts are doing after over 50 days in space

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    This video screenshot taken at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on May 22, 2025 shows Shenzhou-20 astronaut Chen Dong leaving China’s orbiting space station for extravehicular activities. (Xinhua/Li Yanchen)

    Imagine living and working hundreds of miles above Earth for over 50 days. This sci-fi scene has been a reality for China’s Shenzhou-20 crew — Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie — aboard the Tiangong Space Station.

    Far from a quiet getaway, a short video released by China’s state television broadcaster CCTV on Monday showed their “space business trip,” which is packed with vital scientific work, health checks, and station upkeep, all of which are crucial for future space exploration.

    The astronaut trio are in good condition and the multi-disciplinary space science experiments are advancing smoothly, according to the CCTV report.

    The crew, commanded by veteran astronaut Chen Dong, was launched into orbit on April 24 for a six-month mission.

    Over the past week, they devoted substantial time to space medicine research. During their research, they have explored fundamental aspects of cognitive function in microgravity, focusing on teamwork dynamics, self-awareness in isolation and how astronauts perceive motion, depth, and relationships absent Earth’s gravity. These studies are critical for ensuring safe operations during spacewalks and complex tasks.

    In addition, they also conducted routine vascular ultrasound scans tracked changes in cardiovascular function over time and used apparatus to capture subtle changes in control and coordination during precise tasks like equipment operation or sample handling, according to the report.

    On the front of life science, they focused on the “effects and mechanisms of space microgravity on microorganisms” experiment.

    The video showed that in Tiangong’s specialized biotechnology experiment rack, the crew observed the growth, developmental patterns, and bioactive compound synthesis of Streptomyces bacteria in weightlessness.

    This research is expected to reveal new biological adaptations and potential applications for space-based pharmaceutical research.

    The crew carefully sampled liquid cultures, preserving the samples for their eventual journey back to Earth.

    Another highlight of their daily routine, in addition to the meticulous space station upkeep, is their rigorous exercise to counter the physical toll of microgravity. The video captures the astronauts running on a treadmill in the space module.

    Beyond exercise, the crew undergoes regular checkups like detailed heart monitoring and blood pressure tracking. They also participate in unique health assessments based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, according to the report.

    China’s space station has now hosted over 200 scientific projects, with nearly 2 tonnes of scientific materials and applied equipment sent to orbit and nearly 100 experimental samples returned to Earth, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: How China-Africa industrial chain drives continental growth

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China-Africa trade reached a record 295.56 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, up 4.8 percent year-over-year, marking the 16th consecutive year China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner.

    Currently, with the support of the 10 partnership action plans, Chinese and African businesses are enhancing collaboration across the industrial chain, propelling the advancement of relations and providing fresh impetus for sustainable economic growth.

    This photo taken on May 27, 2025 shows workers checking cocoa processing equipment at the cocoa processing complex in the PK24 Industrial Park on the northwestern outskirts of Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

    BOOSTING LOCAL PRODUCTION

    In Cote d’Ivoire, the PK24 Industrial Park outside Abidjan, the country’s economic capital, is abuzz with activity. A newly built cocoa processing complex, the country’s first state-owned modern plant, is about to launch.

    Built by China Light Industry Nanning Design Engineering Co., Ltd., the facility can process 50,000 tonnes of cocoa annually and store 140,000 tonnes. It marks a major milestone in the country’s drive to advance up the global value chain.

    “We’re finally processing cocoa on our own land,” said Ettien Kouakou Camille, a local farmer beaming with pride. “In the past, cocoa was exported without being processed. Now, Chinese companies are helping us change that.”

    Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, Cote d’Ivoire’s Minister of State and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said Chinese companies are not just building factories — they are bringing integrated solutions to help us upgrade our agricultural value chains. “China’s agricultural development experience is a vital reference for African countries,” he said.

    A staff member sorts chili peppers in Nyagatare District, Rwanda, on May 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Ji Li)

    Similar transformations are taking shape across the continent. In Rwanda’s Eastern Province, Gashora Farm PLC is expanding chili production with support from China’s Hunan Modern Agriculture International Development Co., Ltd. The partnership includes infrastructure upgrades, such as cold storage, drying facilities, and expanded farmland.

    “The Chinese market is enormous. We saw strong demand for Rwandan dried chili,” said Dieudonne Twahirwa, managing director of Gashora Farm PLC.

    To date, China has established capacity cooperation with 15 African countries and is involved in over 50 industrial parks across the continent, attracting global investment and strengthening Africa’s industrial base.

    “China has become not only a major trade partner for Africa, but also a key supporter in capacity building and technology transfer,” said Humphrey Moshi, director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam.

    People work in a workshop of China’s Inner Mongolia King Deer Cashmere Group on the southern outskirts of Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, March 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

    DEVELOPING SKILLED TALENT

    Alongside infrastructure, China-Africa cooperation has emphasized vocational training and talent development.

    On the southern outskirts of Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo, more than 3,000 local workers at a cashmere garment plant owned by China’s Inner Mongolia King Deer Cashmere Group transform high-end yarn into export-ready products.

    “Since the factory’s inception, we have trained over 20,000 textile professionals across various roles,” said Xia Yonghai, general manager of the company. “Many now work in local textile enterprises, holding key technical and managerial positions.”

    For 50-year-old Rivoherimanitra Niaina Rado, who has worked at the factory for nearly two decades, the journey is incredible. “I started as a trainee and now became a foreman … What I’m most proud of is helping bring advanced technology to Madagascar.”

    Chinese companies are also driving demand for vocational skills across Africa. Flagship initiatives like the Luban Workshops promote hands-on, industry-oriented learning in several countries.

    Cavince Adhere, a Kenya-based international relations scholar, said that Chinese investment and long-term engagement in Africa have not only created employment but also significantly raised the technical capacity of the local workforce through systematic training.

    Chinese enterprises have made vital contributions to Africa’s talent development, laying a solid foundation for Africa’s sustainable growth, Adhere added.

    Staff members of Kilimall sort goods at a warehouse in Mlolongo, Kenya, on June 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

    CONNECTING GLOBAL MARKETS

    China-Africa cooperation is also facilitating the export of African products to global markets through various platforms.

    In Kenya, Chinese-founded e-commerce platform Kilimall has become one of East Africa’s leading online retailers. One of its top merchants, Hoswell Macharia, sells locally produced TVs by Chinese-invested firm Vitron, generating annual sales of 96 million Kenyan shillings (about 745,000 U.S. dollars).

    “Around 40 percent of our components are now locally sourced, and we plan to further increase localization based on market demand,” said Hu Zhaoyang, executive director of Vitron, home to Chinese investment.

    Vice President of Kilimall Wu Mixiang said the growing presence of Chinese manufacturers in Africa means local retailers have access to better-quality and more affordable products, which translates into real benefits for consumers.

    Other Chinese e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu are also expanding in Africa, connecting local businesses to the global digital economy.

    China continues to open its market to African exports. It granted zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of product categories to all least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations, including 33 African countries, starting from Dec. 1, 2024. Events like the China International Import Expo, the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) and the Canton Fair further support African exporters.

    “The Chinese market really has an appetite for Kenyan products … We are working with various stakeholders to consolidate consignments for Hass avocado sourced countrywide,” said avocado exporter Newton Ngure at a Kenya-focused CAETE promotional event in April. “It is an opportune moment for us to venture into the Chinese market.”

    From infrastructure and training to production and global sales, China-Africa industrial cooperation is deepening. As the continent moves from raw material exports to shared value creation, this partnership is helping lay the foundation for long-term, independent growth and a brighter future. 

    MIL OSI China News –