Source: United States Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/24/2025 11:30 PM EDT
07/24/2025 11:02 PM EDT
Source: Reserve Bank of India
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@ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
– Not Applicable / No Transaction.
** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
@@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
$ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
* Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
Ajit Prasad
Deputy General Manager
(Communications)
Press Release: 2025-2026/778
Source: African Development Bank Group
Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai convened the full spectrum of his government leadership to hear from African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, whom he lauded for a transformative decade at the helm of Africa’s premier development finance institution.
Source: African Development Bank Group
The African Development Bank has presented its 2025 Country Focus Report for Tunisia. Titled “Unlocking Tunisia’s Capital for Sustainable Development,” it highlights key levers for fostering more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth through improved mobilization of the country’s human, financial, and…
Source: African Development Bank Group
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved $19.93 million grant funding for the Resilience Building – Vulnerable Youth and Women Support Project, designed to improve access to basic social services for underserved communities in The Gambia.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) — An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 jolted 167 km southeast of Mata-Utu (Wallis and Futuna) at 23:37 GMT on Thursday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
According to preliminary data, the epicenter of the tremors was located at a point with coordinates of 14.75 degrees south latitude and 175.79 degrees west longitude. The hypocenter was located at a depth of 324 km. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BISHKEK, July 25 (Xinhua) — Against the backdrop of the current global situation, the role of media and think tanks within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is gaining strategic importance, Kanatbek Aziz, director of the Research Institute of Geopolitics and Strategy of Kyrgyzstan, said in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua.
“In the context of increasing geopolitical turbulence and the crisis of the global narrative, the role and responsibility of the SCO media and analytical centers is acquiring strategic significance, going beyond information support and moving into the plane of intellectual construction of the future,” noted K. Aziz.
According to him, the media and analytical centers within the SCO perform a dual function: a relay function, ensuring that the “Shanghai Spirit” is conveyed to national and international audiences and forming a holistic image of the SCO as a responsible participant in the global dialogue; and a conceptual and design function, developing new meanings, forming strategic guidelines and providing intellectual support for integration processes.
“Their responsibility is institutional in nature: not just to support political messages, but to fill them with arguments based on historical and civilizational codes, regional characteristics and universal principles – justice, sovereignty, balance of interests, collective security,” he said, adding that in the era of fragmentation of the information space, their task is not so much to broadcast as to build trust, protect the semantic field of the SCO from external distortion and promote the establishment of a new format of multilateralism.
“It is precisely in the connection of media platforms with analytical centers that the intellectual framework of multipolar solidarity can be laid, capable of turning the expert-information track into a fulcrum for the strategic subjectivity of the SCO and into a stabilizing contour of the entire Eurasian architecture,” he emphasized, stating that cooperation between the media and analytical centers of the SCO states has significant potential for transformation into a stable, strategically verified system.
In the third ten days of July, the city of Zhengzhou in Henan Province /Central China/ will host the SCO Media and Analytical Centers Summit, in which K. Aziz will participate. He believes that the upcoming event should be viewed not only as a platform for exchanging opinions, but also as a potential launch point for a new systemic architecture of cooperation between the media community and analytical centers of the SCO countries.
“In the context of increasing fragmentation of the global information field, growing competition between narratives and loss of trust in universal platforms, the creation of a common intellectual and media space within the SCO is becoming a strategic task,” he said.
The expert clarified that this is not about another discussion, but about building a sustainable ecosystem of expert-informational interaction, where analytics and media work in sync, disseminating objective information and promoting regional solutions in the international arena.
“This is especially relevant against the backdrop of attempts by external pressure on the domestic agenda of the member countries and the distortion of the SCO’s image in the global public discourse,” he emphasized.
Overall, according to the expert, the Zhengzhou summit could lay the foundations for a new model of institutional interaction aimed at strengthening a single discourse, coordinating strategic narratives, and linking information, educational, and analytical tools.
“The integration of multilateralism as a philosophy of cooperation is of particular importance: not as an alternative to confrontation, but as a new model of international interaction based on equality, respect for the cultural and civilizational code and recognition of the legitimacy of national choice,” the expert said.
In this context, the humanitarian track goes beyond the secondary. It becomes a point of strategic convergence of civilizations, a mechanism for restoring interstate trust and a channel for the formation of long-term sustainable ties, the expert noted.
“It is in these areas – convergence, trust, multilateralism and humanitarian connectivity – that the institutional base of the SCO is being formed,” he said. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HOHHOT, July 25 (Xinhua) — The people’s government of north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has set up an investigation team to look into the cause of an incident in which six university students drowned after falling into a flotation tank during a field trip to a local copper-molybdenum processing plant.
The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region authorities have increased the level of investigation to quickly clarify the causes, determine the nature of the incident, and develop measures to correct the situation. At present, the investigation team has arrived at the scene of the tragedy and has begun work.
According to the Hulunbuir City Emergency Management Department, the incident occurred at about 10:20 a.m. Wednesday at a plant operated by mining company China National Gold Group Co., Ltd. in Hulunbuir City. The students, all of whom were studying at Northeastern University, were observing the flotation process when a grate plate collapsed, trapping them in the flotation cell.
All six were pulled out of the cell, but doctors later declared them dead. A teacher was also injured in the incident. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
PHNOM PENH/BANGKOK, July 25 (Xinhua) — Cambodia and Thailand on Thursday accused each other of escalating tensions in border areas, and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called on the United Nations Security Council to urgently convene a meeting to discuss the issue.
In a letter to Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, whose country holds the presidency of the Security Council in July, the prime minister said that Thai armed forces had been attacking Cambodian positions since Thursday morning. These attacks violated the fundamental principles of international law, he stressed.
Cambodia calls on Thailand to immediately cease all hostilities, withdraw troops crossing the border and refrain from any further provocations that could escalate the situation, Hun Manet said.
The Thai government, in turn, called on Cambodia to take responsibility for these incidents, put an end to attacks on civilian and military targets and stop all actions that violate Thailand’s sovereignty, the country’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
In case of refusal, Bangkok is ready to strengthen self-defense measures in accordance with international law and relevant principles, the department emphasized.
The Thai embassy in Cambodia has urged its citizens to leave the neighboring country. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
MINSK, July 25 /Xinhua/ — Chinese-Belarusian relations have entered a high-speed development trajectory and reached the highest level in history, Chinese Ambassador to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan said at a press conference here on Thursday.
“Under the strategic leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Chinese-Belarusian relations have entered a high-speed development trajectory, reaching a historically high level and becoming a model of mutual respect, trust and mutually beneficial cooperation between states,” the diplomat noted.
He also stressed that mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries is progressing in every way. “In the first half of 2025, the volume of bilateral trade exceeded 4 billion US dollars, which is 3.8 percent more than in the same period last year,” Zhang Wenchuan said.
In addition, the ambassador noted that cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the Belt and Road initiative is progressing at an accelerated pace.
“The Great Stone China-Belarus Industrial Park has already registered 152 residents from 15 countries with a total declared investment of over $1.5 billion, and has created over 3,100 jobs. In May, the China-Europe freight train was officially launched on the Beijing-Minsk route. In June, the National Football Stadium, built with China’s support, was officially opened in Belarus,” Zhang Wenchuan said. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
Bill Text (PDF) | One Pager (PDF)
Washington (July 24, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Representative Lateefah Simon (CA-12) today announced the reintroduction of the Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act, legislation that would prohibit discrimination in federal jury service based on disability or age. Federal law currently prohibits excluding a person from federal jury service on account of “race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or economic status,” but not on account of disability or age.
The Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act would add protections to federal law for age and disability to prevent the discriminatory exclusion of capable jurors. This legislation would ensure that disabled jurors who are at least 18 years of age and are able to perform their duties with reasonable accommodations—including deaf and blind individuals who may use sign language or braille—would not be disqualified on the basis of disability. Twenty-eight states, including Massachusetts and California, have enacted laws that prohibit the exclusion or disqualification of people with a disability from state jury service. Meanwhile, eleven states have laws that prohibit age-based discrimination for state jury service.
“Every American adult deserves the chance to fulfill their sacred civic duty and serve on a jury, no matter their age or disability,” said Senator Markey. “Our legislation creates equal opportunity for jury service and ensures that federal juries across the nation fully represent the diversity of our communities. Discrimination in jury selection stands in the way of achieving justice and fairness in our legal system. I am proud to lead this bill with Representatives Simon and continue to protect the rights of seniors and Americans with disabilities.”
“The discrimination, exclusion, and disqualification of disabled and elderly jurors from our federal courts based on outdated stereotypes and assumptions prevents our judicial system from embodying the ideals of justice and equality for all.” said Representative Simon. “As the first congenitally blind Member of Congress, I believe we must bring the voices of the disability community to the policy-making table and that our stories must be reflected in our policies. I thank Senator Markey for his partnership on our legislation that would ensure equal access and opportunity to participate our judicial system for all members of our community regardless of their ability or age.”
The bill is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and in the House of Representatives by Nikema Williams (GA-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), Dave Min (CA-47), Jared Huffman (CA-02), and Summer Lee (PA-12).
The Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act is endorsed by American Association for Justice, American Association of People with Disabilities, American Bar Association, American Council of the Blind, American Foundation for the Blind, American Geriatrics Society, Bay State Council of the Blind, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Disability Rights California, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF), Epilepsy Foundation, Gerontological Society of America, Hearing Loss Association of America, Justice in Aging, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Association of the Deaf, National Council on Independent Living, National Disabilities Rights Network, National Federation of the Blind, National Organization on Disability, Paralyzed Veterans of America, SOLVE ME/CFS, the Arc of the United States, United Spinal Association, and VisionServe Alliance.
“No American should be denied the right to serve on a federal jury because of their age or physical disability, and it’s a cornerstone of democracy that juries be reflective of the communities in which they serve,” said Linda Lipsen, CEO of the American Association for Justice. “AAJ strongly supports the Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act, and we thank Senator Markey and Congresswoman Simon for their leadership on this important issue.”
“Trial by jury is a cornerstone of our legal system, and diverse and representative juries are essential to fair deliberations and just outcomes. Diverse juries, with representation from all groups, not only promote community confidence in verdicts, but actually lead to better decision making. Jury service should be accessible to all members of our communities. NACDL is proud to support legislation that helps move us closer to that goal,” said Andrew S. Birrell, President of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
“A true jury of one’s peers must reflect the full diversity of our communities,” said Claire Stanley, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs for the American Council of the Blind. “People who are blind or have low vision cannot be left out of the judicial process. They deserve the same opportunity and share the same responsibility to serve on a jury of their peers.”
“AFB applauds the reintroduction of this important bill that ensures that people who are blind or have low vision are allowed to carry out their civic duty to serve on juries alongside their peers. Recognizing that most people become blind later in life, we appreciate that this bill prohibits age-related discrimination as well as disability discrimination, and we look forward to a time when all people are able to participate fully in the judicial system without prejudice,” said Stephanie Enyart, Chief Public Policy and Research Officer at American Foundation for the Blind.
“Many Deaf and hard of hearing people have participated in jury duty. This bill will ensure consistency across the nation, ensuring that those individuals are not excluded from performing their civil obligations,” said Interim CEO Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins of the National Association of the Deaf.
“People with disabilities have served successfully as jurors in state courts for many years, thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws. It is long past time for our federal jury system to catch up and end discrimination that prevents people with disabilities from serving as federal jurors,” said Jennifer Mathis, deputy director of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law.
“The right to serve on a jury is a fundamental component of civic engagement and equal justice under law. Yet far too often, people with disabilities are excluded from jury service based on outdated assumptions and discriminatory practices. We commend Senator Markey and Representative Simon for introducing this critical legislation, which affirms that disability and age should never be barriers to full participation in our democracy,” said Eric Buehlmann, Deputy Executive Director for Public Policy, National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).
“Jury service is a fundamental part of free and equal citizenship. This bill ensures that people with disabilities are not denied the right to serve on a jury because of outdated assumptions about what we can or cannot do. The disability community looks forward to bringing its wealth of experiences and perspectives to federal juries across the country,” said Eric Harris, Associate Executive Director of External Affairs at Disability Rights California.
In July 2023, Senator Markey and then-Representative Anna Eshoo (CA-16) reintroduced the Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act (CVTA) to amend the CVAA due to the proliferation of emerging technologies since 2010. The CVTA would strengthen standards for television programming and emergency communication; expand accessibility requirements, including closed captions and audio descriptions, to online platforms and video conferencing services; and equip the federal government with the ability to improve the accessibility of emerging technologies. In 2022, Senator Markey and then-Representative Katie Porter (CA-45) introduced the Disabled Jurors Nondiscrimination Act, legislation that prohibits excluding a person from federal jury service on account of disability.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
Merger approval comes 2 days after Paramount settles with Trump for $36 million
Washington (July 24, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted today to approve a merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media.
“The FCC’s approval of the Paramount-Skydance merger reeks of the worst form of corruption. The timing speaks for itself: Paramount settled with Trump for $36 million on Tuesday and the FCC approved the merger on Thursday. While we’re glad that the Commission took a vote on the deal, as we have repeatedly called for, the partisan vote is a dark day for independent journalism and a stain on the storied history of the Federal Communications Commission. The stench of this transaction will linger over the Commission for years.”
Senators Markey and Luján have aggressively pushed back on the Trump administration’s efforts to attack news organizations and intimidate the media. On July 18, Senator Markey wrote to Paramount Global Chair Shari Redstone, demanding answers on the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” specifically requesting whether anyone in the Trump administration asked for the show to be cancelled. On July 10, Senators Markey and Luján wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Olivia Trusty, urging the FCC to hold a full Commission vote on the Paramount and Skydance merger. In May 2025, Senators Markey and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) wrote to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, urging the FCC to take a vote on the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
Over 120,000 people are held in solitary confinement in the United States
Bill Text (PDF)
Washington (July 24, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) today announced the reintroduction of the End Solitary Confinement Act, legislation that would end solitary confinement in federal prisons, jails, and detention centers, with limited exceptions. This bill would create minimum standards for incarceration, including by requiring that facilities give detainees access to out-of-cell interaction and recreation and by capping the length of solitary confinement at four hours.
Solitary confinement has many different names, including “restrictive housing” in Massachusetts. Individuals held in solitary confinement can be isolated in a small, concrete, windowless cell for 22 hours or longer. Placement in solitary for any length of time, whether days or even hours, can cause severe, long-term harm. Individuals held in solitary confinement may suffer serious adverse effects on their mental and physical health, including an increased risk of suicide, heart disease, anxiety, and depression. Solitary confinement is also disproportionately inflicted on Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as on vulnerable populations, including persons with preexisting mental health illnesses.
“Solitary confinement is a cruel and unnecessary practice that has no place in our country. This practice isn’t rehabilitation, it’s torture,” said Senator Markey. “Forcing people, including those from vulnerable groups, into small, cramped, concrete prison cells without human interaction for hours, days, weeks, and even months on end is inhumane. I am proud to introduce this legislation, alongside Representative Kamlager-Dove, to move us closer to ending solitary confinement, once and for all.”
“Solitary confinement is torture, period,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “This outdated practice, dating back to the 1800s, does nothing to promote rehabilitation. Research consistently shows it causes severe mental health issues, intensifies existing barriers to recovery, and disproportionately harms incarcerated Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We must abolish solitary confinement entirely—and I’m proud to lead the charge with this bill that will finally end its use in the United States.”
Cosponsors in the Senate include Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore).
This legislation is endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union, Center for Constitutional Rights, Vera Institute of Justice, National Religious Campaign Against Torture, Unlock the Box Campaign, the #HALTsolitary Campaign, and Zealous.
Specifically, the End Solitary Confinement Act would:
Senator Markey has worked consistently to reform prison practices and provide resources to formerly and currently incarcerated people. Senator Markey and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced the Fair Chance Jobs Month Resolution in May 2025, to ensure that formerly incarcerated individuals have a fair chance at securing good-paying, stable employment. In February 2024, Senator Markey sent a letter to then-Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm urging the Department of Energy (DOE) to make good-paying clean energy jobs accessible to currently and formerly incarcerated people.
Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies
I begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land on which we gather today, and pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
Good afternoon everyone and thank you to the Lowy Institute and Executive Director, Dr Michael Fullilove, for the opportunity to speak today.
Australia is a trading nation.
From the first known trading networks between indigenous Australians in northern Australia and the Makasar of Indonesia; to the Australian wool which helped clothe the world in the early 20th century; to the energy and mineral resources that have helped societies across the globe develop their economies.
For centuries, we have relied on our ability to export as we have built the robust and modern economy from which we all benefit today.
However, until recently, most Australians did not have cause to pay much attention to international trade.
But that has changed in recent years.
The imposition of trade impediments by the Chinese Government on $20 billion worth of Australian exports highlighted the risk of putting all your eggs in one basket.
Upon my appointment as Minister for Trade and Tourism in 2022, working alongside Prime Minister Albanese and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong, we worked calmly and methodically to resolve these blockages for Australian businesses.
Our patient and calibrated approach to stabilising the bilateral relationship with China – without compromising our core interests and values – was vital in achieving the removal of these impediments.
This means that our world class wine, beef, lobster and many other products are now back on the tables of Chinese consumers, benefiting Australian businesses and local jobs.
This turnaround could not have been achieved without personal engagement – I have now met my Chinese counterpart, Commerce Minister Wang Wentou, ten times.
Our government has also taken steps to deepen our economic ties with our nearest neighbours and increase opportunities with new partners further abroad.
We have worked hard to strengthen our relationships in Southeast Asia, boosting two-way trade and investment with our closest region and reached Australia’s first free trade agreement in the Middle East, when we signed the Australian-UAE agreement late last year.
I look forward to visiting Abu Dhabi again soon to turbo-charge business and investment.
Getting our products into the UAE is like getting it into the Woolies warehouse, if you can get it there, you can then get it to all the surrounding countries in the Middle East.
I am proud of what our Government has achieved in the past three years, with solid foundations laid for continuing the work of building stronger and deeper trading relationships with international partners.
The diversification of our trade networks will open new opportunities for Australian exporters to ship their goods to the world and bring down the cost of living for Australians.
Of course, diversification doesn’t mean selling less to our largest trading partners, it means selling more to new partners.
As the Treasurer laid out in his recent address to the National Press Club, the Albanese Labor Government has organised its economic policy for the second term around three priorities:
Trade and investment support all three of these priorities.
Trade drives productivity through competitive innovation, spurred by global competition.
Trade enhances economic resilience by diversifying markets and supply chains.
And, trade contributes to budget sustainability by increasing revenues through exports and economic growth.
Nearly a third of Australia’s economic output is supported by trade.
One in four Australian jobs relate to trade.
And foreign investment provides the capital to build for the future, and access to global talent, new ideas, best practices and cutting-edge technologies.
Business craves certainty to enable long-term investment and planning.
For the past eight decades that certainty has been based on the institutions forged from the wreckage of World War Two – from trade agreements that have allowed the free flow of resources and capital, and the rules based order which has allowed for an even playing field, ushering in an unprecedented period of global economic growth.
But, these institutions and norms we worked so hard to build are being questioned and the rules we wrote are being challenged.
One of the chief designers of the global trading system, the United States, is now questioning the benefits of open, rules-based trade.
The Trump Administration is seeking to expand domestic manufacturing and influence the policies of trading partners.
Australia is a medium-sized open economy that is highly integrated with the global economy.
We rely on being able to send our produce, resources and human capital to the world to sustain the high standard of living which we enjoy today.
What we risk seeing is a shift from a system based on shared prosperity and interdependence to one based solely on power and size.
We cannot risk a return to the ‘law of the jungle’.
If our trading partners’ growth slows, without doubt we will suffer.
The costs to consumers and businesses of a global economic slowdown will be felt for generations, and the shockwaves of inflation will worsen.
Even before the imposition of tariffs by the current US Administration, several other forces have been reshaping global trade for some time.
Firstly, heightened geostrategic competition is increasing the intersection of national security and economic prosperity, made more complex by the rapidly evolving technology that is enabling both extraordinary new growth and adding to the global competition.
Secondly, the widespread use of industrial policy to support key sectors as nations seek to rebuild industrial bases and sovereign manufacturing capability and ensure technological dominance.
And thirdly, the transition towards net zero emissions.
These forces demand a more strategic, coordinated approach to trade policy.
An approach that balances openness with resilience and long-term competitiveness.
In 2025, we’re no longer in a “set and forget” world.
We can no longer afford to take the rules that underpin a stable trading system for granted.
So, how will the Albanese Labor Government navigate these challenges to best position Australia in a turbulent global economy?
We will be guided by five key principles.
The first principle is that free and open markets are essential to Australia’s prosperity.
Imposing tariffs of our own would drive up the costs for Australian families and businesses.
This position was backed up by the Productivity Commission in its most recent Trade and Assistance Review released earlier this month.
Our markets will remain open, and we will stand by our trade agreements. In fact, we will make them even stronger.
Our second principle is that world trade should be governed by rules and not by power alone.
We will always stand up for Australian industry and Australian jobs.
By fighting for a level playing field for our businesses and workers.
And by providing the right support to ensure our exporters are not locked out of the opportunities we have fought hard for.
The third principle is that of cooperation.
We have and will continue to take a good faith approach to trade negotiations – which means engaging with a genuine desire to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes and uphold the rules-based order which has benefited so many.
The fourth principle is that we will not leave those affected behind – Australian businesses, workers or the broader community.
As the Prime Minister has said, no one held back, no one left behind.
We will work hard to ensure that the benefits of trade are shared widely, which is why the Albanese Government is putting so much effort into inclusive trade policies, including our First Nations trade agenda.
That agenda has already had some big wins – a new international treaty recognising First Nations’ traditional knowledge, and a chapter specifically relating to first nations trade in our UAE agreement, which is the first time this has happened in any Australian trade agreement.
The final principle is that we will not compromise our fundamental values and interests.
Like the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and our biosecurity system.
To be clear, the announcement yesterday of the outcome of the technical assessment of beef from the United States is the culmination of a decade of science and risk-based import assessments and evaluations.
Australia is the land of the ‘’fair go’, we value social justice, fairness, inclusion and equality.
Programs like the PBS, which are at the heart of the health and wellbeing of our country, will never be up for negotiation under an Albanese Labor Government.
And while we believe in free and fair trade, we will not trade away parts of our core identity.
With these principles in mind, our government will continue to advance a trade policy which delivers for all Australians.
During the election campaign we committed to initiatives that would provide support to businesses impacted by protectionist trade measures.
This included strengthening our anti-dumping regime to help create a level playing field by addressing unfair trade.
In addition, we put $50 million dollars on the table to work closely with key industry peak bodies, supporting businesses to find and access new market opportunities and we will provide $1 billion in zero interest loans to firms.
We also committed to establishing a Strategic Reserve for critical minerals so we can make sure Australia can respond to trade and supply disruptions from a position of strength with our key partners.
And we will put Australian businesses at the front of the queue for government procurement and contracts.
This is in addition to implementing our Southeast Asia Economic Strategy2040 and our Roadmap for Economic Engagement with India.
And by backing local manufacturing through the Future Made in Australia policy, we will continue to invest in the skills, technology and renewable energy to make more things here, creating jobs and opportunities for Australians.
Of course, our ability to compete abroad depends on how productive we are at home.
Which is why the Government has such an ambitious domestic productivity reform agenda.
And that agenda depends, in turn, on the quality of our trade and investment connections to the world.
As I alluded to earlier in my remarks, trade diversification will continue to be a key focus.
We are fortunate to already have a strong network of 18 free trade agreements with 30 partners, covering almost 80 per cent of the value of our two-way trade.
But there is unfinished business.
I am committed to concluding a deal with the European Union, the missing piece in the puzzle of Australia’s network of FTAs, with a market of over 450 million consumers.
Having met recently with my European counterpart I know there is a genuine desire to reach an outcome.
But it will require a Team Australia approach both internationally and domestically with stakeholders, including business and farmers.
And I am committed to expanding our trade deal with India, the world’s most populous nation with a rapidly growing middle class.
Just these two new agreements bring in almost 2 billion new consumers for Australian products.
The good news is that my Indian counterpart, Piyush Goyal, and I have a shared vision to boost two-way trade and investment.
There is new energy in regional trade agreements.
We are here to work with the region to back this trend.
As Chair of the CPTPP in 2025, Australia is seeking to expand the membership and deepen its high standard rules.
And closer to home, in the Pacific region, I want to ensure the gains from trade are spread throughout our neighbourhood.
Many Pacific island partners tell us they want to participate more fully in global supply chains. I want our friends like Fiji and PNG to be part of our regional trading network that has worked so well for us.
One of the key ingredients in development and poverty alleviation in Southeast Asia has been a story of opening up to trade.
That’s why so many of our neighbours are backing regionalism in trade as a response to the current turbulence.
Because backing these norms of rules and openness backs our region’s strength and vitality.
We will leverage the G20, OECD and APEC to build support for continued openness around the world, acting as a calm and considered voice for trade across the world.
Underpinning these bilateral and regional deals is the World Trade Organization, through which most global trade still flows according to its rules.
Our message to the world is simple: we will continue to respect the rules and be a partner you can count on.
Shaping the rules of the road is in our DNA.
We were a founding member of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade in 1948 and played a major role in the Uruguay Round negotiations which led to the creation of the WTO.
Now we face a major challenge in global trade – a time when Australia can play its part as a calm and considered international partner, leveraging our relationships to support free and fair trade.
The meeting of the world’s trade ministers in Cameroon in March next year must tackle the big issues of WTO reform – how we make decisions, make new rules, and enforce those rules.
We have got to bring new agreements like the one we have helped create on E-commerce, into the WTO rulebook.
We must also make progress on agriculture, where there has been a tilted playing field for far too long.
Australian businesses, workers and consumers are on the front line of this new era of global trade policy.
That is why we will back business with real, practical support to assist Australian exporters to seize the new opportunities created by our trade deals.
The Government is committed to genuine consultation – to ensure that our approach both reflects our community’s experience and meets our nation’s expectations.
Taking an economy wide approach has allowed us to navigate these last few months of tariff disruption successfully.
It is only with that same approach that we can navigate through the period of uncertainty ahead.
And ensure that Australia isn’t just a passive witness to our circumstances – but instead shapes them – as we have at key points before in our history.
The new trading landscape we face is difficult, and challenging.
But we have to have the courage of our convictions.
We know that open, rules-based trade and investment works.
An outward looking trade and investment policy is central to this Government’s ambitions for our economy.
From our earliest days, Australia has always been a trading nation.
Our businesses, our people and our communities benefit from it.
And we will continue to be a successful trading nation if we can both lift our performance at home and shape our circumstances abroad.
With a genuine Team Australia approach, I am confident we are up to that task.
Thank you.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A Palestinian child receives free food from a charity kitchen in Gaza City, on July 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
The little aid allowed to reach supply facilities inside Gaza is “woefully inadequate” to curb starvation or sustain life-saving relief operations, UN humanitarians said Thursday.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that while UN teams were able to collect food aid, mainly flour, from Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem and Zikim crossings on Wednesday, civilians still face death, injury, hunger, displacement and trauma amid the hostilities and inadequate access to food, water, health care and shelter.
Following Israeli allegations that the world body and its partners were not collecting aid at the border crossing, OCHA listed the obstacles it faces in obtaining relief for Gazans.
The humanitarian office said that challenges the United Nations and its partners face include bureaucratic, logistical, administrative and other operational obstacles imposed by Israeli authorities, ongoing hostilities, and access constraints within Gaza, including incidents of criminal looting and shooting that have killed and injured people gathering to offload aid supplies along convoy routes.
OCHA said violence connected with aid distribution has put civilians and humanitarian staff at grave risk and forced aid agencies on many occasions to pause the collection of cargo from Israeli-controlled crossings.
The office said that out of 16 attempts to coordinate movements with Israeli authorities on Wednesday, only eight were facilitated, including the collection and transfer of limited fuel. Two other movements were initially approved but then faced obstacles in Gaza.
OCHA said its partners reported that more than 1 million children are bearing the brunt of deepening starvation and malnutrition, with reports of death from malnutrition increasing by the day.
“According to partners working in nutrition, in the first two weeks of July, nearly 5,000 of the 56,000 children under the age of 5 screened for malnutrition in the governorates of Gaza, Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis were found to be acutely malnourished,” the humanitarians said, adding that the figure is a staggering 9 percent, compared with 6 percent in June and 2.4 percent in February.
Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, said on Thursday that one in every five children in Gaza City is malnourished.
OCHA said that families have been squeezed into just 12 percent of Gaza’s area, while the remaining 88 percent of the Gaza Strip now either falls within Israeli-militarized zones or has been placed under displacement orders.
The office said the blockade on critical items, such as tents and other shelter materials, has lasted more than 20 weeks. The trickle of fuel now let in is also wholly insufficient.
OCHA said that aid workers in Gaza who themselves are affected, displaced and going hungry insist on staying and providing life-saving assistance. They join voices across the UN system in continuing to call for a ceasefire and an end to the devastation.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China unveiled the draft of an amendment to its price law on Thursday for seeking public opinions, marking a significant step in strengthening market supervision, deterring unfair pricing practices, and reinforcing the country’s push toward a more efficient and high-quality economic structure.
Experts said the move sends a clear signal that China is committed to fostering a market environment that encourages fair competition, as the country adapts to evolving market dynamics and increasing international uncertainty.
The document, jointly drafted by the National Development and Reform Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation on Thursday, consists of 10 articles with a key focus on improving regulations related to government pricing, further clarifying the criteria for identifying unfair pricing behavior, and strengthening legal accountability for price-related violations.
Guo Liyan, deputy director of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research’s Economic Research Institute, said that in a socialist market economy, the price mechanism plays an important role in optimizing resource allocation and balancing supply and demand.
“The draft amendment, particularly the improvement of criteria for identifying unfair pricing behaviors such as low-price dumping, will help better protect the legitimate rights of consumers and businesses, and promote healthy economic development,” she said.
According to Guo, amid rising international uncertainties, reinforcing fair, just and lawful price competition through legislation “will enhance the appeal and influence of China’s unified national market, thereby providing a sound pricing environment to strengthen domestic economic circulation”.
The draft clarifies that low-price dumping not only applies to goods but also to services, and the responsible parties have been expanded from sellers in transactions to third parties that set pricing rules, thereby providing a legal basis for stronger enforcement against low-price dumping and efforts to curb involution-style competition.
Guo said: “If operators engage in unfair pricing, causing prices to deviate from supply-demand fundamentals and cost structures, this could undermine the entire pricing mechanism and trigger negative chain reactions.”
Meng Yanbei, a professor at Renmin University of China’s Law School, highlighted a major breakthrough in the draft — the transformation of government pricing to more adaptive rule-based mechanisms.
“One highlight of the amendment is the recognition that government pricing can shift from setting price levels to formulating pricing mechanisms,” Meng said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Long jumper Shu Heng leaped 8.09 meters to claim China’s first track and field gold medal, while South Africa’s teenage sprinting sensation Bayanda Walaza won his second gold in as many days Thursday at the Rhine-Ruhr World University Games.
Shu Heng of China competes during the men’s long jump final at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games in Bochum, Germany, July 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Shu improved on his leading mark of 8.07 meters from the fourth round by two centimeters in his final attempt to win the event, 13cm shy of his 8.22m gold-winning performance at the Asian Athletics Championships in May.
Japan’s Koki Fujihara finished second with 8.00m, edging Germany’s Luka Herden by four centimeters.
“Every international competition helps strengthen my confidence. Winning the Asian championship boosted me mentally, and now winning at the University Games further paves the way and reinforces my confidence for bigger stages ahead,” said Shu.
Another Chinese athlete, Xing Jialiang, the top qualifier in men’s shot put, earned silver with a throw of 20.08m, just 17cm behind South Africa’s Aiden Smith, who took gold. Italy’s Riccardo Ferrara claimed bronze with 17.91m.
Walaza, 18, a Paris 2024 Olympian, was third fastest out of the blocks and surged past Spain’s Adria Alfonso Medero in the outer lane to win the men’s 200m final from lane seven. Walaza clocked 20.63 seconds to Medero’s 20.70, with South Korea’s Lee Jae-song taking bronze in 20.75.
Walaza’s time was an improvement on his 20.93 in the heats and 20.76 in the semifinals earlier in the day.
“It’s wonderful to say that I’m the fastest in all of the universities around the world. It’s a great honor to be here and to win this,” Walaza said after the race.
“I arrived in Germany with not a lot of training under my belt, but I quickly convinced myself that I am a warrior and a fighter.”
The reigning world U20 champion also won the men’s 100m on Tuesday in 10.16 seconds, edging Thailand’s Puripol Boonson (10.22), whom he had previously defeated in last year’s junior world final in Peru.
Italy led the night’s medal haul with three golds from women’s track events.
In the women’s 200m, Tokyo 2020 Olympian Vittoria Fontana ran a personal best of 22.79 seconds to take gold, bettering her previous mark of 22.97.
Eloisa Coiro won the women’s 800m in 1:59.84 ahead of Switzerland’s Veronica Vancardo (2:00.08) and Spain’s Garcia Tena (2:00.12).
Alice Muraro added Italy’s third track gold with a personal best of 54.60 in the women’s 400m hurdles. Michelle Smith of the U.S. Virgin Islands earned silver in 55.65 and Hungary’s Sara Mato took bronze in 55.92.
Turkish Ozlem Becerek won the women’s discus with a season-best 61.15m. Sweden’s Ana Lindfors took silver at 58.80 and Germany’s Antonia Kinzel secured bronze with 58.43.
Israel claimed its first athletics medal of the meet as Jonathan Kapitolnik won men’s high jump with a 2.27m clearance. Totsuki Abe delivered Japan’s first athletics gold by winning the men’s 110m hurdles in 13.47 seconds.
Poland picked up two golds on the night. Filip Ostrowski won the men’s 1,500m in 3:46.10, and the Polish team captured the 4x400m mixed relay title with a season-best 3:15.18.
In table tennis, China’s Zhao Shang swept past Huang Yu-jie of Chinese Taipei 4-0 to win women’s singles. Vladimir Sidorenko defeated Maksim Grebnev 4-1 in the men’s singles final between individual neutral athletes, concluding the table tennis competitions.
In men’s basketball, Brazil and the United States advanced to Saturday’s final. Brazil edged host Germany 83-78, while Team USA overcame Lithuania 72-64.
“When we’re making a bunch of mistakes and we’re down, we all come together and smile and stay positive and keep working hard. I am blessed from God to be in this position I am in,” said U.S. forward Daniel Skillings Jr., who had a game-high 17 points.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Japan secured a place in the semifinals of the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) after edging past Türkiye 3-2 (25-21, 16-25, 25-20, 22-25, 15-9) in a thrilling quarterfinal on Thursday in Lodz, Poland.
Japan captain Mayu Ishikawa led her team with 19 points, including 17 kills and two aces. Opposite Yukiko Wada and outside hitter Yoshino Sato each added 15 points. For Türkiye, opposite Melissa Vargas posted a match-high 22 points, while outside hitter Yaprak Erkek contributed 17.
Japan, the 2024 VNL silver medalist, took the opening set 25-21. The Turkish side responded with a dominant second set, powered by Erkek’s nine points, to level the match with a 25-16 win.
Guided by Turkish head coach Ferhat Akbas, Japan regained control in the third set. Sato’s three well-placed spikes helped secure a 25-20 win and a 2-1 advantage.
Türkiye fought back again in the fourth set, edging Japan 25-22 to force a decider.
In the fifth set, Japan jumped out to a 7-4 lead and maintained control. Ishikawa delivered two crucial spikes and followed with an ace to close the set 15-9, booking Japan’s place in the semifinals.
“We’re very happy to have won such an important match,” said Japanese setter Nanami Seki in a post-match interview with the official tournament website. “We knew it would be tough, so we focused on our side and tried to play our best. Now we have a chance to win a medal, and we will fight for it.”
Japan will face Brazil in Saturday’s semifinal. The South American powerhouse defeated Germany 3-0 (25-19, 26-24, 25-14) later Thursday. Opposite Rosamaria Montibeller led Brazil with 13 points, while Germany’s Lina Alsmeier scored 11.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
British business leader: China’s innovation-driven growth provides new opportunities for global investors
This photo shows electric vertical take-off-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft parking in a charging hangar at Luogang Park in Hefei, east China’s Anhui Province, July 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)
China is reshaping its growth model around strategic self-reliance, innovation-driven productivity, and systemic capabilities, which present fresh opportunities for foreign investors, said Jack Perry, Chairman of The 48 Group Club in Britain.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, Perry highlighted China’s economic performance in the first half of 2025. He pointed to robust GDP growth, alongside the rapid expansion of the high-tech and equipment manufacturing sectors, the digital economy, and research and development investments. All of which, he said, underscores China’s pivot toward high-quality development.
“China is not only rebalancing what it produces, but also how and why it produces,” Perry said. “There is a clear emphasis on integrated artificial intelligence (AI) deployment, green energy transformation, industrial sovereignty, and the dual-circulation model designed to weather geopolitical turbulence.”
Perry praised China’s accelerating pace of innovation, asserting that the country is now a global leader in productivity and technological advancement. “AI is already being deployed at scale, robotics are being commercialized, and digital infrastructure is operational,” he noted. “China is executing a long-term strategy that other economies still only talk about.”
A robot makes coffee at a booth at the 26th China High-Tech Fair (CHTF) in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, Nov. 14, 2024. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)
As CEO of London Export Corporation, Perry noted growing global demand for Chinese innovations. “Companies across the Middle East, Europe, and South America are seeking high-quality, smart technologies from China, not because they are cheaper, but because they are better.”
China’s vast and evolving consumer market also plays a pivotal role in shaping global product strategies, Perry added. With a growing middle-income population that is digitally integrated, quality-conscious, and values-driven, the Chinese market is driving a shift in how multinational firms design and adapt their products.
“This is no longer about exporting to China,” he said. “It’s about designing with China.”
He cited The 48 Group’s recent delegation visit to China’s Shandong, Zhejiang, and Beijing, where British companies were invited to co-develop new platforms with Chinese partners in areas such as smart retail and low-carbon urban logistics.
Visitors view a car of Xiaomi SU7 series at the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China, June 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
In a time of rising protectionism and fragmented trade worldwide, Perry commended China’s continued commitment to openness. “While many economies are turning inward and building walls, China is doing the opposite. It is expanding partnerships, deepening trade ties, and strengthening global engagement,” he said.
He pointed to initiatives such as the Belt and Road development and new trade agreements as evidence of China’s proactive approach.
According to Perry, multinational corporations remain optimistic about China. “Some of the world’s most forward-looking companies are moving closer to China, not away. They recognize the scale, capability, and innovation ecosystem as essential to their own competitiveness.”
He identified several sectors that offer significant opportunities for foreign investors, including AI compliance frameworks, energy infrastructure, robotics export services, smart mobility systems, and trusted commodity platforms.
Jack Perry, chairman of the 48 Group Club, delivers a speech during the 2025 “Invest in China” UK Session in London, Britain, April 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Jia Yuchen)
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Participants of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit pose for photos outside the venue in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan Province, July 24, 2025. Themed “Upholding the ‘Shanghai Spirit’ to Build a More Beautiful Home,” the SCO Media and Think Tank Summit is held here from July 23 to 27. (Xinhua/Wu Jingdan)
Scholars from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries are upbeat that greater connectivity will enhance cooperation and joint development, as they gathered in central China’s Henan Province to discuss the SCO’s role and sustainable development in a changing world.
The ongoing SCO Media and Think Tank Summit is taking place in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan, from Wednesday to Sunday. Co-hosted by Xinhua News Agency, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), and the Henan provincial government, the event has attracted more than 400 representatives from media outlets, think tanks and governments of 26 SCO countries, as well as international and regional organizations.
Since its establishment in 2001 with a focus on security cooperation, the SCO has expanded from six member states to 10 member states with two observer states and 14 dialogue partners. The participating scholars believe that the SCO can support closer economic and people-to-people ties, creating a new pattern of regional cooperation.
“The SCO possesses the practical conditions to become a new type of geo-economic entity,” said Sun Zhuangzhi, head of the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies under the CASS, at a think tank forum held at the summit on Thursday.
Sun highlighted that with the accession of Iran and Belarus as member states, the SCO has the potential to develop multiple overland corridors, which can support regional economic prosperity.
As a key Eurasia hub, the SCO can establish an open and efficient transportation system, significantly contributing to economic development and connectivity across the continent, he added.
Cholpon Koichumanova, a senior scholar at Kyrgyz State University named after I. Arabaev, remarked that the SCO has gained increased influence and respect over the past few years, demonstrating its relevance in global processes.
“In the context of global transformations and shifting values, economic cooperation between Central Asia and China is especially important,” she said, noting that the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway will play a critical role not just for the countries involved but also for infrastructure development and mutual ties enhancement across Central Asia.
Economic connectivity has evidently grown within the SCO since its establishment. China’s customs data show that from 2001 to 2020, the share of global trade of SCO member states rose from 5.4 percent to 17.5 percent. In 2024, trade between China and other SCO member states, observers and dialogue partners reached a record 890 billion U.S. dollars.
Zhang Ting, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation with China’s Ministry of Commerce, said that while the potential for economic cooperation among SCO members continues to be unleashed, there remains a shortage in connectivity regarding infrastructure and digital trade.
“Such factors have limited deeper regional economic integration and development,” she said.
She thus suggested strengthening policy research collaboration to build an institutional framework for coordinated regional development based on the sustainable development strategies of member states, and deepening research in key areas such as the digital economy, green development, and industrial chain cooperation.
Hassan Daud Butt, a senior associate professor at Bahria University in Pakistan, highlighted the importance of regional connectivity and integration in transforming underperforming regions into centers of opportunity.
Butt regards the SCO as a critical framework for inclusive globalization, where “development is attuned to regional realities while connected to global opportunities,” in a world striving to balance resilience with openness.
Therefore, he anticipates that the SCO framework will not only promote trade and logistics but, more importantly, empower and connect people, with a focus on quality, sustainability, digital and green connectivity.
Kin Phea, director general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, Royal Academy of Cambodia, recommended leveraging digital technologies to encourage shared knowledge and real-time cooperation. This includes the establishment of a shared digital platform for media and research institutions.
He also advised inclusive dialogue mechanisms that facilitate the exchange and cooperation among municipal authorities, think tanks, and academic institutions of the SCO countries in specific sectors such as urban innovation and public health.
According to Sun Zhuangzhi, as the SCO has entered a “relatively mature stage of development,” it should shift from emphasizing the construction of consultation mechanisms to focusing more on action-oriented mechanisms, with measures to build a community with a shared future within the SCO framework.
Building a community with a shared future under the SCO is a shared aspiration of countries in the region, and also a long-term task, Sun said.
“Based on broad consensus, member states need to deepen practical cooperation across political, security, economic and cultural fields to gradually turn this vision into reality,” he said.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
GLADSTONE, Australia — Sailors from the Royal Australian Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy and the U.S. Navy embarked the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) to conduct integrated mine countermeasures operations during exercise Talisman Sabre, July 13-19, 2025
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
HONOLULU — The Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR) and the United States Marine Corps’ Marine Depot Maintenance Command (MDMC) have entered into a formal public-private partnership to advance sustainment and maintenance capabilities across the Indo-Pacific region.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — Beginning July 4, more than 185 members with the 621st Contingency Response Wing deployed across the United States and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s area of responsibility to generate support for the 2025 Department of the Air Force’s “first-in-a-generation” Department-Level Exercise (DLE) series.
Source: ASEAN
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with H.E. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, on the sidelines of his visit to China.
Both sides acknowledged the progress made under the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed ways to further advance cooperation across all three pillars of the ASEAN Community and ASEAN Connectivity, including the deliverables of ASEAN-China cooperation in 2025. SG Dr. Kao welcomed China’s continued support for ASEAN Centrality and regional integration, especially towards the implementation of the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.
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Source: Peoples Bank of China
Announcement on Open Market Operations No.142 [2025]
(Open Market Operations Office, July 25, 2025)
The People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB789.3 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on July 25, 2025.
Details of the Reverse Repo Operations
|
Maturity |
Rate |
Bidding Volume |
Winning Bid Volume |
|
7 days |
1.40% |
RMB789.3 billion |
RMB789.3 billion |
Date of last update Nov. 29 2018
2025年07月25日
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who are in China for the 25th China-EU Summit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)
BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) — As China and the European Union mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, Chinese President Xi Jinping has made new propositions on how the two sides can navigate a fast-changing and turbulent world through partnership, cooperation and multilateralism.
China-EU relations have come to another critical juncture in their history, Xi said on Thursday, calling on Chinese and European leaders to once again demonstrate vision and leadership, and to provide more stability and certainty for the world through sound, steady China-EU relations.
The Chinese leader made the remarks when meeting with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, both of whom are in Beijing to attend the 25th China-EU Summit.
For the future development of China-EU relations, Xi made three proposals: The two sides should uphold mutual respect and consolidate the positioning of China-EU relations as partnership; uphold openness and cooperation and properly manage differences; practice multilateralism and uphold international rules and order.
On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Qiang co-chaired the summit with Costa and von der Leyen, with both sides pledging to promote cooperation on the economy, trade and investment.
After the summit, Li and von der Leyen attended the China-EU Business Leaders Symposium, at which some 60 business leaders were present.
UPHOLDING MUTUAL RESPECT
Xi said that China and the EU should uphold mutual respect and consolidate the positioning of China-EU relations as partnership.
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who are in China for the 25th China-EU Summit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
The current challenges facing the EU do not come from China, and there are no fundamental conflicts of interest or geopolitical contradictions between China and the EU, Xi said. The fundamentals and prevailing trend of China-EU relations featuring cooperation over competition and consensus over differences have remained constant.
China has regarded the EU as an important pole in a multipolar world, and consistently supported European integration and the strategic autonomy of the EU, he said, voicing hope that the EU will respect the path and system chosen by the Chinese people, respect China’s core interests and major concerns, and support its development and prosperity.
He called on both sides to deepen strategic communication, enhance understanding and mutual trust, and foster a correct perception of each other.
Echoing the Chinese leaders’ remarks, the EU side affirmed its commitment to deepening EU-China relations, managing differences in a constructive manner, and achieving more positive outcomes in bilateral cooperation that is balanced, reciprocal and mutually beneficial.
ADHERING TO OPENNESS, COOPERATION
China and the EU should uphold openness and cooperation, and properly manage differences and frictions, Xi said, adding that history and reality show that interdependency is not a risk, and convergent interests are not a threat.
He said that “reducing dependency” should not lead to reducing China-EU cooperation, and the bilateral economic and trade relationship, which is by nature complementary and mutually beneficial, can indeed achieve dynamic equilibrium through development.
China’s high-quality development and opening-up will provide new opportunities and potentials for China-EU cooperation, Xi noted.
It is hoped that the EU can remain open in trade and investment market, refrain from using restrictive economic and trade tools, and foster a sound business environment for Chinese enterprises investing and operating in the EU, he stressed.
China welcomes more European businesses to invest and pursue long-term operations in China, Premier Li said, calling on the EU to provide a fair, equitable and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese enterprises investing in Europe.
Li said both sides can forge an “upgraded version” of the China-EU export control dialogue mechanism to ensure the stability of industrial and supply chains between China and Europe.
The EU side noted that the EU does not seek “decoupling and severing supply chains” and welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Europe.
Feng Zhongping, director of the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that China-EU cooperation aligns with the fundamental interests of both sides, carries profound global significance, and will provide certainty and stability for the world.
PRACTICING MULTILATERALISM
Confronted with the critical choice between war and peace, competition and cooperation, or seclusion and openness, multilateralism and solidarity-based cooperation remain the only viable approach, Xi said.
He said that China and the EU should practice multilateralism, and uphold international rules and order.
Xi said China and the EU should jointly uphold the international rules and order established after World War II, advance a more just and equitable global governance system in keeping with the times, and work together to address global challenges such as climate change.
He said China stands ready to strengthen coordination with the EU to ensure the success of this year’s UN Climate Change Conference in Belem (COP30), and contribute more to global climate response and green transition.
The EU leaders called on the two sides, faced with a turbulent and uncertain world, to uphold multilateralism, safeguard the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, address global challenges such as climate change, facilitate resolutions to regional hotspot issues, and safeguard world peace and stability.
On the same day, leaders of China and the EU issued a joint statement on climate change, in which they recognized that strengthening China-EU cooperation on the issue will impact the well-being of people on both sides, and is of great and special significance to upholding multilateralism and advancing global climate governance.
Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University of China, said that China-EU relations go beyond mere bilateral ties and are of great importance to safeguarding international law and order, and to upholding the international system with the UN at its core.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Adjustment in ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations in August 2025
A department spokesman said that the adjustment on August 1, 2025, would reflect the movement of the LPG international price in July 2025. The adjusted auto-LPG ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations would range from $3.46 to $4.38 per litre, amounting to a decrease of $0.09 to $0.1 per litre.
The spokesman said that the auto-LPG ceiling prices were adjusted according to a pricing formula specified in the contracts. The formula comprises two elements – the LPG international price and the LPG operating price. The LPG international price refers to the LPG international price of the preceding month. The LPG operating price is adjusted on February 1 and June 1 annually according to the average movement of the Composite Consumer Price Index and the Nominal Wage Index.
The auto-LPG ceiling prices for respective dedicated LPG filling stations in August 2025 are as follows:
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government appoints member to Hospital Authority————
Mr Henry Fan Hung-ling—————————
Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen
Professor Anthony Chan Tak-cheung
Ms Margaret Cheng Wai-ching
Mr Duncan Chiu
Professor Philip Chiu Wai-yan
Ms Winnie Chiu Wing-kwan
Ms Anita Fung Yuen-mei
Ms Maisy Ho Chiu-ha
Ms Mary Huen Wai-yi
Ms Tennessy Hui Mei-sheung
Mr Jat Sew-tong
Mr Matthew Kwok Pui-ho
Mrs Sylvia Lam Yu Ka-wai
Professor Lau Chak-sing
Professor David Shum Ho-keung
Mr Henry Tong Sau-chai
Mr Anthony Tsang Hin-fun
Dr Thomas Tsang Ho-fai
Mr Wan Man-yee
Ms Wong Kam-fung
Mr Billy Wong Wing-hoo
Professor Janet Wong Yuen-ha
Professor Zhang Zhang-jin——————-
Permanent Secretary for Health, Mr Thomas Chan
Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam
Deputy Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury) Ms Ann Chan————————–
Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Libby Lee
Issued at HKT 11:00
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Education Bureau (EDB) today (July 25) reminded students who have completed their online application and verification for the Scheme for Admission of Hong Kong Students to Mainland Higher Education Institutions (Admission Scheme) that they should log on to the designated website from July 25 to August 3 to check their admission results, submit supplementary enrolment applications, and check their admission results of the supplementary enrolment stage.
The students concerned should log on to the admission system of the Admission Scheme under the website of the Education Examinations Authority of Guangdong Province (eea.gd.gov.cn) (Chinese version only) to check admission results. Institutions will release first-round admission results in batches following the order of first to fourth priority as follows:
First priority admission results – 9am on July 25 (Friday)
Second priority admission results – 9am on July 27 (Sunday)
Third priority admission results – 9am on July 28 (Monday)
Fourth priority admission results – 9am on July 29 (Tuesday)
Students who meet the minimum entrance requirements (i.e. Level 3 or above for Chinese Language and English Language, Level 2 or above for Mathematics and “Attained” in Citizenship and Social Development in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination) but are not admitted in the first round can complete their online supplementary enrolment through the admission system from 4pm on July 29 (Tuesday) to 4pm on July 31 (Thursday). During the supplementary enrolment stage, students can choose two institutions. Institutions will announce the results of the supplementary enrolment in batches following the order of first and second priority as follows:
First priority supplementary enrolment results – 9am on August 2 (Saturday)
Second priority supplementary enrolment results – 9am on August 3 (Sunday)
Students who have been admitted during the first round or supplementary enrolment stage will receive an acceptance letter from their respective institutions by post or electronically in due course. Students may contact the institutions directly for enquiries if necessary. Contact information of the student admission offices of institutions can be found in the Programme Directory of the Admission Scheme for the 2025/26 academic year (Chinese version only) on the EDB’s website (edb.gov.hk/admissionscheme).
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:
“Trump and Senate Republicans have betrayed the American people by ramming through another damaging bill that harms our national security, undermines our ability to keep Americans safe, slashes vital programs to support working people – all so they can fund their tax cuts for the wealthiest few. These are reckless cuts.
“Republicans and Democrats had come together to allocate these tax dollars for programs that are in the country’s best interest, and it’s a disgrace that Republicans have once again ceded their responsibilities in order to rubber stamp Donald Trump’s unpopular agenda. There are plenty of ways to cut down on wasteful spending, but what this Administration is doing is fiscal malpractice, not fiscal responsibility.”