NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the children killed by the alarming escalation of violence in the Middle East

    Source: UNICEF

    NEW YORK, 15 June 2025 – “This weekend’s surge in violence across the Middle East signals a dangerous escalation. Children are once again paying the ultimate price.

    “Since Friday, an intense military escalation in the region has seen strikes on Iran and Israel hit residential areas, killing and injuring civilians – including children – and causing damage to civilian infrastructure.

    “Beyond the death toll, this alarming escalation creates widespread fear and trauma among children in all communities.

    “UNICEF strongly condemns all forms of violence against children. Our thoughts are with all the families and communities mourning this tragic loss of life.

    “We reiterate the Secretary-General’s call for all sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation the region and its children cannot afford.

    “UNICEF urgently calls on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law and to ensure the protection of civilians, in particular children. All children have the right to live without the threat of war and violence.

    “UNICEF, together with other UN agencies and humanitarian partners, is actively assessing the situation and remains ready to scale up support to affected children and their families as needed and requested.”

    About UNICEF

    UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential. 
    For more information about UNICEF and its work, please visit: www.unicef.org

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northland Regional Council news – 16 June 2025

    Source: Northland Regional Council

    CITYLINK BUS BIKE RACKS
    CityLink’s bus fleet has been fitted with new safety-compliant bike racks, so passengers can bus their bike again from Monday 16 June 2025.
    The new bike racks have been installed following safety and compliance concerns raised in discussions between NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and the Bus and Coach Association, that began in November 2024.
    CityLink and Northland Regional Council thank passengers for their patience whilst this issue was resolved and look forward to welcoming passengers who wish to bus their bike.
    THINKING ABOUT STANDING FOR COUNCIL?
    Find out what’s involved in becoming an elected member for Northland Regional Council and Kaipara District Council and get any burning questions answered during the Q&A session to gain insight into the role of an elected member and the election process. Hear from a panel of local government experts, including the Chief Executives of both councils and Electoral Officer Dale Ofsoske. This is your opportunity to ask anything you want to know about standing for council.
    WHEN: 5.30pm, Thursday 19 June
    WHERE: Maungatūroto Centennial Hall, 44 View Street, Maungatūroto or join via the livestream – find out more at www.kaipara.govt.nz/elections

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advisory: Rally to save our history tomorrow – PSA

    Source: PSA

    Tomorrow at 8.30am, workers will rally outside Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage to protest a proposal to cut 16% of its workforce.
    The proposed cuts would decimate teams who maintain Te Ara Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, and produce education programmes and resources about the dawn raids, the 28th Māori Battalion, New Zealand’s participation in the Vietnam War, and more.
    “This rally is to protect our history and the people that help preserve it,” said PSA organizer Michael Woodcock. “Our understanding of our past, present, and future is being put at risk by the Government’s funding cuts.”
    What: Rally to save our history and stop cuts at Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage
    Where: Outside the Old Public Trust Building, 131-135 Lambton Quay, Wellington Central
    When: 8.30am tomorrow (Tuesday 17 June)
    Read our full release on the proposed cuts:  Govt cuts will undermine access to New Zealand’s history
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chai Wan Public Fill Barging Point to reopen

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Attention TV/radio announcers:
     
    Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
     
         As the Hong Kong Observatory has cancelled all typhoon warning signals, the Civil Engineering and Development Department today (June 16) announced that the Chai Wan Public Fill Barging Point will be reopened at 11am for public use.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What actually happens to my skin when I have a really, really hot shower or bath?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amanda Meyer, Senior Lecturer, Anatomy and Pathology in the College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University

    MART PRODUCTION/Pexels

    The weather is getting cooler and many of us are turning to hot showers and baths to warm up and wind down.

    But what actually happens to your skin when you have really hot showers or baths?

    Your largest organ

    Your skin is your largest organ, and has two distinct parts: the epidermis on the outside, and the dermis on the inside.

    The epidermis is made up of billions of cells that lay in four layers in thin skin (such as on your eyelids) and five layers in thick skin (such as the on sole of your foot).

    The cells (keratinocytes) in the deeper layers are held together by tight junctions. These cellular bridges make waterproof joins between neighbouring cells.

    The cells on the outside of the epidermis have lost these cellular bridges and slough off at a rate of about 1,000 cells per one centimetre squared of skin per hour. For an average adult, that’s 17 million cells per hour, every day.

    Under the epidermis is the dermis, where we have blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, pain receptors, pressure receptors and sweat glands.

    Together, the epidermis and dermis (the skin):

    • protect you from ultraviolet radiation from the Sun
    • synthesise vitamin D3, which helps your intestines absorb calcium
    • protect you against bacteria, parasites, fungi and viruses
    • regulate your body temperature via the dilation of blood vessels and sweat glands releasing sweat
    • help display how we’re feeling (think, for example, of blushing or goosebumps)
    • allow us to feel sensations such as touch, pressure, pain and temperature.

    So, your skin is important and worth looking after.

    Washing daily can help prevent disease, and really hot baths often feel lovely and can help you relax. That said, there are some potential downsides.

    Gosh, it’s nice though.
    brazzo/Getty Images

    The skin microbiota

    Normally we have lots of healthy organisms called Staphyloccocus epidermis on the skin. These help increase the integrity of our skin layers (they make the bonds between cells stronger) and stimulate production of anti-microbial proteins.

    These little critters like an acidic environment, such as the skin’s normal pH of between 4-6.

    If the skin pH increases to around 7 (neutral), Staphyloccocus epidermis’ nasty cousin Staphyloccocus aureus – also known as golden staph – will try to take over and cause infections.

    Having a hot shower or bath can increase your skin’s pH, which may ultimately benefit golden staph.

    Being immersed in really hot water also pulls a lot of moisture from your dermis, and makes you lose water via sweat.

    This makes your skin drier, and causes your kidneys to excrete more water, making more urine.

    Staying in a hot bath for a long time can reduce your blood pressure, but increase your heart rate. People with low blood pressure or heart problems should speak to their doctor before having a long hot shower or bath.

    Heat from the shower or bath can activate the release of cytokines (inflammatory molecules), histamines (which are involved in allergic reactions), and increase the number of sensory nerves. All of this can lead to itchiness after a very hot shower or bath.

    Some people can get hives (itchy raised bumps that look red on lighter skin and brown or purple on darker skin) after hot showers or baths, which is a form of chronic inducible urticaria. It’s fairly rare and is usually managed with antihistamines.

    People with sensitive skin or chronic skin conditions such as urticaria, dermatitis, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis or acne should avoid really hot showers or baths. They dry out the skin and leave these people more prone to flare ups.

    The skin on your hands or feet is least sensitive to hot and cold, so always use your wrist, not your hands, to test water temperature if you’re bathing a child, older person, or a disabled person.

    The skin on your buttocks is the most sensitive to hot and cold. This is why sometimes you think the bath is OK when you first step in, but once you sit down it burns your bum.

    You might have heard women like hotter water temperature than men but that’s not really supported by the research evidence. However, across your own body you have highly variable areas of thermal sensitivity, and everyone is highly variable, regardless of sex.

    Many of us turn to hot showers and baths to warm up and wind down.
    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    Making the most of moisturising

    Moisturising after a hot bath or shower can help, but check if your moisturiser is up to the task.

    To improve the skin barrier, your moisturiser needs to contain a mix of:

    • an emollient such as ceramides, squalanes or dimethicone (emollients incorporate themselves into the lipid barrier in the epidermis to reduce water loss)
    • a humectant such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid (humectants draw moisture from the dermis into the epidermis)
    • an occlusive such as petroleum jelly or Vaseline, mineral oil, or cocoa butter (occlusives reduce water loss through the skin and increase the production of anti-microbial peptides).

    Not all moisturisers are actually good at reducing the moisture loss from your skin. You still might experience dryness and itchiness as your skin recovers if you’ve been having a lot of really hot showers and baths.

    I’m itchy again, what should I do?

    If you’re itching after a hot shower or bath, try taking cooler, shorter showers and avoid reusing sponges, loofahs, or washcloths (which may harbour bacteria).

    You can also try patting your skin dry, instead of rubbing it with a towel. Applying a hypoallergenic moisturising cream, like sorbolene, to damp skin can also help.

    If your symptoms don’t improve, see your doctor.

    Amanda Meyer is affiliated with the Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists, the American Association for Anatomy, and the Global Neuroanatomy Network.

    Monika Zimanyi is affiliated with Global Neuroanatomy Network.

    – ref. What actually happens to my skin when I have a really, really hot shower or bath? – https://theconversation.com/what-actually-happens-to-my-skin-when-i-have-a-really-really-hot-shower-or-bath-257900

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What’s the difference between barista milk and regular milk? It’s what gets added to it

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Chua, Senior Research Projects Officer, Centre for Community Health and Wellbeing, The University of Queensland

    I love coffee/Shutterstock

    If you start reading the labels of the various milks at the supermarket, you’ll quickly find different fat levels, added nutrients like calcium, lactose-free options, milk from goats or sheep, and ones made from plants.

    Both at the supermarket and at your local café you’ve probably also seen cartons labelled “barista milk”. These can be dairy or plant milks marketed for making specialist coffee drinks such as flat whites, lattes and others.

    But what exactly makes a product a barista milk, and how does it differ from regular milk?

    What is ‘milk’, anyway?

    “Milk” is a regulated term. Food Standards Australia New Zealand sets requirements on fat and protein contents for dairy milk, and it has to come from “milking animals”. These standards also state what can be added or modified; only plant sterols (a supplement to reduce blood cholesterol) are allowed.

    Despite the name, plant-based milks aren’t bound by a specific “milk” standard. Instead, they fall under broader beverage regulations, which is why you’ll see a wide variety of ingredients, protein levels, sugars and fats from one brand to the next.

    Because of this regulation, manufacturers are careful to make it absolutely clear what is in the carton or bottle so there’s no confusion between cow’s milk and soy milk, for example.

    What is barista milk, then?

    Barista milks, whether dairy or plant-based, are specifically formulated to foam more reliably, with a finer texture and longer-lasting bubbles.

    For cow’s milk, this almost always means higher protein content: about 4–5% in barista milk compared to the 3.3–3.5% in regular milk. You’ll often see “milk solids” listed in the ingredients; this is another name for dried skim milk, added to boost the protein content.

    Plant-based barista milks (such as soy, oat or almond) will vary a lot more, depending on the manufacturer and the plant base.

    The most common additives in plant-based barista milks are:

    • vegetable oils for creaminess and thickness
    • gums (such as gellan or locust bean gum) to increase thickness
    • maltodextrin (a processed starch), also for thickness, and
    • emulsifiers such as lecithin – to help stop the fats and water from splitting apart.
    The foam in frothed milk happens through a complex interaction of ingredients and temperature.
    Dmytro Vietrov/Shutterstock

    The science of a good foam

    Foam is essentially gas bubbles suspended in a liquid. Its stability depends on a complex interaction of proteins, fats, sugars and other components, as well as the temperature at which the milk was foamed.

    In cow’s milk, proteins such as casein and whey form ball-like structures that easily rearrange to stabilise foam. These proteins help the milk fat and water stay held together, which is why dairy-based barista milks foam easily and the foam lasts longer.

    Fat plays a more complex role depending on temperature – there’s a sweet spot for a good foam.

    In cold cow’s milk, the fats are semi-solid and will make the foam collapse by breaking the bubble walls. But when heated above 40°C, these fats melt, spread better throughout the milk and easily interact with proteins to help form and stabilise the bubbles.

    However, overheating the milk (above 70°C) cooks and breaks the whey protein balls, making it harder to create foam.

    How barista plant milks work

    Plants make vastly different proteins compared to cows. However, the physical shape of proteins found in soy and oat milks is also ball-like, making them good for foaming just like cow’s milk.

    That’s generally why you see soy and oat milks used in cafes. Barista versions of plant milks often have added vegetable oils to help mimic the fat–protein interaction in dairy. It’s what makes the milk foam stable and the liquid feel creamy.

    Some – but not all – barista plant milks will also have thickeners because they help the foam last longer.

    Compared to soy and oat, almond milk is naturally low in protein. So almond barista milks will almost always contain gums, starches and emulsifiers along with added vegetable oil.

    Many plant milks also contain added sugars for flavour, since they lack the natural lactose found in dairy.

    Is barista milk worth it?

    Many plant-based milk formulations, especially barista ones, contain added gums, manufactured starches and emulsifiers. This qualifies them as “ultra-processed foods”, according to the United Nations’ classification system.

    While the plant-based milk might not be inherently overly harmful, this classification invites reflection on how far these products have moved from their original, natural source.

    On the environmental side, plant-based milks typically have a lower impact than cow’s milk. They use less land and water and produce fewer greenhouse gases.

    Barista milks usually cost significantly more than their regular counterpart. This premium reflects the added ingredients and research and development cost of optimising foaming and drinking characteristics.

    For cafés, the cost is often justified because barista milks produce a more predictable and consistent end product, leading to better customer satisfaction.

    For home use, it depends on your own level of foaming skill and how much you value a perfect flat white every time.

    David Chua’s work is partly supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council, Mater Research Foundation, and the Heart Foundation. He is employed by Inala Primary Care (a not-for-profit general practice clinic) and Metro South Health, where his role is supported by a Metro South Health Researcher Support Grant. His PhD (2010–2014) received partial funding from Dairy Australia Limited, though he currently has no industry affiliations. In 2009, he was awarded the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland undergraduate student prize.

    Lauren Ball receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Queensland Health, Heart Foundation and Mater Misericordia. She is a Director of Dietitians Australia, a Director of the Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network, a Director of Food Standards Australia and New Zealand and an Associate Member of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.

    – ref. What’s the difference between barista milk and regular milk? It’s what gets added to it – https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-barista-milk-and-regular-milk-its-what-gets-added-to-it-258583

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi’s upcoming visit to advance China-Central Asia community with shared future

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    For centuries, China and Central Asian nations have shared close bonds through mutual learning and exchanges underpinned by deep historical ties, solid public support and strong practical needs.

    Two years ago, the inaugural China-Central Asia Summit was held in Xi’an, capital of northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. Since then, cooperation between China and Central Asian countries has yielded even more tangible and fruitful outcomes.

    At the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan, from June 16 to 18. The summit is expected to take the six countries on a new journey toward building a closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future.

    A drone photo taken on April 20, 2025 shows a China-Central Asia freight train waiting for departure at the Tuanjiecun Station in southwest China’s Chongqing. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

    GROWING PARTNERSHIP

    More than 2,100 years ago, Han Dynasty envoy Zhang Qian’s journey to western regions ushered in China-Central Asia friendly exchanges. The legacy of the ancient Silk Road has evolved and acquired more profound significance nowadays.

    Xi first proposed in Kazakhstan in 2013 the initiative to jointly build the Silk Road Economic Belt, an essential component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

    With the launch of the China-Central Asia mechanism and the regular China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting mechanism in 2020, collaboration has deepened across sectors.

    In January 2022, Xi chaired a virtual summit to commemorate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Central Asian countries. During the summit, the parties proposed upgrading the China-Central Asia mechanism to the level of heads of state.

    Moreover, the decision to establish a mechanism for meetings among the heads of state of China and Central Asian countries was announced at the first China-Central Asia Summit held in May 2023.

    Deepening China-Central Asia cooperation is in line with the prevailing trend of the world and the expectations of the people, said Xi when addressing a welcome banquet for Central Asian leaders attending the first summit held in Xi’an, capital of Shaanxi province.

    With the upgrading of the all-around and multifaceted framework, efficient ministerial mechanisms now support cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, customs, public security and more.

    Today, China has established comprehensive strategic partnerships, signed Belt and Road cooperation documents and implemented the vision of building a community with a shared future at the bilateral level with all five Central Asian countries.

    Ismail Dairov, director of Kyrgyzstan’s think tank the Regional Mountain Center of Central Asia, noted that Central Asia and China share a thousand-year history of exchanges. Today, within the framework of the BRI, both sides are strengthening ties and cooperation at an unprecedented pace, he said.

    The Sixth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, April 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Renzi)

    TOWARD MODERNIZATION

    On April 29, the work to build three key control tunnels in Kyrgyzstan’s section of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway commenced. The railway is an iconic BRI project backed by the three nations’ leaders, symbolizing shared efforts to boost connectivity and prosperity in the region.

    Kyrgyz political scientist Kubanychbek Taabaldiev called the move “a great achievement of bilateral relations between China and Central Asia” that would take the ongoing projects into a new phase and “bring benefits from both economic and political points of view.”

    “The world needs an interconnected Central Asia,” said Xi in his keynote speech at the first China-Central Asia Summit. Since then, the two sides have explored further cooperation to enhance infrastructure development for seamless and efficient connectivity.

    Much progress has been achieved: Central Asia freight trains are running regularly as official railway data showed 4,725 trips were made in the first four months of 2025, up 21 percent year on year; the Kazakhstan-Xi’an Terminal officially began operations in February 2024 and is currently operating at a high level of quality; and the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor has made steady progress.

    New logistics routes, including rail, road and air, now transport Chinese appliances, consumer goods and electric vehicles to Central Asia, while high-quality Central Asian products such as fertilizers, cotton, beef and mutton are reaching China faster than ever.

    Beyond transport and logistics networks, cooperation is expanding into agriculture, IT, clean energy and cross-border e-commerce, supporting industrial upgrades and better livelihoods.

    According to China’s General Administration of Customs, China-Central Asia trade reached 94.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, a record increase of 5.4 billion dollars from the previous year.

    Strengthening regional connectivity cannot only promote economic integration, but also deepen exchanges and understanding between civilizations, laying a solid foundation for regional stability and development, said Zaynidin Kurmanov, vice president of the Diplomatic Academy of Kyrgyzstan and former Kyrgyz Parliament speaker.

    Students learn skills at the Luban Workshop in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, May 31, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Renzi)

    CLOSER HEARTS

    From tourism to vocational education cooperation, from cultural exchanges to archaeological cooperation, Chinese and Central Asian people are being brought closer through in-depth and lasting dialogues at all levels, as well as mutual learning among civilizations.

    Recently, a tourist train accomplished the first cultural trip between Xi’an, China and Almaty, Kazakhstan. Special train services for cultural tourism in Central Asia are among a series of programs to strengthen dialogue between civilizations as promoted by Xi at the first China-Central Asia Summit.

    This year marks the China tourism year in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan’s year of tourism in China. More and more Chinese tourists enjoy the convenience provided by visa-free travel agreements between China and Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. China’s seaside cities have also become common destinations for Central Asian visitors.

    China and Central Asian countries have also actively promoted vocational education cooperation programs. The Luban Workshop, which has been operating in Tajikistan for more than two years, has also been launched in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to cultivate future technical talents and provide opportunities for Central Asian youths.

    “We are training engineers under the Luban Workshop project. It’s not just about education, but also cultural exchange,” said Mirlan Chynybaev, rector of Kyrgyz State Technical University that manages the workshop.

    With the establishment of Chinese Cultural Centers and Confucius Institutes, Chinese language fever and “China fever” are heating up in Central Asian countries, bringing more and more young people to study in China.

    According to Yagshy Ayjanov, a startupper from Turkmenistan who operates a company with his Chinese friends in Xi’an, their company in 2024 has provided various kinds of study services for over 800 people who want to come to China, and most of them were from Central Asia.

    “After the first China-Central Asia summit, we can clearly feel that Central Asian students have shown a stronger willingness to study in China as China means more opportunities and better employment prospects,” Ayjanov said.

    Ruslan Kenzhaev, deputy editor-in-chief of the leading Uzbek newspaper Narodnoe Slovo, pointed out that through deepening economic cooperation, promoting infrastructure development, advancing technology and people-to-people exchanges, Central Asian countries and China have developed a model of sustainable cooperation based on mutual respect and shared visions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.112 [2025]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Operations No.112 [2025]

    (Open Market Operations Office, June 16, 2025)

    The People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB242 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on June 16, 2025.

    Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

    Maturity

    Rate

    Bidding Volume

    Winning Bid Volume

    7 days

    1.40%

    RMB242 billion

    RMB242 billion

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2025年06月16日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Bonded by the Silk Road, Bound for the Future

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

    China and Central Asia have enjoyed a friendship spanning millennia rooted in the ancient Silk Road. Since the first China-Central Asia Summit, tourism exchanges between the two sides have become increasingly closer, with a noticeable increase in mutual tourist visits.

    Now, the two sides are writing a new chapter of tourism exchanges and cooperation, deepening mutual understanding among civilizations.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese climber Pan makes history with victory in Bern

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

    Pan Yufei became the first Chinese climber to win the men’s Boulder event at the International Federation of Sport Climbing World Cup, edging out France’s Mejdi Schalck by 0.1 points on Sunday.

    Pan, whose previous best finish was fifth in Prague, the Czech Republic, last weekend, overtook Schalck in the final run on M4, topping out on his second attempt to score 84.2 points.

    Schalck had been in control for most of the final, topping M1, M2 and M3, but failed on M4 and finished with 84.1 points.

    “It feels unreal. My mind was so empty,” Pan said. “The last few years have been really tough for myself, I struggled so much and I thought I was not good enough. At the beginning of the season it was not so good, but this time I just wanted to enjoy myself.”

    Pan finished 12th at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games but did not qualify for the final of the men’s combined event, which includes both Boulder and Lead climbing.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Israel-Iran battle escalates, will be high on agenda as world leaders meet

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel and Iran kept up their attacks, killing and wounding civilians and raising concern among world leaders at a G7 meeting in Canada this week that the biggest battle between the two old enemies could lead to a broader regional conflict.

    The Iranian death toll in four days of Israeli strikes, carried out with the declared aim of wiping out Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, had reached at least 224, with 90% of the casualties reported to be civilians, an Iranian health ministry spokesperson said.

    Early on Monday, the Israeli military said it had detected more missiles launched from Iran towards Israel.

    “At this time, the (Israeli Air Force) is operating to intercept and strike where necessary to eliminate the threat,” the Israeli Defence Forces said. Live video footage showed several missiles over Tel Aviv and Reuters witnesses said explosions could be heard there and over Jerusalem.

    At least 10 people in Israel, including children, have been killed so far, according to authorities there.

    Group of Seven leaders began gathering in the Canadian Rockies on Sunday with the Israel-Iran conflict expected to be a top priority.

    German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his goals for the summit include for Iran to not develop or possess nuclear weapons, ensuring Israel’s right to defend itself, avoiding escalation of the conflict and creating room for diplomacy.

    “This issue will be very high on the agenda of the G7 summit,” Merz told reporters.

    Before leaving for the summit on Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump was asked what he was doing to de-escalate the situation. “I hope there’s going to be a deal. I think it’s time for a deal,” he told reporters. “Sometimes they have to fight it out.”

    Iran has told mediators Qatar and Oman that it is not open to negotiating a ceasefire while it is under Israeli attack, an official briefed on the communications told Reuters on Sunday.

    FIRST DAYLIGHT ATTACK ON ISRAEL

    Explosions shook Tel Aviv on Sunday during Iran’s first daylight missile attack since Israel’s strike on Friday. Shortly after nightfall, Iranian missiles hit a residential street in Haifa, a mixed Jewish-Arab city, and in Israel’s south.

    In Bat Yam, a city near Tel Aviv, residents braced on Sunday evening for another sleepless night after an overnight strike on an apartment tower.

    “It’s very dreadful. It’s not fun. People are losing their lives and their homes,” said Shem, 29.

    Images from Tehran showed the night sky lit up by a huge blaze at a fuel depot after Israel began strikes against Iran’s oil and gas sector – raising the stakes for the global economy and the functioning of the Iranian state.

    Brent crude futures were up $1.04, or 1.4%, to $75.39 a barrel by 0115 GMT, having jumped as much as $4 earlier in the session. While the spike in oil prices has investors on edge, stock and currency markets were little moved in early trading in Asia on Monday.

    “It’s more of an oil story than an equity story at this point,” said Jim Carroll, senior wealth adviser and portfolio manager at Ballast Rock Private Wealth. “Stocks right now seem to be hanging on.”

    TRUMP VETOES PLAN TO TARGET KHAMENEI, OFFICIALS SAY

    In Washington, two U.S. officials told Reuters that Trump had vetoed an Israeli plan in recent days to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    When asked about the Reuters report, Netanyahu told Fox News on Sunday: “There’s so many false reports of conversations that never happened, and I’m not going to get into that.”

    “We do what we need to do,” he told Fox’s “Special Report With Bret Baier.”

    Israel began the assault with a surprise attack on Friday that wiped out the top echelon of Iran’s military command and damaged its nuclear sites, and says the campaign will escalate in the coming days.

    The intelligence chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Mohammad Kazemi, and his deputy were killed in attacks on Tehran on Sunday, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said.

    Iran has vowed to “open the gates of hell” in retaliation.

    TRUMP WARNS IRAN NOT TO ATTACK

    Trump has lauded Israel’s offensive while denying Iranian allegations that the U.S. has taken part and warning Tehran not to widen its retaliation to include U.S. targets.

    Two U.S. officials said on Friday the U.S. military had helped shoot down Iranian missiles that were headed toward Israel.

    The U.S. president has repeatedly said Iran could end the war by agreeing to tough restrictions on its nuclear program, which Iran says is for peaceful purposes but which Western countries and the IAEA nuclear watchdog say could be used to make an atomic bomb.

    The latest round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S., due on Sunday, was scrapped after Tehran said it would not negotiate while under Israeli attack.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government turns its back on workers’ safety

    Source: NZCTU

    The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi is dismayed by the Government’s decision to abstain from the new International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention on biological hazards that would strengthen worker protections.

    “This Convention provides a comprehensive framework for preventing and managing biological workplace health and safety issues,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

    “Representatives of Government, employers’ and workers’ organizations at the 113th International Labour Conference have resoundingly voted for the adoption this new Convention and accompanying Recommendation on protection against biological hazards in the working environment.

    “There is strong international support for this Convention which has been ratified by more than 95% of representatives from the 187 ILO member states. The New Zealand workers’ delegation voted in favour of this convention which embeds the importance of healthy and safe work as a fundamental aspect of good work for everyone.

    “Unfortunately, the New Zealand Government has joined Bangladesh, Djibouti, Panama, Algeria, Guatemala, and India as the only Governments to vote against or abstain in the vote for the Convention. New Zealand Business representatives did not vote at all.

    “The failure of the Government to support this convention reflects its total disregard and disinterest in workers’ safety and health and shows how isolated New Zealand has become from global efforts to improve safeguards at work,” said Wagstaff.

    James Ritchie, the Spokesperson for the biological hazards Convention stated:

    “This is the first international instrument that specifically addresses biological hazards in the working environment at the global level. It follows the Covid pandemic, and the 2022 decision to include a safe and healthy working environment in the ILO’s framework of fundamental principles and rights at work. 

    “The New Zealand Government rejection of this historic convention is not a theoretical exercise, implementing its provisions would save lives now and during future outbreaks of infectious diseases,” said Ritchie.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New halal agreement unlocks opportunity in Indonesia

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government has signed a new halal cooperation arrangement in Jakarta over the weekend to strengthen trade access to Indonesia and create new opportunities for New Zealand’s red meat and dairy exporters, Agriculture and Trade Minister, Todd McClay announced today.

    “Indonesia is an important growth market for dairy and meat products – worth over $1.1 billion in exports last year. With a population of 280 million and a large middle-class Indonesia is a focus market for the Government,” Mr McClay says.

    The Halal Cooperation Arrangement (HCA) supports ongoing collaboration between New Zealand and Indonesia on halal standards, certification, and product assurance – helping exporters meet requirements and streamline trade.

    “There’s huge potential for our premium products, and this agreement will give exporters confidence in maximising that opportunity.”

    “Importantly, the HCA was developed with close input from our dairy and red meat sectors —delivering value for our world best producers,” Mr McClay says.

    “This is another step in our plan to grow the economy by boosting exports and delivering stronger returns for Kiwi farmers and processors.”

    “When rural New Zealand does well, all New Zealanders do well.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2025-26 ACT Budget: Delivering our plans for better and safer public transport in Canberra

    Source: Australian National Party



    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 10/06/2025

    The ACT Government is delivering on election commitments to strengthen Canberra’s public transport network while improving safety for drivers and commuters.

    This $37.4 million investment includes funding for 30 new battery electric buses, improved Sunday services, a dedicated bus safety team with new frontline personnel to deter anti-social behaviour, expanded de-escalation training for drivers and the installation of upgraded cabin protection screens across the Transport Canberra bus fleet.

    “Everyone should feel safe using public transport, whether it is our bus drivers or their passengers,” said Treasurer and Minister for Transport Chris Steel.

    “This new team of transit enforcement and network officers will be a visible presence on our bus network, deterring violence and anti-social behaviour. Fare compliance activities will be similar to those undertaken on light rail.

    “At the same time the Government is installing protective screens across our bus fleet as a physical barrier to protect drivers from abuse.”

    “It is unfortunate that these measures are necessary, but the Government has listened to the experiences of drivers in delivering our election commitment in the budget.”

    With Australia’s largest purpose built zero-emissions bus depot now online in Woden, we’re also investing in 30 additional battery electric buses to support the growth in public transport services.

    “This is part of our broader plan to deliver more public transport services more often, including 20-minute local services and future new Rapid services.”

    The budget also secures funding to support an uplift in frequency of bus services on Sundays, which will commence during Term 3 this year.

    – Statement ends –

    Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Seabed mining is becoming an environmental flashpoint – NZ will have to pick a side soon

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Myra Williamson, Senior Lecturer in Law, Auckland University of Technology

    Getty Images

    Seabed mining could become one of the defining environmental battles of 2025. Around the world, governments are weighing up whether to allow mining of the ocean floor for metal ores and minerals. New Zealand is among them.

    The stakes are high. Deep-sea mining is highly controversial, with evidence showing mining activity can cause lasting damage to fragile marine ecosystems. One area off the east coast of the United States, mined as an experiment 50 years ago, still bears scars and shows little sign of recovery.

    With the world facing competing pressures – climate action and conservation versus demand for resources – New Zealand must now decide whether to fast-track mining, regulate it tightly, or pause it entirely.

    Who controls international seabed mining?

    A major flashpoint is governance in international waters. Under international law, seabed mining beyond national jurisdiction is managed by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), created by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

    But the US has never ratified UNCLOS. In April this year, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to bypass the ISA and allow companies to begin mining in international waters.

    The ISA has pushed back, warning unilateral action breaches international law. However, the declaration from the recently concluded UN Ocean Conference in France does not urge countries to adopt a precautionary approach, nor does it ban deep seabed mining.

    The declaration does “reiterate the need to increase scientific knowledge on deep sea ecosystems” and recognises the role of the ISA in setting “robust rules, regulations and procedures for exploitation of resources” in international waters.

    So, while the international community supports multilateralism and international law, deep-sea mining in the near future remains a real possibility.

    Fast-track approvals

    In the Pacific, some countries have already made up their minds about which way they will go. Nauru recently updated its agreement with Canadian-based The Metals Company to begin mining in the nearby Clarion Clipperton Zone. The deal favours the US’s go-it-alone approach over the ISA model.

    By contrast, in 2022, New Zealand’s Labour government backed the ISA’s moratorium and committed to a holistic ocean management strategy. Whether that position still holds is unclear, given the current government’s policies.

    The list of applications under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 – described by Regional Development Minister Shane Jones as “arguably the most permissive regime” in Australasia – includes two controversial seabed mining proposals in Bream Bay and off the Taranaki coast:

    • Trans-Tasman Resources’ proposal to extract up to 50 million tonnes of Taranaki seabed material annually to recover heavy mineral sands that contain iron ore as well as rare metal elements titanium and vanadium.

    • McCallum Brothers Ltd’s Bream Bay proposal to dredge up to 150,000 cubic metres of sand yearly for three years, and up to 250,000 cubic metres after that.

    Legal landscape changing

    Māori and environmental groups have opposed the fast-track policy, and the Treaty of Waitangi has so far been a powerful safeguard in seabed mining cases.

    Provisions referencing Treaty principles appear in key laws, including the Crown Minerals Act and the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act.

    In 2021, the Supreme Court cited these obligations when it rejected a 2016 marine discharge application by Trans-Tasman Resources to mine the seabed in the Taranaki Bight. The court ruled Treaty clauses must be interpreted in a “broad and generous” way, recognising tikanga Māori and customary marine rights.

    But that legal landscape could soon change. The Regulatory Standards Bill, now before parliament, would give priority to property rights over environmental or Indigenous protections in the formulation of new laws and regulations.

    The bill also allows for the review of existing legislation. In theory, if the Regulatory Standards Bill becomes law, it could result in the removal of Treaty principles clauses from legislation.

    This in turn could deny courts the tools they’ve previously used to uphold environmental and Treaty-based protections to block seabed mining applications. That would make it easier to approve fast-tracked projects such as the Bream Bay and Taranaki projects.

    Setting a precedent

    Meanwhile, Hawai’i has gone in a different direction. In 2024, the US state passed a law banning seabed mining in state waters – joining California (2022), Washington (2021) and Oregon (1991).

    Under the Hawai’i Seabed Mining Prevention Act, mining is banned except in rare cases such as beach restoration. The law cites the public’s right to a clean and healthy environment.

    As global conflict brews over seabed governance, New Zealand’s eventual position could set a precedent.

    Choosing to prohibit seabed mining in New Zealand waters, as Hawai’i has done, would send a strong message that environmental stewardship and Indigenous rights matter more than short-term resource extraction interests.

    If New Zealand does decide to go ahead with seabed mining, however, it could trigger a cascade of mining efforts across New Zealand and the Pacific. A crucial decision is fast approaching.

    Myra Williamson 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. Seabed mining is becoming an environmental flashpoint – NZ will have to pick a side soon – https://theconversation.com/seabed-mining-is-becoming-an-environmental-flashpoint-nz-will-have-to-pick-a-side-soon-258908

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Meeting with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    15 Giugno 2025

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, met with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, today, on the eve of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis.

    Coming shortly after their recent talks at Palazzo Chigi, today’s meeting provided an opportunity to confirm the shared will to hold a new edition of the Italy-Germany intergovernmental summit in Rome at the beginning of 2026 and to maintain close coordination on the main issues on the EU agenda, such as the fight against irregular migration and competitiveness.

    Lastly, the meeting also allowed for an exchange of views on the most recent developments in the Middle East and on the war in Ukraine, in the context of transatlantic relations and in view of the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Meeting with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, met with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, today, on the eve of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis.

    The meeting provided an opportunity for an in-depth discussion on the most pressing issues on the international agenda, starting with the situation in the Middle East and the conflict in Ukraine.
    During the meeting, close coordination also continued regarding both the G7 agenda and in view of the NATO Summit in The Hague, with a full convergence of views being noted.

    Lastly, the two leaders reviewed the main areas of bilateral collaboration, especially in the fields of energy, investment promotion, and security and defence, with particular reference to the strategic Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), as well as the increasingly fruitful cooperation in combating irregular migration and fighting human trafficking.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Budget 2025-26: Targeted Cost of Living Support for Canberrans

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 16/06/2025 – Joint media release

    The ACT Government is delivering targeted cost of living relief in the 2025–26 ACT Budget, with new and continued support for Canberrans who need it most.

    The Budget includes a permanent $50 increase to the Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate, bringing the total annual rebate to $800 for eligible low-income households. In partnership with the Australian Government, the ACT Government is also providing up to $150 in additional electricity bill relief through the Energy Bill Relief Fund.

    Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the ACT Government continues to focus on equity and inclusion, ensuring support is directed where it’s needed most.

    “While many Canberrans enjoy a high standard of living, we know that cost of living pressures are real and growing for people on low incomes,” the Chief Minister said.

    “We are permanently increasing the electricity rebate to $800 per year to help ease household budgets, while also delivering additional energy bill relief in partnership with the Commonwealth.”

    Treasurer Chris Steel said the Government is focused on practical support that makes a tangible difference.

    “This permanent rebate increase for Canberrans, and extension of the rebate to health care card holders, will ensure that cost of living relief is provided to those who need it most,” Minister Steel said.

    “Our cost of living measures have been designed to work alongside national initiatives like the Commonwealth’s Energy Bill Relief Fund to maximise the benefit.”

    From 1 July 2025, eligible ACT households and small businesses will receive up to $150 in further electricity bill rebates under the Energy Bill Relief Fund. Most Canberrans will receive this rebate automatically on their electricity bills.

    Finance Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the Budget balances immediate support with long-term financial responsibility.

    “The ACT Government is making deliberate, targeted investments that make a real difference in people’s lives, while ensuring our Budget remains fiscally sustainable,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    “By focusing support where it’s needed most, we’re helping low-income households manage day-to-day costs while continuing to invest in vital services and Canberra’s future.”

    View more information about eligibility and how to access support.

    – Statement ends –

    Andrew Barr, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei’s FDD Tri-Band Massive MIMO Wins Red Dot Design Award 2025

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei’s FDD Tri-Band Massive MIMO Wins Red Dot Design Award 2025

    [Shenzhen, China, June 16, 2025] At Germany’s prestigious Red Dot Award Design Competition, Huawei’s FDD tri-band Massive MIMO earned the Red Dot Design Award for its exceptional performance and lean, energy-efficient design.

    The award-winning FDD tri-band Massive MIMO

    Since its commercial debut in Nigeria with MTN—Africa’s largest mobile operator—this February, Huawei’s FDD tri-band Massive MIMO has been tested and deployed on over 20 networks across the globe. The solution delivers significant value to operators’ customers by relieving traffic demand on 4G networks, providing deep and wide 5G coverage, and enabling enhanced 5G-A uplink. The solution simultaneously delivers five leading technological advantages:

    Simplified ultra-wideband: The solution supports industry-leading, high-power 720 W output, while employing cutting-edge Real Wide Bandwidth and Compact Dipole technologies. This realizes unified operations across three bands (such as 1.8 GHz, 2.1 GHz, and 2.6 GHz, or AWS, PCS, and 2.6 GHz) within a single form factor whose size is equivalent to a conventional two-band Massive MIMO device. This enables the solution to boost both frequency bands and power capabilities without increasing size or wind load.
    Ultimate capacity: This solution is an effective enabler for 4G, 5G, and 5G-A. It can deliver 3-fold to 4-fold downlink capacity gains on 4G networks, which can increase to 7-fold in NR over LTE 4T4R, thereby effectively alleviating network congestion.
    Enhanced uplink: By leveraging M-Receiver technology, the solution realizes 5-fold uplink capacity and 10 dB uplink coverage gains compared to LTE 4T4R, fulfilling new demands of the mobile AI era that are typified by HD streaming and security, multimodal AI interactions, and autonomous driving.
    Native beamforming: Tri-band Massive MIMO traditionally increases interference due to the addition of extra beams. However, supported by enhanced intelligent beam scheduling and intelligent beamforming, Huawei’s tri-band Massive MIMO enables dynamic beam movement with users and intelligent interference avoidance, boosting user experience by 20% to 30%.
    Energy saving: The innovative GigaGreen architecture supports “0 bit 0 watt”, enabling ultra-deep dormancy during low-traffic periods and instant wake-up when traffic increases, meaning substantial reductions in overall network power consumption.

    “We have prioritized innovation in order to provide customers with wireless products that deliver unparalleled performance in terms of user experience, network capacity, energy efficiency, and simplified deployment. It is our mission to help operators build premium networks that offer improved efficiency and cost-performance. This award for tri-band Massive MIMO represents the industry’s recognition of our innovative design. Moving forward, we will continue down the path of innovation and escort our operator partners as they strive towards greater business success,” said Fang Xiang, Vice President of Huawei Wireless Network Product Line.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei’s FDD Tri-Band Massive MIMO Wins Red Dot Design Award 2025

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei’s FDD Tri-Band Massive MIMO Wins Red Dot Design Award 2025

    [Shenzhen, China, June 16, 2025] At Germany’s prestigious Red Dot Award Design Competition, Huawei’s FDD tri-band Massive MIMO earned the Red Dot Design Award for its exceptional performance and lean, energy-efficient design.

    The award-winning FDD tri-band Massive MIMO

    Since its commercial debut in Nigeria with MTN—Africa’s largest mobile operator—this February, Huawei’s FDD tri-band Massive MIMO has been tested and deployed on over 20 networks across the globe. The solution delivers significant value to operators’ customers by relieving traffic demand on 4G networks, providing deep and wide 5G coverage, and enabling enhanced 5G-A uplink. The solution simultaneously delivers five leading technological advantages:

    Simplified ultra-wideband: The solution supports industry-leading, high-power 720 W output, while employing cutting-edge Real Wide Bandwidth and Compact Dipole technologies. This realizes unified operations across three bands (such as 1.8 GHz, 2.1 GHz, and 2.6 GHz, or AWS, PCS, and 2.6 GHz) within a single form factor whose size is equivalent to a conventional two-band Massive MIMO device. This enables the solution to boost both frequency bands and power capabilities without increasing size or wind load.
    Ultimate capacity: This solution is an effective enabler for 4G, 5G, and 5G-A. It can deliver 3-fold to 4-fold downlink capacity gains on 4G networks, which can increase to 7-fold in NR over LTE 4T4R, thereby effectively alleviating network congestion.
    Enhanced uplink: By leveraging M-Receiver technology, the solution realizes 5-fold uplink capacity and 10 dB uplink coverage gains compared to LTE 4T4R, fulfilling new demands of the mobile AI era that are typified by HD streaming and security, multimodal AI interactions, and autonomous driving.
    Native beamforming: Tri-band Massive MIMO traditionally increases interference due to the addition of extra beams. However, supported by enhanced intelligent beam scheduling and intelligent beamforming, Huawei’s tri-band Massive MIMO enables dynamic beam movement with users and intelligent interference avoidance, boosting user experience by 20% to 30%.
    Energy saving: The innovative GigaGreen architecture supports “0 bit 0 watt”, enabling ultra-deep dormancy during low-traffic periods and instant wake-up when traffic increases, meaning substantial reductions in overall network power consumption.

    “We have prioritized innovation in order to provide customers with wireless products that deliver unparalleled performance in terms of user experience, network capacity, energy efficiency, and simplified deployment. It is our mission to help operators build premium networks that offer improved efficiency and cost-performance. This award for tri-band Massive MIMO represents the industry’s recognition of our innovative design. Moving forward, we will continue down the path of innovation and escort our operator partners as they strive towards greater business success,” said Fang Xiang, Vice President of Huawei Wireless Network Product Line.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 16, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 16, 2025.

    ‘No kings!’: like the LA protesters, the early Romans hated kings, too
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Edwell, Associate Professor in Ancient History, Macquarie University Protesters across the United States have brandished placards declaring “no kings!” in recent days, keen to send a message one-man rule is not acceptable. The defeat of the forces of King George III in the United States’ revolutionary

    Keith Rankin Analysis – Clio: Whose side is ‘History’ on?
    Analysis by Keith Rankin. Is history binary? A judge of past behaviour with just two available options: thumbs-up, or thumbs-down? If you are not on the ‘right side’ of history, are you therefore on the ‘wrong side’? Can there be a ‘right side of history’? Given the contexts that we now proclaim to be the

    Millions rally against authoritarianism, while the White House portrays protests as threats – a political scientist explains
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeremy Pressman, Professor of Political Science, University of Connecticut Protesters parade through the Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans as part of the nationwide No Kings protest against President Donald Trump, on June 14, 2025. Patt Little/Anadolu via Getty Images At the end of a week when President

    A 3-tonne, $1.5 billion satellite to watch Earth’s every move is set to launch this week
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steve Petrie, Earth Observation Researcher, Swinburne University of Technology Artist’s concept of the NISAR satellite in orbit over Earth. NASA/JPL-Caltech In a few days, a new satellite that can detect changes on Earth’s surface down to the centimetre, in almost real time and no matter the time

    Decades on from the Royal Commission, why are Indigenous people still dying in custody?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thalia Anthony, Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney Rose Marinelli/Shutterstock Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the name of an Indigenous person who has died. The recent deaths in custody of two Indigenous men in the Northern Territory have provoked

    Need to see a specialist? You might have to choose between high costs and a long wait. Here’s what needs to change
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Breadon, Program Director, Health and Aged Care, Grattan Institute If you have cancer, a disease such as diabetes or dementia, or need to manage other complex health conditions, you often need expert care from a specialist doctor. But as our new Grattan Institute report shows, too

    Small businesses are an innovation powerhouse. For many, it’s still too hard to raise the funds they need
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Colette Southam, Associate Professor of Finance, Bond University The federal government wants to boost Australia’s productivity levels – as a matter of national priority. It’s impossible to have that conversation without also talking about innovation. We can be proud of (and perhaps a little surprised by) some

    A solar panel recycling scheme would help reduce waste, but please repair and reuse first
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Deepika Mathur, Senior Research Fellow, Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University tolobalaguer.com, Shutterstock Australia’s rooftop solar industry has renewed calls for a mandatory recycling scheme to deal with the growing problem of solar panel waste. Only about 10% of panels are currently recycled. The rest are stockpiled, sent

    Why Israel’s shock and awe has proven its power but lost the war
    COMMENTARY: By Antony Loewenstein War is good for business and geopolitical posturing. Before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington in early February for his first visit to the US following President Donald Trump’s inauguration, he issued a bold statement on the strategic position of Israel. “The decisions we made in the war [since

    Netanyahu has two war aims: destroying Iran’s nuclear program and regime change. Are either achievable?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Parmeter, Research Scholar, Middle East Studies, Australian National University Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities could last for at least two weeks. His timing seems precise for a reason. The Israel Defence Forces and the country’s intelligence agencies have

    Israel’s attacks on Iran are already hurting global oil prices, and the impact is set to worsen
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joaquin Vespignani, Associate Professor of Economics and Finance, University of Tasmania The weekend attacks on Iran’s oil facilities – widely seen as part of escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran – represent a dangerous moment for global energy security. While the physical damage to Iran’s production facilities

    Vehicle issued to Fiji assistant minister involved in fatal accident – driver’s son implicated
    By Anish Chand in Suva The son of a Fiji assistant minister is under investigation for allegedly driving a government vehicle without authority and causing an accident that killed two men. The accident took place along Bau Road, Nausori, last night. The vehicle involved in the accident was the official government vehicle issued for the

    Caitlin Johnstone: We are, of course, being lied to about Iran
    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone Iran and Israel are at war, with the US already intimately involved and likely to become more so. Which of course means we’ll be spending the foreseeable future getting bashed in the face with lies from the most powerful people in the

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Northeast brigades celebrate four new tankers and improved fire station

    Source:

    A group of brigades in the outer suburbs of Melbourne are ready for the fire season ahead with four new tankers and a newly renovated station at Chirnside Park.

    The Basin, Olinda and South Warrandyte brigades officially received their new heavy tankers at an event on Sunday 15 June, while Chirnside Park received a medium tanker along with their station refurbishment.

    Chirnside Park was originally built in 2004 as a satellite station of Lilydale, it became a standalone brigade in 2015.

    The renovations provide a new multi-purpose room and kitchen as well as a new workshop, entry and turnout area. Further alterations include upgraded bathrooms, breathing apparatus maintenance, a drying room and two new offices.

    Chirnside Park Captain Ben Cash said the renovated station will assist with growing membership numbers and will improve their ability to respond to emergencies.

    “The extension also gives us increased room to expand our training and improve the skillset of our dedicated members,” Ben said.

    “The renovation comes at a time when our station is celebrating 10 years as a standalone brigade which is a great way to round off the decade.”

    Chirnside Park also received a new medium tanker, further boosting their service to the area.

    The medium tanker is equipped with a 2,500 litre water capacity that allows for rapid and controlled suppression of fires directly from the vehicle.

    “This new tanker is a great asset for us, it is four-wheel drive and comfortably seats a crew of five,” Ben said.

    “Our previous medium tanker served us well but this new tanker provides double the pumping ability which is more beneficial for our growing urban population.

    “The new tanker has already been in good use, responding to the Montrose fire earlier this year.”

    Deputy Chief Officer Gavin Thompson said the renovated station and four new tankers are welcomed resources for the region.

    “The four tankers have state-of-the-art features and will be well utilised in their new homes,” Gavin said.

    “The heavy tanker holds 4,000 litres of water, has automatic transmission, four-wheel drive and crew cab to provide firefighters with greater on and off-road capability, safety and comfort. 

    “It also features improved firefighter operator interface and features to reduce fatigue and improve safety and ergonomics, including crew protection systems, electronic monitors, and electric rewind hose reels. 

    “Each brigade will greatly benefit from their new trucks and Chirnside Park’s 37 members will also enjoy their refurbished station for many years to come.”

    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic launches services for VIXELL Container

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic launches services for VIXELL Container

    Tokyo, Japan, June 16, 2025 – Panasonic Corporation (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Masahiro Shinada; hereinafter referred to as Panasonic) today announced that it has launched rental and other services for the VIXELL Container, after adding it to the VIXELL product lineup, vacuum-insulated cooling boxes used to transport pharmaceuticals and investigational drugs that require strict temperature control. The VIXELL Container is a large-capacity cooling box that can load palletized cargo as is and keep it refrigerated for up to 10 days without a power source.
    Active containers equipped with a cooling system are generally used for the international transportation of pharmaceuticals that require strict temperature control. With a power source, they can maintain a constant temperature for a prolonged period, while posing possible temperature excursion issues, including a sudden failure of the cooling system or exposure to outside air when reloading cargo into refrigerated trucks. As part of measures to address these risks, passive containers are increasingly being used. They do not require a power source, as they use coolants. However, typical passive containers can only keep cargo refrigerated for a short period of three to five days. If the duration of transportation increases due to flight delays or customs clearance issues, the cargo must be removed and stored in a refrigerated area, or the coolants inside the containers must be replaced.
    Panasonic’s new VIXELL Container can keep cargo refrigerated for up to 10 days, the longest duration in the industry for passive containers.*2 This will avoid the need to replace coolants even if transportation is prolonged for a few days due to flight or customs procedural delays. Furthermore, since cargo can be transported in the VIXELL Container without having to reload it into refrigerated trucks, it will reduce the risk of temperature excursions due to exposure to outside air. The VIXELL Container can accommodate a T11 pallet (1100 x 1100 mm) used in Japan as well as pallets sized 1000 x 1200 mm, common in Europe and the U.S., allowing palletized cargo to remain loaded. Also, a structure that allows radio waves to pass through the cooling box for communication, one of the features of VIXELL, is also incorporated in the VIXELL Container, enabling remote access to shipping temperature data and location information via a real-time data logger.*3
    In addition to the box and pallet types, VIXELL now offers the container type, meeting a wide range of temperature-controlled transportation needs through a diverse lineup of products. Moreover, aside from renting and leasing the VIXELL Container, Panasonic has also launched rental services for overseas transportation, in which the used VIXELL Container will be collected and reused by leveraging its robustness. This initiative will contribute to a circular economy by establishing a recycling system that reduces waste.
    Notes:
    *1: Cooling period at an outside temperature of 30°C
    *2: As of June 2025, according to Panasonic’s research
    *3: Device for recording real-time measurement data (e.g. temperature, humidity, pressure)

    ■Product features

    1. Keeping cargo refrigerated for up to 10 days

    An aluminum-free vacuum insulation case (VIC: Vacuum Insulated Case) prevents cold air from escaping through joints, ensuring cold retention up to 10 days. Since the container does not require reloading or a power source, it reduces the risk of temperature excursions and enables prolonged cold transportation at low cost.

    2. Robust and reliable

    The VIC’s envelope, three to ten times thicker than common vacuum insulation panels (VIP: Vacuum Insulated Panel), protects the VIC’s vacuum state from vibrations during transportation and drop impacts from cargo handling. It is difficult to identify a decrease in insulation performance of common containers due to damage sustained in transit. On the other hand, this product is equipped with a wireless vacuum sensor, which instantly assesses its insulation performance before use.

    3. Easy to use and accurate

    The product’s structure allows palletized cargo to be loaded as is. It can accommodate a standard pallet (T11, 1100 x 1100 mm) used in Japan as well as pallets sized 1200 x 1000 mm, common in Europe and the U.S. The container door features a locking mechanism, and the design allows radio waves to pass through, enabling remote access to shipping temperature data and location information via a real-time data logger.

    ■Product specifications

    External dimensions: 1549 mm (w) x 1462 mm (d) x 1567 mm (h)
    Internal dimensions: 1246 mm (w) x 1135 mm (d) x 1090 mm (h)
    Payload: 1541 L
    Cooling temperature range: Below -20°C, 2°C to 8°C, 15°C to 25°C
    Cooling period (at an outside temperature of 30°C): 10 days
    Weight: 635 kg (Below -20°C), 565 kg (2°C to 8°C), 565 kg (15°C to 25°C)
    Services provided: Rental or lease for single-use in Japan (including precooling and product delivery)Rental for overseas transportation (including container collection, see the diagram below)

    VIXELL temperature-controlled transportation solutions websitehttps://www.panasonic.com/global/business/vixell.html

    About Panasonic Corporation
    Panasonic Corporation offers products and services for a variety of living environments, ranging from homes to stores to offices and cities. There are five businesses at the core of Panasonic Corporation: Living Appliances and Solutions Company, Heating & Ventilation A/C Company, Cold Chain Solutions Company, Electric Works Company and China and Northeast Asia Company. The operating company reported consolidated net sales of 3,584.2 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2025. Panasonic Corporation is committed to fulfilling the mission of Life Tech & Ideas: For the wellbeing of people, society and the planet, and embraces the vision of becoming the best partner of your life with human-centric technology and innovation. Learn more about Panasonic: https://www.panasonic.com/global/about.html

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic launches services for VIXELL Container

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic launches services for VIXELL Container

    Tokyo, Japan, June 16, 2025 – Panasonic Corporation (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Masahiro Shinada; hereinafter referred to as Panasonic) today announced that it has launched rental and other services for the VIXELL Container, after adding it to the VIXELL product lineup, vacuum-insulated cooling boxes used to transport pharmaceuticals and investigational drugs that require strict temperature control. The VIXELL Container is a large-capacity cooling box that can load palletized cargo as is and keep it refrigerated for up to 10 days without a power source.
    Active containers equipped with a cooling system are generally used for the international transportation of pharmaceuticals that require strict temperature control. With a power source, they can maintain a constant temperature for a prolonged period, while posing possible temperature excursion issues, including a sudden failure of the cooling system or exposure to outside air when reloading cargo into refrigerated trucks. As part of measures to address these risks, passive containers are increasingly being used. They do not require a power source, as they use coolants. However, typical passive containers can only keep cargo refrigerated for a short period of three to five days. If the duration of transportation increases due to flight delays or customs clearance issues, the cargo must be removed and stored in a refrigerated area, or the coolants inside the containers must be replaced.
    Panasonic’s new VIXELL Container can keep cargo refrigerated for up to 10 days, the longest duration in the industry for passive containers.*2 This will avoid the need to replace coolants even if transportation is prolonged for a few days due to flight or customs procedural delays. Furthermore, since cargo can be transported in the VIXELL Container without having to reload it into refrigerated trucks, it will reduce the risk of temperature excursions due to exposure to outside air. The VIXELL Container can accommodate a T11 pallet (1100 x 1100 mm) used in Japan as well as pallets sized 1000 x 1200 mm, common in Europe and the U.S., allowing palletized cargo to remain loaded. Also, a structure that allows radio waves to pass through the cooling box for communication, one of the features of VIXELL, is also incorporated in the VIXELL Container, enabling remote access to shipping temperature data and location information via a real-time data logger.*3
    In addition to the box and pallet types, VIXELL now offers the container type, meeting a wide range of temperature-controlled transportation needs through a diverse lineup of products. Moreover, aside from renting and leasing the VIXELL Container, Panasonic has also launched rental services for overseas transportation, in which the used VIXELL Container will be collected and reused by leveraging its robustness. This initiative will contribute to a circular economy by establishing a recycling system that reduces waste.
    Notes:
    *1: Cooling period at an outside temperature of 30°C
    *2: As of June 2025, according to Panasonic’s research
    *3: Device for recording real-time measurement data (e.g. temperature, humidity, pressure)

    ■Product features

    1. Keeping cargo refrigerated for up to 10 days

    An aluminum-free vacuum insulation case (VIC: Vacuum Insulated Case) prevents cold air from escaping through joints, ensuring cold retention up to 10 days. Since the container does not require reloading or a power source, it reduces the risk of temperature excursions and enables prolonged cold transportation at low cost.

    2. Robust and reliable

    The VIC’s envelope, three to ten times thicker than common vacuum insulation panels (VIP: Vacuum Insulated Panel), protects the VIC’s vacuum state from vibrations during transportation and drop impacts from cargo handling. It is difficult to identify a decrease in insulation performance of common containers due to damage sustained in transit. On the other hand, this product is equipped with a wireless vacuum sensor, which instantly assesses its insulation performance before use.

    3. Easy to use and accurate

    The product’s structure allows palletized cargo to be loaded as is. It can accommodate a standard pallet (T11, 1100 x 1100 mm) used in Japan as well as pallets sized 1200 x 1000 mm, common in Europe and the U.S. The container door features a locking mechanism, and the design allows radio waves to pass through, enabling remote access to shipping temperature data and location information via a real-time data logger.

    ■Product specifications

    External dimensions: 1549 mm (w) x 1462 mm (d) x 1567 mm (h)
    Internal dimensions: 1246 mm (w) x 1135 mm (d) x 1090 mm (h)
    Payload: 1541 L
    Cooling temperature range: Below -20°C, 2°C to 8°C, 15°C to 25°C
    Cooling period (at an outside temperature of 30°C): 10 days
    Weight: 635 kg (Below -20°C), 565 kg (2°C to 8°C), 565 kg (15°C to 25°C)
    Services provided: Rental or lease for single-use in Japan (including precooling and product delivery)Rental for overseas transportation (including container collection, see the diagram below)

    VIXELL temperature-controlled transportation solutions websitehttps://www.panasonic.com/global/business/vixell.html

    About Panasonic Corporation
    Panasonic Corporation offers products and services for a variety of living environments, ranging from homes to stores to offices and cities. There are five businesses at the core of Panasonic Corporation: Living Appliances and Solutions Company, Heating & Ventilation A/C Company, Cold Chain Solutions Company, Electric Works Company and China and Northeast Asia Company. The operating company reported consolidated net sales of 3,584.2 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2025. Panasonic Corporation is committed to fulfilling the mission of Life Tech & Ideas: For the wellbeing of people, society and the planet, and embraces the vision of becoming the best partner of your life with human-centric technology and innovation. Learn more about Panasonic: https://www.panasonic.com/global/about.html

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney meets with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, ahead of the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta.

    The Prime Minister and the President discussed the strong and growing partnership between Canada and South Africa, with increased co-operation in wildfire management, technology, and trade and investment.

    The leaders discussed advancing shared priorities under their G7 and G20 presidencies, such as energy security, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and climate resilience, including wildfires.

    They agreed to enhance economic co-operation between Canada and South Africa.

    The leaders are looking forward to the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November.

    Associated Link

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Celebrating health volunteers during National Volunteer Week

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Health Minister Simeon Brown and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey are marking National Volunteer Week by recognising the extraordinary contribution of volunteers to New Zealand’s health system, including this year’s recipients of the Minister of Health Volunteer Awards.
    This year’s theme – Volunteering weaves us together – highlights the power of volunteering to strengthen the fabric of our communities, helping build a stronger, more inclusive New Zealand.
    “Since 2013, the Minister of Health Volunteer Awards have been an excellent way for us to celebrate the wonderful health volunteers we have across the country. Over the past few months, I’ve been visiting the 2024 recipients in their communities to personally thank them, concluding with my final visit today.
    “The recipients come from all corners of New Zealand and range in age from 17 to 90. It’s been inspiring to meet these volunteers, hear their stories, and see firsthand the difference they make.”
    Recipients include:

    Tarihira Anaru, winner of the Health Care Provider Service Award, who has volunteered since 2014 with Canterbury’s Better Breathing Programme, helping people with respiratory conditions through education and gentle exercise.
    Trevor Johns, winner of the Long Service Award, who has served with Hato Hone St John for 46 years and, at 91, continues as a Health Shuttle driver and hospital volunteer in Rotorua.
    Aloese Lefono, winner of the Pacific Health Service Award, who leads a support group uniting Pacific people with Parkinson’s and their families through connection, education, and care.
    The Hohepa Student Volunteers, a group of 23 students from Cashmere High School (Years 12 and 13), who generously give their time to visit people with intellectual disabilities.
    The Te Whare Manaaki team of Tolaga Bay, winners of the Māori Health Service Award, who provide vital community support, including emergency relief during Cyclone Gabrielle, and continue to strengthen local services.
    The Cancer Society Oncology Hosts, winners of the Community / NGO Award, who support cancer patients and families across the country.

    Mr Doocey has also met with award recipient Tanja Collinge, winner of the newly introduced Mental Health and Addiction category.
    “It was my pleasure to meet Tanja, who co-founded Red Door Recovery and has volunteered as its cook since 2014. After her own journey of recovery following a brain aneurysm, Tanja has used her skills to give back and help others on their path to wellness,” Mr Doocey says.
    “I’ve seen firsthand how powerful connection can be for mental health. I’ve also witnessed the profound impact that volunteers, particularly those with lived experience, have on the people they support.”
    Together, these volunteers remind us that a compassionate, connected health system relies not just on professionals, but on the generosity of people willing to serve others. Their work strengthens our communities and supports the wellbeing of thousands.
    “I know how small acts of kindness – a cup of tea, a listening ear, a word of encouragement – can make all the difference during difficult times,” Mr Brown says.
    “Thank you to all the volunteers who support the health system. Your kindness, empathy, and dedication have a profound impact on the lives of New Zealanders.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speeding Auckland motorist put lives at risk

    Source: New Zealand Police

    An Auckland teenager is without wheels and will face charges after a patrol detected him at driving at dangerous speeds.

    It could have been a different story.

    A Motorway Patrol unit on the Southern Motorway saw the vehicle being driven at high speed at around 11pm on Sunday.

    Sergeant Chris Mann says it’s lucky that Police is not telling the public about a fatality today.

    “Another unit picked up this vehicle on the motorway as it neared the Mt Wellington off-ramp,” he says.

    “It locked the vehicle at an eye-watering speed – nearly twice the speed limit.”

    Police attempted to stop the vehicle near the off ramp, but the driver failed to stop.

    “The Police Eagle helicopter deployed and was able to track the vehicle,” Sergeant Mann says.

    “Another unit in the Mt Wellington area was able to successfully deploy spikes to slow the vehicle down.”

    Eagle soon directed ground staff to a Pt England Street, where the vehicle had parked up.

    Sergeant Mann says the 18-year-old male driver, and registered owner of the vehicle, will face court over his actions.

    “Alongside having his vehicle impounded, the driver has also been suspended from driving for 28 days,” he says.

    “There is no excuse for driving at this speed and it’s fortunate our staff weren’t knocking on someone’s door last night to advise of a fatality.”

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Progress for new primary school in Whitlam

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The school will cater for up to 780 primary school students from preschool to Year 6. Indicative image only.

    In brief:

    • Work is progressing on the new primary school in Whitlam.
    • Once completed, the school will cater for up to 780 primary school students from preschool to Year 6.
    • The first students will be welcomed in 2027.

    Work is progressing on the new primary school in Whitlam.

    Early earthworks are underway on the modern, sustainable facility.

    The installation of fencing, access roads and site erosion control measures are also progressing.

    The design will include flexible spaces to foster student development and learning.

    The school will provide the growing number of Molonglo Valley families with high-quality education close to home.

    It will open in a staged approach, with the first students to be welcomed in 2027.

    The starting year levels will be announced in early 2026.

    Once completed, the school will cater for up to 780 primary school students from preschool to Year 6.

    Planning for the Early Childhood Education and Care Centre is underway.

    For more information about the new school in Whitlam, visit the Built for CBR website.

    Indicative image only

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: PLA conducts patrol in South China Sea

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

    The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command on Saturday conducted a joint sea-air patrol in the South China Sea, a spokesperson said on Sunday, noting that the armed forces stay on high alert for any destabilizing activities in the region.

    Tian Junli, the spokesperson, said the Philippines’ attempt to rally extraregional countries to carry out so-called “joint patrols” had heightened security risks and undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea.

    All military activities that seek to stir up trouble or create flashpoints in the region are under full control, Tian added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Largest cross-Strait event for people-to-people exchanges kicks off

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

    Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, addresses the 17th Straits Forum in Xiamen, southeast China’s Fujian province, June 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The main conference of the 17th Straits Forum was held Sunday in the coastal city of Xiamen in east China’s Fujian province, kicking off a series of events within its framework.

    Under the theme of “expanding people-to-people exchanges and deepening integrated development,” the forum features 56 exchange activities covering primary-level, youth, cultural and economic exchanges, drawing the attendance of over 7,000 people from all walks of life in Taiwan.

    Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, attended the main conference, and emphasized the importance of staying resolute in safeguarding peace across the Taiwan Strait and working together to promote national reunification.

    Wang noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the recovery of Taiwan — a shared national memory for people on both sides of the Strait. He stressed that the fruits of that victory must be preserved.

    Both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China, he said, emphasizing the importance of upholding the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus. He called for resolutely opposing “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and external interference to jointly safeguard peace and stability of the Strait.

    Wang underscored that the mainland will always provide staunch support for Taiwan compatriots and is firmly committed to deepening the integrated development of both sides of the Strait to give Taiwan compatriots a greater sense of gain, happiness and belonging.

    Ahead of the main conference, Wang met with guests from Taiwan who are attending the forum.

    Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, also attended the main conference and said that the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations is a shared aspiration of people on both sides.

    Ma expressed hope that, based on the common political foundation of upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing “Taiwan independence,” cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation will be strengthened.

    Since its launch in 2009, the forum has featured nearly 800 events, attracting more than 350,000 people from across the Strait, including over 140,000 Taiwan compatriots.

    Before this year’s forum, Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party authorities had escalated their obstruction of cross-Strait exchanges, repeatedly smeared the forum, and sought to intimidate and deter Taiwan compatriots from participating.

    Nevertheless, many Taiwan compatriots overcame difficulties to attend the event, demonstrating both their willingness and sense of responsibility to engage in exchanges and cooperation.

    “There are so many natural bonds and bridges between people on both sides of the Strait — they won’t be severed by the obstruction of any particular political party,” said Yu Chi-hsuan, a young Taiwan participant at the forum, who is with her husband from the eastern Zhejiang province.

    Noting that her mother also traveled from Taiwan to join them at the forum, Yu said that many of her young friends hope to visit the mainland to watch movies like the animated blockbuster “Ne Zha” and check out the trendy toy shops here.

    “The forum further opens wide the door for cross-Strait exchanges, and we should walk further down the path of integrated development,” said Chiu Ching-ling, a veteran variety show producer from Taiwan. He believes that there will always be friends from Taiwan attending the Straits Forum, and the exchanges will continue to flourish.

    MIL OSI China News –