NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dongsheng District, Ordos City

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Dongsheng District is located in the central and eastern part of Ordos City. Its area is 2,160 square kilometers. The permanent population reaches almost 600 thousand people. The urbanization rate is 96.7%.

    Dongsheng District is located at an altitude of over 1,600 meters above sea level, and the average summer temperature is 21 degrees. It is a well-functioning, warm and comfortable city to live in. Its forest cover and grassland vegetation rate have reached 29.9% and 51.8%, respectively.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mongolia hosts event dedicated to International Day of Dialogue Among Civilizations

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    ULAN BATOR, June 11 (Xinhua) — An event to mark the International Day of Dialogue Among Civilizations was held at the China Cultural Center in Ulan Bator on Tuesday.

    It also included a competition for the best Chinese songs among Mongolian youth.

    The event aims to build a bridge of good-neighborliness and friendship between China and Mongolia through music, and promote cultural and educational exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. It is part of a series of events to mark the International Day of Dialogue Among Civilizations.

    The competition featured 15 solo performers from Mongolia. The participants demonstrated their level of proficiency and talent in learning Chinese.

    The winners were Erdenetsogiin Mendbayar and Wu Ningjing, who performed a medley of classic Chinese TV series and films, “My Fair Princess” and “Breaking Dawn.”

    “When the participants sang Chinese songs in Chinese, every word was a fusion of cultures and every melody was a seed of friendship,” said Li Zhi, a counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia and director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Ulaanbaatar.

    In his speech, he emphasized that China and Mongolia use music as a medium and singing as a bridge, which is a vivid practice of the global civilization initiative: using art to convey shared values, using melody to promote exchanges between people, and using innovation to promote the heritage of civilization. “This competition is not only a stage for participants to showcase their talents, but also a window for mutual learning between civilizations,” he added.

    In 2024, the 78th session of the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution drafted by China to establish June 10 as the annual International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations.

    The event was initiated by the Mongolian Association “Community with a Shared Future for Humanity – Belt and Road” and organized by the Chinese Cultural Center in Ulaanbaatar. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The President of Uzbekistan noted the importance of expanding mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia in the energy sector

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Tashkent, June 11 /Xinhua/ — The President of Uzbekistan noted the importance of expanding mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, the press service of the head of Uzbekistan reported on Tuesday.

    “On June 10, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak, who arrived in our country to participate in the fourth Tashkent Investment Forum,” the statement said.

    “At the beginning of the meeting, Alexander Novak conveyed greetings and best wishes from Russian President Vladimir Putin to the head of our state, and also congratulated him on the successful holding of the forum,” the statement said.

    It is noted that issues of practical implementation of the agreements reached during the state visit to Uzbekistan in May last year and other contacts at the highest level were discussed.

    As reported, special attention was paid to expanding mutually beneficial partnership in the energy sector, accelerating joint oil and gas projects, and further developing cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear energy. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Jordanian, Lebanese leaders call for Gaza ceasefire, pledge to strengthen cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    AMMAN, June 11 (Xinhua) — Jordan’s King Abdullah II met with visiting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Tuesday to discuss ways to deepen bilateral ties and current regional developments, the Hashemite Royal Court said in a statement.

    The talks focused on expanding trade and increasing joint investment, especially in energy, electricity and infrastructure. Both leaders stressed the importance of expanding cooperation to advance common interests, support Arab aspirations and enhance stability in the region.

    Speaking about the situation in the region, the leaders of the two countries stressed the need to end the war in Gaza and ensure that sufficient humanitarian aid reaches the enclave.

    The King of Jordan and the President of Lebanon condemned any plans for the forced displacement of Palestinians and called for increased efforts by Arab countries and the international community to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the principle of “two states for two peoples.”

    In turn, King Abdullah II confirmed Jordan’s support for Lebanon’s efforts to maintain security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    He also warned against an escalation of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and called for respect for the sanctity of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

    During the meeting, the leaders of both countries also stressed the importance of maintaining security and stability in Syria to ensure the safe and voluntary return of refugees. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Argentina’s Supreme Court Upholds 6-Year Sentence of Ex-President

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BUENOS AIRES, June 11 (Xinhua) — Argentina’s Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a six-year prison sentence against former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner for irregularities in public works contracts during her time in power.

    The country’s highest court rejected an appeal filed by Fernandez de Kirchner’s lawyers against lower court decisions upholding both the prison term and the lifetime ban on holding public office.

    The ruling was based on the so-called “Vialidad case,” which investigated the awarding of 51 road construction contracts in the southern province of Santa Cruz to companies owned by businessman Lázaro Báez during the government of Néstor Kirchner (2003-2007) and his widow, C. Fernández de Kirchner (2007-2015).

    Fernandez de Kirchner has repeatedly denied her guilt and called the trial a politically motivated prosecution. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Johnson’s Statement on the White House Deploying National Guard to Los Angeles

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

    Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) released the following statement on the White House deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles during protests against Trump’s immigration policies:

    “President Trump’s unilateral deployment of the National Guard onto the streets of Los Angeles at a time when state and local law enforcement were defusing the fallout from ICE raids that terrorized immigrant neighborhoods and workplaces, was a move calculated to escalate what had been largely peaceful protests into violence that would create a pretext for suspending habeas corpus and imposing Martial Law.

    “Similar to the Chinese Communist Party government crackdown on the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, Martial Law would create the opportunity for Trump to crackdown on dissent throughout America, stifling freedom and liberty as the 250-year anniversary of the Declaration of Independence from monarchal tyranny approaches.”

    “I stand with my brothers and sisters who are peacefully protesting not only the cruelty of Donald Trump’s immigration crackdowns but the dictatorship he so desperately is trying to create, and I urge all those engaging in protest and demonstrations to remain non-violent. The time is now for all good people to find and get into trouble. Good trouble. Necessary trouble.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN JOHNSON JOINS BIPARTISAN CHARGE TO SAVE JOB CORPS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) joined Congressmen Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) and Brett Guthrie (KY-02), the co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Job Corps Caucus, in a letter signed by 199 members of Congress—Democratic and Republican—to U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer urging her to continue the Job Corps program.

    On May 29, the U.S. Department of Labor issued a notice that it will begin a phased pause in operations at contractor-operated Job Corps centers across the country. Job Corps is a national program with over 120 centers across the country. Job Corps offers at-risk youth varied academic opportunities and career pathways in business and industry.

    In their letter, they highlighted, “Nearly 20,000 young people utilize Job Corps to learn skills for in-demand vocational and technical job training. Job Corps is one of the few national programs that specifically targets the 16-24-year-old population that is neither working, nor in school, and provides them with a direct pathway into employment openings in industries such as manufacturing and shipbuilding. The program also connects these young Americans with apprenticeships, higher education opportunities, or the military.”

    The members of Congress also noted, “As companies continue to onshore and invest in the men and women of our country, a steady stream of skilled laborers will be required to meet the growing workforce demand. The Job Corps program is uniquely positioned to fill that role and provide these hardworking young Americans with the vocational and technical job training that will set them and our country up for success.”

    The Jun. 5 letter to Secretary Chavez-DeRemer can be viewed here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sánchez condemns ICE’s presence in her district

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

    WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) issued the following statement in response to confirmed reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement was in Whittier over the weekend:

    “ICE’s presence in Whittier and throughout Los Angeles does not make our neighborhoods safer. Instead, they are tearing families apart, traumatizing children and undermining trust with our local officials and law enforcement.

    “The Trump administration’s raids serve no purpose other than to stoke fear and enforce a cruel and broken immigration system. No one should live under the constant threat of being ripped away from their family.

    “I’m working with our local officials to determine if any of our residents were unlawfully detained. These inhumane raids must stop now.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • US envoy says he does not think Palestinian state is US policy goal

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Washington’s ambassador to Israel said he did not think an independent Palestinian state remains a U.S. foreign policy goal, prompting the State Department to say he spoke for himself while the White House referred to past comments from President Donald Trump expressing doubts about a two-state solution.

    “I don’t think so,” U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee said in an interview with Bloomberg News published on Tuesday, when asked if a Palestinian state remains a goal of U.S. policy.

    Asked about Huckabee’s comments, the White House referred to remarks earlier this year by Trump when he proposed a U.S. takeover of Gaza, which was condemned globally by rights groups, Arab states, Palestinians and the U.N. as a proposal of “ethnic cleansing.”

    The White House also referred to remarks by Trump from last year before he won the 2024 election when he said: “I’m not sure a two-state solution anymore is going to work.”

    Asked whether Huckabee’s remarks represented a change in U.S. policy, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to comment on Tuesday, saying policy-making was a matter for Trump and the White House.

    “I’m not going to explain them or really comment on them at all. I think he certainly speaks for himself,” Bruce told reporters.

    Huckabee, an evangelical Christian, is a staunch pro-Israel conservative.

    “Unless there are some significant things that happen that change the culture, there’s no room for it,” Huckabee was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. Those probably won’t happen “in our lifetime,” he said.

    Trump, in his first term, was relatively tepid in his approach to a two-state solution, a longtime pillar of U.S. Middle East policy. Trump has given little sign of where he stands on the issue in his second term.

    Huckabee suggested a piece of land could be carved out of a Muslim country rather than asking Israel to make room. “Does it have to be in Judea and Samaria?” Huckabee said, using the biblical name the Israeli government favors for the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where some 3 million Palestinians live.

    Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor, has been a vocal supporter of Israel throughout his political career and a longtime defender of Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

    Trump has pursued strongly pro-Israel policies as president and his choice of Huckabee as ambassador signaled that they would continue.

    The United States has for decades backed a two-state solution between the Israelis and the Palestinians that would create a state for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza alongside Israel.

    The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered in October 2023, when Palestinian Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli allies.

    U.S. ally Israel’s subsequent military assault on Gaza has killed nearly 55,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, while internally displacing nearly Gaza’s entire population and causing a hunger crisis. The assault has also triggered accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI USA: Underwood’s Bipartisan Baby Changing on Board Act Passes House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

    WASHINGTON – Rep. Lauren Underwood’s bipartisan legislation that would require new Amtrak trains to be equipped with baby changing stations in all restrooms, the Baby Changing On Board Act (H.R. 248), has passed the House with unanimous support. The legislation is co-led by Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).

    Amtrak serves millions of families as a reliable and affordable transportation option, but many trains still lack basic facilities such as baby changing stations, creating unnecessary challenges for parents and caregivers. Under the Baby Changing on Board Act, Amtrak would utilize existing funds to install baby changing stations in new train cars, making sure all trains meet a minimum service standard for family amenities.

    “Parents and caregivers shouldn’t have to worry about whether there’s a safe, clean place to care for their kids while traveling,” said Rep. Underwood. “I am so pleased that this legislation has passed the House and is now one step closer to becoming law. This common-sense, bipartisan legislation is a practical and necessary step to make sure families have access to the amenities they need on Amtrak.”

    The Baby Changing on Board Act represents a significant step forward for families, especially those undertaking long journeys on Amtrak routes. By ensuring new trains are equipped with basic, family-friendly facilities, this legislation promotes a more inclusive and accessible travel experience for parents and caregivers nationwide.

    The Baby Changing on Board Act is supported by leading organizations, including A Better Balance, MomsRising Together, and the National Women’s Law Center.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Lauren Underwood Delivers Remarks at Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Markup to Highlight How Republican Funding Bill Undermines Veterans’ Benefits and Care

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

    WASHINGTON—During today’s House Appropriations full committee markup of the 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies funding bill, Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) delivered the following remarks: 

    “Mr. Chairman, I strongly oppose the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill we are considering today. 

    Our veterans are heroes who have given so much to our country. Their sacrifices can never be fully repaid, but the least we can do is to provide them with high-quality healthcare and other benefits they are entitled to. 

    When they come home, they deserve to know that the country they fought for is going to deliver on its promises. 

    And today, we have the opportunity to keep those promises—but unfortunately, my colleagues across the aisle have chosen to join the Trump Administration in turning their backs on veterans.  

    To start, this bill takes a page right out of the Project 2025 playbook by wasting billions of taxpayer dollars to privatize veterans’ medical care—even though this approach will only lead to higher costs, longer wait times, and more barriers to care.  

    So while this Committee could be investing in vital, VA-based care that is consistently preferred by veterans and outperforms private community care, House Republicans have written a bill that will raise costs AND lower the quality of veterans’ care. This is unacceptable.  

    If that wasn’t bad enough, let’s talk about the PACT Act.  

    I was proud to support this historic, bipartisan expansion of health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances like burn pits and Agent Orange.  

    Since its passage, the VA has delivered new PACT Act-related disability benefits to more than 1.4 million veterans and over 14,000 survivors of veterans who died of a toxic exposure-related illness.  

    The PACT Act was a promise: if you put your life on the line for this country, we will take care of you. 

    But this bill breaks that promise by failing to provide guaranteed advance funding for the PACT Act’s Toxic Exposure Fund.  Advance funding provides the certainty the VA needs to plan for and deliver consistent high-quality care for our veterans who were subjected to toxic exposures.  

    And it doesn’t stop there. This bill is packed with the same cruel, performative policy riders we see year after year. As a nurse, I believe health care is a human right—including the full range of reproductive health care services. But this bill blocks the VA from providing abortions or even abortion counseling.  

    It would force many of our veterans—like countless women across this country since the disastrous Dobbs decision—to wait till they are on their deathbeds to receive essential health care. It’s extreme, it’s deadly, and it’s anti-veteran. 

    The bill also underfunds military construction by $904 million, delaying critical infrastructure needs that are vital to our military readiness. That hurts recruitment, worsens the quality of life for servicemembers and their families, and undermines our national security.  

    But perhaps most alarming – this bill FAILS to stop the Trump Administration’s dangerous, unconstitutional effort to dismantle the Department of Veterans Affairs.  

    So far, the Trump Administration has illegally fired thousands of VA staff that support critical services like processing claims benefits and keeping the Veterans Crisis Line running, and they have cancelled more than 500 contracts.  These cuts have interrupted veteran services and threatened the future of critical research from cancer treatments to suicide prevention.   

    And this is just the beginning.  

    Donald Trump’s VA Secretary has said publicly that the Administration’s goal is to reduce the agency’s staff by 15 percent –that’s 80,000 fewer professionals working to keep our promises to those who have served this country and many future generations of veterans left behind.  

    Already I have heard from veterans in my District about the distress caused by these impending cuts. At my most recent town hall, one veteran who has sought mental health care at the VA since the 1970 shared his concerns about the future of his care in midst of these impending cuts.  

    Another constituent of mine reached out via email and shared that “veterans that use the center for mental health issues are having anxiety attacks over the issues at the VA.” This is the real cost of the Administration’s decisions.  

    And instead of standing up for our veterans, my Republican colleagues have written a bill that rubber stamps the Administration’s illegal and cruel acts.  

    For all these reasons and more, I cannot support this bill.  

    Our veterans deserve better. They deserve a Congress that honors their service—not just with words, but with action.  

    They deserve a fully funded VA, access to comprehensive health care—including reproductive care—and a government that keeps its promises.  

    I ask my colleagues across the aisle to do the right thing, stand up for veterans, and reject this misguided bill.” 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Crow Statement on President Trump’s Deployment of the National Guard, Marines in California

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) issued the following statement on President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and active duty Marines in California:

    In a statement, Congressman Crow said: 

    “Federalizing and deploying National Guard troops in any state should always be a last resort to address situations local authorities can’t handle alone. The reason for this is simple: introducing military personnel into domestic law enforcement situations is an escalation and can put both the military personnel and civilians on the ground at additional  risk. 

    “Deploying troops inappropriately can also threaten the integrity and public trust of our military. There are many examples in US history of this ending poorly. 

    “Here, both the mayor and the governor have been very clear that military personnel (the National Guard or active duty) are not necessary.

    “I urge President Trump to reverse course and allow state and local law enforcement officials to respond.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Crow Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Americans’ Private Data from Cyberattacks

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

    WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) introduced new bipartisan legislation to better protect Americans’ private medical data from cyberattackers. 

    Cyberattacks targeting Americans’ medical data have increased in recent years. In 2021, 46 million Americans had their health information breached as a result of a cyberattack, a threefold increase in three years. These cyberattacks often knock health systems offline, creating a backlog of unpaid claims and threatening patients’ access to care. Findings suggest that, as a result of these attacks, patients’ data may have been leaked on the dark web in the process. 

    Congressman Crow’s Healthcare Cybersecurity Act would help safeguard Americans’ private medical data by requiring greater coordination at the federal level to ensure that government agencies stand ready to respond to the increasing threat posed by cyberattacks. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) joined Congressman Crow in introducing this legislation. The bill was also introduced in the Senate by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Todd Young (R-IN)

    “As technology advances, we must do more to protect Americans’ sensitive data,” said Congressman Crow. “That’s why I’m leading bipartisan legislation to strengthen our defenses and protect families from cyberattackers.”

    “Cyberattacks on our healthcare system endanger more than data—they put lives at risk. I’ve long worked to strengthen our nation’s cyber defenses where Americans are most exposed, from small businesses to hospitals. This bipartisan bill takes direct, strategic action: empowering CISA and HHS to coordinate real-time threat sharing, expanding cybersecurity training for providers, and establishing a dedicated liaison to bolster response. We’re not just responding to attacks—we’re building the infrastructure to prevent them, protect patient privacy, and defend a vital pillar of our national security,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

    The Healthcare Cybersecurity Act would specifically require the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to collaborate on improving cybersecurity in both the health care and public health sectors. It would create a liaison between CISA and HHS to coordinate responses to cyberattacks, and would authorize cybersecurity training to all relevant personnel. The bill would also require CISA and HHS to conduct a study on specific cybersecurity risks facing the health care and public health sectors.

    Congressman Crow has long worked to strengthen America’s cybersecurity defenses, and previously introduced the Healthcare Cybersecurity Act in the 117th and 118th Congress. He also previously introduced the SBA Cyber Awareness Act, bipartisan legislation that would strengthen the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) cybersecurity to handle and report cyber threats that affect small businesses.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Missouri Disaster Declaration Approved by President Trump

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

    Ballwin, MO – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump approved Governor Mike Kehoe’s request for federal support to aid disaster recovery from the May 16th tornado.

    “Thank you President Trump for your swift action to provide federal support to the victims of the deadly tornado last month. The St. Louis region was hit incredibly hard and this disaster assistance is going directly to ensure our community can rebuild stronger and better than before.  I appreciate President Trump and his team for working with us so our officials on the state and local level have the resources they need. I spoke with people on the ground when I saw the damage firsthand and I know how helpful this aid will be to our friends and neighbors.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ14: Franchised bus routes running through Tai Lam Tunnel

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Luk Chung-hung and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (June 11):

    Question:
     
    There are views that, before the Government’s takeover of Tai Lam Tunnel (TLT), the tolls for public single-decked buses and public double-decked buses using TLT were as high as $180 and $213 respectively, resulting in the fares of franchised bus routes running through TLT being significantly higher than those of other bus routes which do not run through TLT but have similar route lengths, ultimately adding to the financial burden of commuting on residents of Yuen Long District. With the takeover of TLT by the Government on 31st of last month, the toll for franchised buses has been substantially reduced to $43, and there should be room for downward adjustment of the fares of bus routes running through TLT. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Africa see rapid trade growth over past 25 years

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

    A coffee exhibitor shows coffee products during an exhibition at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Nairobi, Kenya, May 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

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

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

    The data was released ahead of the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, scheduled to be held from June 12 to 15 in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province.

    On Wednesday, the GAC also published the 2024 China-Africa trade index, which reached a record high of 1,056.53 points. The index uses the year 2000 as its benchmark, set at 100 points, according to the administration.

    China had been Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years by the end of 2024, and the growth of bilateral trade has continued to pick up pace so far in 2025.

    According to earlier data from the GAC, China’s trade with African countries hit a record high in the first five months of this year, increasing 12.4 percent year on year to 963.21 billion yuan. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese auto giants cut payment cycle to within 60 days

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

    This photo taken on March 26, 2025 shows a vehicle during a launch event of Chery in Prague, the Czech Republic. Chinese automaker Chery has officially launched four new models of its OMODA 5 and JAECOO 7 in the Czech market. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A batch of Chinese automakers announced that they would shorten payment terms to their suppliers to within 60 days starting Tuesday evening.

    As of the morning of Wednesday, 10 major auto manufacturers — including BYD, China FAW Group, Seres Group, Geely Auto, and Chery — had officially pledged to implement the new 60-day payment cycle. 

    According to the automakers, the move is expected to boost cash flow efficiency across the automotive industry chain, support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and safeguard the stability of the broader industrial ecosystem.

    The auto heavyweights also described the decision as a proactive response to the newly revised regulation on ensuring timely payments to SMEs issued by the State Council and coming into force on June 1. 

    The revision addresses long-standing issues in market practice such as excessively lengthy payment cycles, unclear accountability, and insufficient regulatory oversight.

    Notably, Article 9 of the regulation stipulates that large enterprises procuring goods, projects, or services from SMEs must settle payments within 60 days of delivery unless otherwise agreed upon in accordance with industry standards and customary practices.

    In addition, the regulation prohibits “back-to-back” payment clauses that tie supplier payments to the progress of third-party payments, closing a loophole that has long delayed receivables for smaller suppliers.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Nanjing elevates biomedicine industry to new heights

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

    China SCIO | June 11, 2025

    Eastern China’s Nanjing is committed to making the biomedicine industry one of its leading industrial clusters, as part of the city’s efforts to foster new quality productive forces, a city official said Monday.

    Nanjing Biotech and Pharmaceutical Valley. [Photo provided to China SCIO]

    Wu Gang, deputy head of the Nanjing Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, said that Nanjing benefits from rich educational and industrial resources, which provide a strong foundation for the development of biomedicine and biopharmaceutical industries.

    Data shows that the city is home to four specialized colleges and over 20 key universities offering related programs. Each year, more than 60,000 graduates in the city complete their studies in biomedicine, ranking among the top in China.

    In addition, Wu said that the city has developed a complete industrial chain in the biomedicine sector, integrating education, research, industrialization, and clinical application.

    Nanjing has been hard at work to upgrade its biomedicine industry. In 2020, it introduced several key policies including a five-year plan for biomedicine industry development and an action plan for building a biomedicine industry cluster. These policies have provided comprehensive support for high-quality growth, with specific measures to foster R&D innovation, facilitate technology transfer, streamline regulatory approvals, and ensure talent development.

    The efforts have paid off. In 2024, Nanjing’s biomedicine industry generated over 210 billion yuan (US$29.25 billion) in revenue, up 5% from the previous year. Additionally, Nanjing now hosts 1,032 high-tech biomedicine enterprises and 35 national-level “little giant” firms, or small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that use specialized and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products. 

    At the core of this success is the Nanjing Biotech and Pharmaceutical Valley (NJBPV), a biopharma industrial park located in Nanjing Jiangbei New Area. Established in 2011, NJBPV is home to over 1,300 life sciences companies, including five listed firms and 53 cutting-edge SMEs.

    A lab at biopharmaceutical company IASO Bio. [Photo by Cui Can/China SCIO]

    “The valley focuses on gene and cell therapies, innovative drugs, and high-end medical devices,” said Yang Tao, deputy director of the Life and Health Industry Development Management Office of Nanjing Jiangbei New Area. He added that over 400 drugs developed by pharmaceutical companies in the valley have already received market approval in China.

    Yang also noted that Nanjing Jiangbei New Area encourages these pharmaceutical companies to expand their footprint by providing tailored support regarding operational needs, regulatory requirements, and market entry challenges.

    For instance, IASO Bio, located in NJBPV, is a leading biopharmaceutical company specializing in innovative cell therapies. The company reached a milestone in recent months by delivering to a resident in Hong Kong its flagship CAR-T therapy , a cutting-edge cancer treatment, according to Zhang Jinhua, the firm’s founder and CEO. 

    The therapy requires strict time control when transporting the patient’s blood samples to IASO Bio for the production of CAR-T cell therapy drug, which was then delivered across the border to Hong Kong. Zhang said that after learning about the company’s needs, Nanjing Jiangbei New Area worked with local customs authorities to streamline clearance procedures, reducing delivery time to under 30 hours for blood samples and 144 hours for the final cell products.

    “After successfully establishing a cross-border delivery channel through Hong Kong, we’re now applying to expand this model to more regions and countries,” Zhang said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, 27 Colleagues Slam Republican Plan to Rescind Over $1 Billion in Federal Funding for Local Public Broadcasting Stations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 10, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined 27 of their U.S. Senate colleagues in slamming a Republican attempt to rescind $1.07 billion in already-allocated funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which funds local public broadcasting stations across the country.  The $1.07 billion represents 100% of CPB’s funding through September 2027. This move follows President Trump’s executive order directing cuts to federal funding for PBS and NPR.
    “Following the White House’s request to rescind $1.07 billion in federal funding for CPB, we write to express our strong opposition to any rescission of funding for public broadcasting and prohibitions of direct and indirect funding to the Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio,” the senators wrote. “This funding is essential to the functioning of the public media system and the communities they serve, and any cuts in funding would have detrimental effects on local stations, which rely on this funding to provide critical services to millions of Americans across the country. Public broadcasting is an essential service that should be protected, not decimated. For this reason, we request that you prioritize maintaining and continuing funding for CPB.”
    The Corporation for Public Broadcasting supports over 1,500 local public television and radio stations that provide free, high-quality programming to millions of households across America. It provides young children who don’t get the chance to attend preschool with educational content that helps them learn to read; airs highly trusted nightly news programming; and shares critical public safety information during emergencies. Local public television stations also provide extensive coverage of local government and elections and host candidate debates, helping Americans stay connected with their elected leaders. Because public television and radio relies heavily on federal funding to operate, particularly in rural communities, losing this funding would force many of these stations to reduce much of their programming or, in some cases, close their doors.
    U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also signed the letter.
    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:
    Dear Majority Leader Thune,
    Federal investment in the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) supports over 1,500 local and regional public television and radio stations that provide free, high-quality programming to millions of households across the country. Following the White House’s request to rescind $1.07 billion in federal funding for CPB, we write to express our strong opposition to any rescission of funding for public broadcasting and prohibitions of direct and indirect funding to the Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio, as outlined in the Executive Order titled, “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media” released on May 1, 2025. This funding is essential to the functioning of the public media system and the communities they serve, and any cuts in funding would have detrimental effects on local stations, which rely on this funding to provide critical services to millions of Americans across the country.
    Our public broadcasting system is a unique American institution that is deeply embedded in our communities and a critical source of lifesaving public safety services, accurate information, and educational programming. The vast majority of the federal funding CPB receives is allocated to local radio and television stations across the country. These cuts will have an immediate and significant impact for stations in rural communities that heavily rely on CPB funding to provide critical services and could likely result in the elimination of programming or outright closure of stations in areas already faced with limited connectivity.
    According to Northwestern University, 55 million people in the United States have no or only one source of local news, and rural counties are far more likely to lose their local news outlets. This number could increase if the two-year advance appropriation for public media is not upheld, resulting in the drastic reduction or complete elimination of free, high-quality local programming. This is especially concerning given the importance of public broadcasting during public emergencies, such as natural disasters, transportation accidents, national security threats, or public safety matters. CPB funds are essential to ensuring that the broadcast infrastructure remains robust and operational in disaster situations, especially scenarios in which local public broadcasters serve as the only source of information for those who need a lifeline. Any cuts in funding will have drastic consequences for communities in need.
    And there is much more to their public safety services in addition to the critical local information they broadcast. Public television’s interconnection technology, which connects local public television stations to PBS, is also one of the backbone pathways for the delivery of our nation’s Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) services – enabling cell phone subscribers to receive geotargeted emergency text alerts no matter where they are in the country. A cut to public broadcasting funding would put this lifesaving service and its nationwide footprint at risk.
    Public television has also pioneered cutting edge technology that helps first responders communicate with each other over the broadcast spectrum without the need for mobile service or broadband. This datacasting technology and public television’s public safety partnerships is already helping with early earthquake warning and has been proven effective in a wide range of scenarios where broadband or cellular service are limited, including rural search and rescue, overwater communications, large event crowd control and more. But this is only possible if stations serving rural and remote areas with limited broadband are healthy and continue operating as they are today.
    On the education front, public television’s early childhood education services ensure that every family has access to high-quality, non-commercial educational content regardless of their ability to pay for such services. This is essential for over 50 percent of three and four-year old children who do not attend formal preschool.
    If funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is eliminated or rescinded, the impact would be devastating. Millions of people across the country whose stations rely on CPB funding for a significant percentage of their budget would be at risk of losing access to public television’s services. These are services that nobody else in the media world is providing, but it’s exactly the work for which public broadcasting was created, and they are delivering to our communities every day. 
    Public broadcasting is an essential service that should be protected, not decimated. For this reason, we request that you prioritize maintaining and continuing funding for CPB. We appreciate your consideration of this request and thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Delhi swelters as mercury soars: IMD sounds Orange Alert amid scorching heatwave

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Delhi continues to reel under an intense heatwave as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the national capital on Wednesday. The IMD has warned that daytime temperatures in Delhi could reach as high as 45 degrees Celsius, with night-time lows hovering around 29 degrees Celsius, providing little relief even after sunset. The ongoing weather conditions are part of a prolonged heatwave affecting large parts of northwestern India.

    “Very hot weather conditions are likely to persist over Delhi till at least June 12,” the IMD said in its latest bulletin. The extreme temperatures, combined with high humidity levels in certain areas, have pushed the ‘feels-like’ temperature to around 50 degrees Celsius, making the situation even more challenging for people across the capital.

    Earlier on Tuesday, Delhi recorded its highest maximum temperature of the season at 43.8 degrees Celsius, which is 3.6 degrees above the seasonal average, as per IMD data.

    The high temperature and oppressive heat led the IMD to extend its orange alert into Wednesday, urging people to take all necessary precautions, including staying hydrated, avoiding direct exposure to the sun during peak hours, and minimising outdoor activities.

    The heatwave warning also covers much of northwest India, with the IMD predicting similar conditions to prevail for the next four to five days.

    Authorities are advising residents, particularly the elderly, children, and those with health conditions, to remain indoors as much as possible and to watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

    Meteorologists suggest a gradual abatement of the heatwave after June 12, but until then, the capital remains firmly under the grip of extreme summer heat. (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Haiti Sees Record Displacement as 1.3 Million Flee Violence

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Geneva/Port-au-Prince, 11 June 2025 – Nearly 1.3 million people are now internally displaced in Haiti, a 24 percent increase since December 2024, according to a recently published Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This surge represents the highest number of people displaced by violence ever recorded in the country.

    “Behind these numbers are so many individual people whose suffering is immeasurable; children, mothers, the elderly, many of them forced to flee their homes multiple times, often with nothing, and now living in conditions that are neither safe nor sustainable,” said Amy Pope, IOM Director General. “We need to act urgently. The strength of the Haitian people is humbling, but resilience cannot be their only refuge. This crisis cannot become the new normal.”

    While Port-au-Prince remains the epicentre of the crisis, gang violence is spreading beyond the capital. Recent attacks in the Centre and Artibonite departments have forced tens of thousands more residents to flee, many now living in precarious conditions and makeshift shelters. Although nearly a quarter of all internally displaced people are still living in the capital, increasing numbers of people are fleeing to other parts of the country in search of safety. In the North, the number of people forced from their homes has grown by nearly 80 per cent.

    In the Artibonite department, violence in Petite Rivière alone has driven thousands more from their homes, bringing the total number of displaced people in the area to over 92,000. In the Centre department, the situation is even more alarming. Fighting in towns like Mirebalais and Saut-d’Eau has more than doubled the number of people on the move in just a few months, rising from around 68,000 to over 147,000. Many now face life without access to health care, schools, and clean water, leaving already vulnerable families struggling to survive.

    As more people are forced to flee, the number of spontaneous displacement sites is also rising. Since December, these sites have jumped from 142 to 246. The sharpest increase is in areas that previously had none, like the Centre department, which now hosts 85 sites. Yet around 83 per cent are sheltering with host families, placing enormous strain on already overstretched households, especially in rural communities.

    IOM continues to play a leading role in the humanitarian response. In the past month, the Organization assisted over 20,000 people with essential household items such as buckets and cooking utensils, distributed over 3 million litres of clean water, and provided basic health services to 6,000 people. Additionally, IOM has reinforced its mental health support, reaching over 8,500 displaced people. IOM teams are currently deployed in the Centre department to assess the multisectoral needs and prepare the response.

    As needs grow, IOM reiterates its call to the international community to scale up support. Without immediate funding and access, millions remain at risk.  Humanitarian assistance is essential, but alone it is not enough. Sustainable solutions must address the root causes of displacement, improve access to essential services, and create viable alternatives to gang violence for youth. These measures are critical to breaking the cycle of violence and restoring stability.

    For more information, please contact IOM Media Centre.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Rep. Calvert Bill to Secure Port Facilities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

    Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the Secure Our Ports Act of 2025, H.R. 252, bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) earlier this year. H.R. 252 will strengthen our national security by prohibiting certain foreign entities, including state-owned enterprises of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, from entering into contracts for the ownership, leasing, or operation of U.S. port facilities that are subject to security plans.

    “I want to thank my House colleagues for passing the Secure Our Ports Act and taking an important step in protecting our critically important port facilities,” said Rep. Calvert. “America’s ports are essential gateways for trade and commerce. We cannot jeopardize America’s economic and national security by allowing foreign adversaries, like China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, to own and operate port infrastructure.”

    The Secure Our Ports Act prohibits the ownership, leasing, or operation of port facilities by an entity that is a Chinese, Russian, North Korean, or Iranian state-owned enterprise, or a foreign entity for which any percentage is owned by one of those four countries.

    According to reports, “China owns or operates ports and terminals at nearly 100 locations in over 50 countries.” Last year, the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party issued a report highlighting its national security concerns over the influence of critical port infrastructure by Chinese-owned enterprises. Recently, the Defense Department included a number of Chinese shipping firms to a list of companies it identifies as military in nature.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Calvert Votes to Provide Historic Tax Relief for Americans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

    Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) issued the following statement after voting to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:

    “I promised voters that if they sent me back to Congress, I would fight to keep their taxes low – and that’s exactly what this One Big Beautiful Bill does. The passage of the bill will prevent the looming tax increase that would be the largest in our nation’s history. Job growth, take-home pay, and economic opportunities hit historic highs following the passage of the 2017 tax cuts. This bill extends and expands those pro-worker and pro-family policies.

    To support American workers, the bill eliminates federal income taxes on tips and overtime. To support retirees, the bill includes new tax relief for seniors. To support families, the bill increases the state and local taxes (SALT) deduction cap to $40,000 as well as extends and expands the child tax credit that Republicans doubled in 2017. To support job creators, the bill expands and makes permanent the small business deduction and allows 100% immediate expensing.

    The One Big Beautiful Bill includes resources that will allow the Trump Administration to solidify the tremendous progress made in securing our border by completing the southern Border Wall and investing in our Border Patrol. To secure America and support our military, the bill will allow the Defense Department to acquire ships, aircraft, and other essential weapons systems as well as invest in the innovation entities within the Department focused on deploying vital capabilities in a time frame of relevance.

    I have made it clear throughout this process that I would not support cuts to Medicaid for seniors, children, mothers, and the disabled. The One Big Beautiful Bill protects these populations and does NOT cut Medicaid for seniors, children, mothers, and the disabled. The bill makes NO changes to Social Security, Medicare, or veterans’ benefits.

    The changes to Medicaid strengthen the program by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. The bill ensures federal tax dollars are not used to provide Medicaid benefits for illegal immigrants through new immigration status check rules. The bill also implements sensible 20-hour per week work requirements – which can be satisfied through either employment, volunteering, or education – for able adults without children under 65 years of age. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the only individuals estimated to lose Medicaid benefits because of the bill are illegal immigrants, ineligible recipients who will lose coverage due to better enforcement of eligibility rules, and able adults without children who refuse to satisfy the new work requirements. These are reasonable, responsible Medicaid reforms that protect the most vulnerable as well as taxpayers.”

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bill Establishing an Eastvale Zip Code Advanced by House Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

    Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) and Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) praised the advancement of H.R. 672 by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. The bill requires the U.S. Postal Service to designate a single, unique ZIP Code for the city of Eastvale, in addition to other communities across the country. Reps. Calvert and Torres both represent portions of the city of Eastvale in the House of Representatives.

    “Eastvale residents and small businesses are one step closer to having the single, unique ZIP Code they have been seeking since incorporating as a city,” said Rep. Calvert. “As we have heard, establishing a single, unique ZIP Code for Eastvale is important for the city’s identity, GPS directions, insurance rates, the collection of sales taxes, and other factors. I’m thankful for the support of Rep. Torres and my House colleagues who have supported this legislation.”

    “For too long, Eastvale has faced unnecessary challenges due to the lack of a single, unique ZIP Code. I’m proud to work with Congressman Calvert as we push for a bipartisan solution that meets the needs of Eastvale’s growing community,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “This bill is about more than numbers-it’s about ensuring every resident, small business, and neighborhood is accurately represented and properly served. Today’s vote in committee is a big step forward for fairness- and we will continue to push for passage through the full House of Representatives.”

    Earlier this year, Reps. Calvert and Torres reintroduced legislation, H.R. 1225, to establish a unique ZIP Code for the city of Eastvale. That bill was incorporated into H.R. 672, an omnibus ZIP Code bill introduced by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26). 

    Currently, the city of Eastvale is split between two ZIP codes, 91752 and 92880. The 91752 ZIP code is shared between Eastvale and the city of Jurupa Valley. The City of Eastvale was incorporated in 2010 and has a population of approximately 70,000.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lofgren Statement on Trump Administration’s Deployment of CA National Guard in Los Angeles, CA

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

    SAN JOSE, CA – Today, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) released the following statement after the Trump Administration deployed California’s National Guard in response to ongoing protests in Los Angeles, California: 

    “Trump’s unwarranted and unwise deployment of California’s National Guard over the objections of California officials is likely intended to inflame the situation. It’s not a surprise that when masked and armed ICE agents deployed across communities arresting working people, parents, and neighbors there would be objections. This was aggravated when, as he was peacefully protesting, union leader David Huerta was pushed by ICE, injured, and then arrested. Many of us, observing Trump’s authoritarian bent, have been concerned that he would look for some excuse to seize control from civilian authorities. Our citizen soldiers, members of California’s National Guard, should not be abused in this way. But given Trump’s view of soldiers as “ losers,” he obviously doesn’t care that these volunteers have been called away from their jobs and families for no good reason other than creating a scene and potentially creating an environment where violence and disorder may be stimulated.” 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Found Missing Person

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Missing US aviation student, William Henry Johnson, has been located and Police have confirmed they have no concern for his welfare.

    24-year-old Johnson was reported missing by his family on 9 June, after not contacting them for several days.

    Enquiries by Police have enabled them to make contact and confirm he is now safe and with his family.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ12: Urban renewal

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ12: Urban renewal 
    Question:
     
    The Urban Renewal Authority published in 2022 the District Study for Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok – Information Booklet, which proposed a new planning tool called “transfer of plot ratio” (i.e. allowing the transfer of gross floor area from small sites with limited redevelopment potentials (“sending sites”) to sizable redevelopment sites at strategic locations (“receiving sites”)). Subsequently, the Town Planning Board launched a pilot scheme on transfer of plot ratio (the Pilot Scheme) with Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei as pilot areas, and the Sai Yee Street/Flower Market Road Development Scheme in Mong Kok is the first project. On the other hand, in the reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on March 19 this year, the Government indicated that it would study the feasibility of cross-district transfer of plot ratios (i.e. transferring the residual plot ratios of redevelopment projects in old districts for use in new development areas (NDAs)), so as to incentivise market participation in redevelopment. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether it will draw on the experience of projects under the Pilot Scheme to allow developers to transfer the residual plot ratios of small redevelopment sites in old districts other than Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei for use in sizeable redevelopment sites in the same district or in other districts; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) given that there are views pointing out that the value of land in old districts is generally higher than that in NDAs, whether the Government will study adjusting the plot ratio to be transferred based on the price per square foot of the “sending and receiving sites” (e.g. ‍allowing a higher plot ratio for sites in NDAs with lower prices per square foot when receiving gross floor area from sites in old districts with higher prices per square foot), so as to attract developer participation in redevelopment; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (3) whether it will consider requiring that a portion of land from the “sending sites” be allocated for Green Belt, Open Space, and Government, Institution or Community uses; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) completed the District Study for Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok in 2021, which put forward a number of recommendations and new planning tools, including a pilot scheme for transfer of plot ratio (TPR) within the same district. To follow up on this recommendation, the Town Planning Board promulgated guidelines for the pilot scheme on TPR for Yau Mong Districts in July 2023, allowing the transfer of unutilised plot ratio from sending site(s) (SS) to receiving site(s) (RS) within the same Outline Zoning Plan to enhance redevelopment incentives. As mentioned in the question, the URA’s Sai Yee Street/Flower Market Road Development Scheme in Mong Kok is the first pilot redevelopment project to adopt TPR, which consolidated and transferred the unutilised plot ratio of several small and scattered sites without redevelopment potential to a larger site for mixed development, so as to enhance planning gains and the commercial viability of the project.
     
    To encourage and expedite urban renewal, the Development Bureau is conducting a policy study to examine the use of newly developed land to drive large-scale urban redevelopment projects, including cross-district TPR. Unlike the above-mentioned pilot scheme on TPR within the same district, we will consider allowing cross-district transfer of unutilised plot ratio from the SS to new development areas, and reducing the density of old districts. We will complete the policy study and put forward preliminary recommendations within this year.
     
    My reply to various parts of the question raised by the Hon Yang Wing-kit is as follows:
     
    (1)  Our preliminary view is to extend TPR to old districts other than Yau Mong Districts, so that more redevelopment projects can benefit. We are conducting an analysis on expanding the coverage of districts. Details will be provided when announcing preliminary recommendations within this year.
     
    (2) As mentioned by the Member, the land value in old districts is different from that in new development areas, with the former typically higher than the latter. Therefore, one of the key design challenges is to address the land value difference across districts. The effectiveness will depend on whether the value transferred to the RS can reasonably reflect the value of the unutilised plot ratio at the SS. Meanwhile, the mechanism should be simple and easy to implement, providing market certainty and avoiding unnecessary administrative burden. We will finalise the recommendations along such directions.
     
    (3) Our goal is to encourage the URA and landowners holding old buildings in the market to take forward redevelopment in order to address the potential risks associated with ageing structures and improve the conditions of old districts. Premised on a balance between this policy objective and the project financial viability, we will also consider in the above policy study whether requirements to provide public open spaces and/or government, community, and institutional facilities should be imposed on the SS.
    Issued at HKT 14:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Indecent assault and burglary – Parap

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Police are calling for information after an indecent assault and burglary that occurred in Parap overnight.

    Around 11:40pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a female had been indecently assaulted while she slept in her residence. It is alleged that she woke to a naked male indecently assaulting her.

    The victim was able to push the offender off her before he fled the scene, allegedly stealing a camera in the process.

    Police attended and the victim described the offender as being approximately 20 years of age, slim build, with dark skin and approximately 180cm to 185cm tall.

    The NT Police Force Sex Crimes Section have carriage of the incident and investigations are ongoing.

    Detectives urge anyone with information about the incident to contact 131 444 and quote reference number P25156934. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ECB and People’s Bank of China sign Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation

    Source: European Central Bank

    11 June 2025

    On the occasion of her visit to Beijing, Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), and Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People’s Bank of China, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of central banking.

    This MoU, which updates the previous MoU of 2008, includes a framework for the regular exchange of information, dialogue and technical cooperation between the two institutions.

    “It is important that we sustain global cooperation, and I am pleased to sign this MoU together with Governor Pan as a sign of our continued dialogue with the People’s Bank of China,” ECB President Christine Lagarde said.

    For media queries, please contact Paul Gordon, tel.: +49 172 253 5723.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Polytechnic University is now recruiting for free training in in-demand professions

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The Polytechnic University has opened enrollment for free training programs within the framework of the federal project “Active Measures to Promote Employment” of the national project “Personnel”. This is not the first successful experience of the Polytechnic in implementing such initiatives. Every year, the university helps many people master relevant professions and find work. This year, the project continues to form new career prospects for residents of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region.

    The programs are designed to meet the needs of the regional labor market and focus on key sectors: industry, construction, energy, and the digital economy. In collaboration with leading regional enterprises, the university offers practice-oriented courses that include working with modern technologies and tools. Participants will be able to obtain not only new knowledge, but also a diploma from one of Russia’s leading universities, which significantly increases their chances of successful employment.

    Our experience shows that such programs are not just training, but a real start for professional growth. We create conditions so that each participant can build a sustainable career, – emphasized the Vice-Rector for Additional and Pre-University Education of SPbPU Dmitry Tikhonov.

    Training is available to anyone looking for a job. Including young people under 35 (in certain categories), people at risk of being laid off, officially unemployed, people with disabilities, parents on maternity leave, citizens over 50, unemployed mothers with children under seven, as well as veterans of the SVO and their family members.

    The training areas include several blocks.

    Engineering and technical professions:

    CNC machine programming; instrumentation and automation fitter; measuring instrument controller; design and technological support for mechanical engineering; industrial safety and labor protection; welder.

    Digital technologies and modeling:

    Building information modeling (BIM, Renga); lean manufacturing and digital transformation; construction and surveying; industrial and civil construction; engineering and geodetic surveys; road reconstruction.

    Service and design:

    artist-designer (interior designer); tourism at an industrial enterprise; quality control of food products.

    The new recruitment for free training programs is not only an opportunity to master a sought-after profession, but also a chance to contribute to the development of key industries in the region.

    Registration is available atproject website.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –