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MIL-OSI USA: Liquid Bicarbonate Concentrate Recall: Nipro Removes MedicaLyte Liquid Bicarbonate Concentrate due to Contamination

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

This recall involves removing devices from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it.
Affected Product

MedicaLyte Liquid Bicarbonate Concentrate – 45x Proportioning (BC+201)

Unique Device Identifier (UDI)/Model: 00817411022824

What to Do

On June 2, Nipro sent all affected customers an updated letter recommending the following actions:

Do not use any MedicaLyte Liquid Bicarbonate Concentrate.
Stop dispensing and distributing product and quarantine all lots.
Isolate identified devices in possession.
If the affected lots were further distributed, please forward the notification and report the consignees.

Reason for Recall
Nipro stated that they received reports of concerning visual irregularities in some product jugs. Returned units were sent to a third-party laboratory for analysis, where bacterial and fungal particles were identified.
Risks associated with the use of contaminated dialysate includes infections, treatment disruptions, sepsis, and possible death. Potential long-term health consequences include chronic infections which may cause or contribute to organ damage and a weakened immune system. If the contaminated product is used, the hemodialysis machine will need to be disinfected following the dialysis machine manufacturer’s recommendations.
Nipro has received reports of one serious injury and one death.
Device Use
Dialysate is part of a hemodialysis system that removes waste, toxins, and excess fluids from the body in patients with kidney failure.
Contact Information
Customers in the U.S. with adverse reactions, quality problems, or questions about this recall should contact Nipro at Nipro4621@sedgwick.com or 1-877-546-0126.
Unique Device Identifier (UDI)
The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from distribution to use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified more quickly, and as a result, problems potentially resolved more quickly.

How do I report a problem?
Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

Content current as of:
06/13/2025

MIL OSI USA News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SEC Names Kurt Hohl as Chief Accountant

Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Kurt Hohl, with nearly 40 years of accounting and auditing experience, has been named Chief Accountant, effective July 7, 2025. Acting Chief Accountant Ryan Wolfe will return to his role as Chief Accountant in the Division of Enforcement.

“Kurt is an experienced accountant with deeply technical knowledge and international experience, and we are lucky he has decided to return to the SEC,” said SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins. “This is an important role. Given that I served with Kurt previously, I know firsthand that his integrity, along with his skills, will benefit our markets and investors.”

“I want to thank Ryan for his service as Acting Chief Accountant and am pleased that he will continue serving in the Division of Enforcement.”

Mr. Hohl most recently founded Corallium Advisors, which helps businesses navigate the complexities of auditing, regulatory compliance, risk management, and initial public offerings. Before that, he spent 26 years as a partner at Ernst & Young (EY) in a variety of roles. His final EY role was as global deputy vice-chair of EY’s Global Assurance Professional Practice. In that role he was responsible for the operation and oversight of the technical, regulatory, risk, and quality oversight functions of EY’s global professional practice organization — a team of more than 1,400 professionals. Mr. Hohl previously served at the SEC from 1989 to 1997, rising to Associate Chief Accountant in the Division of Corporation Finance. There he authored what became the Financial Reporting Manual, a primary guide for the SEC accounting staff and practitioners in the application of the federal securities laws. He began his professional career at Deloitte Haskins & Sells.

Mr. Hohl received a B.B.S. in accounting from James Madison University and is a certified public accountant in Virginia.

“I’m pleased to come back to the SEC along with Chairman Atkins,” said Mr. Hohl. “This is a pivotal time for our capital markets, and I look forward to working with the dedicated public servants in the Office of the Chief Accountant to advance accounting and auditing policies that reinforce investor confidence, enhance transparency, and support innovation.”

Mr. Wolfe has served as Acting Chief Accountant since January 2025. He concurrently has been serving as Chief Accountant of the Division of Enforcement and has previously served as Senior Associate Chief Accountant in the Office of the Chief Accountant.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: In a letter to the Senate, nearly 900 state and local elected leaders oppose extreme cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP and public services

Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

The letter reads in part, “As government leaders, we understand the importance of rooting out fraud, waste and abuse to keep public services strong, but this plan fails to do that. Instead, it would rip the very fabric of our nation’s social safety net wide open to give the wealthiest people tax breaks they don’t need. Meanwhile, veterans, seniors, children, people with disabilities, and all working people will suffer.”

We, the undersigned state and local officials, are writing to express our opposition to the reconciliation bill (H.R. 1) and ask you to protect the public services our communities depend on. By cutting Medicaid, SNAP and other critical public services, this bill threatens to destabilize state and local budgets and force deep cuts across the board that will diminish public services and hurt working families nationwide – all to give billionaires tax breaks.

Medicaid accounts for the largest portion of federal funding to state budgets and is the largest funder of long-term care services in the U.S. Without this critical funding and due to other provisions in the bill, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates roughly 15 million people will lose their health coverage and become uninsured by 2034. The cuts outlined in H.R. 1 will also mean nursing homes, hospitals, home care and other critical health care services will disappear, leading to job losses in the health care sector. As people lose Medicaid coverage, hospitals and providers will face an estimated $48 billion in uncompensated care costs. Altogether, this will place an incredible strain on states, cities and towns and other local governments and will cost lives.

Moreover, the bill’s proposed work requirements for Medicaid beneficiaries will impose huge costs on states, including adding compliance systems and a need for greater staffing at agencies that are already understaffed. Experience in Arkansas and Georgia shows that work requirements do not result in more people working. They actually lead to huge losses in coverage for workers due to red tape. The reality is these provisions will result in cuts and needlessly harm our country’s most vulnerable populations who need Medicaid to live.

The bill also shifts $300 billion in costs to states and local governments for both the benefits and administrative costs of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This provision threatens the food security of more than 40 million Americans, including one in five children. There will be no way for state governments to cover all these new expenses without making cuts to other critical services like our schools or roads.

The bill also automatically triggers historic cuts to Medicare, which will spell disaster for seniors. As critical health care services are ripped away from seniors, their families will struggle to care for them. That will place huge costs on our workforce, our economies and our communities.

Taken together, the cuts that are included in H.R. 1 will place an impossible burden on states. Forced to make up for the massive shortfalls in federal funding, every sector of our state and local economies will suffer, from health care to higher education, public safety to public schools. Services that our communities rely on will be slashed; and the people who provide them may be furloughed or laid off.

As government leaders, we understand the importance of rooting out fraud, waste and abuse to keep public services strong, but this plan fails to do that. Instead, it would rip the very fabric of our nation’s social safety net wide open to give the wealthiest people tax breaks they don’t need. Meanwhile, veterans, seniors, children, people with disabilities and all working people will suffer.

America’s state and local elected leaders urge you to vote against this damaging and reckless plan. The health, safety, and well-being of our communities are too important.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Last Month in the Field – May
Source: Frontex

The month of May marked a series of important developments for Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, reflecting its ongoing commitment to security, innovation, and cooperation at Europe’s borders. From participating in the EU’s flagship space event to piloting advanced surveillance technology and supporting thousands of voluntary returns, the Agency continued to deliver concrete results across its key missions. 

Frontex took part in EU Space Days, held this year in Gdańsk, Poland. The event brought together more than 700 participants, including senior EU officials, policy experts, industry leaders, and innovators from across Europe. As the EU’s leading forum for space policy and innovation, the event focused on advancing the strategic use of space technologies to meet Europe’s security, economic, and environmental goals.

Frontex highlighted how satellite-based technologies are being used to strengthen border management and enhance situational awareness. Satellite-based navigation and communication systems play a critical role in tracking and operating assets—on land, at sea, and in the air—including in remote and difficult-to-access areas, where staying connected is essential.

The Agency currently provides 17 Copernicus-based products to EU Member States, supporting the monitoring of cross-border crime, irregular migration, and other key risks. These services enable national authorities to respond more effectively and in a timely manner.

Frontex is also advancing the integration of data from multiple sensors, a process known as data fusion, to build a more robust surveillance architecture. This supports early detection of threats and improved coordination among operational partners. Participation in EU Space Days underscored the growing importance of innovation in strengthening border security and showcased Frontex’s role in delivering cutting-edge, technology-driven solutions.

On 26 May, Frontex and the Bulgarian Border Police launched a new pilot project testing the use of long-endurance tactical drones for aerial surveillance of external borders. The initiative is part of Frontex’s broader strategy to operationalise next-generation European Border Surveillance capabilities.

The drones are equipped with advanced sensors and communication systems, offering real-time surveillance that significantly enhances situational awareness. The project aims to evaluate the drones’ operational performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness while reducing the logistical burden on ground teams. “This is not just about seeing more—it’s about seeing smarter,” said Hans Leijtens, Executive Director of Frontex. “By working together with Bulgaria and leading industry partners, we are taking concrete steps to future-proof European border security.”

The pilot involves three contracted companies—Global SAT, Shield AI, and DAT CON—which will deliver aerial surveillance services under a company-owned, company-operated model. The drones will support the detection of irregular border crossings and cross-border crimes, helping national authorities act quickly and effectively. A live demonstration of the new technology will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, on 4 and 5 June 2025, bringing together representatives from EU Member States, EU agencies, and partner countries to observe the system in action and discuss its future potential.

Since March, Frontex has facilitated the voluntary return of more than 1,000 Syrian nationals from 14 EU Member States, following the political transition in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. This development has led many displaced Syrians to seek a return to their home country after years of conflict.

Frontex plays a critical role in supporting Member States by ensuring that all returnees are fully informed of their rights and the voluntary nature of their decision. Each return is carried out in line with EU legislation and international standards for the protection of fundamental rights.

“Returning home is a deeply human aspiration,” said Executive Director Hans Leijtens. “For many, it means reuniting with loved ones and rebuilding lives. We are proud to support this process in full respect of dignity and choice.” These returns are part of the EU’s broader commitment to humane and voluntary repatriation. Frontex also assists in pre-return counselling, coordination, and soon, reintegration support through an expanded European Reintegration Programme (EURP), now including Syria.

In a milestone for Frontex operations, one of the Agency’s surveillance aircraft flew for the first time directly from a non-EU country. The flight took off from Tirana International Airport in Albania and covered both Joint Operations in Albania and Montenegro during a single mission. Until now, Frontex aircraft had only operated from within EU territory. This development marks a new chapter in border cooperation, enabling earlier detection of irregular migration, better prevention of cross-border crime, and improved coordination of Search and Rescue operations. Real-time images captured by the aircraft are shared with national authorities in Albania and Montenegro, as well as with Frontex Headquarters in Warsaw, allowing for rapid and informed decision-making.

Frontex participated in the Barracuda 2025 exercise in Sicily, a joint maritime training operation led by the Italian Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of Malta. The exercise covered critical areas including search and rescue, maritime monitoring, environmental protection, and accident response.

Supported by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), the training was a strong demonstration of cross-border cooperation and operational readiness. Frontex teams contributed operational knowledge and helped ensure seamless coordination across participating agencies. Exercises like Barracuda strengthen Europe’s collective ability to protect lives at sea and respond swiftly to maritime emergencies.
This month also saw other important milestones:

In Leixões, Portugal, the deployment of an Advanced Level Document Officer (ALDO) helped strengthen national capacity in detecting document fraud, thanks to close cooperation between Frontex and Portuguese authorities.

In Montenegro, a joint operation led to the seizure of 200 kilograms of illegal cut tobacco. With the support of vigilant Frontex officers and the swift action of Montenegrin authorities, this operation highlighted the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation in combatting smuggling.
May 2025 demonstrated the full scope of Frontex’s mission: leveraging innovation, supporting Member States, and strengthening cooperation across borders. With continued investments in technology, partnerships, and people, the Agency remains committed to helping build a secure and well-managed European border system. Frontex will continue to work side by side with EU Member States and partners—on land, at sea, and now even from space—to keep Europe’s borders strong, secure, and future-ready.
MIL OSI Europe News –
June 14, 2025
Hamas says Iran ‘paying the price’ for supporting Gaza militants

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas said Iran, its strategic ally, was “paying the price” for supporting militant groups in Gaza in their decades-long struggle against Israel, after Israel launched large-scale attacks on Friday against Iran.

Hamas leaders have repeatedly thanked Iran for its military and financial support to the group in its fight against Israel, including during the ongoing war that erupted in October 2023.

“Iran is today paying the price for its steadfast positions in support of Palestine and its resistance, and its adherence to its independent national decision,” Hamas said in a statement.

Tehran has vowed retaliation for Israel’s early morning attack on Iranian military and nuclear facilities that killed several top commanders. Israel said it was working to intercept 100 drones that were launched by Iran, but had not reached Israel.

Hamas armed wing spokesperson Abu Ubaida said in a post on Telegram later on Friday that the group would stand by Iran in its conflict against Israel.

“The Zionist enemy is completely deluded if it thinks that these treacherous strikes can undermine the fronts of resistance or stabilize the pillars of this fragile entity in the region,” he said.

“On the contrary, it continues to make successive strategic mistakes that will bring it closer to its inevitable demise, God willing.”

(Reuters)

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: ASEAN Audit Committee Convenes its 50th Meeting

Source: ASEAN

On 13 June 2025, the 50th Meeting of the ASEAN Audit Committee (AAC) was held at the Nusantara Hall of the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. Under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, the AAC discussed matters pertaining to internal and external audit, risk management, and governance of the ASEAN Secretariat. H.E. Dato’ Seri Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi, the Auditor General of Malaysia, chaired the meeting. Delegations from the ASEAN Member States, and Timor-Leste as an Observer, participated in the annual meeting. The delegates engaged in a meaningful exchange of perspectives and best practices to further strengthen the ASEAN Secretariat’s internal control, risk management, governance, accountability and transparency.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Oxford businesses to receive goodwill payments for Botley Road disruption
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Oxford businesses to receive goodwill payments for Botley Road disruption

Network Rail will write to the affected local businesses that qualify to receive a share of up to £850,000 this week.
Credit: Network Rail

government confirms up to £850,000 in payments to Oxfordshire businesses impacted by Network Rail disruption

some small, local businesses most impacted by delayed works may be eligible to receive one-off, goodwill payments to acknowledge disruption caused

Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, visits site to see progress on the Botley Road works – on track to be fully completed next summer

Some small businesses in Oxford most affected by works at Botley Road station may be eligible to receive goodwill payments, following the government today (13 June 2025) confirming up to £850,000 of Network Rail funding to acknowledge the local disruption. The funding was confirmed today as the Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, visited the site to see Network Rail’s progress on the major improvements to the city’s railway station and Botley Road as part of the Oxford Station Enhancements Project.

The one-off goodwill payments are being offered in recognition of the disruption resulting from delays to the scheme, which businesses can apply to Network Rail for.

Network Rail will write to the affected businesses this week who qualify for this financial support and a process is being developed to take discussions further.

However, following a reset of the project in January, progress has been made and Network Rail are on track to deliver the new cycle and walkway in August 2025 and will fully reopen Botley Road in August 2026.

Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said:

I’m pleased that Network Rail can now offer payments to those eligible small, local businesses affected and while it can’t undo all the hardship businesses have faced, it recognises the trouble the delays have caused.

I’m glad the project is now on track. I will continue to hold Network Rail to account and engage with the local community.

I look forward to the scheme being completed, so Oxford can benefit from more frequent and accessible transport links to boost growth in this bustling city.

Following delays owing to the discovery of a large Victorian arch under Botley Road and difficulties moving water pipes, Network Rail launched a new plan to keep the project moving forward early this year.

Since the reset, the project has hit key milestones, including the early completion of a new clean water pipe by Thames Water. The next big step is to divert the sewer system, which is on track to finish later this year.

Marcus Jones, Network Rail’s Western Route Director, said:

We know the delays to this project have been frustrating, and we’re sorry for the disruption they’ve caused. The good news is that the project is now firmly back on track, and we’re making strong progress. We’re committed to keeping the community informed as we deliver a safer, more accessible Oxford station for everyone.

Network Rail has been keeping the community informed through monthly public events and business workshops, offering updates and support. New banners, posters and digital screens have also been put up around the station and Botley Road to keep everyone updated and remind people that local businesses are open as usual. The free Botley Flyer bus service now runs 7 days a week, helping people get to the city centre and extra security measures have been put in place to keep pedestrians safe.

Additional support includes new disabled drop-off bays, an audio guide map for easier navigation and improved lighting and CCTV around the station.

Network Rail will set out the process for applying in the coming weeks.

Rail media enquiries

Media enquiries 0300 7777878

Switchboard 0300 330 3000

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Published 13 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping Calls for Efforts to Build a Strong Country on 120th Anniversary of Comrade Chen Yun’s Birthday

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called on people to learn from Comrade Chen Yun, carry forward and glorify his legacy, and work tirelessly to build China into a powerful country.

Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered a speech at a symposium held at the Great Hall of the People to mark the 120th anniversary of Comrade Chen Yun’s birth.

Chen Yun, born in 1905, joined the CPC in 1925. He was recognized as a great proletarian revolutionary and political figure, and one of the pioneers of China’s socialist economy. According to Xi Jinping, he was an important member of both the first-generation leading group of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Mao Zedong at its core and the second-generation leading group of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Deng Xiaoping at its core. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Provost Honors Two Members of the UConn Law Community

Source: US State of Connecticut

Two outstanding members of the UConn Law community received prestigious honors from the provost at the end of the 2024–2025 academic year. The Provost’s Awards for Excellence in Community-Engaged Scholarship (PAECES) recognize the outstanding contributions of faculty, staff, students, teams, and community partners who collaboratively address critical societal challenges through the creative and reciprocal exchange of knowledge and resources.

Jon Bauer, Clinical Professor of Law, Richard D. Tulisano’69 Scholar in Human Rights, and director of the School of Law’s Asylum and Human Rights Clinic received the Distinguished Faculty Instructor Award. Tanya Johnson, Research and Instructional Services Librarian, received the Emerging Staff Award.

Distinguished Faculty Instructor Award: Jon Bauer

Jon Bauer has spent more than two decades championing the rights of individuals fleeing persecution while transforming the lives of the students he mentors.

Since co-founding the Asylum and Human Rights Clinic in 2002, Professor Bauer has led a service-learning program that immerses law students in every aspect of asylum representation. His students have handled 185 asylum cases, securing legal protection for their clients in over 90% of the cases, a grant rate more than twice the national average. These victories have enabled more than 300 clients and members of their families from across the globe to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.

“With unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, Professor Jon Bauer has built a legacy of advocacy and education that reaches far beyond the classroom,” says Dean Eboni S. Nelson. “His work through the Asylum and Human Rights Clinic has not only safeguarded the lives of hundreds but also empowered students to lead with empathy, skill, and purpose in the pursuit of justice.”

The clinic offers a 14-credit, year-long clinical experience where students take primary responsibility for client representation, including fact investigation, legal research, brief writing, and appearing at hearings before the Immigration Court or the U.S. Asylum Office. Clients represented through the clinic have fled persecution based on political beliefs, religion, gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Clinic alumni have served in the U.S. Departments of Justice, State, and Homeland Security, as well as in public interest law, private firms, and judicial clerkships.

Beyond the law school, Professor Bauer is an active leader in the community. His advocacy and work on boards spans the Connecticut Fair Housing Center, Connecticut Legal Services, the Hartford Immigration Court’s Pro Bono Committee, and immigrant rights coalitions. In 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office honored him with its Civil Rights Enforcement Award for decades-long advocacy to eliminate discriminatory mental health inquiries from the bar admissions process.

Emerging Staff Award: Tanya Johnson

Through visionary leadership and a commitment to equity, Research and Instructional Services Librarian Tanya Johnson has worked to expand access to justice in housing and to reimagine legal education.

Johnson envisioned and now leads the UConn Law Library Fair Rent Commission Project. She identified a significant challenge in response to a 2022 Connecticut law mandating municipalities to create Fair Rent Commissions (FRCs) to address tenant complaints about excessive rent increases: the lack of public access to FRC documentation and decisions. These materials were inconsistent or unavailable, creating barriers for tenants, attorneys, and advocates navigating the FRC process.

Her work created a publicly accessible repository within the Connecticut Digital Archive (CTDA), which offers access to meeting agendas, ordinances, and commission decisions. Johnson is developing a comprehensive research guide and a detailed index of decisions, allowing users to evaluate trends, understand how municipalities interpret the law, and better prepare for hearings.

“Tanya Johnson brings vision, innovation, and deep compassion to every facet of her work,” says Dean Nelson. “From transforming access to justice through groundbreaking digital archiving to reimagining legal education with creativity and care, she empowers students, strengthens communities, and reshapes the legal landscape with purpose and integrity.”

Johnson’s impact extends into the classroom, where she incorporates active learning and gamification to enhance legal research instruction. She is co-authoring a book on using games in legal education to make complex legal concepts more accessible and inclusive.

Her commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice (DEIAJ) is evident in her work with the DEIAJ Collection at the Law Library and student organizations. One of her most powerful contributions to these efforts was her 2023 article, “An Autoethnographic Exploration of Fatness in Law Librarianship,” which sparked meaningful conversations about representation, identity, and inclusion in the legal and academic communities.

Through courses like Diversity & Inclusion in the Legal Profession and Research for Social Justice, she prepares students to engage critically and compassionately with the legal system. Her work ensures that legal education at UConn is rigorous and responsive to the real-world issues that students—and their future clients—will face.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Around the Air Force: Risk and Readiness, Project Magellan, Pilot Training Overhaul

Source: United States Air Force

Headline: Around the Air Force: Risk and Readiness, Project Magellan, Pilot Training Overhaul

In this week’s look Around the Air Force, the Air Force Safety Center announces Phase II of the Chief of Staff’s Integrating Risk and Readiness campaign, Project Magellan earns international recognition by winning the 2025 Founder’s Award, and AETC aims to train 1,500 pilots per year.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Takes Action on Several Bills
Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Governor Stein Takes Action on Several Bills

Governor Stein Takes Action on Several Bills
lsaito
Fri, 06/13/2025 – 09:16

Raleigh, NC
Today Governor Josh Stein signed six bills into law.

Governor Stein made the following statement on his signing of House Bill 506: 2025 State Investment Modernization Act:

“This bill puts North Carolina in line with the rest of the nation and allows us to make responsible decisions investing our state employees’ hard-earned pensions. I applaud Treasurer Briner for his leadership in modernizing our state’s investment system.”

Governor Stein made the following statement on his signing of House Bill 50: LEO Special Separation Allowance Options:

“Our law enforcement work day and night to keep us safe, and we need more public spirited people serving to address our law enforcement staffing challenges. This law enables veteran law enforcement officers to continue serving our communities and supporting their families without suffering a financial penalty. I advocated for this idea as Attorney General to keep more experienced police on the beat, and I am proud to sign it into law as Governor.”

Governor Stein made the following statement on his signing of House Bill 231: Social Work Interstate Licensure Compact:

“Our social workers support children, families, and communities, and they are needed now more than ever. This law will expand access to care to more people by allowing social workers from certain other states to more easily transfer their licenses to North Carolina.”

Governor Stein also signed the following bills into law:
- House Bill 477: Retirement Death Benefits Rewrite
- Senate Bill 248: Birth Certificates for Persons Adopted
- Senate Bill 477: DNCR Agency Bill
Jun 13, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –
June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: New Behavioral Health Urgent Care Respite Facility Targeted Toward Children and Adolescents to Open in Columbus County
Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: New Behavioral Health Urgent Care Respite Facility Targeted Toward Children and Adolescents to Open in Columbus County

New Behavioral Health Urgent Care Respite Facility Targeted Toward Children and Adolescents to Open in Columbus County
kcano1
Thu, 06/12/2025 – 14:25

Chadbourn, N.C.
Credentialed media are invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of a new behavioral health urgent care respite center for children and families in eastern North Carolina. In partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Life Changing Behavioral Health Services, and Trillium Health Resources, the Life Changing Behavioral Health Urgent Care respite facility will open June 17, 2025.

A respite facility is a safe and caring environment offering temporary relief for family members or caregivers who provide constant care to loved ones. This is a six-bed respite facility for children and adolescents with mental health issues.

Services include:
- Emergency crisis stays
- Hospital preventions
- Early release from hospitals
- Prevention of homelessness
- Short-term stays
What:    Ribbon Cutting and Open House for Life Changing Behavioral Health Urgent Care center opening

Who:   Cecilia Peers, Regional Vice President, Southern Region, Trillium Health Resources

Debra Farrington, Deputy Secretary for Health, NCDHHS

Christie Edwards, Chief Operating Officer, Trillium Health Resources

Shirley Smith, Director, Life Changing Behavioral Health

Jerome Chestnut, Town Manager, Fairmont

Jason Robinson, Town Manager, Chadbourn

Dr. James Pridgen, Medical Director/Owner, Whiteville Family Practice

Phyllis Chavis, Consultant/State Licensing Investigator, Retired

Phillip Britt, Mayor, Chadbourn

When:  Tuesday, June 17

10-11 a.m.

Where: Life Changing Behavioral Health

115 Collins St.

Chadbourn, NC 28431

Media: Credentialed media interested in attending should RSVP to news@dhhs.nc.gov
Jun 13, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –
June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI: Small Capital, Big Profits – Double Your Deposit, 100x Leverage, No KYC on BexBack
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin recently broke the $100,000 barrier and established a solid position above it, many analysts are confirming that the long-awaited crypto bull market has officially returned. With heightened market volatility on the horizon, savvy investors are seeking the best tools to maximize their profits. BexBack, a leading crypto futures platform, is stepping up to the challenge by offering 100x leverage, no KYC, and a 100% deposit bonus to help traders make the most of this bullish market phase.

How Can Smaller Capital Lead to Larger Profits? The Power of 100x Leverage

In a volatile market like this, where every price movement counts, 100x leverage allows you to amplify your potential profits exponentially with a relatively small amount of capital. Here’s how it works:
- Maximized Trading Power: Leverage allows you to open positions much larger than your initial deposit. For example, with 1 BTC at $100,000 and 100x leverage, you can control 100 BTC.
- Small Price Movements, Big Profits: If Bitcoin moves from $100,000 to $110,000, a 100x leveraged position could yield a 1000% return, turning a small change in price into a significant profit.
- Low Capital, High Return: Whether you’re new to trading or a seasoned investor, leverage gives you the ability to control much larger positions, amplifying your potential gains, all with a smaller initial deposit.
However, with leverage comes responsibility. While high leverage can lead to impressive returns, it also magnifies risks, so it’s important to manage positions carefully.

What Is the Double Deposit Bonus and How Does It Work?

To further enhance trading opportunities, BexBack is offering a 100% deposit bonus to all users. This means if you deposit funds into your BexBack account, you’ll receive an additional bonus of equal value to your deposit.

For example, if you deposit 2 BTC, you will receive an additional 2 BTC as a bonus, effectively doubling your available trading funds. While the bonus itself cannot be withdrawn directly, it can be used as margin, allowing you to control larger positions and making liquidation more difficult. Moreover, any profits earned from trading with the bonus can be fully withdrawn.

The bonus acts as an extra margin, helping you manage trades in a volatile market. It’s an excellent way to start trading with more capital, increasing your chances of success without taking on more risk than you’re comfortable with.

Why Choose BexBack for Crypto Futures Trading?

BexBack stands out for several reasons that make it an ideal platform for crypto futures trading:
- 100x Leverage: Maximize your potential profits with up to 100x leverage, a powerful tool to amplify your trading capital.
- No KYC: Enjoy the freedom of trading without identity verification, keeping your privacy intact and making registration quick and easy.
- Zero Slippage and Spread: BexBack offers zero spread, meaning you get the best price execution for your trades, without slippage.
- Global Access and 24/7 Support: BexBack is available to users in various countries, including the US, Canada, and Europe, offering round-the-clock support.
- Demo Account: A great feature for beginners, BexBack offers a demo account with virtual funds, allowing new users to practice risk-free trading.
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Website: www.bexback.com

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Contact:
Amanda
business@bexback.com

Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack . The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

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The MIL Network –
June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI: MEXC Launches Golden Era Showdown Mid-Year Trading Event with a 10 Million USDT Prize Pool

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, today announced the launch of its most ambitious mid-year trading event, the Golden Era Showdown. The three-week event offers participants the opportunity to win from a prize pool worth up to 10 million USDT, including real gold bars and Bitcoin rewards.

Golden Era Showdown: Multiple Ways to Win Big

The Golden Era Showdown features a dynamic prize pool structure where increased participation directly benefits all traders. The more participants who join, the bigger the prize pool grows across six exciting tiers, with early participation helping unlock maximum rewards for everyone involved. Participation is free and requires logging into MEXC, clicking the “Register Now” button on the event page, then accumulating valid futures trading volume to earn scratch-offs, spins, and lottery tickets.

Event Timeline

Early Bird Registration: June 13, 2025, 16:00 (UTC) – June 17, 2025, 15:55 (UTC)
Official Registration: June 13, 2025, 16:00 (UTC) – July 4, 2025, 08:00 (UTC)
Main Event: June 13, 2025, 16:00 (UTC) – July 4, 2025, 08:00 (UTC)
Lucky Draw: June 13, 2025, 16:00 (UTC) – July 5, 2025, 08:00 (UTC)

Early Bird Rewards

The first 2,000 users who register during Early Bird and complete at least 50,000 USDT in futures trading volume will share 40,000 USDT in trading fee vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis.

Daily Scratch-Off: Guaranteed Wins from 60% of the Grand Prize Pool

Every 50,000 USDT in daily futures trading volume earns one scratch-off card, with a maximum of five cards daily. Cards offer futures bonuses up to 2,025 USDT from 60% of the grand prize pool and can be saved until the lucky draw period ends.

Weekly Spin Wheel: Guaranteed Wins from 25% of the Grand Prize Pool

Each 2 million USDT in weekly futures trading volume grants one spin chance, with up to five spins weekly. This system distributes 25% of the grand prize pool through random bonuses while supplies last, with spin chances saveable until the draw period concludes.

Ultimate Lottery: Gold Bar & BTC Giveaway

Accumulating 10 million USDT in valid futures trading volume generates lottery tickets with no earning limits. Prizes include luxury gold bars worth 350,000 USDT, Bitcoin, and bonuses. Winners are determined through Bitcoin blockchain hash methodology, ensuring complete transparency with independently verifiable results.

MEXC continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing innovative trading experiences that deliver genuine value to its global user base. Through transparent reward mechanisms and substantial incentives, the exchange creates opportunities for traders to maximize their potential returns. Visit the official Golden Era Showdown event page to register and discover complete participation details.

About MEXC
Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, daily airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

Source

Contact:
Lucia Hu
lucia.hu@mexc.com

Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/516cc52e-ccd1-45ac-8b16-a51335398314

The MIL Network –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI: Channel Factory Announces Latest Move to Elevate North American Executive Leadership Team

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Channel Factory, the global brand suitability and contextual advertising company, today announced the promotion of Nico Greco as the company’s Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), North America. Most recently serving as SVP, Head of Sales at Channel Factory, Greco’s appointment to the North American C-Suite follows a series of strategic moves that enhance Channel Factory’s growth and innovation. In his new role, Greco will report to Kevin Gentzel, newly appointed President, Americas.

Earlier this year, Channel Factory announced a significant investment from Truelink Capital, as well as the addition of Gentzel to its leadership group. Both these moves and today’s announcement demonstrate a commitment to advancing the company’s ongoing growth.

Greco, a sales veteran in the digital advertising industry with over 14 years of experience, has extensive experience working with both global agencies and technology companies. Since joining Channel Factory in early 2021, Greco has played a pivotal role in the company’s sales and expansion across the country, most recently serving as SVP, Head of Sales. Before joining Channel Factory, Greco worked as a Director at Amobee, where he focused on the company’s strategic agency partnerships.

“From an outsider’s perspective, Nico Greco was someone whose career I followed with great interest. He’s been a valuable spokesperson for the company, and his proven track record for driving revenue growth and building strategic partnerships speaks for itself,” said Kevin Gentzel, recently appointed President, Americas at Channel Factory. “When I joined the company, Nico Greco was someone I couldn’t wait to start working with. With Nico as our new CRO for North America, we’re taking our plans for growth and expansion and strapping a rocket to our backs. It’s an exciting time for us and the right time in our industry for a move like this.”

“Since day one, Channel Factory has demonstrated an incredible level of purpose-driven growth, innovation, and client satisfaction. It’s rare to work for a company that is doing work that you can truly believe in, and I’m eager to take on a larger role to expand on that vision and mission across North America,” said Greco.

About Channel Factory
Channel Factory is a global technology and data company that optimizes business performance and enhances brand reputation through ethical and effective contextual targeting. Utilizing proprietary AI and brand suitability technologically, Channel Factory ensures ads are placed on brand-safe, contextually relevant content across YouTube, CTV platforms, and social media, including Meta and TikTok. Through its conscious media planning, Channel Factory is committed to promoting sustainability, diversity, and positive content, helping brands achieve their goals while fostering a healthier digital ecosystem.

Channel Factory has a presence in 31 countries across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and ANZ, providing advertisers with IAB standard category lists and customized content options in 49+ languages. For more information about Channel Factory, please visit http://www.channelfactory.com.

Media Contact:
Andrew Krepow
andrew@broadsheetcomms.com

The MIL Network –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why Israel’s air strikes signal a shifting relationship with the US and a weakening Iran

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Natasha Lindstaedt, Professor in the Department of Government, University of Essex

The Middle East is undergoing a realignment of power. With Israel’s attack on Iranian nuclear sites and the assassination of at least two of Iran’s senior security officials, Benjamin Netanyahu is showing his willingness to go it alone and ignore pressure from the Trump administration.

Though Donald Trump sought diplomatic solutions to the growing tensions between Israel and Iran, it appears that the US president, despite his previously strong relationship with the Israeli leader, was unable to restrain Netanyahu.

The timing of the strikes is important. The Trump administration probably knew that they could not prevent Israel from striking Iran, but they did think they could pressure Israel to hold off launching an attack until after the US had solidified a new nuclear deal with Iran, talks for which were scheduled for June 15.

Just hours before the air strikes, Trump said: “As long as I think there will be an agreement [with Iran], I don’t want them going in.”

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Experts had been divided in the past, over how much leverage the US held over Israel.

Trump, following months of groundwork laid by the Joe Biden administration, managed to secure a ceasefire deal with Israel in January. But as part of the negotiation, Netanyahu succeeded in reversing sanctions on settlers in the West Bank, giving him free rein to act there. Additionally, the US also lifted its freeze on the transfer of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, another concession that benefited Israel.

The US also proved unwilling or incapable of stopping the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded in Gaza. Washington also appeared powerless to stop Israel’s pounding of Lebanon and its efforts to eradicate the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah.

The US has become more of a spectator than a powerful regional actor. And sources suggest that Washington was not informed in advance of Israel’s airstrike that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in October 2024, a sign of Israel’s growing willingness to act without US approval.

Read more:
Lethal humanitarianism: why violence at Gaza aid centres should not come as a surprise

Indeed, the expansion of the war in Gaza to Lebanon was a pivotal moment in the region. With significant Israeli public support to stop Hezbollah (which had been launching rockets towards northern Israel), Israel pounded southern Beirut with airstrikes, killing several high-ranking Hezbollah officials.

In the aftermath, Hezbollah was unable to replenish itself with younger recruits (it had relied on its charismatic leadership to recruit in the past), and the losses caused Hezbollah’s organisation to implode. By November 2024, Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire brokered by the US.

Israel announces strikes on Iran.

Iran’s weaker role

Hezbollah’s near military and organisational collapse has been a big blow for Iran’s regional power. Hezbollah was at one point the most heavily armed violent non-state actor in the world. It had an army of around 50,000 men and experts speculated that it had as many as 200,000 rockets and missiles of various ranges in its arsenal.

With the assassination of so many high-level officials in Hezbollah and Hamas, both of which Iran has bankrolled and used in its proxy conflicts with Israel, Iran has been severely weakened. As Iran is in the middle of an economic crisis, it no longer has the financial means to revive these traditional allies.

Read more:
Trump’s Middle East pivot aims to counter China’s rising influence

For decades Iran had tried to gain strategic depth in the Middle East, with the US estimating that Iran spent more than US$16 billion to prop up Bashar al-Assad in Syria from 2012 to 2020. Additionally, with the fall of Assad, Syria can no longer serve as a transit corridor or logistical hub for shipments of arms from Iran to Hezbollah.

With Turkey’s support for the various armed militias that ousted the Assad regime, it is Ankara, and not Tehran, that sees itself as the big winner in the aftermath of the Syrian civil war.

US plans for Middle East threatened

The US, meanwhile, is seeing its influence in the Middle East waning. And Trump’s plan for extending trade in the region, particularly in the Gulf, may also be undermined by the rising regional tension.

The US had been due to send Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to this weekend’s talks in Oman, with the aim of getting Tehran to agree to stop enriching uranium (which is crucial for creating nuclear weapons) in exchange for lifting economic sanctions. Trump had said that he did not want Israel to go ahead with its attack on Iran, and yet these calls went unheeded.

Some US officials were optimistic that the escalating tensions taking place between Iran and Israel were mere tactics of negotiation amid the important nuclear talks. But, though the US was clearly warned about the attack, Washington was not able to deter Israel.

Though the US still supplies Israel with US$3.8 billion (£2.8 billion) worth of arms per year, it has had little success in exercising much leverage recently. It remains to be seen if domestic political pressure could halt this US funding.

International relations experts should not be surprised that Israel went on the offensive in Iran. Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah in 2024 were just a precursor to the bigger prize of bringing Iran to its knees.

For Netanyahu, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the Middle East and shift the regional power dynamics, and he appears to care little about what the US, or the rest of the world, thinks of how he does it.

Natasha Lindstaedt 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 Israel’s air strikes signal a shifting relationship with the US and a weakening Iran – https://theconversation.com/why-israels-air-strikes-signal-a-shifting-relationship-with-the-us-and-a-weakening-iran-258926

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Kenya’s brutal police have been exposed again – why the system fails people

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Douglas Lucas Kivoi, Principal Policy Analyst, Governance Department, The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)

The recent killing in Kenya of a young man in police detention highlights a string of systemic failures to hold the country’s security officers accountable for their actions. Despite public outrage and protests, Kenyan police officers continue to use inhumane, brutal and sometimes fatal methods with little consequence. Douglas Lucas Kivoi, who has studied policing and police reform in Kenya, unpacks the situation.

Why is the Kenyan police service given to brutality?

First, Kenya’s police institution was established as a colonial instrument of oppression. Police reforms since independence in 1963 have had little impact in changing this. Instead, successive governments have used the police to suppress dissent. This has cemented a culture of violence and police impunity. This was seen during former president Daniel arap Moi’s repressive regime, the post-2007 election violence and recent crackdowns on public protests protected under the constitution.

The reaction to mass mobilisation in June 2024 was violent. This was because the state sees public demonstrations as a threat to its authority.

Second, police brutality thrives in environments where wrongdoing goes unpunished. Kenya’s police force lacks good internal control mechanisms. A culture of silence and solidarity – the “blue code” – deters whistleblowing. Advancements and rewards are sometimes determined by political allegiances rather than professionalism.

Read more:
Kenyan police use excessive force because they’re serving political elites, not the public – policy analyst

Third, many police officers work in toxic conditions marked by poor pay, limited resources and long shifts. These contribute to feelings of frustration and aggression. The situation is worsened by institutionalised corruption where police officers extort money from citizens and demand bribes. This has contributed to diminished ethical standards.

What’s in place to punish police excesses?

Kenya has several formal avenues for holding police accountable. But all are deeply flawed.

Independent Policing Oversight Authority: This was established in 2011 in light of the post-election violence of 2007-08. Its job was to independently investigate police misconduct. However, underfunding and understaffing has led to delayed investigations.

There has also been a lack of cooperation from the police. They often fail to provide evidence or deliberately provide misleading information to impede investigations.

The authority also has limited enforcement power. It has recommended thousands of prosecutions of rogue officers. However, it has seen low conviction rates given the slow processes at the judiciary and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Internal Affairs Unit: This is a critical oversight body. It’s mandated to provide accountability and professional discipline within the police service. It’s tasked with investigating public complaints and complaints from within the police service against police officers.

The unit can recommend to the National Police Service Commission disciplinary action – such as prosecution or dismissal – against officers it finds guilty. It also monitors police officers to ensure that ethical conduct and professional standards are maintained.

However, the unit faces perceptions of a lack of independence and as an internal cover-up tool. In many instances, cases of police misconduct are simply punished by a transfer to another station.

Judiciary and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions: Cases take years to move through the judicial system. Convictions are rare. The public prosecutions office has faced accusations of bias, which it exhibits through its reluctance to prosecute high-profile police killings.

The time it takes to conclude police misconduct cases allows impunity to thrive. Deliberately poor investigations carried out by the police (who are also suspects) have led to collapsed cases.

National Police Service Commission: This was established by the 2010 Kenyan constitution. The commission recruits and appoints police officers (except the inspector-general of police, who is appointed by the president with parliamentary approval). It also promotes, transfers and disciplines police officers.

However, the commission has faced claims of being unduly influenced by the inspector-general’s office in recruitment and promotions. This undermines its independence.

Read more:
How Nairobi police failures let people get away with murder

Civil society and the media: Organisations like Amnesty International Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission document police abuses. But their reports rarely, if ever, lead to any real action being taken. The media’s attention and reporting of cases may exert temporary pressure but this doesn’t seem to have any long-term impact.

Why haven’t these mechanisms worked?

Firstly, there’s an institutional resistance to reform. Powerful factions in the police and government benefit from the current system. Whenever there is an attempt at enforcing accountability, these senior officials take advantage of bureaucratic delays, and harass investigators and whistleblowers.

In extreme cases, they enforce the disappearance of witnesses.

Secondly, a lack of political will creates a favourable environment to circumvent constitutional frameworks. This ultimately weakens any chances of accountability. At best, police in Kenya are used to defend political interests and suppress dissent.

This emboldens powerful political players who want the police to be controllable. This dissuades them from instituting actual reforms and establishing a humane policing service.

What will change things?

Until those in leadership positions genuinely prioritise independent institutions and justice over transient political gains, significant police reform is unlikely to be realised.

Elements of such reform would include steps to:

Strengthen police oversight and guarantee independence

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act needs to be amended to enhance autonomy. The current system is easy for the president to manipulate because he gets to appoint the authority’s commissioners.

There’s also a need to provide the authority with equipment. This includes ballistics analysis, digital forensics and crime scene reconstruction capabilities to combat police cover-ups.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions must also be required to respond to the authority’s recommendations within 30 days. Currently, cases can take years to complete. There have been instances when rogue police have used this window to eliminate witnesses or tamper with evidence.

Overhaul police training and culture

There must be a move away from paramilitary-style drills and procedures in training. Instead, officers need to practise de-escalation, communication and problem-solving tactics with the public. What exists within Kenya now is a paramilitary service not a police service.

Additionally, the police service commission needs to reward professionalism and not cronyism.

Judicial and prosecutorial reforms

Ending police impunity in Kenya requires a multi-pronged approach. This involves judicial independence, vigorous prosecution, meaningful oversight, legislative changes and public engagement.

But this requires meaningful political will.

Political accountability

Continued police impunity has eroded public confidence in Kenya’s policing and justice systems. The policing oversight authority needs sufficient funding – free of political interference – to investigate and prosecute police misconduct. Senior officers should be held accountable for not disciplining rogue officers under their charge. The presidency and interior ministry must have a zero-tolerance policy toward police brutality.

If Kenya doesn’t grapple with police impunity, then the anniversary of the June 2024 protests will be just another date in history when the state brutally attacked, maimed and killed its own citizenry. And still managed to silence them.

Douglas Lucas Kivoi 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. Kenya’s brutal police have been exposed again – why the system fails people – https://theconversation.com/kenyas-brutal-police-have-been-exposed-again-why-the-system-fails-people-258843

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Sam Fender’s music offers a vision of masculinity that is complex, conflicted and deeply human

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nick Robinson, Associate Professor in Politics and International Studies, University of Leeds

By the end of June 2025, Sam Fender will have played four stadium shows to nearly 250,000 people across the UK, with three of those in his native north east. With three albums and over 2 billion streams, his music has earned widespread acclaim. Yet, Fender is no ordinary rock star.

His songs provide a powerful connection to place and a lens through which to reflect on social, cultural and political dynamics. Deeply rooted in north-east England, Fender’s lyrics reference his hometown of North Shields and use local vernacular.

As a researcher of the links between popular culture and politics who lives less than a mile from his hometown, I find his work particularly powerful in the way it mobilises emotive issues at scale. Fender explores themes such as masculinity, poverty and everyday struggle, forging a direct emotional connection with his audience.

This connection is reinforced by his activism. Fender supports local food banks, the Teenage Cancer Trust, and campaigns for poverty reduction and men’s mental health.

To my mind, this work is not performative celebratory activism, but is grounded in his own community and personal experiences. This combination of commercial success rooted in honesty, vulnerability and community action led to him being named “freeman of North Tyneside” in May 2025.

Boys and girls are together facing an uncertain world. But research shows they are diverging when it comes to attitudes about masculinity, feminism and gender equality.

Social media, politics, and identity all play a role. But what’s really going on with boys and girls? Join The Conversation UK and Cumberland Lodge’s Youth and Democracy project at Newcastle University for a discussion of these issues with young people and academic experts. Tickets available here.

Fender’s teenage years were marked by personal challenges, including his parents’ separation and his mother’s fibromyalgia. These experiences, and the state’s failure to support those in need, are captured in his song Seventeen Going Under (2021): “I came home and you were on the floor / Floored by the letters and the council rigmarole.”

His latest album, People Watching (2025), continues this critique. The title track, inspired by the death of a close friend in a care home, laments:

The place was fallin’ to bits

Understaffed and overruled by callous hands

The poor nurse was around the clock

And the beauty of youth had left my breaking heart.

The music video for People Watching.

For Fender, these stories reflect a Britain in decline. In Crumbling Empire, he sings: “Road like the surface of the moon / A Detroit neighbourhood left to ruin.” The song further critiques a society that fails to honour those who have given everything:

My mother delivered most the kids in this town

My step-dad drove in a tank for the crown

They left them homeless, down and out

In their crumbling empire.

His message is clear: hard work, even by midwives and war heroes, no longer guarantees dignity or reward.

Fender’s most poignant observations are rooted in his locality. In Nostalgia’s Lie, he sings: “These streets break my heart / There’s pain unfurling and desperate yearning / For all my friends who are gone.”

North Shields has some of the highest rates of child poverty in the UK. According to the North East Child Poverty Commission (March 2025), 31% of children in the region lived below the poverty line between 2021 and 2024.

Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

In this context, Fender places mental health – especially male mental health – at the core of his work, made even more powerful by his honesty about his own struggles.

Dead Boys reflects both personal loss and the epidemic of male suicide in North Tyneside: “We close our eyes, learn our pain / Nobody ever could explain / All the dead boys in our hometown.”

In Something Heavy, he adds: “My friends reached for the rope and tied / Oh, God, how can we keep missing signals?”

Fender performs Dead Boys in Manchester.

Fender’s engagement with mental health is deeply personal. He wrestles with confusion, despondency, and his own sense of self-esteem: “Though I am a soundboard to some / With myself I am not so forgiving” (Last to Make it Home), and “Sometimes I wanna die, sometimes” (Paradigms).

In Good Company, he confesses: “Sometimes I cry until there’s no sound,” and in Arm’s Length: “Do you have to know me, know me, inside out / I’m selfish, and I’m lonely.”

Yet, like many artists, Fender feels guilt that success has uprooted him. In Wild Long Lie, he reflects: “Oh, I’ve got so much pain here, yet so much love / But it’s drownin’ every inch of my soul.” He questions whether he can still authentically raise these issues now that fame has distanced him from his past. As he puts it in Crumbling Empire:

I’m not preaching, I’m just talking

I don’t wear the shoes I used to walk in

But I can’t help thinking where I’d be

In this crumbling empire.

Fender’s work helps us understand political and social phenomena by reflecting unfolding events. His songs can be seen as giving life and voice to what political theorist Michael Shapiro calls an “aesthetic subject”.

The characters in his songs, whether autobiographical or imagined, give voice to communities which are so often ignored. They allow exploration of the structures of power that deny working-class people opportunities, contributing to mental health crises, suicide and spiralling drug use within those communities.

Sam Fender talks about men’s mental health.

Even though Fender acknowledges he no longer walks in the same shoes, his songs still speak truth to power. They give voice to experiences that are often ignored and expose the increasing struggle of everyday life in the UK and beyond.

He also offers a nuanced reflection on masculinity. Fender challenges traditional ideals – rational, authoritative, emotionally restrained – while rejecting simplified portrayals of men as weak or unstable. His songs reveal a masculinity that is complex, conflicted and deeply human.

While Fender is not alone in using music for social commentary, what sets him apart is his ability to channel the spirit of his local community to explore universal themes. His work critiques the failures of contemporary capitalism to provide dignity, respect, and cohesion – issues that resonate deeply amid today’s cultural, political and economic challenges.

Nick Robinson 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. Sam Fender’s music offers a vision of masculinity that is complex, conflicted and deeply human – https://theconversation.com/sam-fenders-music-offers-a-vision-of-masculinity-that-is-complex-conflicted-and-deeply-human-258530

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Marine fungi could help feed the world and fight disease

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michael Cunliffe, Professor of Marine Microbiology, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth

Fungi are nature’s recyclers and chemists, turning waste into useful products and creating an array of enzymes and compounds. By harnessing this potential through fungal biotechnology (using fungi to develop products and technologies for various applications), we can create sustainable materials, food and processes that help solve global challenges like food shortages, pollution and climate change.

Fungal biotechnology supports a “circular economy”, where resources are reused instead of wasted. Fungi can help make our food supply more stable and eco-friendly, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions. But to fully unlock what is possible, we need to better understand different fungi and develop new tools to work with them to find solutions.

The marine environment is home to a rich diversity of fungi. However, marine fungi were once overlooked and not widely considered for their biotechnological potential.

Local science, global stories.

This article is part of a series, Secrets of the Sea, exploring how marine scientists are developing climate solutions.

In collaboration with the BBC, The Conversation’s senior environment editor, Anna Turns, travels around the West Country coastline to meet ocean experts making exciting discoveries beneath the waves.

Now, my team of scientists at the Marine Biological Association, a research institution based in Plymouth on the south-west coast of England, has changed that. By gathering over 500 fungal strains from seawater, sediments and seaweeds, we have created a comprehensive marine fungi culture collection.

These fungi are stored at -80°C and studied at temperatures similar to the local shoreline they are from. This unique collection is already helping us learn more about marine fungi, including how they grow and adapt to different environments.

My colleagues and I are now exploring how these marine fungi, especially those from seaweed, can be used in biotechnology to create more useful, sustainable products in the future.

The European seaweed industry is growing fast and could be worth up to €9.3 billion (£7.8 billion) by 2030. Seaweed farming doesn’t need land, fresh water or fertiliser, and it can support ocean health.

Marine fungi, especially those originally isolated from seaweed, could recycle seaweed into valuable products.

At the Marine Biological Association, we are testing many combinations of different seaweeds and fungi to discover new uses. This approach could help make the seaweed industry stronger, more efficient and better for the environment.

The future is fungal

Feeding the world’s growing population is a major challenge, especially with nearly a billion people unable to afford nutritious food and the environmental consequences of high meat consumption. One promising alternative protein source involves using seaweed and fermenting it with marine fungi to create a nutritious protein source called mycoprotein – similar to what’s found in some current commercial products.

Antimicrobial resistance – the development of superbugs that become resistant to antibiotics as a result of their overuse – is a global health threat. This makes it harder to treat infections. Fungi naturally produce chemicals to protect themselves from other microbes, and several antibiotics come from fungi, including penicillin. Marine fungi could be a valuable new source of antibiotics and drug treatments to fight resistant infections and protect public health.

Pests and the diseases they spread cause major crop losses worldwide, threatening food security. Traditional chemical pesticides are becoming less effective and can harm helpful species like pollinators, while also leading to pest resistance.

Scientists are now exploring ways to target pests by using microbes without damaging the environment. One promising but unexplored source is marine fungi. Marine fungi and the arsenal of chemical compounds they produce may hold the key to developing new, eco-friendly pest control methods that protect crops while supporting wildlife and sustainable farming practices.

Our marine fungi culture collection is helping unlock the potential for finding new solutions to many of the world’s biggest challenges.

Listen to episode four of Secrets of the Sea here on BBC Sounds, presented by Anna Turns for The Conversation.

Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

Michael Cunliffe received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) for the project MYCO-CARB and currently receives funding from the UKRI Horizon Europe Guarantee scheme for the projects MARCO-BOLO and BIOcean5D. PhD students in the Cunliffe Group are supported by the UKRI BBSRC/NERC SWBio, ARIES and INSPIRE Doctoral Training Partnerships and the Marine Biological Association.

– ref. Marine fungi could help feed the world and fight disease – https://theconversation.com/marine-fungi-could-help-feed-the-world-and-fight-disease-251194

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Your next summer read and our award-winning podcasts – what you should read, watch, see and listen to this week

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Naomi Joseph, Arts + Culture Editor

The Women’s prize was founded in 1991 in bold riposte to the year’s all-male Booker prize shortlist. It’s funny to think how male-dominated the industry once was when you look at it now. There has been a real renaissance in literary fiction by women since then. Take last year’s Booker prize shortlist where the only male writer nominated was Percival Everett for his brilliant book James.

That women dominate the literary landscape has not diminished the need for the Women’s prize, however. In fact, I would say it has grown in boldness and depth, now taking on non-fiction, a world still dominated by men. The prize has also launched their first outstanding contribution award, which this year was won by the inimitable Bernadine Evaristo.

This year’s shortlisted books are a testament to the depth and variety of fiction being written by women. From a multi-generational tale of one Iranaian family to a daring and laugh-out-loud comedy about the rehabilitation of Isis brides by a researcher who worked for the UN doing just that. It serves as a perfect summer reading list. I have read four of the books so far and have loved every single one for very different reasons.

This year’s winner, The Safekeep by Yael van der Woeden, is a queer romance exploring the lesser-documented consequences of the second world war in the 1980s Netherlands. It’s a book I have gifted several times already and might be my favourite book of 2024. I would also recommend reading last year’s winner, Brotherless Night by V.V. Ganeshananthan, which has made its way slowly around The Conversation newsroom.

Read more:
Women’s prize for fiction 2025: six experts review the shortlisted novels

Scotland on screen

Set in Edinburgh, Netflix’s Dept. Q follows arrogant maverick detective Carl Mork (Matthew Goode) whose hubris got him shot through the neck, his partner paralysed and a rookie officer killed. Back at work after this horrifying ordeal, he’s wracked with survivor’s guilt and more than a touch of post traumatic stress disorder. He’s been banished to the basement to lead a new cold case unit.

Surprisingly, instead of being the fool’s errand his commander thinks Dept. Q will be, Mork and his rag tag team find themselves suited to this sort of work. Rather than throw him completely off his game, his new obsessive qualities and hyper-awareness of negative stimuli actually make him better at his job. Our reviewer, an expert in psychological vulnerabilities, analytical thinking patterns and cognitive processing styles, thoroughly enjoyed the show and found it really chimed with his research into how trauma can change the brain.

Read more:
Netflix’s Dept Q. suggests that psychological trauma might help a detective investigate – neuroscience backs this up

From a Scottish detective crime thriller series to a Scottish samurai-western film. Yes, you read that right. Tornado is a revenge tale about a young samurai performer on the run from a gang of bandits in 18th-century Scotland. It might seem like an odd splicing of genres, but in his review film studies scholar Jonathan Wroot argues that the two have a long-shared history. Both westerns and samurai films envision a world full of lone warriors, greedy gangs, wild landscapes, epic struggles and, of course, violence.

Read more:
Tornado is a Scottish samurai-western film – genres with a long-shared history

Tornado is in cinemas now

Big birthdays and news

This year marks the 250th birthday of Jane Austen and JMW Turner. Though the pair never met, both were great documenters of Regency England. A new exhibition at Leeds’s Harewood House explores the common threads in their work in relation to the cultural and societal significance of British country houses and their landscapes.

At Austen and Turner: A Country House Encounter, visitors will be able to look upon rarely seen paintings and manuscripts, including the unfinished manuscript of Austen’s last work, Sanditon. Our reviewer, an expert in literature, found it wonderfully brought to life the reality of the landed aristocracy of the time. It’s sure to move anyone who has an interest in art and history.

Read more:
Austen and Turner: A Country House Encounter captures the spirit of two great geniuses, born 250 years ago

Our final recommendation is our own podcast. This week a series of Conversation products were nominated at the Publisher podcast and newsletter awards, including Something Good. While we didn’t win, The Conversation did take home the big podcast prize, being named podcast publisher of the year.

The Conversation Weekly talks to academics about their discoveries and explores the big questions they are still trying to answer.

This week we take you to Indonesia where conservation scientist Hollie Booth trialled a programme paying fishermen to release any sharks and rays accidentally caught in their nets in the hope it would help to keep more alive. Listen to Booth and her colleague M. Said Ramdlan discuss the unintended consequences of the incentive programme.

We also can’t recommend the limited series podcast Scam Factories enough, which took home best investigative podcast. The three-part series takes you inside the world of scammers, many of whom are often victims too.

Read more:
Cash for sharks: the unintended consequences of paying fishermen to release sharks caught in their nets – podcast

Read more:
Scam Factories: the inside story of Southeast Asia’s brutal fraud compounds

– ref. Your next summer read and our award-winning podcasts – what you should read, watch, see and listen to this week – https://theconversation.com/your-next-summer-read-and-our-award-winning-podcasts-what-you-should-read-watch-see-and-listen-to-this-week-257747

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Troops on US streets in more ways than one while Trump considers axing Aukus defence pact

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rachael Jolley, International Affairs Editor

This article was first published in The Conversation UK’s World Affairs Briefing email newsletter. Sign up to receive weekly analysis of the latest developments in international relations, direct to your inbox.

It’s Donald Trump’s birthday this weekend, and he is planning a big bash to celebrate. There will be a full-colour parade in the nation’s capital. Expected to attend are a whole bunch of military vehicles, from a second world war bomber to M1 Abrams battle tanks to Paladin self-propelled howitzers.

The cavalcade will take a route through the grander streets of Washington DC making its way along Constitution Avenue all the way to the Lincoln memorial, with an expected 6,600 soldiers in attendance. The whole thing is estimated by the Associated Press to cost around US$45 million (£33 million).

This splashy show of Trump’s power and the US’s military strength could serve as a warning to anyone who was thinking of crossing the US right now. Trump is, of course, the commander-in-chief of the US forces. And he was using the full strength of his position, some argue going beyond it, when he sent the national guard and the marines – bypassing the state governor – to the streets of Los Angeles in the past few days.

There are now, according to ABC News, more US troops on the streets of LA than in Syria and Iraq. This was necessary, Trump claimed, to address protests over immigration raids that broke out around LA. Something that Sean Parnell, chief Pentagon spokesperson, said this week was “exactly what the American people voted for”.

While Trump is testing how far he can flex his political and military muscle at home, as the Open University’s Sinead McEneaney has detailed, he is also using what some historians have called unprecedented use of power, by sending in the marines to take action against Americans, while California governor Gavin Newsom said the troops were not wanted, or needed.

Read more:
Trump’s clash with California governor over LA protests has potential to influence next presidential race

Newsom is pushing back hard, and publicly, against Trump. Something, that Natasha Lindstaedt at the University of Essex, believes could propel Newsom higher up the Democrat selection list for a presidential nomination.

Read more:
Trump’s use of the national guard against LA protesters defies all precedents

Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

While signalling his military strength to those on the streets of California, Trump has also been sending a strong message to his erstwhile international allies that he might not be quite as willing to share his military hardware with them as they might have thought they had been promised. The US administration has opened a review of the Aukus (the Australia, UK and US defence pact) and in particular its nuclear submarine deal, to see whether it meets the “America first” criteria. This deal was due to help all three countries scale up their submarine capacity.

Australia already transferred US$500 million to the US this year, as part of a down payment on the deal, with the expectation of receiving used US submarines in the near future. Canberra and London have been speedily revising their reliance on Trump as a security partner in the past few months. This is yet another signal from Washington that they definitely should.

John Blaxland , a professor at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University, argues that Trump is angling to renegotiate the Aukus deal but won’t scrap it.

“There are a few key reasons for this. We’re several years down the track already. We have more than 100 Australian sailors already operating in the US system. Industrially, we’re on the cusp of making a significant additional contribution to the US submarine production line. And finally, most people don’t fully appreciate that the submarine base just outside Perth is an incredibly consequential piece of real estate for US security calculations.”

Read more:
Trump may try to strike a deal with AUKUS review, but here’s why he won’t sink it

Meanwhile, Mark Beeson, an adjunct professor at the University of Technology Sydney and Griffith University, believes that Australia is locked into the foreign and strategic policies of “an increasingly polarised, authoritarian and unpredictable regime” and should rethink its international relationships.

Beeson quotes an essay from another Australian academic, Hugh White, from Australian National University: “It is classic Trump to expect more and more from allies while he offers them less and less.”

Read more:
Goodbye to all that? Rethinking Australia’s alliance with Trump’s America

Russia’s battlefield count

In a military arena where most of the world would like Trump to apply a little more pressure, he continues to hold back and Vladimir Putin continues not to do a peace deal. Putin showed no sign of calling off his troops (or drones) from attacking Ukraine this week.

But as the onslaught continued Russia is expected to hit a horrific target this month, 1 million casualties in the war. Hundreds of thousands of Russians have died forcing Putin to get increasingly creative in coming up with ways to fill the gaps on the battlefields.

According to some reports he is sending the wounded back to fight before they are fully recovered, as well as offering large financial incentives to those who join up, and their families. The conflict continues and the death toll does, too. As Russian politics expert Jenny Mathers at the University of Aberystwyth points out, even before the war the country had a demographic crisis, and now that is even more extreme.

Russian women who want to earn the newly reinstated “Mother Heroine” award by bearing and raising ten or more children may struggle to find men to father them now, and after the war. Putin, like Trump, is fond of suggesting there is a glowing future for those who support him. The Russian leader has even created a Time of Heroes programme for war veterans who are promised a fast track into an elite career on their return from battle. Whether, of course, they do return when an estimated 53 casualties are being lost per square kilometre of land gained in eastern Ukraine is not a gamble many would like to take.

Read more:
Putin forced to send wounded back to fight and offer huge military salaries as Russia suffers a million casualties

Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

– ref. Troops on US streets in more ways than one while Trump considers axing Aukus defence pact – https://theconversation.com/troops-on-us-streets-in-more-ways-than-one-while-trump-considers-axing-aukus-defence-pact-258874

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI China: 3rd China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange to be held 2025-06-13 The Third China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange will be held in Guiyang, the capital city of Guizhou province in southwestern China, from June 18 to 20.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
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MIL OSI China News –
June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China stays committed to promoting a steady, sound and sustainable China-US mil-to-mil ties: Defense Spokesperson 2025-06-13 18:53:50 “We hope the US side will stop playing up the alleged ‘China threat’, respect China’s core interests,” said Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, at a press briefing on Friday.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
BEIJING, June 13 — “We hope the US side will stop playing up the alleged ‘China threat’, respect China’s core interests,” said Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, at a press briefing on Friday.

The spokesperson made the remarks when being asked to comment on the expectations on China-US mil-to-mil relations. It is reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping had a phone call with US President Donald Trump at the request of the latter. President Xi pointed out that the two sides should enhance communication in such fields as foreign affairs, economy and trade, military and law enforcement.

The spokesperson noted that China always upholds the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, and stays committed to promoting a steady, sound and sustainable development of China-US military-to-military relationship.

“We hope the US side will stop playing up the alleged ‘China threat’, earnestly respect China’s core interests and major concerns, and work with China towards the same direction to strengthen communication and dialogue, properly manage differences and enhance mutual understanding and mutual trust, so as to jointly improve and develop the relationship between the two militaries,” stressed the spokesperson.
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MIL OSI China News –
June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Whoever emboldens “Taiwan Independence” separatist forces to seek secession will get burnt for playing with fire: Defense Spokesperson 2025-06-13 19:07:43 “Any act that emboldens the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces to seek secession will undermine cross-Strait peace and stability, and lead to bitter results or self-inflicted wounds,” said Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, at a press briefing on Friday.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

BEIJING, June 13 — “Any act that emboldens the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces to seek secession will undermine cross-Strait peace and stability, and lead to bitter results or self-inflicted wounds,” said Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, at a press briefing on Friday.

According to reports, the Taipei School of Economics and Political Science Foundation recently held a civil chief-of-staff level war-gaming under the scenario of “Taiwan Strait crisis” for the first time, involving the former “Chief of the General Staff” of the Taiwan region, the former Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the former Chief of Staff of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. In addition, the US and Taiwan held the so-called Defense Industry Forum in Taipei, advocating closer weapon and equipment cooperation.

When commenting on the above reports, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin slammed that the Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair, which brooks no external interference. Any act that emboldens the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces to seek secession will undermine cross-Strait peace and stability, and lead to bitter results or self-inflicted wounds.

“We urge the relevant countries to truly abide by the one-China principle, stop sending any wrong signal to the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces,” he continued, adding that in the face of the prevailing trend that China will and must be reunified, any scheme to solicit foreign support for independence and contain China with Taiwan is doomed to fail.

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MIL OSI China News –
June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China raises Typhoon Wutip emergency response in multiple regions

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

BEIJING, June 13 — China’s State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Friday upgraded its emergency response for flood and typhoon control to Level III in the provincial-level regions of Hainan, Guangdong and Guangxi, all located in south China, in response to Typhoon Wutip, the first typhoon of the year.

A working team has been dispatched to Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to provide on-site guidance, while two previously deployed teams continue to assist with flood and typhoon prevention efforts in Ledong Li Autonomous County in the southernmost island province of Hainan, as well as in Zhanjiang, a coastal city in Guangdong Province.

As of 10 a.m. on Friday, the center of Typhoon Wutip, classified as a severe tropical storm, was located off the coast of Ledong. It is forecast to move northward at a speed of around 10 kilometers per hour, skimming the western coast of Hainan before predictably making landfall between Xuwen in Guangdong and Beihai in Guangxi around midday Saturday.

Affected by the typhoon, heavy to torrential rainfall is expected from Friday to Sunday in regions including Hainan, western and northern Guangdong, and eastern and coastal areas of Guangxi.

China has a four-tier emergency response system for flood control, with Level I being the most severe.

MIL OSI China News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier chairs meeting on pilot free trade zone, real estate

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

BEIJING, June 13 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday presided over a State Council executive meeting that deployed measures for the replication and promotion of pilot initiatives in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone.

The meeting also reviewed reports on constructing a new model for real estate development and advancing the construction of high-quality housing, and approved an implementation plan to make further improvements to the credit repair system.

Measures to optimize the centralized procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies were also discussed.

The meeting highlighted the importance of leveraging the experience of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, which fully aligns with high-standard international trade and economic rules, to release institutional innovation dividends on a broader scale.

Priority should be given to advancing pilot initiatives that enterprises and the public need urgently, according to the meeting.

It called for assessments of the land supplied for real estate across the country as well as ongoing projects.

It also underscored the need to optimize existing policies through a multi-faceted approach — aiming to stabilize expectations, stimulate demand, improve supply and mitigate risks — alongside a strengthened push to reverse the downturn of and stabilize the real estate market.

Moreover, the meeting highlighted the need to expedite the improvement of the credit repair mechanism, thereby assisting entities with credit issues to rebuild their trustworthiness more effectively.

It also stressed the importance of enhancing quality supervision across the entire production, circulation and usage chain of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.

MIL OSI China News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China renews bilateral currency swap agreement with Türkiye

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

BEIJING, June 13 — The People’s Bank of China (PBOC), the country’s central bank, has renewed a bilateral currency swap agreement with the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye.

The total value of this agreement is 35 billion yuan (about 4.88 billion U.S. dollars), or 189 billion Turkish lira, the PBOC said in a statement on its website.

The agreement is valid for three years and can be renewed upon mutual consent, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, the two sides have also signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a yuan clearing arrangement in Türkiye.

These arrangements mark a new stage in China-Türkiye financial cooperation and are expected to facilitate the use of local currencies by enterprises and financial institutions of both countries for cross-border settlements, further promoting and facilitating bilateral trade and investment, the statement said.

MIL OSI China News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China-Africa trade shifting toward more diversified, high value-added model

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

CHANGSHA, June 13 — China-Africa trade is undergoing a profound transformation from a traditional resource-based model to one that is more diversified, high value-added and technology-intensive, according to a document released Friday at the ongoing China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo.

The Blue Book of China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation: Development Report (2025) highlights expanding cooperation in sectors such as industry, agriculture, telecommunications, digital economy, new infrastructure, green energy and financial services.

Agricultural trade between China and Africa is transitioning from raw material exports to processed goods, cooperation in digital and technology-related services is gaining traction, and cross-border e-commerce is playing a growing role alongside traditional trade channels, said the document.

These developments are driven by Africa’s push for industrialization, China’s economic upgrading, and the continued influence of the Belt and Road Initiative, it said.

Infrastructure cooperation has expanded steadily, with projects covering sectors such as transport, energy and communications. Broader partnerships have also formed in education, agriculture, healthcare and green development, supported by maturing policy frameworks, trade pacts and financing tools, it said.

The document, jointly released by organizations including the China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council, the Department of Commerce of Hunan Province, and the China Economic Information Service, made use of both public data and field research.

It features a specific annual theme that reflects key developments and challenges in China-Africa trade, and aims to provide actionable recommendations for future cooperation.

The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo is being held in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province. Nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies as well as over 30,000 participants are attending the four-day event, themed “China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization.”

Economic and trade cooperation between China and Africa has demonstrated strong vitality, with a rapid increase in trade value over the past 25 years, official data showed.

China’s total trade with African countries increased from less than 100 billion yuan (about 13.9 billion U.S. dollars) in 2000 to 2.1 trillion yuan in 2024, marking an average annual growth of 14.2 percent, according to the General Administration of Customs.

China and Africa, as the largest developing country and the continent with the highest concentration of developing countries, respectively, are jointly exploring new frontiers in South-South cooperation, said Xu Xiangping, head of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council.

Xu added that China-Africa trade has repeatedly reached new levels, with notable developments including expansion in scale, structural upgrades and growing investment across industrial chains and emerging sectors.

MIL OSI China News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Along ancient Silk Road, Xi cultivates new bonds with Central Asia

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

BEIJING, June 13 — In the shimmering early summer heat of Xi’an, China’s longest-serving ancient capital, six pomegranate trees stand gracefully near the site of the inaugural China-Central Asia Summit held in May 2023, their branches bowing low with fruit.

Planted two years ago by Chinese President Xi Jinping and leaders of the five Central Asian nations, this vibrant grove stands as a vivid testament to the increasingly close and dynamic bond between China and Central Asia.

Building on past achievements, Xi and his Central Asia counterparts are scheduled to gather in Astana, Kazakhstan, later this month for a second summit, where they will weave tighter threads of trade, security and connectivity across the Eurasian heartland.

FORGING NEW PARADIGM

The 2023 Xi’an summit marked the first-ever meeting of heads of state under the China-Central Asia cooperation mechanism. In the city’s time-honored embrace, they agreed to host the top-level gathering every two years alternately in China and Central Asia.

Last year, this mechanism was further institutionalized with the establishment of a secretariat in Xi’an, capital of Shaanxi, Xi’s home province.

Xi places great importance on China’s ties with the region. In his view, Central Asia pulses at a strategic crossroads, linking East and West, North and South.

“It is a foreign-policy priority for China to develop friendly cooperative relations with the Central Asian countries,” Xi said during his first visit to Central Asia after becoming Chinese president in 2013.

Since then, he has traveled to the region eight times, deepening partnerships bilaterally as well as through platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia.

Today, Central Asia stands as the only region in the world where every country is a strategic partner of China. These partnerships, Xi said, have forged a new path of good-neighborliness and win-win cooperation, creating a new paradigm for international relations.

A highlight of the Xi’an summit was the signing of the Xi’an Declaration, in which Xi and the presidents of the five Central Asian countries vowed to work together to build a closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future.

This pledge aligns with the core idea of what’s known as Xiplomacy: building a community with a shared future for mankind. Notably, the vision has been fully implemented at the bilateral level in Central Asia.

Sheradil Baktygulov, director of the Institute of World Policy of Kyrgyzstan, said that the shared political will of Xi and the leaders of Central Asia is key to the sustained development of China-Central Asia cooperation.

“This cooperation not only strengthens bilateral ties, but also lays the foundation for a new model of multilateral collaboration in the Eurasian region,” he added.

Xi’s strong personal rapport with the leaders of Central Asia fuels these ties. At the Xi’an summit, Xi greeted Tajik President Emomali Rahmon as “my old friend.” In talks with Xi, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev referred to him as his “dear brother.”

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, also a seasoned sinologist, arrived in Xi’an on his 70th birthday. Xi told him, “On this special occasion, your visit speaks volumes about the strength of our bilateral ties and reaffirms your unique bond with China.”

REVIVING SILK ROAD

“Start the shipment!” With this command, Xi and Tokayev jointly launched the China-Europe Trans-Caspian Express Route at a ceremony held in July 2024 in Astana.

The occasion marked the formal establishment of a multidimensional connectivity network, integrating highways, railways, airlines and pipelines, to better link Asia with Europe via the Caspian Sea. It is expected to become a vibrant artery of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

While the ancient Silk Road witnessed robust trade and cultural exchanges between China and Central Asia, Xi sees in the region an important partner in modern-day Belt and Road cooperation.

Back in September 2013, also in Astana, Xi delivered a landmark speech at Nazarbayev University, where he first laid out his vision for building the Silk Road Economic Belt — a key component of the BRI.

“We can actively discuss the best way to improve cross-border transportation infrastructure,” Xi said, “and work toward a transportation network connecting East Asia, West Asia and South Asia to facilitate economic development and travel in the region.”

Over the years since then, that vision has steadily become a reality. In a recent instance, a commencement ceremony for the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project was held late last year in the Kyrgyz border city of Jalalabad. Xi, in a congratulatory letter, called for building the railway into a “new demonstration project” under Belt and Road cooperation.

The line will originate from the ancient Silk Road hub of Kashgar, in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, cross the Torugart Pass into Kyrgyzstan, proceed westward through Jalalabad, and reach the eastern Uzbek city of Andijan.

This railway, said Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, is not merely a transport corridor, but serves as an important strategic bridge connecting countries of the East and the West.

Belt and Road cooperation has effectively boosted trade, travel and exchanges in the region. In 2024, China’s trade with Central Asia reached a record 94.8 billion U.S. dollars, fueled in part by a booming cross-border e-commerce sector. China now stands as Central Asia’s top trading partner and major investment source.

Tajikistan became the first country to sign a memorandum of understanding with China regarding the Silk Road Economic Belt in 2014. Collaboration has since produced tangible outcomes, ranging from new highways and power plants to new city landmarks, many of which have been personally championed by Xi.

Tajikistan is also home to the first Luban Workshop in Central Asia — a Chinese vocational training center that has already equipped more than 1,500 students with practical skills in engineering, architecture, water management and environmental protection, preparing talent for the nation’s future development.

In a state visit to the country in 2024, Xi said to Rahmon: “I have seen a more prosperous Tajikistan.”

WEAVING CULTURAL TAPESTRIES

In the autumn of 2022, while visiting the storied Silk Road city of Samarkand, Xi presented Uzbek President Mirziyoyev with a special gift: a miniature of Khiva, a historic Silk Road outpost.

Khiva is China’s first cultural heritage preservation project in Central Asia. Thanks to years of restoration led by Chinese experts, the ancient town has taken on a new look.

“The preservation and restoration of historical sites in Khiva, a project launched during my visit to Samarkand in 2013, has been successfully concluded, further augmenting the charm of this ancient city,” Xi wrote in a signed article ahead of his 2022 visit to Uzbekistan.

During an earlier trip to the country in 2016, Xi met with the Chinese experts working on the project. “Be sure to protect the cultural relics well,” he urged them.

Over the years, joint archaeological efforts between Chinese and Central Asian scholars have expanded across the region, including the ancient city of Rahat in Kazakhstan and an ancient Buddhist temple of Krasnaya Rechka in Kyrgyzstan.

Xi has repeatedly stressed that the China-Central Asia friendship is one steeped in history. On multiple occasions, he invoked the legacy of Zhang Qian, the Han Dynasty envoy who traveled westward more than 2,100 years ago and opened the door to enduring friendship and exchanges between China and the region. He has also emphasized the need to “carry forward our traditional friendship.”

During his state visit to Kazakhstan in 2024, Xi, together with Tokayev, unveiled the Kazakhstan branch of Beijing Language and Culture University, the very institution where the Kazakh president studied Chinese in the 1980s. Xi expressed his hope that the new school would enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples, especially the young generation.

As part of the visit, Xi met a group of schoolchildren who greeted him in Mandarin and sang a Chinese song. Some among them expressed their dream of one day studying at Tsinghua University, Xi’s alma mater.

“I also wish, with all my heart, that you will be able to attend good universities in the future. And you are very welcome to pursue your studies in China,” the Chinese president smiled.

Commenting on the broader impact of such exchanges, Uzbek political observer Sharofiddin Tulaganov noted that under the China-Central Asia cooperation mechanism, mutual learning among civilizations will be significantly enhanced.

In today’s complex international environment, he added, institutionalized people-to-people exchanges like these will inject valuable cultural momentum into efforts at safeguarding regional peace and promoting shared development.

MIL OSI China News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China issued 10.68 trillion yuan in new loans in first five months

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

China issued 10.68 trillion yuan (about 1.5 trillion U.S. dollars) in new yuan-denominated loans in the first five months of 2025, central bank data showed on Friday.

At the end of May, outstanding yuan loans amounted to 266.32 trillion yuan, up 7.1 percent year on year, according to the People’s Bank of China. In the first five months, household loans increased by 572.4 billion yuan, while loans to enterprises increased by 9.8 trillion yuan.

The M2, a broad measure of money supply that covers cash in circulation and all deposits, increased 7.9 percent year on year to 325.78 trillion yuan at the end of May.

The M1, which covers cash in circulation, demand deposits and clients’ reserves of non-banking payment institutions, stood at 108.91 trillion yuan at the end of May, up 2.3 percent year on year.

The M0, which indicates the amount of cash in circulation, reached 13.13 trillion yuan at the end of May, an increase of 12.1 percent year on year.

In the first five months, the net cash injection hit 306.4 billion yuan.

Deposits in yuan rose by 14.73 trillion yuan in the first five months. The balance of deposits in yuan climbed 8.1 percent year on year to 316.96 trillion yuan at the end of May.

The total social financing stock in China reached 426.16 trillion yuan at the end of May, marking an 8.7 percent increase year on year.

In the first five months, the newly added social financing amounted to 18.63 trillion yuan, representing a 3.83 trillion yuan increase year on year.

MIL OSI China News –

June 14, 2025