NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Over 100 infringements issued in four-day road policing operation

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attribute to Senior Sergeant Andy Reid, Manawatū Road Policing Services Team Leader:

    Road Policing staff from Manawatū and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Team conducted a four-day operation last week, targeting driver behaviour and Heavy Motor Vehicle compliance across the upper Rangitikei and greater Ruapehu areas.

    The operation ran over four days, from Wednesday 9 April to Saturday 12 April, with the focus on safety of road users across the region.

    Across the four days, 20 checkpoints were conducted, and 7755 drivers were breath tested. 

    Three people blew over the legal breath alcohol limit. Two of those drivers received a $200 fine, forbidden to drive for 12 hours and had 50 demerit points added to their licence for two years. The third driver will appear before the court.

    Nearly 130 infringement notices were issued during the operation, with 62 for speed, 8 for not wearing seatbelts and 2 drivers were on their cell phones. More than 50 notices were issued for other vehicle related offences.

    Of the 61 heavy motor vehicles inspected, two were ordered off the road and issued with stickers, and one was not up to certificate of fitness standards.

    While most drivers are doing the right thing, we are still disappointed that we’re continuing to see people putting themselves and other road users at risk.

    Our aim is to prevent tragic incidents on our roads, and we make no apology for targeting dangerous driving behaviour including restraints, impairment, distractions, and speed.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tourism turbocharge takes New Zealand to the world

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A major drive boosting New Zealand as an international travel destination will kick off with a $13.5 million turbocharge for global marketing activity, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has announced. 

    “We’re a Government relentlessly focused on growing the economy so Kiwis can get ahead. All the stats show tourism will play a leading role as that growth continues,” Louise Upston says.

    “Today I’m delighted to announce a $13.5 million investment for Tourism New Zealand to encourage more international visitors across multiple markets.

    “Encouraging more visitors means more people staying in our hotels, eating in our cafés, spending in our shops and visiting our attractions, creating jobs and driving economic growth.

    “The initial investment will include a focus on encouraging visitors from China, Australia, the United States, India, Germany and South Korea. In these countries and beyond there are millions of people actively considering coming here and experiencing all New Zealand has to offer. 

    “We know international marketing works, with around 14 per cent of international holiday visitors already being directly influenced by Tourism NZ’s marketing activity. 

    “We want to grow that influence. Our international visitor spending and visitor numbers have been rebuilding strongly, and we must make the most of that momentum. 

    “The $13.5 million announced today is estimated to result in more than 23,000 additional international visitors and spending an extra $100 million across the country. 

    “That will be a major boost, not just for tourism and hospitality providers, but in regions and communities throughout the country.

    “We have encouraging signs coming through from our ‘Everyone Must Go!’ campaign focused on Australia, but we won’t stop there.

    “2025 is our chance to reinforce the value of tourism and show what our humming, vibrant country has on show. New Zealand tourism is open for business. 

    “We already know our country has so much going for it. Now we need the global marketing to push that story even wider,” Louise Upston says.

    Specific campaigns will be announced as they continue to be developed during 2025.

    Notes for Editors

    Tourism’s key numbers

    • Tourism now contributes 7.5 per cent of GDP and continues to be our second highest export.
    • The Tourism Satellite Account shows total tourism expenditure in New Zealand of $44.4 billion for the year ending March 2024, an increase of $5.6 billion or 14.6 per cent compared to March 2023.
    • Overseas visitor expenditure increased by $6.3 billion (59.9 per cent) to $16.9 billion
    • International expenditure grew almost 60 per cent in the year ending March 2024.

    Tourism initiatives, funded through the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, in 2025 include:

    • $500,000 for marketing New Zealand as the ‘go now’ destination for Australians
    • $9 million for New Zealand Cycle Trail Fund to enhance the Great Rides
    • $3 million for a Regional Tourism Boost
    • $3 million to secure more business events for New Zealand
    • $2.45 million for the second round of the Regional Events Promotion Fund
    • And an additional $30 million to support conservation visitor related experiences

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with Ms. HIROSE Kyoko, Vice Chair and Mr. IUCHI Setsuo, President of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI). During the meeting, Dr. Kao congratulated the OCCI for their hard work in convening the World Expo 2025, as well as in supporting various ASEAN-led initiatives in the business sector.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: China major contributor to preserving Cambodia’s iconic Angkor: tourism minister

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

    PHNOM PENH, April 14 — China has been a major contributor to safeguarding, preserving and developing the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia’s Siem Reap province, Cambodia’s Tourism Minister Huot Hak said.

    The 401-square-km Angkor park, the kingdom’s most popular tourist destination, is home to 91 ancient temples, which had been built from the ninth to the 13th centuries.

    Key temples include the Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Chau Say Tevoda, Ta Keo, Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm, and Phnom Bakheng, among others.

    China had helped restore ruined temples in the park since 1997 by successfully restoring Chau Say Tevoda and Ta Keo. Currently, the Chinese experts have been restoring the Phimeanakas temple located inside the walled enclosure of the Royal Palace of the Angkor Thom.

    Hak said China took the lead in providing scholars, architectural experts, archaeologists, and technicians to help restore and preserve ruined temples in the Angkor park.

    “I’d like to thank the government and people of the People’s Republic of China for sacrificing time, physical and mental energies, materials and budget to help preserve, protect and restore ancient temples in Cambodia’s Angkor complex,” he told Xinhua in a recent interview.

    The minister praised the Chinese experts for helping restore ruined monuments in the Angkor park into their stunning original forms, saying that their great contributions were invaluable for the people of Cambodia.

    “I’d like to express my profound gratitude and record the merits of the People’s Republic of China, Chinese scholars, experts, and technicians in contributing actively to the mission of restoring, preserving and developing temples in this world heritage site,” he said.

    Hak said Cambodia has trust and confidence in China in helping restore the Phimeanakas temple within the Royal Palace of the Angkor Thom.

    He added that China’s aid has not only contributed to ensuring the sustainable development of ancient temples in the Angkor park, but also helped train Cambodian experts and archaeologists on the work of safeguarding and preserving ancient temples.

    The Angkor park attracted a total of 1.02 million international tourists in 2024, generating a gross revenue of 47.8 million U.S. dollars from ticket sales, according to the state-owned Angkor Enterprise.

    Speaking of Cambodia-China cooperation in the tourism sector, Hak said China is also a key supporter for tourism development in the Southeast Asian country, adding that Chinese-invested mega-infrastructure projects, such as the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway and the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, have laid a solid foundation for the kingdom’s development of economy and tourism.

    Sharing his view on building a community with a shared future for mankind, Hak said any initiative launched by China always aims to provide common interest for the whole world and help make the world more harmonious with shared prosperity and common development.

    “Cambodia and other countries alike are really happy to welcome and fully support it because this initiative is global in nature for common interest and win-win results for all,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Green MP must explain fundraising for extremist group

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT Justice spokesperson Todd Stephenson is calling on Green MP Tamatha Paul to clarify her party’s stance on crime and explain her decision to fundraise for the extremist group People Against Prisons Aotearoa (PAPA).

    “This is a group that openly calls for the abolition of prisons and the police,” says Mr Stephenson.

    “New Zealanders – and especially Ms Paul’s constituents – deserve to know whether this reflects her views and those of the Green Party. If it doesn’t, she needs to explain why she chose to support them by nominating them to receive proceeds from the sale of merchandise featuring her image.

    “The question that needs to be answered is what ought to happen to murders, rapists and terrorists if prisons and the police force no longer exist?

    “Ms Paul can’t have it both ways. She’s previously claimed not to support police abolition after being challenged by ACT, yet she continues to promote and raise money for an organisation that exists solely to push that very agenda. If she disagrees with PAPA’s goals, why is she using her public platform to amplify and fundraise for them?

    “Paul has also stated she’s received ‘nothing but complaints’ about police beat patrols in Wellington. If that’s true, either she’s not talking to normal people, or her constituents have concluded she’s living in La La Land and see no point in engaging with someone so disconnected from reality.

    “This group isn’t about reducing crime, it’s about facilitating a descent into anarchy and chaos. Supporting them means supporting an extremist vision for New Zealand’s justice system, where victims are forgotten and dangerous offenders are allowed to walk free.”

    Some of People Against Prisons Aotearoa’s policy positions include:

    • Abolishing the New Zealand Police
    • Abolishing prisons entirely
    • Ending reincarceration for breaches of parole, probation, or bail
    • Banning incarceration of transgender offenders
    • Decriminalising benefit fraud
    • Progressively defunding the Department of Corrections
    • Repealing three strikes for the worst repeat violent and sexual offenders
    • Blocking any public sex offender register

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 14, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 14, 2025.

    Curious Kids: If you scoop a bucket of water out of the ocean, does it get lower?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dylan Irvine, Outstanding Future Researcher – Northern Water Futures, Charles Darwin University Lizzie Lamont/Shutterstock If you scoop a bucket of water out of the ocean, does it get lower? –Ellis, 6 and a half, Hobart This is a great question Ellis! The short answer is yes, but

    The Family Court could better protect Indigenous women and children, but there are barriers in the way
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heather Douglas, Professor of Law and Deputy Director of the Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW), The University of Melbourne Shutterstock The family law system is crucial for protecting women and children nationwide. With its combination of judicial oversight, counselling and alternative

    Top unis have imposed new restrictions on campus protests. What does this mean for students, staff and democracy?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joo-Cheong Tham, Professor, Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne A wave of restrictions on protesting has been rippling through Australia’s top universities. Over the past year, all of Australia’s eight top research universities (the Group of Eight) have individually increased restrictions on campus protests. The changes

    Think your specialist is expensive? Look at what others are paying
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yuting Zhang, Professor of Health Economics, The University of Melbourne PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock Seeing a medical specialist can leave you with significant out-of-pocket costs. Yet political parties have not adequately addressed this in their pre-election bids. Labor has promised A$7 million to expand the government’s Medical

    Most bike lanes in inner Melbourne have less than 40% tree cover – that’ll get worse, new maps show
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Judy Bush, Senior DECRA Research Fellow, The University of Melbourne Unshaded cycling paths mean heat exposure on hot days, particularly for the afternoon commute. Judy Bush, CC BY Walking and cycling is good for people and the planet. But hot sunny days can make footpaths, bike lanes

    Strongmen, Daggy Dads and State Daddies: how different styles of political masculinity play into Australian elections
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Blair Williams, Lecturer in Australian Politics, Monash University Australian politics has historically been a male domain with an overwhelmingly masculine culture. Manhood and a certain kind of masculinity are still considered integral to a leader’s political legitimacy. Yet leadership masculinity changes along party lines. We are now

    Post-election tax reform is the key to reversing Australia’s growing wealth divide
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Helen Hodgson, Professor, Curtin Law School and Curtin Business School, Curtin University Federal elections always offer the opportunity for a reset. Whoever wins the May 3 election should consider a much needed revamp of the tax system, which is no longer fit for purpose. The biggest challenge

    Productivity reform has been put in the too-hard basket for years. Here’s why leaders leave it alone
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lachlan Vass, Fellow, Tax and Transfer Policy Institute, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University National licensing of electricians has been one of the few productivity reforms of recent years. Shutterstock The federal election leaders’ and treasurers’ debates last week covered many topics: from Trump’s tariffs

    Newspoll steady but Albanese’s ratings jump; swing to Labor in marginal seats
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne A national Newspoll, conducted April 7–10 from a sample of 1,271, gave Labor a 52–48 lead, unchanged since the March 31 to April 4 Newspoll. Primary votes

    Fresh details emerge on Australia’s new climate migration visa for Tuvalu residents
    ANALYSIS: By Jane McAdam, UNSW Sydney The details of a new visa enabling Tuvaluan citizens to permanently migrate to Australia were released this week. The visa was created as part of a bilateral treaty Australia and Tuvalu signed in late 2023, which aims to protect the two countries’ shared interests in security, prosperity and stability,

    Labor and Coalition support for new home buyers welcome but other Australians also struggling with housing affordability
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Cull, Associate Professor, Western Sydney University doublelee/Shutterstock There is no denying housing reform is urgently needed in Australia to make housing more affordable and accessible to everyday Australians. Both major parties have now announced the incentives they are offering to help first-home buyers. While both Labor

    Voters have a clear choice. Labor’s long term and equitable tax reform or the Coalition’s big but one-off tax cuts
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Isaac Gross, Lecturer in Economics, Monash University Tang Yan Song The election campaign has erupted into a economic battleground as Labor and the Coalition unveiled major new tax policies at their campaign launches. Each policy package is aimed at addressing the mounting cost-of-living pressures facing millions of

    Election Diary: Liberal and Labor launches focus on housing, but who thinks either side can fix that crisis any time soon?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra If anyone had any doubts before, Sunday’s Liberal and Labor launches highlighted that this election is an auction for votes, in particular those of the under 40s and people in the outer suburbs. Amid the usual launch hoopla – the

    Accra is a tough city to walk in: how city planners can fix the problem
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Seth Asare Okyere, Visiting lecturer, University of Pittsburg and Adjunct Associate Professor, Osaka University, University of Pittsburgh Humans are walking beings. Walking is intrinsically linked to our physical development from childhood and enables our connections with people and places. We can say it is essential to our

    ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 13, 2025
    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 13, 2025.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Cones must stay while asphalt cures

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    As work progresses on a hi-tech weigh station at Taupō, traffic will continue to be managed through works on the surrounding state highways and local roads.

    Five sites leading to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre are having in-road weighing technology installed and these will be coned off for 30 days from late April/early May to cure the asphalt before the technology is installed advises NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA)

    “So while it may look like nothing is happening beyond the cones, it is essential to give the asphalt time to cure and be ready for installing the weigh-in-motion scales,” says Regional Manager for Infrastructure Delivery, Darryl Coalter.

    “The asphalt layer at each site needs time to harden and gain strength. The new layer needs to be undisturbed for 30 days so that it hardens sufficiently for contractors to make precise cuts into it to fit the weigh-in-motion weigh plates.

    “We can’t remove the traffic management and run traffic over it because it has been laid at precise levels so the scales work properly when they are installed. We want to avoid the risk of the soft asphalt crumbling.”

    The scales are being installed on 5 of the roads heading towards the safety centre:

    • SH1 north of the SH1/5 roundabout
    • SH1 south of the roundabout
    • SH5 east of the roundabout
    • Napier Road west of the roundabout
    • Nearby Crown Road.

    Temporary lanes have been built on the road shoulders to allow traffic to pass around the work areas and minimise the use of stop/go or temporary detours.  Speed restrictions are in place and only minor delays are expected.

    The curing period will run from the end of April to the end of May.

    The Taupō weight station is 1 of 12 facilities NZTA is building on high-volume freight routes around the country for NZ Police to operate. The safety centres are part of the national Commercial Vehicle Safety Programme.

    This technology will screen passing traffic and direct any suspected non-compliant heavy vehicles into the safety centre. Police officers on site will check vehicle weights, road user charges, certificates of fitness, logbooks and driver impairment.

    Read more about the Commercial Vehicle Safety Centres:

    The Commercial Vehicle Safety Programme (CVSP)

     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2023 Australian CRS reportable accounts by jurisdiction

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Limitations of the CRS report

    The Total accounts column represents the number of Financial Accounts held by foreign tax residents; it does not represent the number of foreign tax residents holding accounts. An account holder may be a tax resident of multiple jurisdictions, so accounts may be reported more than once.

    The Balance ($A) column represents the total balance or value of the Financial Assets held in the accounts. The figure includes:

    • cash
    • securities
    • bonds
    • commodities
    • partnership interests
    • debt interests and equity interests.

    Where an account is held by more than one account holder, the balance or value is attributed in full to each account holder. Where an account is held by a passive non-financial entity, such as a trust, the value of the equity interest is attributed in full to each controlling person. These accounts will be reported in the Total accounts and Balance ($A) columns more than once.

    Table: CRS statistics tabled by the Minister

    Jurisdiction

    Total Accounts

    Balance (AUD)

    Afghanistan

    11070

    $95,581,415

    Aland Islands

    693

    $3,871,473

    Albania

    728

    $10,764,088

    Algeria

    515

    $10,363,535

    American Samoa

    555

    $7,413,499

    Andorra

    1355

    $101,244,778

    Angola

    296

    $10,861,848

    Anguilla

    166

    $1,170,312

    Antigua and Barbuda

    234

    $3,613,577

    Argentina

    43207

    $239,451,920

    Armenia

    725

    $5,711,104

    Aruba

    510

    $18,999,978

    Austria

    16740

    $394,878,370

    Azerbaijan

    893

    $29,236,263

    Bahamas

    1044

    $232,452,443

    Bahrain

    1944

    $70,119,634

    Bangladesh

    29473

    $229,111,457

    Barbados

    378

    $15,992,240

    Belarus

    564

    $6,673,642

    Belgium

    11622

    $328,051,334

    Belize

    141

    $1,882,633

    Benin

    147

    $4,016,713

    Bermuda

    802

    $1,003,121,189

    Bhutan

    33564

    $129,472,928

    Bolivia (Plurinational State of)

    644

    $4,267,066

    Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba

    65

    $320,289

    Bosnia and Herzegovina

    1015

    $18,562,691

    Botswana

    1551

    $74,047,155

    Brazil

    115912

    $665,938,179

    Brunei Darussalam

    4830

    $175,136,606

    Bulgaria

    1168

    $30,359,474

    Burkina Faso

    209

    $6,083,998

    Burundi

    359

    $1,251,294

    Cabo Verde

    57

    $801,533

    Cambodia

    13543

    $310,460,409

    Cameroon

    286

    $12,837,192

    Canada

    131945

    $4,655,911,312

    Cayman Islands

    1261

    $2,287,140,562

    Central African Republic (The)

    65

    $1,886,237

    Chad

    47

    $1,931,612

    Chile

    34790

    $184,569,286

    China

    1168312

    $35,846,564,031

    Colombia

    117549

    $329,328,309

    Comoros

    202

    $1,192,041

    Congo (Democratic Republic of The)

    955

    $15,603,703

    Congo (The)

    592

    $5,826,658

    Cook Islands

    966

    $15,755,625

    Costa Rica

    737

    $9,190,245

    Cote d’Ivoire

    154

    $12,847,535

    Croatia

    2570

    $91,851,975

    Cuba

    270

    $3,587,708

    Curacao

    63

    $489,577

    Cyprus

    2728

    $174,738,630

    Czech Republic

    5737

    $138,163,643

    Denmark

    13370

    $711,421,080

    Djibouti

    56

    $94,469

    Dominica

    118

    $20,557,976

    Dominican Republic

    6717

    $219,006,335

    Ecuador

    4375

    $24,093,968

    Egypt

    7828

    $130,461,587

    El Salvador

    549

    $4,583,826

    Equatorial Guinea

    43

    $5,787,039

    Eritrea

    574

    $3,235,597

    Estonia

    5283

    $19,768,874

    Ethiopia

    2203

    $22,578,132

    Falkland Islands [Malvinas]

    100

    $662,808

    Faroe Islands (The)

    45

    $320,055

    Fiji

    33661

    $418,588,501

    Finland

    7518

    $243,196,353

    France

    88770

    $1,312,556,582

    French Guiana

    63

    $1,169,649

    French Polynesia

    1466

    $144,692,251

    Gabon

    95

    $254,579

    Gambia

    98

    $1,040,902

    Georgia

    519

    $14,078,846

    Germany

    97566

    $2,136,961,996

    Ghana

    3662

    $45,920,708

    Gibraltar

    271

    $98,559,288

    Greece

    18433

    $874,732,119

    Greenland

    34

    $1,090,263

    Grenada

    45

    $860,469

    Guadeloupe

    59

    $1,397,246

    Guam

    567

    $22,049,141

    Guatemala

    609

    $4,477,478

    Guernsey

    709

    $188,289,280

    Guinea

    467

    $16,333,658

    Guinea-Bissau

    22

    $52,235

    Guyana

    145

    $5,865,208

    Haiti

    79

    $3,315,500

    Holy See (The)

    31

    $223,543

    Honduras

    284

    $3,912,750

    Hong Kong

    417259

    $19,652,979,316

    Hungary

    4166

    $89,013,732

    Iceland

    706

    $9,559,465

    India

    541071

    $3,337,392,017

    Indonesia

    141551

    $2,447,310,574

    Iran (Islamic Republic of)

    25484

    $220,602,656

    Iraq

    5657

    $47,263,403

    Ireland

    99386

    $1,184,004,246

    Isle of man

    755

    $77,412,757

    Israel

    14404

    $870,500,826

    Italy

    61111

    $1,042,858,008

    Jamaica

    502

    $10,346,693

    Japan

    122031

    $2,930,986,700

    Jersey

    1191

    $1,500,635,721

    Jordan

    3192

    $51,114,032

    Kazakhstan

    2762

    $76,557,742

    Kenya

    19121

    $167,004,133

    Kiribati

    1728

    $27,628,158

    Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of)

    1300

    $11,985,623

    Korea (The Republic of)

    120329

    $692,796,653

    Kuwait

    2278

    $59,151,943

    Kyrgyzstan

    253

    $10,798,328

    Lao Peoples Democratic Republic

    3950

    $56,663,831

    Latvia

    662

    $19,990,384

    Lebanon

    4658

    $77,228,058

    Lesotho

    76

    $1,552,742

    Liberia

    331

    $7,577,445

    Libya

    321

    $5,848,095

    Liechtenstein

    115

    $2,373,413

    Lithuania

    1572

    $17,114,640

    Luxembourg

    1269

    $1,281,207,061

    Macao

    8485

    $557,432,905

    Madagascar

    302

    $4,468,823

    Malawi

    602

    $7,546,068

    Malaysia

    207495

    $9,736,791,971

    Maldives

    1145

    $9,633,668

    Mali

    204

    $6,447,711

    Malta

    3940

    $266,412,830

    Marshall Islands (The)

    142

    $267,119,933

    Martinique

    54

    $348,133

    Mauritania

    107

    $2,254,652

    Mauritius

    7436

    $190,515,176

    Mayotte

    43

    $89,402

    Mexico

    12583

    $107,075,070

    Micronesia (Federated States of)

    147

    $15,869,862

    Moldova (The Republic of)

    251

    $2,923,446

    Monaco

    655

    $148,818,123

    Mongolia

    18288

    $90,339,348

    Montenegro

    244

    $25,032,609

    Montserrat

    5287

    $264,020,964

    Morocco

    919

    $34,620,243

    Mozambique

    551

    $16,987,061

    Myanmar

    10713

    $94,691,582

    Namibia

    852

    $28,134,752

    Nauru

    1258

    $71,353,711

    Nepal

    151948

    $530,415,177

    Netherlands (The)

    38960

    $5,741,717,769

    New Caledonia

    14843

    $946,289,722

    New Zealand

    593810

    $13,924,735,966

    Nicaragua

    212

    $1,863,857

    Niger (The)

    118

    $4,131,203

    Nigeria

    8518

    $59,998,862

    Niue

    63

    $457,441

    Northern Mariana Islands (The)

    86

    $1,940,793

    Norway

    12085

    $116,151,200

    Oman

    2919

    $53,732,678

    Pakistan

    40606

    $233,873,735

    Palau

    90

    $2,489,305

    Palestine, State of

    490

    $4,307,127

    Panama

    817

    $22,319,621

    Papua New Guinea

    20645

    $1,000,357,988

    Paraguay

    611

    $4,606,315

    Peru

    8102

    $93,464,956

    Philippines

    149788

    $1,081,032,048

    Pitcairn

    42

    $2,255,280

    Poland

    10216

    $183,398,727

    Portugal

    8340

    $364,367,730

    Puerto Rico

    111

    $1,240,149

    Qatar

    5561

    $199,292,806

    Republic of North Macedonia

    2098

    $48,970,081

    Reunion

    198

    $5,016,186

    Romania

    2257

    $33,817,593

    Russian Federation

    13479

    $311,237,493

    Rwanda

    349

    $2,900,073

    Saint Barthelemy

    43

    $132,991

    Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

    19

    $53,689

    Saint Kitts and Nevis

    164

    $65,704,365

    Saint Lucia

    99

    $11,339,027

    Saint Martin (French part)

    24

    $1,272,193

    Saint Vincent and The Grenadines

    54

    $648,955

    Samoa

    5642

    $12,252,804

    San Marino

    22

    $225,736

    Sao Tome and Principe

    16

    $47,212

    Saudi Arabia

    17461

    $290,408,054

    Senegal

    246

    $17,019,253

    Serbia

    2765

    $61,671,117

    Seychelles

    747

    $66,081,694

    Sierra Leone

    518

    $59,985,702

    Singapore

    216492

    $16,932,866,043

    Sint Maarten (Dutch)

    44

    $2,030,457

    Slovakia

    2683

    $34,211,553

    Slovenia

    1143

    $31,256,112

    Solomon Islands

    5670

    $107,624,274

    Somalia

    419

    $883,615

    South Africa

    85705

    $3,036,112,507

    South Sudan

    409

    $1,439,169

    Spain

    34964

    $615,458,859

    Sri Lanka

    59417

    $496,470,828

    Sudan

    1369

    $9,428,890

    Suriname

    99

    $808,495

    Swaziland

    491

    $11,837,248

    Sweden

    24838

    $395,550,321

    Switzerland

    27602

    $2,522,289,323

    Syrian Arab Republic

    3146

    $16,259,175

    Taiwan (Province of China)

    215091

    $5,182,123,415

    Tajikistan

    150

    $6,070,527

    Tanzania, United Republic of

    1483

    $28,785,672

    Thailand

    115526

    $1,671,533,990

    Timor-Leste

    5625

    $103,220,105

    Togo

    50

    $392,068

    Tokelau

    34

    $94,511

    Tonga

    10335

    $27,905,071

    Trinidad and Tobago

    429

    $10,964,301

    Tunisia

    505

    $42,954,529

    Turkey

    12815

    $123,250,809

    Turkmenistan

    80

    $269,557

    Turks and Caicos Islands (The)

    62

    $12,992,454

    Tuvalu

    332

    $24,161,951

    Uganda

    1469

    $26,010,162

    Ukraine

    6358

    $57,835,515

    United Arab Emirates

    34016

    $1,525,677,609

    United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (The)

    650226

    $15,897,900,722

    United States Minor Outlying Islands (The)

    616

    $17,009,421

    United States of America (The)

    607512

    $32,140,613,865

    Uruguay

    2967

    $20,416,335

    Uzbekistan

    843

    $14,924,835

    Vanuatu

    12745

    $166,367,754

    Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)

    3429

    $16,703,255

    Vietnam

    108399

    $1,368,106,502

    Virgin Islands (British)

    664

    $1,583,993,488

    Virgin Islands (U.S.)

    86

    $12,262,261

    Wallis and Futuna

    79

    $735,705

    Western Sahara

    54

    $172,955

    Yemen

    436

    $3,698,663

    Zambia

    2508

    $52,915,353

    Zimbabwe

    8557

    $181,025,534

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 conducts dive training with the Republic of Korea Navy’s Sea Salvage and Rescue Unit during SALVEX Korea 2025 [Image 8 of 17]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    JINHAE NAVAL BASE, Republic of Korea (April 9, 2025) Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Ernest Smith, assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1, and a Republic of Korea navy diver are lowered into the ocean inside of a diving bell that is launched from the inside of the Tongyeong-class salvage and rescue ship ROKS Gwangyang (ATS-32), during a joint dive and salvage exercise in the harbor of Jinhae Naval Base, Republic of Korea, April 9, 2025. Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 sustains the U.S. Navy’s maritime forces and is responsible for all diving and salvage operations in the Western Pacific in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings

    Date Taken: 04.09.2025
    Date Posted: 04.13.2025 22:26
    Photo ID: 8971756
    VIRIN: 250409-N-YV347-1066
    Resolution: 8256×5504
    Size: 34.72 MB
    Location: JINHAE, KR
    Web Views: 0
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    This work, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 conducts dive training with the Republic of Korea Navy’s Sea Salvage and Rescue Unit during SALVEX Korea 2025 [Image 17 of 17], by PO2 Jordan Jennings, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

    GALLERY

    MORE LIKE THIS

    CONTROLLED VOCABULARY KEYWORDS

    TAGS

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 conducts dive training with the Republic of Korea Navy’s Sea Salvage and Rescue Unit during SALVEX Korea 2025 [Image 9 of 17]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    JINHAE NAVAL BASE, Republic of Korea (April 10, 2025) U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer 2 Nick Blankshine, assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1, communicates with submerged divers as they conduct an underwater search during a joint dive and salvage exercise in the harbor of Jinhae Naval Base, Republic of Korea, April 10, 2025. Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 sustains the U.S. Navy’s maritime forces and is responsible for all diving and salvage operations in the Western Pacific in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)

    Date Taken: 04.10.2025
    Date Posted: 04.13.2025 22:26
    Photo ID: 8971763
    VIRIN: 250410-N-YV347-1263
    Resolution: 4897×7345
    Size: 10.65 MB
    Location: JINHAE, KR
    Web Views: 1
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    This work, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 conducts dive training with the Republic of Korea Navy’s Sea Salvage and Rescue Unit during SALVEX Korea 2025 [Image 17 of 17], by PO2 Jordan Jennings, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

    GALLERY

    MORE LIKE THIS

    CONTROLLED VOCABULARY KEYWORDS

    TAGS

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Family Court could better protect Indigenous women and children, but there are barriers in the way

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heather Douglas, Professor of Law and Deputy Director of the Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW), The University of Melbourne

    Shutterstock

    The family law system is crucial for protecting women and children nationwide. With its combination of judicial oversight, counselling and alternative dispute resolution, the family court can offer meaningful support to parents in complex situations. But First Nations families may be missing out.

    We partnered with Women’s Legal Services Australia to prepare a new review. The review highlights that First Nations women may face barriers to accessing the family law system, especially when they have experienced family violence.

    Our research

    Family law courts in Australia handle matters such as where children live and who has contact with them. They also deal with finance and property disputes within families, and family violence.

    In our research, we reviewed the existing literature and family court cases to see how First Nations people have interacted with the family law system.

    While 7% of family court final order applications in 2023–2024 included a First Nations litigant, we suggest the family law system may be underutilised by Indigenous women. There are several factors that point to this.

    One is the rate of out-of-home care. First Nations children make up 44.5% of children in out-of-home care nationally. Engaging with the family law system may reduce these rates.

    Another is the prevalence of Indigenous families with a single parent. Nearly 45% of First Nations children under 15-years-old live in single-parent households.

    People in these households may need to negotiate safe contact arrangements for their children with other family members. The family law system can play an important role for these families.

    And we know family violence is present in 83% of parenting proceedings in the family courts. First Nations women are at a higher risk of family violence than non-First Nations women, often perpetrated by a non-First Nations partner. The family law system must take account of family violence when making orders.

    It therefore may be reasonable to expect a higher proportion of First Nations people to use the family law system. So what’s stopping them?

    Prior bad experiences

    Previous studies have focused on First Nations women’s experiences of child protection, criminal law and family violence protections orders.

    First Nations women may fear the family law system because of negative experiences with these other processes, including genuine fears about child removal.

    Research shows parts of the legal system often fail First Nations women who have experienced family violence.

    The family law system relies on people making their own application to enter the system. Prior bad experiences of other legal systems are likely to affect people’s willingness to use family law.

    Family law is different from other parts of the legal system. In criminal law and family violence protection orders, for instance, the state brings First Nations people into the legal system. This happens through police charging people, or police applying for family violence protection orders on behalf of a victim-survivor.

    We know in some civil law processes where the person must make the application, like debt recovery, First Nations people are less likely than non-First Nations people to report or make an application.

    Structural issues

    Child protection matters often overlap with family law matters. The law has changed to require child protection authorities to share information when the family courts request it.

    Agencies that support First Nations women are also required to report particular concerns to child protection authorities. These factors may contribute to First Nations women being reluctant to apply to the family law system for fear their children will be removed.

    In some research, interview participants referred to an “erosion of trust and disengagement of victims” from services as a result of mandatory reporting.

    Systemic racism, biases and discrimination identified in other legal systems may also affect First Nations women’s experiences in family law. This may lead them to disengage, or not engage the next time they have concerns about their children’s safety.

    When First Nations women who have experienced family violence do engage with the family law system, this is sometimes because their non-First Nations partner makes an application. When this happens, research suggests the family law system may give more weight to the non-First Nations party’s version of events.

    Improving the system

    The family law system is making efforts to improve access for First Nations people.

    There is now a requirement for family courts to consider how parenting arrangements will help Aboriginal children to remain in contact with culture, community, family, language and Country.

    Indigenous Family Liaison Officers are employed by family courts to support First Nations people in court.

    Indigenous Lists also exist in specific courts where cases involving First Nations parties are heard on a particular day and specialised support is available.

    We need to find out more about how effective these measures are and what else needs to change so the family law system can best support First Nations women.

    We also need to know more about how to support First Nations women in the family courts when the other party is a non-First Nations person. For most couples across Australia that include an Indigenous person, the other person is non-First Nations.

    The family law system holds real potential to be a proactive and protective pathway for more First Nations women concerned about their own safety and their children’s safety. Our continuing research hopes to show how this potential may be realised.

    13YARN is a free and confidential 24/7 national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. Call 13 92 76.

    Heather Douglas receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Kyllie Cripps receives funding from the Australian Research Council for a number of projects she is involved with.

    Samantha O’Donnell receives funding from the Australian Research Council. Samantha O’Donnell also volunteers for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.

    – ref. The Family Court could better protect Indigenous women and children, but there are barriers in the way – https://theconversation.com/the-family-court-could-better-protect-indigenous-women-and-children-but-there-are-barriers-in-the-way-253619

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Curious Kids: If you scoop a bucket of water out of the ocean, does it get lower?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dylan Irvine, Outstanding Future Researcher – Northern Water Futures, Charles Darwin University

    Lizzie Lamont/Shutterstock

    If you scoop a bucket of water out of the ocean, does it get lower?

    –Ellis, 6 and a half, Hobart

    This is a great question Ellis! The short answer is yes, but the change in water level will be extremely tiny. You can actually test this idea at home.

    For starters, you’ll need a glass of water and a teaspoon. Fill the glass almost to the top, and take note of the water level. Now, carefully remove a teaspoon of water. Can you see the difference in the water level? Maybe you can, but maybe not.

    You could repeat this experiment in the kitchen sink, or a bathtub if you have one. The key point is that the water level does drop, but only by a very small amount. If you scoop a teaspoon of water out of the bathtub, you probably won’t see the difference with the naked eye.

    Millions of buckets

    So, let’s return to the ocean. It’s truly huge, especially compared to a bucket.

    Let’s say that you have a bucket that fits ten litres. Using the information here, there are about 137 million, million, million buckets of water in the ocean (that is, all of Earth’s oceans combined).

    I crunched the numbers. If you took a bucket of water from the ocean, the water level would drop by around 0.0000000000277 millimetre. You can see how small a millimetre is on your school ruler. We don’t have anything on Earth that can measure anything this small. For example, this is way, way, way smaller than even a single atom.

    So, the more detailed answer to your question is: yes, the water level gets lower, but by such a small amount that we can’t even measure it.

    But wait, there’s more

    Earth is a really interesting place. When you take your bucket of water, all that water is moving through something called the water cycle.

    Sea levels are actually constantly changing. Each year, a lot of water evaporates from the ocean. Some of it is even lost to outer space.

    However, most of the evaporated water rains back down directly onto the ocean, or onto the ground, with that water making its way to rivers that eventually flow to the ocean. There is also a lot of water stored underground, and some of it makes its way to the ocean, as well.

    So, if you poured your bucket of water onto the ground, eventually it would end up back in the ocean via the water cycle!

    A few fun facts

    There’s a lot to know about water. Some more fun facts (and big numbers):

    1. There are 1,500,000,000,000,000,000 molecules of water (H₂O) in a single drop of water. That’s 1.5 million, million, million.

    2. The oldest water in the world is estimated to have fallen as rain more than 1.6 billion years ago.

    3. Most (about 98%) of the world’s fresh, liquid water is underground – that’s why it’s called groundwater.

    Dylan Irvine receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Cooperative Research Centre program, the National Water Grid Authority and the Ian Potter Foundation. This article is independent of these funded research activities.

    – ref. Curious Kids: If you scoop a bucket of water out of the ocean, does it get lower? – https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-if-you-scoop-a-bucket-of-water-out-of-the-ocean-does-it-get-lower-233249

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Fewer Chinese studying in US due to rising tensions

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The number and proportion of Chinese students studying in the United States continue to decline as rising geopolitical tensions and safety concerns weigh heavily on families’ decisions, according to official reports and education experts.
    The 2024 Blue Paper for Chinese Overseas Students Returning to China for Employment, recently released by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange under the Ministry of Education, shows that while the U.S. remains a key destination for Chinese students, its dominance is fading.
    In 2023, only 14.54 percent of Chinese returnees with doctoral degrees studied in the U.S., down from 25 percent in 2020 — a decline of more than 10 percentage points over four years, according to the blue paper.
    Among returnees from the top three study destinations — the United Kingdom, the U.S. and Australia — 51.5 percent had studied in those countries, marking a decrease of approximately 3 percentage points from the previous year, driven primarily by the drop in the number of U.S.-based graduates, it added.
    The decline comes as more Chinese families are rethinking their higher education plans in light of worsening bilateral relations and growing concerns over safety abroad.
    The Ministry of Education last week warned Chinese students to make security assessments if choosing to study in certain U.S. states, citing a bill passed in the U.S. state of Ohio that contains negative provisions related to China. It imposes restrictions on education exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and U.S. higher education institutions.
    “Geopolitical tensions inevitably affect the international flow of students,” said Chen Zhiwen, a member of the Chinese Society of Educational Development Strategy.
    “The U.S. has increasingly restricted China in areas such as trade, technology and talent, making the study environment more hostile. Over the past four years, the number of Chinese students in the U.S. has dropped by 100,000,” Chen said, urging Chinese parents to carefully evaluate study-abroad destinations.
    According to data from the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, produced in part by the U.S. Department of State, China was surpassed by India as the largest source of international students in the U.S. for the 2023-24 academic year. There were 277,398 students from the Chinese mainland enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions during that period, a figure that has been dropping annually since peaking at 372,532 in the 2019-20 academic year.
    Chinese parents are increasingly factoring in national relations and domestic stability when considering where to send their children.
    Kendy Jia, the mother of a secondary school student in Beijing, said she had been planning to send her child abroad for high school just a few years ago.
    “Now, that plan is on hold,” she said at the 2025 China International Education Exhibition Tour in Beijing on Friday.
    “With the current international situation, we’re leaning toward waiting until after high school,” Jia said. “We might still consider sending him abroad for university, but not necessarily to the U.S. As parents, we first consider the country’s relationship with China, because political stability is very important and affects our child’s personal safety overseas,” she said, adding that worsening international relations might also add to the cost of overseas study.
    A survey by consultancy EIC Education released last month found that safety and financial support have become top concerns for prospective Chinese students during the 2024-25 academic year. The local security environment ranks fourth among factors influencing study-abroad decisions, it said.
    Hannah Song, secretary-general of the America-China Education Foundation Greater China, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, said many Chinese parents have expressed concerns about whether bilateral relations might pose safety risks for students studying in the country.
    “Parents don’t need to be overly worried,” she said. “Most U.S. states and universities focused on educational exchange rather than politics. For the majority of American institutions, the impact is minimal,” she said.
    Despite current geopolitical tensions, Song said the U.S. remains a top choice for many Chinese families in terms of undergraduate education.
    According to the blue paper, the U.S. kept attracting Chinese students in certain academic fields. Economics and mathematics remain the top choices for undergraduates from 2022 to 2024, while computer science and finance dominate among graduate applicants in 2024.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Cook Islands Confucius Classroom celebrates int’l Chinese Language Day

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The Confucius Classroom at the University of the South Pacific’s Cook Islands campus has marked International Chinese Language Day with a vibrant celebration featuring traditional crafts, music, and cuisine.

    The event offered an immersive cultural experience that highlighted the richness of the Chinese language and its cultural heritage through calligraphy, opera, and musical performances, organizers said Friday.

    The celebration began with a traditional prayer in the Cook Islands Maori language, honoring local customs. Participants then joined Chinese teachers in creating “Calligraphy Lacquer Fans.”

    Starting with elegant Chinese characters such as “Blessing,” “Benevolence and Harmony,” “Peace and Happiness,” and “Peace is Blessing,” guests practiced calligraphy on white paper fans before painting them with vibrant lacquer.

    The hands-on experience was followed by a captivating musical segment, which included performances of ancient Chinese songs and selections inspired by Peking Opera.

    Culinary culture also took center stage. A highlight for many was the Chinese stewed noodles, handmade on site by Chinese teacher Zhao Shuang, alongside hot pot dishes that delighted attendees.

    “I’m so happy to taste your hometown specialty noodles. They’re so unique and delicious,” one student told Zhao.

    Tutal Vakalalabure, a foreign service officer at the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, praised the event, saying it “gave us a sense of the true vitality of language and culture.”

    More than 20 students and their families from the Confucius Classroom took part in the celebration, held in recognition of United Nations Chinese Language Day, which is observed annually on April 20.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Musician couple promote cultural exchanges between China, Vietnam

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Dong Quang Vinh and his wife Mo Shuangshuang receive an interview with Xinhua at home in Hanoi, Vietnam, March 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Born into a Vietnamese family of musicians, Dong Quang Vinh was used to immersing himself in Chinese folk music in his childhood as his father often bought cassette tapes of Chinese music for him as gifts, thus developing an interest in China.

    During his study at China’s Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Vinh met Chinese pianist Mo Shuangshuang in 2006, who later married him and moved to live in Vietnam with him.

    To better promote music culture between the two countries, the couple found an orchestra in Hanoi and brought Vietnamese and Chinese folk music on stage many times. They also established a chorus composed mainly of internationals living in Vietnam to deepen people-to-people exchange through music.

    The couple now travel between China and Vietnam as part of their efforts to enhance understanding between the two peoples. To them, the most beautiful melodies come from the amity between the two neighboring countries.

    1   2   3   4   5   6   7   >  

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Shopping the sales online? Read this first

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Make sure you research the retailer you’re buying from.

    In brief:

    • The end of the year is a time when people tend to shop more.
    • This story includes a few details to be aware of to help avoid shopping disappointment

    As Black Friday sales start and Christmas shopping begins, we’re exposed to lots of advertising. Whether you’re at the shops or browsing online, here are our tips for a smooth shopping experience.

    Do your research

    Read product reviews, shop around and ensure that a sale really is a bargain.

    Read the terms and conditions of your purchase. Ensure you understand any fees you’ll be charged if you cancel or change your order.

    Always make sure you ask for a receipt and keep it somewhere safe.

    Know who you’re buying from when shopping online.

    When buying a product or service online, research the retailer you’re buying from. Only buy from websites that:

    • are well known and legitimate
    • have a good reputation
    • display clear processes for solving problems.

    Always check the website is secure, and screenshot or save any documentation, receipts or confirmation emails.

    Some businesses sell products that they don’t have in stock, instead they have another business supply you the product. When deciding who to buy from, ask the business whether it holds the stock itself.

    Check delivery timeframes

    Before you make a purchase, check delivery timeframes, including Christmas cut-off dates.

    Be aware of possible delays and always give yourself plenty of time to ensure the gift arrives in time.

    Be cautious with overseas websites

    Overseas online businesses that provide goods or services directly to consumers in Australia must follow the Australian Consumer Law. However, you aren’t covered by the Australian Consumer Law if the business doesn’t directly offer their products and services in Australia.

    If a business is overseas, you may have difficulty getting a refund, repair, or replacement for your product.

    Understand your rights

    If you don’t get what you paid for with a product or service, you have rights. This applies even when an item is on sale.

    Always check the store’s returns policy. Refunds aren’t always an automatic right. Businesses don’t have to give you a refund if you:

    • change your mind
    • buy the wrong size, or
    • buy the wrong colour.

    Some businesses still offer refunds in these situations. This is their choice to provide good customer service, and not a legal requirement.

    You are entitled to a refund, repair or replacement if a consumer guarantee is not met. The remedy you’re entitled to will depend on whether the issue is major or minor.

    If you do experience a problem with a product or service, you should always talk to the business first. Most traders want to do the right thing and fix any problems for their customers. If you are unable to resolve the problem, Access Canberra may be able to help.

    Get help with a consumer issue.

    For more information about your rights as a consumer, visit the Access Canberra website.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Vietnam should uphold traditional friendship, jointly tackle global challenges, says Chinese ambassador

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

    China, Vietnam should uphold traditional friendship, jointly tackle global challenges, says Chinese ambassador

    HANOI, April 13 — China and Vietnam should uphold their traditional friendship featuring “camaraderie plus brotherhood” and join hands to tackle global challenges, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei has said.

    Such a bond is the most vivid reflection of the traditional friendship between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), and between the two countries, the ambassador told Xinhua in an interview ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming state visit to Vietnam from Monday to Tuesday.

    Standing at a new historical starting point, China and Vietnam should follow the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, and strengthen the foundation of their bilateral relations with high-level political mutual trust, high-quality practical cooperation and in-depth people-to-people exchanges, so as to inject more positive energy into regional and global peace, stability and development, he said.

    The ambassador said the two countries’ traditional friendship has laid a solid foundation for their struggles for national independence and liberation, and has also injected strong momentum into consolidating and deepening their comprehensive strategic cooperation, assuring the stability for both countries in responding to a complex and volatile international landscape.

    He noted that the top leaders of the two parties have in recent years maintained frequent interactions, charting the course for China-Vietnam relations. This has played a strategic role in advancing the relations between the two parties and the two countries, he added.

    Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, paid a historic visit to Vietnam in December 2023, during which the two sides announced the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, marking a new stage in their bilateral relations.

    To Lam, general secretary of the CPV Central Committee, visited China in his first overseas trip after taking office, further strengthening bilateral ties.

    The Chinese ambassador noted that China and Vietnam, as partners treading the path of reform and modernization, view each other’s development as a significant opportunity.

    With both countries jointly embarking on the new journey to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, their practical cooperation has also entered a fast track focusing on quality improvement and upgrading, He said.

    He pointed out that China was Vietnam’s largest trading partner for over 20 consecutive years, and for years Vietnam has been China’s largest trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

    Take agricultural products. The ambassador said that high-quality Vietnamese products such as coffee and fresh coconuts are highly popular among Chinese consumers, and over 90 percent of Vietnam’s durian exports go to China.

    Last year, China led in the number of newly registered investment projects in Vietnam, He said, noting that the Chinese-built Cat Linh-Ha Dong Line, Vietnam’s first urban light rail line, has provided convenience for local commuters, and the Chinese-invested Soc Son waste-to-energy plant processes 60 percent of Hanoi’s daily household waste.

    Emphasizing the people-to-people bond and strong cultural links between the two countries, He said leaders of the two parties agreed on making this year the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges to mark the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, reflecting their deep commitment and high expectations for reinforcing the foundation of public support in both countries.

    Through a series of activities, the bond between the two peoples will become even closer, and the public support for bilateral relations will become increasingly robust, said the ambassador.

    As the world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century and is entering a new period of turbulence, the United States, in particular, has recently dealt a heavy blow to global and regional economic order by weaponizing tariffs to exert maximum pressure, He said.

    In the face of these challenges, the ambassador said China and Vietnam should deepen their comprehensive strategic cooperation and inject more certainty and stability into the region. This is not only an essential aspect of building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance but also a necessary step to promote regional cooperation and development, He said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Vietnam to consolidate trade ties

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

    The economic and trade ties between China and Vietnam are expected to rise to a new level, driven by the two countries’ highly complementary trade structures, Vietnam’s modernization drive and the growing influence of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, according to market watchers and exporters.

    Amid rising protectionism and unilateral challenges, China and Vietnam are pressing ahead with industrial upgrading and digital transformation, positioning themselves to tap into new growth opportunities across key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, green energy, smart logistics, e-commerce and regional supply chain integration, they said.

    United by common aspirations for sustainable growth and economic resilience, the two countries are on track to forge even deeper and more dynamic economic ties in the years to come, said Wan Zhe, a professor specializing in regional economic development at Beijing Normal University.

    Bilateral business relations have witnessed remarkable progress, especially in recent years, with Vietnam introducing key national strategies such as the National Green Growth Strategy for 2021-2030, vision towards 2050; the National Strategy on R&D and Application of Artificial Intelligence; and the National Strategy for 4th Industrial Revolution.

    Wan said that these forward-looking initiatives have significantly enhanced Vietnam’s appeal as a destination for investment and innovation, attracting a substantial influx of Chinese and foreign capital and technologies over the past several years.

    “This growing synergy has laid a strong foundation for deeper economic and technological collaboration between the two countries,” she added.

    Vietnam has become a key overseas investment destination for China. In 2024, from January to August, Chinese companies invested $1.97 billion in the Southeast Asian country, maintaining a rapid rate of growth, according to the latest data released by China’s Ministry of Commerce.

    Benefiting from a booming intermediate goods trade, the rising freight volume on the China-Vietnam Railway and substantial gains resulting from the RCEP and the Belt and Road Initiative, China-Vietnam trade surged 14.6 percent year-on-year to 1.85 trillion yuan ($254.05 billion) in 2024, statistics from China’s General Administration of Customs showed.

    This momentum continued in the first two months of this year, with the value of bilateral trade rising 8.2 percent on an annual basis to 270.96 billion yuan, customs data showed.

    China’s exports to Vietnam include machinery, telecommunication equipment, electronic components, industrial raw materials, trains, ships, trucks, household appliances and construction materials.

    In addition to agricultural and aquatic products such as seafood, fruits, coffee and rice, Vietnam’s exports to China include smartphones, computers, rubber, footwear, garments and furniture.

    In the medium to long term, China and Vietnam are more likely to deepen industrial complementarity and division of labor rather than engage in direct competition, said Gao Lingyun, a researcher at the Institute of World Economics and Politics, which is affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing.

    “This is because both countries are at different stages of development and have distinct strengths,” said Gao, adding China leads in high-end manufacturing and technological capabilities, while Vietnam offers advantages in assembly industries and young and high-quality workers.

    On top of this, free trade deals with various economies, such as the EU (European Union)-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, have opened up opportunities, he added.

    Echoing that sentiment, Lan Qingxin, a professor specializing in cross-border investment studies at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said that compared with other Southeast Asian countries as well as India and Mexico, Vietnam holds a competitive edge and market potential due to its proximity to China and its friendly foreign investment policies.

    This complementary dynamic fosters a win-win partnership, reinforcing the depth and resilience of China-Vietnam economic ties, said Lan.

    Ningbo Dafa Chemical Fiber Co, a textile and chemical raw materials manufacturer in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, has been actively exploring new possibilities in the Vietnamese market.

    “Vietnam has a well-developed furniture manufacturing industry, which drives strong demand for textile yarns and synthetic fiber materials. Our products are mainly used for furniture padding and bedding production,” said Wang Ling, the company’s sales director.

    Ningbo Dafa’s exports to Vietnam grew by 10.3 percent year-on-year to 20.64 million yuan in the first two months of this year, according to Ningbo Customs.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stats NZ information release: Electronic card transactions: March 2025

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Electronic card transactions: March 2025 – 14 April 2025 – The electronic card transactions (ECT) series cover debit, credit, and charge card transactions with New Zealand-based merchants. The series can be used to indicate changes in consumer spending and economic activity.

    Key facts
    All figures are seasonally adjusted unless otherwise specified.

    Values are at the national level and are not adjusted for price changes.

    March 2025 month
    Changes in the value of electronic card transactions for the March 2025 month (compared with February 2025) were:

    • spending in the retail industries decreased 0.8 percent ($52 million)
    • spending in the core retail industries decreased 0.8 percent ($46 million).

    Files:

     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stats NZ information release: International migration: February 2025

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    International migration: February 2025 – 14 April 2025 – International migration statistics give the latest outcomes-based measure of migration, which includes estimates of migrants entering or leaving New Zealand.

    Key facts

    Annual migration
    Provisional estimates for the February 2025 year compared with the February 2024 year were:

    • migrant arrivals: 154,300 (± 1,400), down 30 percent
    • migrant departures: 121,300 (± 1,100), up 15 percent
    • annual net migration: gain of 32,900 (± 1,700), compared with a net gain of 113,700 (± 200).

    Files:

     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stats NZ information release: International travel: February 2025

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    International travel: February 2025 – 14 April 2025 – International travel covers the number and characteristics of overseas visitors and New Zealand resident travellers (short-term movements) entering or leaving New Zealand.

    Key facts

    Monthly arrivals – overseas visitors
    Overseas visitor arrivals were 354,400 in February 2025, a decrease of 8,400 from February 2024. The biggest changes were in arrivals from:

    • United States (up 8,200)
    • Australia (up 7,600)
    • United Kingdom (up 3,100)
    • Canada (up 1,600)
    • Japan (up 1,100)
    • China (down 18,400)
    • Taiwan (down 1,500)
    • Malaysia (down 1,200).

    Further Information:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Mental health staff and patients at risk without plan

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    More people could be harmed if Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey does not guarantee to protect patients and workers as the Police withdraw from supporting mental health call outs. 

    “Two reported incidents show that by withdrawing the Police’s support from mental health call outs, people suffering severe distress will fall through the cracks, and will miss out on the support and care they deserve,” Labour mental health spokesperson Ingrid Leary said.

    “The Government has failed to provide a plan to support mental health workers, patients and other staff when people detained under the Mental Health Act are brought into emergency departments. 

    “The Government said it had a plan for Police to reduce the amount of time they stay with a person detained under the Mental Health Act in an emergency department, but it’s being pushed through too fast.

    “Staff in our hospitals are already reporting high levels of violence in their workplace. Withdrawing Police without trained safe staff to step in puts everyone at risk.

    “Matt Doocey is compromising worker and patient safety and is failing to deliver the mental health support he promised New Zealanders. He should be held accountable if more incidences of harm are reported,” Ingrid Leary said.

    “While in Government, we were developing a plan to phase in mental health co-response teams nationally to respond to 111 calls for people experiencing mental distress,” Labour Police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said.

    “However, rushing through the withdrawal of Police support is irresponsible when there is no additional mental health workforce in place.”

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – Wild Weather for Easter Break – MetService

    Source: MetService

    Covering period of Monday 14th – Thursday 17th May – While the South Island is experiencing the interesting weather today, our focus shifts to the North Island as we head into the week.  

    A punchy cold front with a period of heavy rain is moving up the South Island today, lowering snow to 900 metres throughout the day. For those travelling in the area, keep an eye on the passes, in particular Lindis Pass is expected to see a sprinkling of snow tonight.  

    MetService Meteorologist Katie Hillyer says, “It’s a real cold snap, with Tuesdays maximums in the east coast of the South Island about 10 degrees less than Mondays.”  

    The rain stalls and weakens over the central South Island on Tuesday as northeasterlies build over the country ahead of a subtropical low pressure system from the North.  

    From Tuesday morning, northeast winds and rain begin to build over the upper North Island ahead of a subtropical low. From Wednesday, Northland, Auckland and Coromandel are under a Strong Wind Watch in gale northeasterlies, and a Heavy Rain Watch. There is a high confidence of these Watches being upgraded to Orange Warnings closer to the time. Generally, the North Island can expect the worst weather on Thursday, with a high confidence of Heavy Rain and Strong Wind Warnings being issued for western Bay of Plenty as well.  

    With plenty of travellers on the road over the Easter Break, people should be extra cautious and keep a close eye on the forecast, particularly with the exodus from Auckland lining up with the most significant weather.

    Hillyer says, “This windy system is long-lived, with periods of heavy rain, so accumulations are expected to be impressive. Try to take some time before the action starts to clear those gutters and drains and any surrounding leaves that could cause any blockages. With very few systems with this magnitude of northeast winds in the last year, trees could be particularly susceptible to damage, so trimming back branches and securing any loose objects is also a good idea.”  

    Sticky uncomfortable nights are also on the table as temperatures and the humidity rise, with overnight temperatures in the high teens in the upper North Island.  

    While the South Island can also expect intermittent wet weather over the next week, it’s the top of the Island, particularly Nelson and Tasman, that are set to cop some heavy rain from Thursday, continuing into the weekend.  

    While we’ll see a few breaks in the rain, it is a long-lived system, with windy and rainy conditions to continue over the country until next week.    

    Please keep up to date with the most current information from MetService at MetService – Te Ratonga Tirorangi: https://metservice.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=63982abb40666393e6a63259d&id=44d76dee41&e=852c839bf9

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Secure your spot at Love Local 2025 – Porirua

    Source: Porirua City Council

    Porirua’s biggest annual event supporting local businesses – Love Local – returns in June.
    Filling Te Rauparaha Arena for the sixth year running, Love Local is a free event where attendees can meet the hundreds of different local businesses in Porirua and learn about what they have to offer.
    Vendors of all types are welcome at the event – selling things from food, crafts, books, jewellery, clothing, and services. Local community groups and organisations are also welcome to have a stall.
    Love Local has grown each year and is now a key date in the calendar for both vendors and savvy shoppers wanting to support the Porirua economy.
    Applications are now open for vendors wanting a spot at this year’s event, happening on Saturday 7 June.
    Last year the event played host to more than 100 vendors, with thousands of people coming through the event during the day.
    If you want to be involved this year, please make sure you complete the application form and send it in by midday on Friday 2 May.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – ASB research: Kiwi Gen Zs are under pressure, but 43% are taking steps to improve their financial position

    Source: ASB

    New ASB research shows that despite tough economic circumstances, 43% of Kiwi aged 18-24 are building better money habits and taking action to improve their financial wellbeing.

    Young Kiwi are facing a financial double whammy, as high youth unemployment adds to cost of living pressures. More than 80% of the net jobs lost in 2024 were for workers aged 30 and under, and ASB economists expect unemployment for jobseekers aged 15-19 to remain around 20% until the end of 2025, compared with around 5% overall.

    To understand how these challenges are impacting young people, ASB has analysed the spending and saving patterns of more than 650,000 customers, including 57,000 aged 18-24.

    ASB found customers aged 18-24 were 26% more likely to experience payment problems than the national average. A lack of savings is causing strain: 56% of young people don’t have at least $1000 of savings, compared with 44% of Kiwi overall.

    60% of customers aged 18-24 rarely have enough money to cover their monthly bills, and 44% live paycheck to paycheck.

    ASB General Manager Business Transformation and Customer Engagement Rosalyn Clarke leads the bank’s financial wellbeing programme, and says while the past few years have been hard for many Kiwi, rangatahi face distinct challenges.

    “This generation started working and managing their money through lockdowns, rising inflation and a recession. It’s tough – but we know young people want to get ahead, and with a lifetime in front of them, small changes now can make a big financial difference.

    “Our data shows one-fifth of our 18-24 customers are regular savers, which is encouraging, as good savings habits can significantly lift financial wellbeing. 80% of this age group contributed to their KiwiSaver in the past year, and they’re 18% more likely to invest enough to earn the $521 annual Government KiwiSaver contribution.

    “43% of our 18-24 customers took steps to build better spending, savings, or credit habits in the past year. By making changes such as reducing their overdraft, setting up regular savings, or getting KiwiSaver advice, we can see their financial wellbeing improves compared to those in their age group who don’t.”

    ASB is currently sharing money tips with young people through its Level Up campaign, which supports 18-24s to build money confidence. Now in its third year, Level Up spotlights money tools such as ASB’s Goal Planner, which tracks progress toward a saving target, and Save the Change, which automatically rounds up spending and puts the difference into savings.

    ASB’s Community Bankers and its dedicated school team also support rangatahi across the country gain money management skills through free face-to-face workshops for school leavers, community groups, and young jobseekers.

    Research by ASB’s partner, youth mental health charity Youthline, found money is one of the top stresses for Kiwi aged 21-24[1] and ASB wants to help to tackle this, says Rosalyn.

    “If young people are worried about money, or need support to get on top their finances, ASB offers free help – and you don’t need to be a customer. Check out our online tools, or book a financial wellbeing review and we’ll help you take steps toward your goals.”

    Notes:

    • Financial wellbeing information is based on anonymised analysis of more than 650,000 New Zealand adults that have their main bank relationship with ASB and includes high volumes of customers across all New Zealand regions and demographics. 
    • KiwiSaver information refers to anonymised analysis of ASB KiwiSaver Scheme Funds.  
    • All financial wellbeing data reflects the 12 months to 31 January 2025.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Water Quality – Babies at risk due to nitrate-contaminated drinking water in Ashburton District

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace Aotearoa says that it is deeply concerned about the safety of drinking water in the Ashburton District after close to one in five bore water samples tested for nitrate at the beginning of April exceeded levels linked with blue baby syndrome.
    The organisation says that this is indicative of a failure by Environment Canterbury to protect drinking water from contamination.
    Greenpeace spokesperson Will Appelbe says, “Environment Canterbury has a responsibility to protect Cantabrians, and they are failing in their duty by allowing drinking water contamination to exceed the Government’s maximum standards for nitrate contamination.”
    Two samples tested were just over double the level of nitrate permitted in drinking water – a standard set in the 1950s to prevent Blue Baby Syndrome. However, this standard doesn’t capture other serious health risks associated with nitrate-contaminated drinking water.
    Almost half of all bore water samples tested at Greenpeace Aotearoa’s Ashburton town hall water testing event in early April were above 5 mg/L of nitrate, a level linked to an increased risk of preterm birth. The New Zealand College of Midwives recommends pregnant people consider avoiding water above 5 mg/L for nitrate. A sample from the Hinds town supply also tested at 6.55 mg/L.
    “It’s unacceptable that these communities have such high levels of nitrate in their drinking water, and it’s particularly concerning for pregnant people and small babies, whose health could be at risk,” adds Appelbe.
    “Everybody, no matter where they live, should be able to drink the water from their kitchen tap without worrying about getting sick. This is a present and looming public health crisis for Mid Canterbury.”
    There is a growing body of evidence that indicates that longer-term exposure to drinking water above 0.87 mg/L can increase the risk of bowel cancer. Greenpeace tested 27 samples from the Ashburton town supply, with a mean level of 2.06 mg/L.
    “Safe drinking water is a fundamental necessity for life, and it’s alarming that rural communities are dealing with such dangerously high levels of nitrate contamination in their water.
    “Intensive dairying is the main source of nitrate pollution in Canterbury – with nitrate from dairy cattle urine and synthetic nitrogen fertiliser leaching into drinking water supplies. The solution is clear – we need a phase out of synthetic nitrogen fertilisers and to transition to more sustainable forms of agriculture that don’t pollute the lakes, rivers and aquifers.
    “Environment Canterbury must take action. Local body elections are approaching later this year, and people in the Ashburton District are ready to demand their elected representatives take action to address this drinking water crisis,” says Applebe. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: How to mitigate construction risks and avoid disputes in pumped hydro projects

    Source: Allens Insights (legal sector)

    Given the geographical scale and requirements for PHES projects, appropriate sites are often situated on or near to culturally significant sites and/or land subject to Indigenous claims. This means PHES developments are particularly susceptible to legal challenge to licences and approvals, on the basis that developers have failed to adequately consult with Indigenous stakeholders in satisfaction of domestic ESG regulations. This risk can materialise as a result of activism by public interest groups, formal complaints to regulators and/or judicial review proceedings. Efforts to address complaints by Indigenous stakeholders and consequent litigation will not only lead to inflated costs, but also likely disrupt the project or halt progress entirely.

    Developers are also subject to stakeholder scrutiny for compliance with their own ESG policies, voluntary commitments and published representations, which may go further than domestic ESG regulations. Increasingly, stakeholders, shareholders and activists expect companies to align with both international laws and voluntary soft law standards like the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).

    In addition to project, legal and cost consequences, failure (or perceived failure) to comply with ESG policies and commitments can lead to reputational damage and loss of social license (ie support from the community).

    Case study: Queensland Hydro Project

    The project area for the Borumba PHES project holds significant cultural importance for the Kabi Kabi people, the traditional landowners.

    The developer is reported to be in negotiations with the Kabi Kabi people, which may lead to the need to downsize the project to avoid sensitive sites.

    As part of these negotiations, an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) has been agreed between the Kabi Kabi people and the developer to allow exploratory works to be carried out.12

    Case study: Barossa Gas Project (Northern Territory, Australia)

    In 2022, Tiwi Island traditional owners filed a lawsuit against the developer and the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA). They argued that the developer had failed to adequately consult them about the project’s potential risks to their food sources and spiritual connection to the sea. In September 2022, the Federal Court ruled in favour of the traditional owners, invalidating the developer’s drilling approval and ordering the cessation of drilling activities.13 The developer was required to resubmit fresh approvals and was only able to recommence in early 2024 after almost 16 months of delay and another round of litigation with the Tiwi Island traditional owners.14

    Contracts should be clear around who bears the cost and time risks associated with any legal challenges. In order to mitigate against time and cost implications of potential challenges, it is essential that parties consult traditional owners early and transparently, and engage compliance policies to ensure ESG regulations and internal ESG policies and commitments are met.

    One strategy to achieve this is to design robust complaints and grievance mechanisms and deploy them as early as possible in the project. These mechanisms should allow traditional owners and other stakeholders to lodge complaints prior to design and development. This allows developers to make changes and negotiate agreements while it is still reasonably quick and inexpensive to do so.

    In 2024, the Clean Energy Council published a best practice guide for the renewable energy industry to support their engagement with First Nations. This included discussion of key principles of best practice for renewables projects with First Nations peoples, including respectful engagement, preservation of cultural heritage, ensuring economic and social benefits are shared and embedding land stewardship and cultural competency. The guide is a useful source of discussion on minimum and best practices around PHES projects.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Allens advises ACEN Australia on major renewable energy portfolio financing

    Source: Allens Insights (legal sector)

    Allens has advised ACEN Australia, a key player in the Australian energy transition, on the $750 million platform financing for its renewable energy portfolio. The two seed assets are the 400MW New England Stage 1 Solar and 400MW Stubbo Solar projects.

    The financing establishes a platform to support the continued development of ACEN Australia’s pipeline of renewable energy assets across the country, including approximately 8 GW of solar, wind, battery energy storage systems and pumped hydro projects.

    With Macquarie Capital as financial adviser, the financing included a syndicate of 11 Banks comprising ANZ, Cathay United Bank, Commonwealth Bank, CTBC Bank, DBS Bank, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, MUFG, SMBC, UOB, and Westpac,

    A cross-disciplinary team, comprising lawyers across Banking & Finance, Projects, Corporate and Real Estate, Environment and Planning, advised on all aspects of the financing and due diligence.

    ‘We are proud to have advised on this significant milestone transaction for ACEN Australia, which will help facilitate the development of new renewable energy projects across Australia.’ said lead Partner Scott McCoy.

    ‘This portfolio financing platform is a prime example of the innovative funding structures being developed to support the sector’s growth, offering greater flexibility in managing individual projects, future growth and risk mitigation.’

    This transaction builds on Allens extensive expertise in renewable energy  portfolio financings having advised on recent transactions for clients including Neoen, Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, Global Power Generation Australia , CWP Renewables and Atmos Renewables.

    Allens legal team

    Finance, Banking & Debt Capital

    Scott McCoy (lead Partner), Jamie Guthrie (Managing Associate), Flynn O’Byrne-Inglis (Senior Associate), Maya Bahra (Lawyer), Nick Walker (Lawyer)

    Projects

    Andrew Mansour (Partner), Kip Fitzsimon (Partner), Amy Ryan (Senior Associate), Sara Pacey (Associate), Jeanne Shu (Lawyer), Amelia Rebellato (Lawyer), Esther Khor (Lawyer), Emma Cottle (Lawyer), Saleem Al Odeh (Laywer)

    Real Estate, Environment & Planning

    Michael Graves (Partner), Naomi Bergman (Partner), Nathaniel Jende (Associate), Samuel Mursa (Associate), Ankita Rao (Lawyer), Alexander Murphy (Lawyer)

    M&A and Capital Markets

    Harry Beardall (Managing Associate), Matthias Laubi (Lawyer)

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese VP welcomes global businesses to invest in China

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Chinese Vice President Han Zheng interacts with the representative of an exhibiting company before attending the launch event for the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo and “Shopping in China” series in Haikou, capital city of south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Sunday welcomed global businesses to invest and thrive in China, as the country, with a population of over 1.4 billion, boasts vast market potential and robust momentum for consumption upgrades.
    Han made the remarks when talking with the heads of exhibiting companies in Haikou, capital city of south China’s Hainan Province, before attending the launch event for the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo and “Shopping in China” series.
    Han encouraged global companies to make good use of the expo to expand brand influence, deepen economic and trade cooperation, and achieve mutual benefits.
    Some 1,000 people, including representatives from government agencies, exhibitors, purchasing firms and diplomatic envoys to China, attended the event.
    The expo, co-hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, is the largest consumer expo in the Asia-Pacific region.
    Themed “share open opportunities, co-create a better life,” this year’s expo runs from April 13 to 18, attracting over 1,700 enterprises and more than 4,100 brands from more than 70 countries and regions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China pavilion opens at Osaka Expo

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

    A visitor tours the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion’s main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll. Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion’s architectural design embodies the theme of “Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature — Future Society of Green Development.” Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters. [Photo/Xinhua]

    OSAKA, Japan, April 13 — The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion’s main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll.

    Around 300 guests attended the opening event.

    In his speech, Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, emphasized China’s strong support for Japan in hosting the Expo.

    He expressed the hope that the pavilion’s exhibitions would present an image of a confident and open China, leaving a memorable mark on the Expo and contributing to a more equal and inclusive global future.

    Bureau International des Expositions Secretary General Dimitri Kerkentzes spoke highly of China’s participation in world expos, noting that visitors to the China pavilion will be able to experience the country’s cultural heritage, ancient wisdom, and modern innovations.

    Japan Association for the 2025 World Expo Chairperson Masakazu Tokura stressed the importance of Japan-China relations, hoping that Expo 2025 would serve as a launchpad for future-oriented international cooperation.

    The opening ceremony also featured a traditional lion dance and a performance of the dance drama “The Crested Ibis,” both warmly received by the audience.

    Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters.

    Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion’s architectural design embodies the theme of “Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature — Future Society of Green Development.”

    The pavilion features three sections to showcase China’s traditional ecological wisdom, modern green development initiatives, and its vision of global cooperation in fostering a sustainable future.

    Highlights include side-by-side displays of lunar soil samples collected by China’s Chang’e-5 and Chang’e-6 missions, the “Jiaolong” deep-sea submersible experience capsule and next-generation humanoid robots.

    A robot greets guests outside the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor tours the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the “Jiaolong” deep-sea submersible experience capsule in the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor tours the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor tours the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit a souvenir shop of the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor looks at lunar soil samples collected by China’s Chang’e-5 and Chang’e-6 missions in the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor tours the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor tours the China Pavilion using a mixed reality (MR) device at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Actors perform during the opening ceremony of the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on April 13, 2025 shows the lunar soil sample collected by China’s Chang’e-5 mission displayed in the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, addresses the opening ceremony of the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao addresses the opening ceremony of the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors line up to enter the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –