Category: Asia Pacific

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CFS announces food safety report for May

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CFS announces food safety report for May.

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (June 30) released the findings of its food safety report for last month. The results of about 6 400 food samples tested (including food items purchased online) were found to be satisfactory except for six unsatisfactory samples that were announced earlier. The overall satisfactory rate was 99.9 per cent.

A CFS spokesman said that about 2 000 food samples were collected for microbiological tests, and about 4 400 samples were taken for chemical and radiation level tests.

The microbiological tests covered pathogens and hygiene indicators; the chemical tests included testing for pesticides, preservatives, metallic contaminants, colouring matters, veterinary drug residues and others; and the radiation-level tests included testing for radioactive caesium and iodine in samples collected from imported food from different regions.

The samples comprised about 1 600 samples of vegetables and fruit and their products; about 500 samples of cereals, grains and their products; about 600 samples of meat and poultry and their products; about 1 300 samples of milk, milk products and frozen confections; about 900 samples of aquatic and related products; and about 1 500 samples of other food commodities (including beverages, bakery products and snacks).

The six unsatisfactory samples comprised two mushroom samples and a prepackaged dried lily bulb sample detected with metallic contaminants exceeding the legal limit, a white radish sample and a melon sample detected with pesticide residues at levels exceeding the legal limit, and a pig ear sample found to contain Salmonella.

The CFS has taken follow-up actions on the above-mentioned unsatisfactory samples, including informing the vendors concerned of the test results, instructing them to stop selling the affected food items, and tracing the sources of the food items in question.

The spokesman reminded the food trade to ensure that food is fit for human consumption and meets legal requirements. Consumers should patronise reliable shops when buying food and maintain a balanced diet to minimise food risks.

Separately, in response to the Japanese Government’s discharge of nuclear-contaminated water at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station, the CFS will continue enhancing the testing on imported Japanese food, and make reference to the risk assessment results to adjust relevant surveillance work in a timely manner. The CFS will announce every working day on its dedicated webpage (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/daily_japan_nuclear_incidents.html) the radiological test results of the samples of food imported from Japan, with a view to enabling the trade and members of the public to have a better grasp of the latest safety information.

Ends/Monday, June 30, 2025
Issued at HKT 15:00

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Heads of Multilateral Development Banks commit to strong joint action on development priorities

Source: European Investment Bank

EIB

The Heads of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) met today in Paris, hosted by the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), which currently chairs the Heads of MDBs Group. The meeting focused on advancing their joint efforts to address development priorities.

Amid rising global uncertainty, the Heads reaffirmed their commitment to working as a system to deliver greater impact and scale, in line with their Viewpoint Note and the recommendations of the G20 Roadmap towards Better, Bigger, and More Effective MDBs. The Roadmap outlines an ambitious vision for MDB reform to better address regional and global challenges, support job creation, and help countries achieve their development aspirations.

The Heads welcomed ongoing efforts to improve the way MDBs work with clients through operational efficiency and enhanced coordination. In 2025 alone, five mutual reliance agreements have been signed, helping streamline the preparation and implementation of co-financed projects across institutions.

Private capital mobilization remains a system-wide priority, with the last joint report of the MDBs reflecting a positive trend in volumes mobilized. To build on this momentum, the Heads reaffirmed their commitment to developing local currency lending and foreign exchange solutions. They also reaffirmed the importance of adequate risk assessment for private sector investment in emerging markets and developing economies; in this context, the valuable contribution of disaggregated statistics on credit risk published through the Global Emerging Markets Risk Database (GEMs) was recognized.

The Heads reiterated their continued commitment to implementing the recommendations of the G20 Independent Review of Multilateral Development Banks’ Capital Adequacy Frameworks (CAF). Further reform efforts by MDBs since mid-2024 have increased the additional lending headroom for development projects in all countries of operation, including high-income ones, over the next decade by more than US$250 billion, thus reaching a total of over US$650 billion.

The publication in the coming weeks of the Comparison Report by the MDBs’ Global Risk and Finance Forum (GRaFF) will provide metrics and data relating to MDBs’ financial positions, promoting a better understanding of their financial models and supporting both balance sheet optimization and private sector mobilization.

The Heads also agreed to continue advancing promising initiatives already underway to strengthen system-wide impact. These include: 1) Mission 300, which aims to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030 through public and private collaboration; 2) Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Power Grid, which aims to boost energy security, strengthen resilience, and promote decarbonization for the region’s 670 million people by connecting its electricity systems; and 3) Digital Transformation in Education in Latin America and the Caribbean, which aims to connect 3.5 million students and train over 250,000 teachers.

In addition, MDBs are exploring joint actions to scale up investments in social infrastructure, including health, education, housing, and water and sanitation. Building on structured dialogue led by the CEB, the Heads welcomed progress made through recent cross-MDB consultations and recognized the key role these sectors play in enabling jobs, productivity, and inclusive growth, while noting persistent financing and delivery challenges that constrain impact.

Meeting in advance of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), which will take place in Sevilla, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July, MDBs remain committed to working better as a system, in alignment with country-led development priorities and strategies to promote jobs and prosperity. In view of water’s role in human development, MDBs committed to significantly increasing collective support for global water security by 2030, and will launch the first “Joint Annual MDB Water Security Financing Report” at FfD4. Heads noted the importance of the upcoming COP30 in Belem, Brazil, in November 2025.

Today’s meeting in Paris marks a significant step toward effective collaboration and scaled-up collective action for development priorities. MDB reforms are advancing, moving from concept to execution.

With streamlined operations, better risk tools, and growing financial capacity, MDBs are delivering real impact – from expanding energy access and digital education to scaling investment in water security.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Joint Statement: Heads of Multilateral Development Banks commit to strong joint action on development priorities

Source: European Investment Bank

PARIS (28 June) – The Heads of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) met today in Paris, hosted by the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), which currently chairs the Heads of MDBs Group. The meeting focused on advancing their joint efforts to address development priorities.

Amid rising global uncertainty, the Heads reaffirmed their commitment to working as a system to deliver greater impact and scale, in line with their Viewpoint Note and the recommendations of the G20 Roadmap towards Better, Bigger, and More Effective MDBs. The Roadmap outlines an ambitious vision for MDB reform to better address regional and global challenges, support job creation, and help countries achieve their development aspirations.

The Heads welcomed ongoing efforts to improve the way MDBs work with clients through operational efficiency and enhanced coordination. In 2025 alone, five mutual reliance agreements have been signed, helping streamline the preparation and implementation of co-financed projects across institutions.

Private capital mobilization remains a system-wide priority, with the last joint report of the MDBs reflecting a positive trend in volumes mobilized. To build on this momentum, the Heads reaffirmed their commitment to developing local currency lending and foreign exchange solutions. They also reaffirmed the importance of adequate risk assessment for private sector investment in emerging markets and developing economies; in this context, the valuable contribution of disaggregated statistics on credit risk published through the Global Emerging Markets Risk Database (GEMs) was recognized.

The Heads reiterated their continued commitment to implementing the recommendations of the G20 Independent Review of Multilateral Development Banks’ Capital Adequacy Frameworks (CAF). Further reform efforts by MDBs since mid-2024 have increased the additional lending headroom for development projects in all countries of operation, including high-income ones, over the next decade by more than US$250 billion, thus reaching a total of over US$650 billion.

The publication in the coming weeks of the Comparison Report by the MDBs’ Global Risk and Finance Forum (GRaFF) will provide metrics and data relating to MDBs’ financial positions, promoting a better understanding of their financial models and supporting both balance sheet optimization and private sector mobilization.

The Heads also agreed to continue advancing promising initiatives already underway to strengthen system-wide impact. These include: 1) Mission 300, which aims to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030 through public and private collaboration; 2) Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Power Grid, which aims to boost energy security, strengthen resilience, and promote decarbonization for the region’s 670 million people by connecting its electricity systems; and 3) Digital Transformation in Education in Latin America and the Caribbean, which aims to connect 3.5 million students and train over 250,000 teachers.

In addition, MDBs are exploring joint actions to scale up investments in social infrastructure, including health, education, housing, and water and sanitation. Building on structured dialogue led by the CEB, the Heads welcomed progress made through recent cross-MDB consultations and recognized the key role these sectors play in enabling jobs, productivity, and inclusive growth, while noting persistent financing and delivery challenges that constrain impact.

Meeting in advance of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), which will take place in Sevilla, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July, MDBs remain committed to working better as a system, in alignment with country-led development priorities and strategies to promote jobs and prosperity. In view of water’s role in human development, MDBs committed to significantly increasing collective support for global water security by 2030, and will launch the first “Joint Annual MDB Water Security Financing Report” at FfD4. Heads noted the importance of the upcoming COP30 in Belem, Brazil, in November 2025.

Today’s meeting in Paris marks a significant step toward effective collaboration and scaled-up collective action for development priorities. MDB reforms are advancing, moving from concept to execution.

With streamlined operations, better risk tools, and growing financial capacity, MDBs are delivering real impact – from expanding energy access and digital education to scaling investment in water security.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-Australia Strategic Dialogue on Gender Equality: joint statement, May 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

UK-Australia Strategic Dialogue on Gender Equality: joint statement, May 2025

The governments of Australia and the United Kingdom gave a joint statement following the second UK-Australia Strategic Dialogue on Gender Equality on 22 May 2025.
Joint statement:

In the face of increasing contestation and the rollback of hard-won progress, we reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.

We are deeply concerned about escalating attempts to reverse global progress on gender equality, including sexual and reproductive health and rights. We are at a critical moment, where we must coordinate with partners across the globe to continue progress on gender equality. Such efforts are vital to protect the fundamental human rights of all women and girls, everywhere.

The erosion of gender equality and human rights undermines peace and security, and sustainable development. To accelerate progress, we need a strong multilateral system. The UN80 process is crucial to this, and we encourage ambitious, coordinated and transparent reform to ensure the UN system can deliver a progressive vision for all women and girls. Furthermore, enhanced collaboration is needed at the nexus between gender equality, humanitarian action, and climate change.

We are jointly committed to continued collaboration on gender equality in the Indo-Pacific. We will continue to prioritise, protect and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights and the elimination of gender-based violence, including through the implementation of our joint Memorandum of Understanding on Gender-Based Violence. We will continue pursuing effective strategies for ending gender-based violence, including technology-facilitated gender-based violence, and countering rollback, including through joint learning and regional dialogues. We will also continue integrating violence prevention into our work to address climate change.

We remain committed to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. Core to the effective implementation of the WPS agenda are national and regional action plans and promoting women’s leadership to address contemporary challenges. We acknowledged this when discussing joint opportunities to mark the WPS agenda’s 25th anniversary at Ministerial level in 2025.

Women’s rights organisations play a vital role in protecting and promoting gender equality. We reaffirmed our commitment to exploring innovative ways to bolster and support grassroots movements, including through increased advocacy in regional and multilateral fora and joint events.

In this challenging environment, continued collaboration between the UK and Australia is vital. We urge everyone to stand with us to uphold gender equality, human rights, and democracy; all essential for a stronger, safer world.

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Published 30 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 30, 2025
Israel steps up Gaza bombardment ahead of White House talks on ceasefire

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Palestinians in northern Gaza reported one of the worst nights of Israeli bombardment in weeks after the military issued mass evacuation orders on Monday, while Israeli officials were due in Washington for a new ceasefire push by the Trump administration.

A day after U.S. President Donald Trump urged an end to the 20-month-old war, a confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected at the White House for talks on a Gaza ceasefire, Iran, and possible wider regional diplomatic deals.

But on the ground in the Palestinian enclave there was no sign of fighting letting up.

“Explosions never stopped; they bombed schools and homes. It felt like earthquakes,” said Salah, 60, a father of five children, from Gaza City. “In the news we hear a ceasefire is near, on the ground we see death and we hear explosions.”

Israeli tanks pushed into the eastern areas of Zeitoun suburb in Gaza City and shelled several areas in the north, while aircraft bombed at least four schools after ordering hundreds of families sheltering inside to leave, residents said.

At least 25 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Monday, health authorities said, including 10 people killed in Zeitoun.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which says Palestinian militants embed among civilians. The militant groups deny this.

The heavy bombardment followed new evacuation orders to vast areas in the north, where Israeli forces had operated before and left behind wide-scale destruction. The military ordered people there to head south, saying that it planned to fight Hamas militants operating in northern Gaza, including in the heart of Gaza City.

NEXT STEPS

A day after Trump called to “Make the deal in Gaza, get the hostages back”, Israel’s strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer, a confidant of Netanyahu’s, was expected on Monday at the White House for talks on Iran and Gaza, an Israeli official said.

In Israel, Netanyahu’s security cabinet was expected to convene to discuss the next steps in Gaza.

On Friday, Israel’s military chief said the present ground operation was close to having achieved its goals, and on Sunday, Netanyahu said new opportunities had opened up for recovering the hostages, 20 of whom are believed to still be alive.

Palestinian and Egyptian sources with knowledge of the latest ceasefire efforts said that mediators Qatar and Egypt have stepped up their contacts with the two warring sides, but that no date has been set yet for a new round of truce talks.

A Hamas official said that progress depends on Israel changing its position and agreeing to end the war and withdraw from Gaza. Israel says it can end the war only when Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms.

The war began when Hamas fighters stormed in to Israel on October 7 2023, killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took 251 hostages back to Gaza in a surprise attack that led to Israel’s single deadliest day.

Israel’s subsequent military assault has killed more than 56,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry, has displaced almost the entire 2.3 million population and plunged the enclave into a humanitarian crisis.

More than 80% of the territory is now an Israeli-militarized zone or under displacement orders, according to the United Nations.

(Reuters)

June 30, 2025
President Murmu urges focus on ‘One Health’, animal welfare at IVRI convocation

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday highlighted the growing significance of the ‘One Health’ approach while addressing the convocation ceremony at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly. She called for greater emphasis on animal welfare, sustainable practices, and the role of veterinary science in safeguarding public health.

“Our culture, rooted in the idea of Ishavasyam Idam Sarvam, teaches us to see the divine in every living being,” Murmu said, adding that the Indian tradition of gods and sages communicating with animals reflects this belief.

Highlighting concerns over biodiversity loss, the president said, “Many species have either become extinct or are on the verge of extinction. Their conservation is crucial not just for nature but for the health of the Earth.” Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, she warned that an unchecked consumption-driven model could have devastating effects on both the environment and public health.

Murmu also emphasised that the ‘One Health’ paradigm—which links human, animal, and environmental health—is gaining traction globally. “Institutes like IVRI can play a key role in preventing and controlling zoonotic diseases,” she said.

The president further underlined the transformative potential of technology in veterinary science. From genome editing and embryo transfer to AI and big data analytics, she said such tools can revolutionise animal care in India. Murmu encouraged the development of indigenous, low-cost treatments and nutritional solutions for animals, and the reduction of medicines with harmful side effects.

Praising students for dedicating themselves to the care of animals, she advised them to remain guided by the welfare of the voiceless in moments of doubt. “Think of those innocent beings—you will find your path,” Murmu said.

Calling on young professionals to become entrepreneurs in animal science, the president said such initiatives could not only support livelihoods but also contribute to the national economy.

Murmu also lauded IVRI’s role in advancing veterinary research and education, and expressed hope that its graduates would lead the way in building a compassionate, science-driven future.

June 30, 2025
Britain, France and Germany condemn ‘threats’ against head of IAEA watchdog

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Britain, France and Germany condemned on Monday what they described as threats against the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) watchdog, and called on Iran to guarantee the safety of IAEA staff on its territory.

“France, Germany and the United Kingdom condemn threats against the Director General of the IAEA Rafael Grossi and reiterate our full support to the Agency and the DG in carrying out their mandate,” said a joint statement issued by the foreign affairs ministries of those three countries.

“We call on Iranian authorities to refrain from any steps to cease cooperation with the IAEA. We urge Iran to immediately resume full cooperation in line with its legally binding obligations, and to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of IAEA personnel,” they added.

Their joint statement did not specify what threats had been made against Grossi.

On Monday, Iran said it could not be expected to guarantee the safety of IAEA inspectors, so swiftly after its nuclear sites were hit by Israeli and U.S. strikes in the 12-day war that ended with a ceasefire last week.

“How can they expect us to ensure the safety and security of the agency’s inspectors when Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities were attacked a few days ago?” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told a news conference.

The IAEA’s board voted earlier this month to declare that Iran was in violation of its obligations under the global nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iranian officials have suggested that vote helped pave the way for Israel’s attacks.

Baghaei said a parliamentary bill approved by the Guardian Council makes it mandatory for the government to suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog.

“Iran shouldn’t be expected to accept its obligations under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) when the UN nuclear watchdog has stopped short of condemning the attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites,” Baghaei said.

(Reuters)

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government civil servants attend thematic seminar on Hong Kong National Security Law in Beijing (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Today (June 30) marks the fifth anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. Thirty-three senior civil servants of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government who are participating in a national studies programme organised by the Civil Service College (CSC) and Peking University in Beijing attended a thematic seminar to gain an in-depth understanding of the constitutional responsibility of the HKSAR to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and that civil servants must fulfil their role as guardians of national security. The seminar was delivered by Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Basic Law Committee and the Macao Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and Deputy Director of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Mr Zhang Yong.

The participants gained a lot from taking the opportunity to raise questions to Mr Zhang and attending the seminar which deepened their awareness of safeguarding national security proactively.

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said the Government had been stepping up efforts on all fronts to cultivate a sense of national identity, awareness of national security and patriotism among civil servants at all levels. In particular, the national studies programmes for middle and senior-level civil servants enable civil servants to gain an accurate understanding of the constitutional order of the HKSAR, national security and the latest policy objectives of the country through lectures in Mainland institutions and site visits.

Since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the enactment of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, the CSC has incorporated training on safeguarding national security into a series of programmes, including induction training for new recruits, Mainland programmes for middle and senior-level officers, thematic talks and e-learning. In addition to enhancing civil servants’ understanding of national security legal provisions, the CSC’s programmes also enable civil servants to understand the concept of a holistic approach to national security, to grasp the national security situation as well as the risks and challenges facing the country, and to raise civil servants’ awareness of safeguarding national security of their own accord and fulfilling their responsibility in national security.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rail link consultancy pact signed

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Highways Department today signed an investigation, design and construction consultancy agreement with the AtkinsRealis – AECOM Joint Venture for the Hong Kong section of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link.

The joint venture’s professional team comprises the Shanghai Municipal Engineering Design Institute (Group) Company from the Mainland, local financial consultant KPMG Advisory (Hong Kong), and professional members spanning various other disciplines.

The department said it will work with the joint venture to take forward investigation and design work for the project at full steam.

It aims to have the project ready for tendering in 2027, and to achieve completion of construction works in 2034.

This will be followed by integrated testing and commissioning to realise the common goal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Government and Shenzhen’s municipal government of commissioning the rail link in 2035.

The 18.1-km link runs underground from Hung Shui Kiu to Qianhai, with the Hong Kong section taking up 7.3 km and the Shenzhen section running about 10.8 km long.

It will comprise five stations – three in Hong Kong, at Hung Shui Kiu, Ha Tsuen and Lau Fau Shan; and two in Shenzhen, at Shenzhen Bay Port and Qianhaiwan.

Hong Kong and Shenzhen have agreed to co-locate immigration and customs facilities in Shenzhen, while the depot will be at Ha Tsuen.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government invites proposals for operation of pilot scheme on sports dispute resolution

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Government invites proposals for operation of pilot scheme on sports dispute resolution
As announced in the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address, the Government will explore establishing a sports dispute resolution system and promote sports arbitration, leveraging the institutional advantages of Hong Kong in dispute resolution. In this regard, the Government supports the industry in launching the pilot scheme in Hong Kong within 2025.

The DoJ has prepared the invitation for proposals to identify a suitable administering body and a technology provider for the pilot scheme. The appointed dispute resolution institution will administer the pilot scheme and provide institutional support for the conduct of mediation and arbitration. To promote wider use of lawtech and online dispute resolution, the administering body shall partner with an online dispute resolution institution as a technology provider to provide the technological infrastructure and support required for the operation of the pilot scheme. Interested dispute resolution institutions and online dispute resolution institutions may submit joint proposals in this exercise.

All joint proposals must be submitted along with all necessary information and supporting documents to the DoJ no later than 5pm on July 31, 2025, by e-mail (lead@doj.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:28

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 43rd batch of applications approved for trials of green transport technologies under New Energy Transport Fund

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

43rd batch of applications approved for trials of green transport technologies under New Energy Transport Fund
The Steering Committee of the Fund has adopted a merit-based approach to assess applications for funding with a view to making the best use of the Fund and taking into account factors including the latest technology developments. One application has been approved in this batch (Note) for the trial of an electric heavy goods vehicle as an aircraft tractor, involving a total subsidy of $1.5 million.

The latest approval brings the total number of trials approved under the Fund to 296, with a total subsidy of about $242 million. As at end-May 2025, a total of 239 approved trials under the Fund have been completed. Trial reports have been uploaded to the Fund’s website (www.eeb.gov.hk/en/new-energy-transport-fund/AT.html#Trial_Reports
As the technology of electric vehicles and batteries is becoming more mature, to allow the Fund to focus on subsidising new energy technologies with a more pressing need for trials in the local context in future, the Fund has only accepted applications for trials of new energy transport commercial tools other than electric commercial vehicles from April 1, 2025, with a view to expediting the green transformation of the transport trade.

The Government put in place the Fund in March 2011 to subsidise the testing and encourage wider use of green transport technologies for a variety of commercial transport tools, such as goods vehicles (including special-purpose vehicles), taxis, light buses, buses, vessels, motorcycles, non-road vehicles (applicable to vehicle models approved by the Transport Department or the Airport Authority Hong Kong), or the aforesaid transport tools of charitable/non-profit making organisations providing services to their clients. The technologies to be subsidised include new energy vehicles or vessels, conversion of in-use conventional vehicles or vessels to new energy vehicles or vessels, and after-treatment emission reduction devices or fuel-saving devices applicable to vehicles and vessels. Transport operators and charitable/non-profit making organisations may apply for trying out different green technology products subject to a maximum subsidy of $10 million for each application and a total of $12 million for each applicant.

For more information on the Fund and the approved applications, please visit the website of the Fund (

www.eeb.gov.hk/en/new-energy-transport-fund/new-energy-transport-fund.html
Note: An electric heavy goods vehicle as an aircraft tractor by China Aircraft Services Limited.
Issued at HKT 10:00

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CAD reminds public of establishment of temporary restricted flying zones

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) today (June 30) reminded the public that temporary restricted flying zones (RFZs) will be established in the areas around East Lamma Channel, Western Anchorage, Victoria Harbour and Tathong Channel from July 3 to 7. All aircraft, including planes, helicopters and small unmanned aircraft (SUA), will be restricted from entering the areas concerned. Other flying activities will also be restricted within the temporary RFZs.

“To facilitate arrangements for special operations, the CAD will establish temporary RFZs in the areas around East Lamma Channel, Western Anchorage, Victoria Harbour and Tathong Channel (see the respective areas indicated by red dotted lines in Annex I to IV) with effect during respective periods between July 3 and 7. No aircraft will be permitted to enter the zones, except for Government Flying Service flights.

“Other flying activities, such as the flying of model aircraft, kites and captive balloons, and mass release of small balloons, will also be restricted within the temporary RFZs,” a spokesman for the CAD said.
â€‹
Airlines and pilots have been informed of the establishment of the temporary RFZs via the Notice to Airmen. The CAD has also announced the details of the temporary RFZs on the electronic portal for small unmanned aircraft “eSUA”.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Marine Department launches Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme to encourage relevant development

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Marine Department launches Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme to encourage relevant development
     The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set an ambitious target to reach net-zero carbon emissions from international shipping by or around 2025. Under the key policy drive of the IMO, the international maritime industry is now undergoing an irreversible green transformation, and the use of low- or even zero-carbon fuels is quickly gaining popularity.

     To complement and encourage the green transformation of the shipping industry, the Government promulgated the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering on November 15, 2024, setting out clear targets, five green-centric strategies and 10 actions to support the development of green maritime fuel bunkering and trading in Hong Kong. One of the actions proposed in the Action Plan is to set up a Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme, which serves to encourage pioneer companies to develop green maritime fuel bunkering business in Hong Kong.

     Considering that certain investments in preparatory work, including risk assessments by companies, are required before carrying out green maritime fuel bunkering, and the pioneer companies will help kick-start the industry development by paving the way and accumulating invaluable experience, incentives will be granted to these companies. Under the current tranche of the Scheme, which targets liquefied natural gas (LNG) and green methanol, an incentive of $500,000 will be granted to each pioneer company for each of its first two LNG or green methanol bunkering operations completed within one year from the MD’s acceptance of its risk assessment. Pioneer companies that have already completed the relevant assessments and/or bunkering operations before the Scheme launch are also eligible to receive incentives under the Scheme. The maximum amount of incentive for each type of recognised green maritime fuel is $2,000,000, and incentives will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis. Details are set out in the Introduction of the Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme in the Annex.

     A spokesperson for the MD said, “Hong Kong, China, as an associate member of the IMO, has long been committed to supporting the IMO’s emission reduction target. At the same time, the development of green maritime fuel bunkering capabilities in Hong Kong will allow us to capitalise on the existing unique advantages of our port, including our location at the southernmost tip of China next to the international fairway, to maintain our positioning as a major bunkering port and international maritime centre. The Scheme will help encourage pioneer enterprises to start green maritime fuel bunkering businesses in Hong Kong early, as well as help level the playing field between pioneers and late joiners.”

“The MD has established a dedicated team that provides one-stop services to companies interested in setting up green shipping-related businesses in Hong Kong. At the same time, we also provide clear guidelines and support to companies interested in conducting green maritime fuel bunkering operations in Hong Kong, to facilitate their smooth completion of the relevant assessments and pre-bunkering procedures,” the spokesperson continued.

    The application form of the Scheme has been uploaded onto the MD’s websiteIssued at HKT 15:00

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HyD signs investigation, design and construction consultancy agreement for Hong Kong section of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai) (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

HyD signs investigation, design and construction consultancy agreement for Hong Kong section of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai) (with photo)
A spokesman for the HyD said, “Construction of the HSWRL is a crucial initiative in support of thorough implementation of the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). It enhances the infrastructure connectivity in the GBA and facilitates Hong Kong’s better integration into national development. The HSWRL will connect the metro networks in the western regions of Hong Kong and Shenzhen. A trip from Hung Shui Kiu to Qianhai will only take approximately 15 minutes, which will help to foster the ‘one-hour living circle’ in the GBA and facilitate convenient cross-boundary commerce, work, living, study and travelling activities of the residents of the two places. The HSWRL is also an important transport infrastructure promoting the development of the Northern Metropolis, catering to the local travelling demand in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area as well as Lau Fau Shan, Tsim Bei Tsui and Pak Nai areas. We aim to have the project ready for tendering in 2027, so that the detailed design and construction works can commence promptly, striving to achieve completion of construction works in 2034, followed by integrated testing and commissioning to realise the common goal of the governments of Hong Kong and Shenzhen to commission the HSWRL in 2035.”

The HSWRL is approximately 18.1 kilometres long (with the Hong Kong section and the Shenzhen section being about 7.3 km long and 10.8 km long respectively). The alignment will start from the west of Hung Shui Kiu Station under construction on the Tuen Ma Line, passing through Ha Tsuen and Lau Fau Shan, crossing Deep Bay and connecting to Qianhai via Shenzhen Bay Port. It is an underground railway line comprising a total of five stations, with three stations in Hong Kong (located in Hung Shui Kiu, Ha Tsuen and Lau Fau Shan respectively) and two stations in Shenzhen (located in Shenzhen Bay Port and Qianhaiwan respectively). Hong Kong and Shenzhen have agreed to establish the co-location of the immigration and customs facilities in Shenzhen and the depot will be located at Ha Tsuen.

The project provides opportunities for Hong Kong and Shenzhen to draw on each other’s strengths and experiences in taking forward railway projects, so as to further enhance the efficiency and quality of railway development and strive for excellence. The HyD endeavours to explore ways to combine Hong Kong’s flexibility and versatility with the Mainland’s strengths in infrastructure development. Through “dual-innovation” in policy and technology, the HyD will explore different implementation approaches with the goal to reduce construction cost and compress construction time.
Issued at HKT 15:58

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to visit Portugal to promote development opportunities in GBA

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to visit Portugal to promote development opportunities in GBA
On July 3, Ms Chan will attend a business luncheon titled “Unlocking New Horizons: Affordable Housing and Opportunities in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area”, co-organised by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels. She will deliver a keynote speech to promote the enormous business opportunities brought about by the GBA to the Portuguese business community and how Hong Kong can play its important function as a “super-connector” and “super value-adder” between the two places.

During her stay in Lisbon, Ms Chan will call on the Chinese Embassy in the Portuguese Republic to learn about the latest developments in Portugal and Sino-Portuguese culture, and will also attend the International Forum on Urbanism there.

Ms Chan will return to Hong Kong on July 4.
Issued at HKT 14:29

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Seventh batch of Arts Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities open for applications today

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Seventh batch of Arts Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities open for applications today
The Government has endeavoured to promote the participation of PWDs in recreational, sports and cultural arts activities and provide them with appropriate activities and facilities. This aims to create opportunities for PWDs to develop their potential, enhance their quality of life and encourage their participation in group activities, promoting their full integration into the community.

The Arts Fund provides funding support for two tiers of arts projects. Tier One projects focus on providing elementary and ongoing arts programmes that enhance the arts knowledge of PWDs, foster their interest in the arts, and develop their potential. Tier Two projects are large-scale, impactful and sustainable projects which assist individual PWDs with significant artistic potential in pursuing careers in performing, visual or creative arts, enabling them to strive for excellence.

The seventh batch of the Arts Fund is open for applications starting today until September 1. Interested organisations may visit the SWD website (www.swd.gov.hk/en/pubsvc/rehab/cat_fundtrustfinaid/adfpdIssued at HKT 11:00

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 30, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government’s financial results for two months ended May 31, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Government announced today (June 30) its financial results for the two months ended May 31, 2025.

Expenditure and revenue from April to May 2025 amounted to HK$129.7 billion and HK$55.9 billion respectively, resulting in a deficit of HK$78.4 billion after taking into account HK$15.5 billion received from issuance of Government Bonds and repayment of HK$20.1 billion principal on Government Bonds.

A Government spokesperson said that the deficit for the period was mainly due to the fact that some major types of revenue including salaries and profits taxes, are mostly received towards the end of a financial year.

The fiscal reserves stood at HK$575.9 billion as at May 31, 2025.

Detailed figures are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

TABLE 1. CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT (Note 1)

	Month ended May 31, 2025 HK$ million	Two months ended May 31, 2025 HK$ million
Revenue	17,448.6	55,906.5
Expenditure	(66,328.1)	(129,774.6)

Deficit before issuance and repayment of Government Bonds	(48,879.5)	(73,868.1)

Proceeds received from issuance of Government Bonds	9,435.9	15,534.8

Repayment of Government Bonds*	(20,070.1)	(20,120.5)

Deficit after issuance and repayment of Government Bonds	(59,513.7)	(78,453.8)

Financing
Domestic
Banking Sector (Note 2)	59,210.2	75,933.7
Non-Banking Sector	303.5	2,520.1
External	–	–

Total	59,513.7	78,453.8
* Being repayment of principal on Government Bonds and does not include the associated interest and other expenses.

Government Debts as at May 31, 2025 (Note 3)
HK$298,332 million
Debts Guaranteed by Government as at May 31, 2025 (Note 4)
HK$123,199 million

TABLE 2. FISCAL RESERVES

	Month ended May 31, 2025 HK$ million	Two months ended May 31, 2025 HK$ million
Fiscal Reserves at start of period	635,376.7	654,316.8
Consolidated Deficit after issuance and repayment of Government Bonds	(59,513.7)	(78,453.8)

Fiscal Reserves at end of period (Note 5)	575,863.0	575,863.0

Notes:

1. This Account consolidates the General Revenue Account and the following eight Funds: Capital Works Reserve Fund, Capital Investment Fund, Civil Service Pension Reserve Fund, Disaster Relief Fund, Innovation and Technology Fund, Land Fund, Loan Fund and Lotteries Fund. It excludes the Bond Fund, the balance of which is not part of the fiscal reserves. The Bond Fund balance as at May 31, 2025, was HK$216,896 million.

2. Includes transactions with the Exchange Fund and resident banks.

3. The Government Debts, with proceeds credited to the Capital Works Reserve Fund, comprise:

(i) the Green Bonds (equivalent to HK$177,761 million as at May 31, 2025) issued under the Government Sustainable Bond Programme. They were denominated in US dollars (US$9,950 million with maturity from January 2026 to January 2053), euros (4,580 million euros with maturity from February 2026 to November 2041), Renminbi (RMB34,000 million with maturity from June 2025 to July 2054) and Hong Kong dollars (HK$22,000 million with maturity from February 2026 to October 2026);

(ii) the Infrastructure Bonds (equivalent to HK$65,900 million as at May 31, 2025) issued under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. They were denominated in Renminbi (RMB19,000 million with maturity from December 2025 to May 2035) and Hong Kong dollars (HK$45,230 million with maturity from November 2025 to March 2045); and

(iii) the Silver Bonds with nominal value of HK$54,671 million (with maturity in October 2027 and may be redeemed before maturity upon request from bond holders) issued under the Infrastructure Bond Programme.

They do not include the outstanding bonds with nominal value of HK$168,090 million and alternative bonds with nominal value of US$1,000 million (equivalent to HK$7,841 million as at May 31, 2025) issued under the Government Bond Programme with proceeds credited to the Bond Fund. Of these bonds under the Government Bond Programme (including Silver Bonds with nominal value of HK$96,090 million, which may be redeemed before maturity upon request from bond holders), bonds with nominal value of HK$66,959 million will mature within the period from June 2025 to May 2026 and the rest within the period from June 2026 to May 2042.

4. Includes guarantees provided under the SME Loan Guarantee Scheme launched in 2001, the Special Loan Guarantee Scheme launched in 2008, the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme launched in 2012, and the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Cross-boundary Passenger Transport Trade, the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Battery Electric Taxis and the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Travel Sector launched in 2023.

5. Includes HK$250,041 million, being the balance of the Land Fund held in the name of “Future Fund”, for long-term investments up to December 31, 2030. The Future Fund also includes HK$4,800 million, being one-third of the actual surplus in 2015-16 as top-up.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 30, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Industry Advisory Committee on General Business of Insurance Authority

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Government announced today (June 30) the appointments of Mr Jacky Lio Veng-hei and Professor Hui Kai-lung as non-official members of the Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) on General Business (GB) of the Insurance Authority for a term of two years from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027.

Welcoming the appointments, a spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, “With their rich professional knowledge, we believe Mr Lio and Professor Hui will tender insightful advice to the IAC and facilitate the growth of the insurance industry.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the two outgoing members, Dr Fung Hong and Professor Tang Heiwai, for their unwavering support and valuable contributions to the IAC during their tenure.”

The IAC on GB is a statutory committee established under the Insurance Ordinance (Cap. 41) to advise the Insurance Authority on matters relating to general business. Members come from different lines of business with expertise within the insurance industry, as well as from related fields such as fintech, medical, legal and academia.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 2025 edition of “Hong Kong as an Information Society” now available

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

2025 edition of “Hong Kong as an Information Society” now available
This publication presents statistics compiled from a variety of data sources relevant to the development of an information society in Hong Kong, including the recent developments in information and communication technology services, the external trade of information and communication technology goods and services, and the use and penetration of information technology in the business, household and government sectors. Analyses of the demand for manpower in the information technology field and development of relevant educational programmes are also provided.

Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1110006&scode=590Issued at HKT 16:30

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HA appeals to public for two patients requiring urgent liver transplants

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

HA appeals to public for two patients requiring urgent liver transplants
     The spokesperson for the Hospital Authority (HA) today (June 30) made the following appeal regarding two patients whose condition requires urgent liver transplants:

     Two patients who require urgent liver transplants are currently hospitalised at Queen Mary Hospital and are in critical condition. One of the patients has been experiencing severe hepatic and renal failure, entering the state of hepatic coma. He has developed hepatorenal syndrome and severe complications due to hepatic encephalopathy. The patient is currently in the Adult Intensive Care Unit due to his critical condition. He is intubated and requires mechanical ventilation to maintain life. The other patient has been experiencing severe liver failure and severe damage to his kidney function. He has developed severe complications due to hepatorenal syndrome. Both patients are clinically assessed as requiring urgent liver transplants and are listed at the top of the liver transplant waiting list, according to the blood groups.

     In response to the urgent appeal from the patients’ families, the HA appeals to members of the public to proactively support organ donation and consider donating the organ of a deceased relative to rekindle the lives of others.

     In view of the critical condition of the patients, in addition to proactively searching for suitable livers locally, the HA will also seek assistance from the Mainland through the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government as soon as possible. When a patient who is willing to donate an organ passes away and no suitable patient is identified to receive the organ on the Mainland, the cross-boundary organ donation and matching mechanism will facilitate a transplant in Hong Kong to bring hope to a critically ill patient.

     The spokesperson emphasised that when a suitable liver is found, the HA will strictly follow the relevant organ transplant regulations and make an application with the authorities to ensure that all procedures comply with relevant standards and regulatory requirements. The HA will arrange transplant operations that aim to save the patient’s life as soon as possible.

     For critically ill patients with organ failure, an organ transplant is often the only hope to extend their lives. When the families of deceased patients show a selfless act of love and donate the deceased person’s organs to save dying patients, it not only gives critically ill patients the hope of life, but also eases the hardship of their families. The HA appeals to the public to pass on their great love, blessing and care to those who are still fighting for their well-deserved lives.
Issued at HKT 15:56

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ensuring high-quality development with high-level security: Hong Kong National Security Law heralds fifth anniversary

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Ensuring high-quality development with high-level security: Hong Kong National Security Law heralds fifth anniversary
The spokesman said, “National security is a top priority as it forms the basis for a country’s existence and development. After reunification, Hong Kong had long been ‘undefended’ in terms of safeguarding national security. Anti-China elements and external forces continuously challenged the bottom line of the principle of ‘one country, two systems’, and even attempted to seize the power of governance. Unprecedented crises have been brought to Hong Kong by the ‘anti-national education’ incident in 2012, the illegal ‘Occupy Central’ movement in 2014, the Mong Kok riot in 2016, the ‘black-clad violence’ and Hong Kong version of the ‘colour revolution’ which lasted for more than ten months since June 2019, severely damaging Hong Kong’s societal, economic and business environment and caused the public to live in fear.”

“The Central Authorities acted decisively at a critical moment for Hong Kong. On May 28, 2020, the National People’s Congress (NPC) made a relevant decision on the basis of which, the NPC Standing Committee enacted, on June 30, 2020, the HKNSL which was then listed under Annex III to the Basic Law for local promulgation and implementation in the HKSAR. The HKNSL has addressed the shortcomings and plugged the loopholes in the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security of the HKSAR, playing the role of a stabilising force that immediately stopped violence and curbed disorder. The implementation of HKNSL was a ‘watershed moment’ in Hong Kong’s transition from chaos to order, as stability and safety of the city have been restored by the law.”

“Thereafter, with the concerted efforts of the HKSAR Government, the Legislative Council and all sectors of the community, the HKSAR fulfilled its constitutional duty last year by completing the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law. The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) took effect upon gazettal on March 23, 2024, improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms of the HKSAR for safeguarding national security. The HKNSL and the SNSO are compatible and complementary, building a strong line of defence to safeguard national security in Hong Kong.”

The spokesman emphasised, “The implementation of the HKNSL over the past five years has proven the law to be a ‘guardian’ in upholding the principle of ‘one country, two systems’ and in safeguarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. It is an important and timely piece of legislation with profound historical significance. The HKNSL and other laws in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR firmly adhere to the principle of the rule of law while protecting the rights and freedoms in accordance with the law. At present, the business environment has continuously improved. Hong Kong ranks first as the world’s freest economy and third among global financial centres, and has returned to the top three in the world in terms of competitiveness, demonstrating that Hong Kong is moving full steam ahead along the path of ‘advancing from stability to prosperity’.”

“The laws for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR protect human rights. The principles of respecting and protecting human rights, as clearly and comprehensively set out, are embodied in the provisions of the HKNSL and the SNSO as well as in the manner in which they are implemented. Both Article 4 of the HKNSL and section 2 of the SNSO clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, and that the rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of speech, of the press, of publication, of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration, that Hong Kong residents enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, shall be protected in accordance with the law. The various provisions of the laws for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR are in line with international standards, striking a reasonable balance between safeguarding national security and protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.”

“In fact, the HKSAR has a solid, resilient foundation of the rule of law that is well-recognised by the international community. The law enforcement agencies of the HKSAR have been strictly taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and in accordance with the law. The Department of Justice of the HKSAR, by virtue of Article 63 of the Basic Law, controls criminal prosecutions, free from any interference. Independent prosecutorial decisions for each case are made in a rigorous and objective manner, strictly based on evidence and applicable laws and are in accordance with the Prosecution Code. Articles 2, 19 and 85 of the Basic Law specifically provide that the HKSAR enjoys independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, and the courts of the HKSAR shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the occupation, political stance or background of the persons involved. In addition, Article 5 of the HKNSL and section 2 of the SNSO clearly stipulate that the principle of the rule of law shall be adhered to in preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for offences endangering national security, including the principles of conviction and punishment only by the application of the law, the presumption of innocence, the prohibition of double jeopardy, and the right to defend oneself and other rights in judicial proceedings that a criminal suspect, defendant and other parties in judicial proceedings are entitled to under the law.”

“It is each and every sovereign state’s inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice. The HKNSL and the SNSO clearly define the elements and penalties of the related offences endangering national security, precisely targeting an extremely small minority of people and organisations committing in acts and activities that endanger national security, while protecting the lives and property of the general public. Law abiding persons will not engage in acts and activities that endanger national security and will not unwittingly violate the law, and therefore have no reason to be concerned. As a matter of fact, since the promulgation and implementation of the HKNSL, stability has been quickly restored in society. With the SNSO in effect, the rights and freedoms of the HKSAR residents and of other persons in Hong Kong are even better protected while the economy of Hong Kong is picking up.”

The spokesman reiterated, “Safeguarding national security is an ongoing and endless commitment. As mentioned in the ‘White Paper on China’s National Security in the New Era’ published by the Central Authorities on May 12, 2025, external forces have meddled more in China’s affairs, with an attempt to blockade, suppress and contain China through the so-called ‘Hong Kong issues’. Today, as geopolitical risks continue to escalate, the HKSAR Government will strive steadfastly to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and improve the relevant legal system and enforcement mechanisms under the robust protection of the HKNSL and the SNSO, so as to address the evolving national security risks and challenges more effectively. We will also ramp up our efforts in publicity and education to arouse public awareness in safeguarding national security, thereby forming a societal shield to fend off external intervention, ensuring high-quality development with high-level security, continuously composing a new chapter in the practice of ‘one country, two systems’.”

Issued at HKT 10:30

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Process Review Panel for the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority publishes 2024 Annual Report

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Process Review Panel for the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (PRP) published its 2024 Annual Report today (June 30), covering its work from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024.

The PRP Chairman, Mr Eugene Fung, SC, said, “Out of 6 557 cases closed or discontinued from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024, the PRP selected 29 cases for detailed review covering the core regulatory activities of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA). The PRP is delighted to note the considerable efforts made by the MPFA to enhance the consistency and transparency in its enforcement actions, and has identified room for continuous improvement in this regard. On this front, we have made various recommendations with a view to further promoting public confidence in the MPF System.”

He added, “Taking this opportunity, we would like to thank the outgoing members, Mr Allen Lau Kai-hung and Ms Grace Yu Ho-wun, for their valuable and constructive advice to the PRP during their six-year tenure.”

The 2024 Annual Report has been uploaded to the website of the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau at www.fstb.gov.hk/fsb/en/business/prp/doc/prp_mpfa_2024_e.pdf.

The PRP welcomes views from the public and market participants on its work. Comments may be sent to the PRP via email at prpmpf@fstb.gov.hk.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New requirement for application for or revalidation of local certificates of competency fully implemented today

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

New requirement for application for or revalidation of local certificates of competency fully implemented today
The Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Certification and Licensing) Regulation (Cap. 548D) stipulates that all local vessel operators must hold a valid local CoC.

To enhance marine safety, the MD has revised the eligibility criteria for applying for or revalidating local CoCs by introducing a medical fitness certificate requirement to ensure that holders of local CoCs are physically fit to operate vessels. The medical fitness requirement involves two categories of persons: Category I covers all applicants for the initial issuance or revalidation of any grade of local CoCs; Category II only covers coxswains and engine operators in charge of passenger vessels (i.e. Class I vessels) and vessels carrying gases, noxious liquid substances, oil, etc (i.e. Class II vessels with designated types) (collectively referred to as “high-risk vessels”).

All applicants for issuance and revalidation of local CoCs are required to submit to the MD a medical fitness certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner recognised by the MD together with the application form. Once issued, a local CoC will remain valid until the holder reaches the age of 65. Holders of local CoCs who wish to revalidate their CoCs after reaching the age of 65 will have to undergo and pass a medical assessment every three years. After reaching the age of 71, a holder must pass a medical assessment every year in order to revalidate the CoC.

Considering the relatively higher marine safety risks associated with operating high-risk vessels, all coxswains and engine operators of high-risk vessels are required to undergo a medical assessment every five years to ensure that they are physically fit to operate the relevant vessels. Operators of high-risk vessels must submit a copy of the medical fitness certificate to the MD for record after obtaining the certificate. This requirement will be implemented by the MD through adding a new licensing condition to the Operating Licences of relevant high-risk vessels.

The MD has already conducted extensive consultations with the industry regarding the new arrangements and detailed requirements, and has received support from various stakeholders, including the Legislative Council Panel on Economic Development, the Local Vessels Advisory Committee, trade associations, trade unions, and fishermen’s associations. The MD will continue to promote the new requirements to local CoC holders through various means.

For details about the latest requirements for application for or revalidation of local CoC, including the list of recognised medical practitioners, the medical assessment form, the examination rules for local CoCs and the relevant MD Notice, please visit the MD’s websiteIssued at HKT 15:05

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary for Housing to visit Portugal and Spain

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, will depart for a visit to Lisbon, Portugal, tomorrow night (July 1). She will attend the International Forum on Urbanism on July 2 and speak at the forum on the various housing initiatives implemented by the Housing Bureau and the Hong Kong Housing Authority in recent years to enhance people’s livelihoods, encourage upward mobility, and promote innovative construction technologies, as well as the “Well-being design” guide launched last year.

During her stay in Lisbon, she will meet with relevant local officials. She will also officiate at a business luncheon co-organised by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office under the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, to share Hong Kong’s experiences in enhancing the quantity, speed, efficiency and quality of public housing construction by embracing various innovative rapid construction technologies and construction robotics, and continuously enhancing smart public estate management to build a more pleasant living environment for its residents. She also invited over 20 construction trade representatives from Hong Kong and the Mainland, including construction companies and consultant companies participating in the construction of public housing, Light Public Housing and transitional housing, to attend the luncheon. They will share in person with the participants Hong Kong’s experience in applying and promoting innovative construction technologies, such as Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), Multi-trade integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP) and construction robots, and take this opportunity to strengthen connections between the Hong Kong and Portuguese trades and explore opportunities. Ms Ho will also call on the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Portuguese Republic.

Ms Ho will depart for Barcelona, Spain, on the evening of July 3 (Lisbon time) to visit local social housing projects, meet with relevant government officials to learn about housing issues there and their policies implemented, and promote Hong Kong’s housing ladder that encourages upward mobility, as well as the application of innovative construction technologies in Hong Kong’s public housing developments and management, the concepts of the “Well-being design” guide, and more.

Ms Ho will return to Hong Kong on the morning of July 6. During her absence, the Under Secretary for Housing, Mr Victor Tai, will be the Acting Secretary for Housing.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese opera is presented in central Vietnam

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

HUE, Vietnam, June 30 (Xinhua) — A troupe from south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region performed a traditional Chinese opera in central Vietnam’s Hue city on Sunday.

The event, held at the Royal Theatre in the Imperial City of Hue, showcased the diversity of Chinese opera styles and attracted audiences including Chinese and Vietnamese officials as well as local residents.

The performance included live music, traditional costumes and scenes from Chinese opera.

The troupe’s tour, part of efforts to strengthen cultural ties between China and Vietnam, will continue in Ho Chi Minh City. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Killer dolls and Brexit zombies – what to watch and do this week

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Anna Walker, Senior Arts + Culture Editor

Part of the appeal of the 2023 horror flick, M3gan, was that its titular antagonist managed to be two of the scariest villains of the genre in one – a killer robot, and a child’s doll come to life.

After nine-year-old Cady (Violet McGraw) tragically lost her parents, her roboticist aunt Gemma (Allison Williams of Get Out fame) brought M3gan home to help her niece with the traumatic transition. M3gan was to be Cady’s teacher, playmate and above all, protector. In classic horror style, she soon embarked on a murderous rampage in the name of “protecting” her ward.

The film was an instant cult hit, dubbed a “camp classic” thanks to M3gan’s TikTok dance moves and determination to destroy the nuclear family.

In M3gan 2, in cinemas from today, the filmmakers have leaned into that campiness even more. But, as horror expert Adam Daniel explains that doesn’t completely neutralise the terror. Instead, it reformulates it, offering a cathartic release that makes the subject matter more digestible.

Read more:
From HAL 9000 to M3GAN: what film’s evil robots tell us about contemporary tech fears

The trailer for M3gan 2.0.

If you’re looking for more traditional jump scares, 28 Years Later has you covered. Danny Boyle has returned to the franchise with this instant-classic of the zombie genre, which muses on both post-Brexit Britain and our collective experiences of the COVID pandemic. In this film, Europe has contained a “rage virus” to Britain. There are French boats on quarantine patrols, Swedish soldiers mocking remaining mainlanders and St George’s flags burning.

For COVID storytelling expert Lucyl Harrison: “The film ushers in a new age of ‘Vi-Fi’” (that’s virus fiction) “without succumbing to pulpy pandemic storytelling”. Ralph Fiennes offers a typically strong performance as the “mad” Dr Kelson, the only person determined to commemorate the virus’s ever-mounting dead.

Read more:
The spectacular frenzy of 28 Years Later offers a new breed of pandemic storytelling

The trailer for 28 Years Later.

I confess, I’m a bit of a baby when it comes to horror. So, I’ll need to follow up any zombie fare with something a little more comforting. My choice for this week is The Ballad of Wallis Island, which romcom giant Richard Curtis has dubbed “one of the great British films of all time”.

It takes place on the fictional Wallis Island, home to millionaire Charles (Tim Key), an almost obsessive fan of former folk-rock duo played by Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan. Invited to the island to play a private gig, they must face their musical and romantic past, all under the gaze of an ecstatic Charles.

The film was made in just 18 days on a tight budget in a typical Welsh summer – a doctor was on hand to stop the actors getting hypothermia when they filmed in the sea. It reminded our reviewer of another British comedy classic, Victoria Wood’s sitcom Dinnerladies, with its breadcrumb trail of slipped in details that provide laughter in the moment but which return to make the audience think twice.

Read more:
The Ballad of Wallis Island is a masterpiece of the extraordinary made ordinary

The trailer for The Ballad of Wallis Island.

When Poor Things won the Golden Globe for best picture last year, director Yorgos Lanthimos thanked everybody, from the cast and crew to his hero Bruce Springsteen. But one person who didn’t get a mention was Alasdair Gray, the Scottish artist and writer who wrote the novel the film was based on.

Now Gray is rightly being celebrated at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The unseen paintings in the new show Alasdair Gray: Works from the Morag McAlpine Bequest come from a donation of works he made after the death of his wife in 2014.

Highlights of the show include his original artwork for his novel Poor Things and the streetscape Gray called “my best big oil painting”, depicting Cowcaddens in Glasgow.

Read more:
Alasdair Gray: unseen artworks offer insight into a profoundly creative and original artist

Pride month is coming to an end, but you can enjoy the movies in our Hidden Gems of Queer Cinema series year round. These articles highlight brilliant films that should be more widely known and firmly part of the canon of queer cinema. I’d particularly recommend Saving Face (2004), complicated romcom that tenderly depicts the experiences of queer Asian people.

Read more:
Hidden gems of LGBTQ+ cinema: Saving Face is a complicated romcom that tenderly depicts the experiences of queer Asians

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

– ref. Killer dolls and Brexit zombies – what to watch and do this week – https://theconversation.com/killer-dolls-and-brexit-zombies-what-to-watch-and-do-this-week-259923

MIL OSI Analysis –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Killer dolls and Brexit zombies – what to watch and do this week

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Anna Walker, Senior Arts + Culture Editor

Part of the appeal of the 2023 horror flick, M3gan, was that its titular antagonist managed to be two of the scariest villains of the genre in one – a killer robot, and a child’s doll come to life.

After nine-year-old Cady (Violet McGraw) tragically lost her parents, her roboticist aunt Gemma (Allison Williams of Get Out fame) brought M3gan home to help her niece with the traumatic transition. M3gan was to be Cady’s teacher, playmate and above all, protector. In classic horror style, she soon embarked on a murderous rampage in the name of “protecting” her ward.

The film was an instant cult hit, dubbed a “camp classic” thanks to M3gan’s TikTok dance moves and determination to destroy the nuclear family.

In M3gan 2, in cinemas from today, the filmmakers have leaned into that campiness even more. But, as horror expert Adam Daniel explains that doesn’t completely neutralise the terror. Instead, it reformulates it, offering a cathartic release that makes the subject matter more digestible.

Read more:
From HAL 9000 to M3GAN: what film’s evil robots tell us about contemporary tech fears

The trailer for M3gan 2.0.

If you’re looking for more traditional jump scares, 28 Years Later has you covered. Danny Boyle has returned to the franchise with this instant-classic of the zombie genre, which muses on both post-Brexit Britain and our collective experiences of the COVID pandemic. In this film, Europe has contained a “rage virus” to Britain. There are French boats on quarantine patrols, Swedish soldiers mocking remaining mainlanders and St George’s flags burning.

For COVID storytelling expert Lucyl Harrison: “The film ushers in a new age of ‘Vi-Fi’” (that’s virus fiction) “without succumbing to pulpy pandemic storytelling”. Ralph Fiennes offers a typically strong performance as the “mad” Dr Kelson, the only person determined to commemorate the virus’s ever-mounting dead.

Read more:
The spectacular frenzy of 28 Years Later offers a new breed of pandemic storytelling

The trailer for 28 Years Later.

I confess, I’m a bit of a baby when it comes to horror. So, I’ll need to follow up any zombie fare with something a little more comforting. My choice for this week is The Ballad of Wallis Island, which romcom giant Richard Curtis has dubbed “one of the great British films of all time”.

It takes place on the fictional Wallis Island, home to millionaire Charles (Tim Key), an almost obsessive fan of former folk-rock duo played by Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan. Invited to the island to play a private gig, they must face their musical and romantic past, all under the gaze of an ecstatic Charles.

The film was made in just 18 days on a tight budget in a typical Welsh summer – a doctor was on hand to stop the actors getting hypothermia when they filmed in the sea. It reminded our reviewer of another British comedy classic, Victoria Wood’s sitcom Dinnerladies, with its breadcrumb trail of slipped in details that provide laughter in the moment but which return to make the audience think twice.

Read more:
The Ballad of Wallis Island is a masterpiece of the extraordinary made ordinary

The trailer for The Ballad of Wallis Island.

When Poor Things won the Golden Globe for best picture last year, director Yorgos Lanthimos thanked everybody, from the cast and crew to his hero Bruce Springsteen. But one person who didn’t get a mention was Alasdair Gray, the Scottish artist and writer who wrote the novel the film was based on.

Now Gray is rightly being celebrated at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The unseen paintings in the new show Alasdair Gray: Works from the Morag McAlpine Bequest come from a donation of works he made after the death of his wife in 2014.

Highlights of the show include his original artwork for his novel Poor Things and the streetscape Gray called “my best big oil painting”, depicting Cowcaddens in Glasgow.

Read more:
Alasdair Gray: unseen artworks offer insight into a profoundly creative and original artist

Pride month is coming to an end, but you can enjoy the movies in our Hidden Gems of Queer Cinema series year round. These articles highlight brilliant films that should be more widely known and firmly part of the canon of queer cinema. I’d particularly recommend Saving Face (2004), complicated romcom that tenderly depicts the experiences of queer Asian people.

Read more:
Hidden gems of LGBTQ+ cinema: Saving Face is a complicated romcom that tenderly depicts the experiences of queer Asians

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

– ref. Killer dolls and Brexit zombies – what to watch and do this week – https://theconversation.com/killer-dolls-and-brexit-zombies-what-to-watch-and-do-this-week-259923

MIL OSI Analysis –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Nato leaders pledge increased defence spending – is this really the price for peace and prosperity?

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Damian Tobin, Lecturer in International Business, University College Cork

Kev Gregory / Shutterstock

Nato leaders agreed to ramp up defence spending to 5% of their countries’ economic output by 2035 at a summit in The Hague, Netherlands, on June 25. US president Donald Trump, who has spent months saying Europe should take more responsibility for its own security, described the pledge as “a monumental win for the US” and a “big win” for western civilisation.

A few months earlier, in March, the EU also launched its long-awaited white paper on defence. This provides a blueprint for improving Europe’s readiness to respond to military threats by 2030. On top of the fact that global military spending has surged in the past ten years, these developments indicate that the world’s largest nations now prioritise military over economic diplomacy.

One of the main ideas behind military diplomacy is that increased defence spending acts as a deterrent to future conflicts. The nuclear arms race between the US and Soviet Union during the cold war provides some support for this argument. The prospect of mutual destruction was so great that it acted as a deterrent to nuclear war.

But is increased defence spending really the necessary price for greater peace and prosperity? My research on interactions between firms, geopolitics and the political economy of defence indicates that this is no “big win” for society or economic productivity.

A convoy of naval ships in the Pacific Ocean.
Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock

Deterrence requires a level of brinkmanship if it is to work. But as American economist Thomas Schelling pointed out in his 1960 book, The Strategy of Conflict, the problem with brinkmanship is that it relies on deliberately allowing a situation to get somewhat out of hand, with the intention of forcing the other party to back down.

This can result in strategic blunders. Efforts by the former US president, Richard Nixon, to engineer such a situation in 1969 by threatening to use nuclear weapons in Vietnam failed to gain credibility with the Soviets and North Vietnamese. This undoubtedly helped convince North Vietnam that it could survive the war and locked the US into a much longer conflict.

The recent confrontation between Israel and Iran also showed that brinkmanship can produce situations where there are significant casualties and no clear long-term resolution. Iran has long recognised that keeping itself near the threshold of nuclear weapons capability would offer a deterrent against external threats.

But this strategy created many opportunities for error. Israel claimed that Iran was too close to building a nuclear weapon and, alongside the US, launched strikes that they say inflicted significant damage on Iranian nuclear enrichment capabilities and military leadership.

Read more:
Israeli aggression and Iranian nuclear brinkmanship made this confrontation all but inevitable

Beyond this, it is unclear just how much military spending is needed to deter aggression. Nato allies have now committed to a big increase in defence spending – thanks largely to pressure from Trump.

However, even Nato’s previous objective that countries commit 2% of their national income to defence has proved unattractive for many governments. This has even been the case in post-conflict areas such as the Balkans, where Nato has had a heavy involvement.

A costly alternative

Boosting defence spending falls short on delivering economic prosperity, too. Analysing US military spending in the Vietnam war, economist Les Fishman noted in 1967 that military diplomacy was far more costly than its economic equivalent.

Military production requires continuously high levels of investment to maintain technological progress. This sucks public investment from other parts of the economy.

That’s not to say defence spending has an entirely negative effect on the economy. Studies have found evidence that US federal funding of military research and development results in significant increases in private business research in sectors such as chemicals and aerospace.

And, over the past decade, the value of venture capital deals in the US defence industry has grown 18-fold. This far outstrips sectors such as energy and healthcare. But such investment in military-related research and development is also often acknowledged as inefficient and not necessarily the best way to boost productivity.

Fishman pointed out that the Marshall Plan, which provided substantial economic aid to western Europe after the second world war, had a far higher return for the US.

Economic stabilisation kept the Soviet Union at bay for relatively small outlay compared to the Vietnam war, where casualties were of such a magnitude that it made any cost-benefit analysis meaningless.

The Vietnam war proved extremely costly for the US.
Department of the Army Special Photo Office / Wikimedia Commons

Boosting defence spending also represents a lost opportunity to invest in more socially beneficial projects. This will worsen the climate crisis.

According to a study shared with the Guardian in May, the initial rearmament planned by Nato alone could have increased greenhouse gas emissions by almost 200 million tonnes a year. The expanded defence commitment will only increase this further.

Unlike defence, where the repurposing of civilian technologies for military uses carries a cost to society, many green investments involve beneficial substitutions that reduce the cost of a green transition.

The substitution of conventional fossil fuel heating and transport systems with heat pumps and electric vehicles, for example, is far more socially beneficial than repurposing civilian satellites for missile systems.

A final point is that military diplomacy is itself geopolitically destabilising. US efforts to contain communism in Asia during the 1950s and 1960s are a good example. Not only did such efforts see China align its trade with other communist states, it also ensured that self-reliance became a cornerstone of China’s economic strategy.

This all suggests that the current drive for deterrence-based military spending carries with it a huge cost for society that could ultimately prove economically wasteful and geopolitically destabilising.

Damian Tobin 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. Nato leaders pledge increased defence spending – is this really the price for peace and prosperity? – https://theconversation.com/nato-leaders-pledge-increased-defence-spending-is-this-really-the-price-for-peace-and-prosperity-255989

MIL OSI Analysis –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Nato leaders pledge increased defence spending – is this really the price for peace and prosperity?

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Damian Tobin, Lecturer in International Business, University College Cork

Kev Gregory / Shutterstock

Nato leaders agreed to ramp up defence spending to 5% of their countries’ economic output by 2035 at a summit in The Hague, Netherlands, on June 25. US president Donald Trump, who has spent months saying Europe should take more responsibility for its own security, described the pledge as “a monumental win for the US” and a “big win” for western civilisation.

A few months earlier, in March, the EU also launched its long-awaited white paper on defence. This provides a blueprint for improving Europe’s readiness to respond to military threats by 2030. On top of the fact that global military spending has surged in the past ten years, these developments indicate that the world’s largest nations now prioritise military over economic diplomacy.

One of the main ideas behind military diplomacy is that increased defence spending acts as a deterrent to future conflicts. The nuclear arms race between the US and Soviet Union during the cold war provides some support for this argument. The prospect of mutual destruction was so great that it acted as a deterrent to nuclear war.

But is increased defence spending really the necessary price for greater peace and prosperity? My research on interactions between firms, geopolitics and the political economy of defence indicates that this is no “big win” for society or economic productivity.

A convoy of naval ships in the Pacific Ocean.
Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock

Deterrence requires a level of brinkmanship if it is to work. But as American economist Thomas Schelling pointed out in his 1960 book, The Strategy of Conflict, the problem with brinkmanship is that it relies on deliberately allowing a situation to get somewhat out of hand, with the intention of forcing the other party to back down.

This can result in strategic blunders. Efforts by the former US president, Richard Nixon, to engineer such a situation in 1969 by threatening to use nuclear weapons in Vietnam failed to gain credibility with the Soviets and North Vietnamese. This undoubtedly helped convince North Vietnam that it could survive the war and locked the US into a much longer conflict.

The recent confrontation between Israel and Iran also showed that brinkmanship can produce situations where there are significant casualties and no clear long-term resolution. Iran has long recognised that keeping itself near the threshold of nuclear weapons capability would offer a deterrent against external threats.

But this strategy created many opportunities for error. Israel claimed that Iran was too close to building a nuclear weapon and, alongside the US, launched strikes that they say inflicted significant damage on Iranian nuclear enrichment capabilities and military leadership.

Read more:
Israeli aggression and Iranian nuclear brinkmanship made this confrontation all but inevitable

Beyond this, it is unclear just how much military spending is needed to deter aggression. Nato allies have now committed to a big increase in defence spending – thanks largely to pressure from Trump.

However, even Nato’s previous objective that countries commit 2% of their national income to defence has proved unattractive for many governments. This has even been the case in post-conflict areas such as the Balkans, where Nato has had a heavy involvement.

A costly alternative

Boosting defence spending falls short on delivering economic prosperity, too. Analysing US military spending in the Vietnam war, economist Les Fishman noted in 1967 that military diplomacy was far more costly than its economic equivalent.

Military production requires continuously high levels of investment to maintain technological progress. This sucks public investment from other parts of the economy.

That’s not to say defence spending has an entirely negative effect on the economy. Studies have found evidence that US federal funding of military research and development results in significant increases in private business research in sectors such as chemicals and aerospace.

And, over the past decade, the value of venture capital deals in the US defence industry has grown 18-fold. This far outstrips sectors such as energy and healthcare. But such investment in military-related research and development is also often acknowledged as inefficient and not necessarily the best way to boost productivity.

Fishman pointed out that the Marshall Plan, which provided substantial economic aid to western Europe after the second world war, had a far higher return for the US.

Economic stabilisation kept the Soviet Union at bay for relatively small outlay compared to the Vietnam war, where casualties were of such a magnitude that it made any cost-benefit analysis meaningless.

The Vietnam war proved extremely costly for the US.
Department of the Army Special Photo Office / Wikimedia Commons

Boosting defence spending also represents a lost opportunity to invest in more socially beneficial projects. This will worsen the climate crisis.

According to a study shared with the Guardian in May, the initial rearmament planned by Nato alone could have increased greenhouse gas emissions by almost 200 million tonnes a year. The expanded defence commitment will only increase this further.

Unlike defence, where the repurposing of civilian technologies for military uses carries a cost to society, many green investments involve beneficial substitutions that reduce the cost of a green transition.

The substitution of conventional fossil fuel heating and transport systems with heat pumps and electric vehicles, for example, is far more socially beneficial than repurposing civilian satellites for missile systems.

A final point is that military diplomacy is itself geopolitically destabilising. US efforts to contain communism in Asia during the 1950s and 1960s are a good example. Not only did such efforts see China align its trade with other communist states, it also ensured that self-reliance became a cornerstone of China’s economic strategy.

This all suggests that the current drive for deterrence-based military spending carries with it a huge cost for society that could ultimately prove economically wasteful and geopolitically destabilising.

Damian Tobin 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. Nato leaders pledge increased defence spending – is this really the price for peace and prosperity? – https://theconversation.com/nato-leaders-pledge-increased-defence-spending-is-this-really-the-price-for-peace-and-prosperity-255989

MIL OSI Analysis –

June 30, 2025
MIL-OSI China: The 6th ICMM Pan-Asia Pacific Regional Congress on Military Medicine Concludes in Beijing 2025-06-30 16:37:58 The 6th Pan-Asia Pacific Regional Congress on Military Medicine concluded in Beijing on June 27, 2025.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
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MIL OSI China News –
June 30, 2025

Category: Asia Pacific

UK-Australia Strategic Dialogue on Gender Equality: joint statement, May 2025

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A costly alternative

A costly alternative