Fifth seeds Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool capped their dream summer with the Wimbledon crown and first Grand Slam title as a pair when the British team downed Rinky Hijikata and David Pel 6-2 7-6(3) in the men’s doubles final on Saturday.
Queen’s Club and Eastbourne champions Cash and Glasspool became the first all-British pairing to win the All England Club trophy since 1936, when Pat Hughes and Raymond Tuckey defeated their compatriots Charles Hare and Frank Wilde in the final.
“When you say it, it sounds incredible,” said Glasspool.
“We’ve had a Brit win it last year (Henry Patten), the year before that (Neal Skupski) so I didn’t think too much of it, but now we needed to give you two so we did our best.”
The local favourites shot out of the blocks after an early break thanks to a poor service game from Pel and raced through the opening set with minimum fuss, leaving fans buzzing on a sun-drenched Centre Court.
The Australian-Dutch duo of Hijikata and Pel saved a break point at the start of the second set and applied pressure in the fourth game but their opponents were equal to the task and took a step towards the title when they went 4-2 up.
Hijikata and Pel, who entered the tournament as alternates and survived match points in their first two rounds, drew level after eight games before Cash and Glasspool moved up a gear in the tiebreak to prevail and spark huge celebrations.
“We’ve played a crazy amount of tennis on the grass, every match we possibly could,” said Cash.
“So a lot of people were talking, coming into this event. There was a lot of pressure on our shoulders. And the fact we’ve been able to do what everyone was talking about is surreal.”
The runners-up cut cheerful figures despite the defeat.
“We didn’t even meet before the tournament,” the 34-year-old Pel said. “I mean, it was our first time speaking on the day the tournament started.”
Hijikata, who won the 2023 Australian Open title with Jason Kubler, called his All England Club adventure a “crazy ride”.
“It’s been so much fun playing with David,” Hijikata said.
“He’s brought such a great energy on the court. He’s made it very easy for me out there. It’s a dream come true to be playing on Centre Court. A bit shattered, but it was a lot of fun.”
Iran plans to cooperate with the U.N. nuclear watchdog despite restrictions imposed by its parliament, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Saturday, while stressing that access to its bombed nuclear sites posed security and safety issues.
A new law passed in Iran following last month’s Israeli and U.S. bombing campaign stipulates that inspection of Iran’s nuclear sites by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) needs approval by the Supreme National Security Council, Iran’s top security body.
The Israeli and U.S. strikes targeted a nuclear programme which Western countries have long said was aimed at building an atomic weapon. Iran has long said its nuclear programme is purely peaceful.
Any negotiations over Iran’s future nuclear programme are likely to require its cooperation with the IAEA, which angered Iran last month by declaring on the eve of the Israeli strikes that Tehran was violating non-proliferation treaty commitments.
“The risk of spreading radioactive materials and the risk of exploding leftover munitions … are serious,” state media cited Araqchi as saying. “For us, IAEA inspectors approaching nuclear sites has both a security aspect … and the safety of the inspectors themselves is a matter that must be examined.”
While Iran’s cooperation with the nuclear watchdog has not stopped, it will take a new form and will be guided and managed through the Supreme National Security Council, Araqchi told Tehran-based diplomats.
“The IAEA’s requests for continued monitoring in Iran will be … decided on a case-by-case basis by the Council with consideration to safety and security issues,” Araqchi said.
Iran will not agree to any nuclear deal that does not allow it to enrich uranium, Araqchi reiterated. Iran would only agree to talks limited to its nuclear programme and not encompassing defence issues such as its missiles.
Axios cited sources on Saturday as saying Russian President Vladimir Putin had voiced support for the idea of an accord in which Tehran would bebarred from enriching uranium. Iran’s semi-official news agency Tasnim quoted an “informed source” as saying Putin had not sent any such message to Iran.
Speaking to the state news agency IRNA, Araqchi said Iran was carefully considering the details of any renewed nuclear talks with the U.S. and seeking assurances that Washington would not again resort to military force. “We are in no hurry to enter into unconsidered negotiations,” he added.
Araqchi also said any move by Britain, France and Germany to reimpose international sanctions on Iran through a so-called “snapback” mechanism under an earlier nuclear deal would “end Europe’s role” in Iran’s nuclear issue.
Under the terms of a U.N. resolution ratifying a 2015 nuclear pact, the three European powers could reimpose United Nations sanctions against Tehran by October 18, 2025.
Opener KL Rahul scored a century while Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant pitched in with crucial fifties as India posted 387 on day three, equalling England’s first innings, with their third test hanging in the balance at Lord’s on Saturday.
An injury to Shoaib Bashir blunted England’s pace-spin attack strategy when India looked vulnerable with five wickets down after losing Pant and Rahul in quick succession, before Jadeja steadied their innings with his third fifty-plus knock in a row.
England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett played a single over before stumps, remaining unbeaten at 2-0 as the five-match series remains tied with both sides looking to go 2-1 up with a win.
“Pretty even. You toil away for three days and you sit here with a two-run lead. Looking forward to a two-day shoot-out,” England bowling coach Tim Southee told the BBC.
India started well from an overnight score of 145-3 with Rahul accompanied by left-handed batter Pant, who scored twin centuries in the first test, battled through an injured finger on his left hand as he hooked England captain Stokes for six to bring up his fifty.
The two added 141 runs for the fourth wicket before Pant was run out for 74 on the last ball before lunch as he played Bashir towards cover point, where Stokes made a quick turn to hit the stumps on the non-striker’s end with a swift, direct throw.
Rahul was the next to fall, edging Bashir’s flighted ball to Harry Brook in the slip on his very next ball after reaching 100, leaving India on shaky ground at 254-5 under a warm London sun.
But Bashir had to leave the ground when he injured a finger on his non-bowling left hand while attempting a low catch from his own delivery as Jadeja shot down the wicket. Commentators later said the 21-year-old might need extra treatment in the evening.
JADEJA STEERS THE SHIP
Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy, new to the crease, looked unsteady as England’s bowlers piled on the pressure. Mix-ups between the batters put Reddy at risk of getting run out on two occasions but Ollie Pope’s direct throws missed the target both times.
However, as England returned to using two pacers soon after Bashir’s injury, the pair put together a 72-run partnership before Stokes claimed his second wicket of the match, getting Reddy to nick it to keeper Jamie Smith for 30.
But Jadeja kept the runs flowing, scoring his third fifty-plus knock in a row, while Washington Sundar adopted a slow, cautious approach on the other end.
Their 50-run partnership for the eighth wicket got India within 11 runs of England’s total, before Chris Woakes dismissed Jadeja for 72 as the batter’s attempt to send the ball down fine leg only took a thin edge and landed in Smith’s gloves.
Akash Deep, in at number nine, was given out leg before wicket twice by umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat during the same over but Hawk-Eye showed the ball was missing the stumps when the batter reviewed them, overturning both decisions.
But Deep fell soon after to Brydon Carse for seven, with Brook trapping him at third slip with a low dive.
Sundar brought the scores level before falling to Jofra Archer for 23, bringing an end to India’s innings.
Crawley and Duckett, batting shortly before stumps, got into arguments with Indian fielders over delays. India captain Shubman Gill clapped for Crawley when he called for the physio to check his injury after the ball hit his glove.
Duckett shared some words with Gill as the batters saw out the over from Jasprit Bumrah, leaving the feisty contest finely poised going into the final two days.
“He’ll be assessed overnight. Hopefully he’ll be good to go tomorrow,” Southee told reporters about Crawley’s finger injury. “Shubman Gill was lying down having a massage yesterday.”
Progress is stalling at talks aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza, with the sides divided over the extent of Israeli forces’ withdrawal from the Palestinian enclave, Palestinian and Israeli sources familiar with the negotiations in Doha said on Saturday.
The indirect talks over a U.S. proposal for a 60-day ceasefire continued throughout Saturday, an Israeli official told Reuters, seven days since talks began. U.S. President Donald Trump has said he hoped for a breakthrough soon based on a new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal.
In Gaza, medics said 17 people trying to get food aid were killed on Saturday when Israeli troops opened fire, the latest mass shooting around a U.S.-backed aid distribution system that the U.N. says has resulted in 800 people killed in six weeks.
Witnesses who spoke to Reuters described people being shot in the head and torso. Reuters saw several bodies of victims wrapped in white shrouds as family members wept at Nasser Hospital. The Israeli military said its troops had fired warning shots, but that its review of the incident had found no evidence of anyone hurt by its soldiers’ fire.
Delegations from Israel and Hamas have been in Qatar pushing for an agreement which envisages a phased release of hostages, Israeli troop withdrawals and discussions on ending the war.
The Israeli official blamed the impasse on Hamas, which he said “remains stubborn, sticking to positions that do not allow the mediators to advance an agreement”. Hamas has previously blamed Israeli demands for blocking a deal.
A Palestinian source said that Hamas had rejected withdrawal maps which Israel had proposed that would leave around 40% of Gaza under Israeli control, including all of the southern area of Rafah and further territories in northern and eastern Gaza.
Two Israeli sources said Hamas wanted Israel to retreat to lines it held in a previous ceasefire before it renewed its offensive in March.
The Palestinian source said aid issues and guarantees on an end to the war were also presenting a challenge.The crisis could be resolved with more U.S. intervention, the source said.
Hamas has long demanded an agreement to end the war before it would free remaining hostages; Israel has insisted it would end the fighting only when all hostages are released and Hamas is dismantled as a fighting force and administration in Gaza.
SHOOTING
Saturday’s reported mass shooting near an aid distribution point in Rafah was the latest in a series of such incidents that the United Nations rights office said on Friday had seen at least 798 peoplekilled trying to get food in six weeks.
“We were sitting there, and suddenly there was shooting towards us. For five minutes we were trapped under fire. The shooting was targeted. It was not random. Some people were shot in the head, some in the torso, one guy next to me was shot directly in the heart,” eyewitness Mahmoud Makram told Reuters.
“There is no mercy there, no mercy. People go because they are hungry but they die and come back in body bags.”
After partially lifting a total blockade of all goods into Gaza in late May, Israel launched a new aid distribution system, relying on a group backed by the United States to distribute food under the protection of Israeli troops.
The United Nations has rejected the system as inherently dangerous and a violation of humanitarian neutrality principles. Israel says it is necessary to keep militants from diverting aid.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages into Gaza. At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages there are believed to still be alive.
Israel’s campaign against Hamas has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, displaced almost the entire population of more than 2 million people, sparked a humanitarian crisis and left much of the territory in ruins.
Thousands of Israelis rallied in central Tel Aviv on Saturday demanding a deal that would release all remaining hostages being held by Hamas.
Protester Boaz Levi told Reuters here was there to pressure the government, “to get to a hostage deal as soon as possible because our friends, brothers, are in Gaza and it’s about the time to end this war. That is why we are here.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The 2025 Tour of Magnificent Qinghai is not only a road cycling spectacle, but a crucial platform for China’s Qinghai Province to showcase its plateau ecological protection, cultural tourism integration, and rural revitalization efforts.
From the canola flower fields of Menyuan to the snow-capped mountains and grasslands of Qilian, from the intangible cultural heritage of the Tu ethnic group in Huzhu to the magnificent scenes of nomadic horse teams cheering on the riders, the event paints a vibrant new picture of the plateau where ecology and culture are intertwined.
HIGH ALTITUDE, CHALLENGING RACES, SPECTACULAR SCENERY
With the sound of the starting gun, the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai opened on July 6 in the ancient plateau city of Xining, capital of Qinghai Province.
An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 18, 2024 shows a view of the Erlangjian scenic area at Qinghai Lake in northwest China’s Qinghai Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
Formerly known as the Tour of Qinghai Lake, the event was rebranded in 2025 as the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai. First held in 2002, the high-altitude race is recognized as one of Asia’s premier road cycling events, known for its punishing terrain and average elevation of 3,000 meters.
The 2025 edition features eight stages totaling 1,400 kilometers and has attracted 154 professional riders from 11 countries and regions. The event, with a maximum altitude of 3,869m, concludes in Haiyan County on July 13.
Over 24 years of development, the event has steadily advanced from a 2.5-category race to one of Asia’s top road cycling events, and now ranks as a UCI ProSeries race.
Luo Dongchuan, Governor of Qinghai Province, said in his opening speech that the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai, with its unique charm of high altitude, challenging courses, and spectacular scenery, has become one of the most challenging and visually appealing road cycling events in the world.
Cyclists compete during the Stage 5 of the 1st Tour of Qinghai Lake, July 31, 2002. [Photo/Xinhua]
“It has become a benchmark event leading the development of cycling in China, a splendid window showcasing a beautiful China and the construction of a strong sporting nation,” Luo added.
Luo further noted, “It demonstrates the open, inclusive, and pioneering spirit of the people of all ethnic groups on the Qinghai Plateau.”
In a message to the opening ceremony, David Lappartient, President of the International Cycling Union (UCI), stated that the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai has been an important part of the UCI racing history since 2002.
“Formerly part of the UCI Asia Tour, it is now a UCI ProSeries event and continues to attract top-quality teams and athletes to race through the province of Qinghai, known for its beautiful Qinghai Lake,” Lappartient added.
“All those who embark on the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai are aware that the road will be tough, but beautiful and rewarding,” he noted.
Li Zisen of Qinghai Tianyoude celebrates victory after the Stage 8 of the 20th Tour of Qinghai Lake, July 18, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua]
From his hometown in Yunnan Province to Qinghai, from one plateau to an even higher one, Li Zisen arrived at the Duoba National Plateau Training Base in Qinghai in 2013 to begin a new journey.
Li, now 27, cannot remember how many times he has ridden the training route of Duoba Base – Riyue Mountain – Xihai Town – Qinghai Lake. In several editions of the Tour of Qinghai Lake, he claimed the Blue Jersey for best Asian rider, and is currently competing in this year’s Tour of Magnificent Qinghai.
With excellent physical condition and rigorous training, Li has gradually gained recognition at both domestic and international cycling events. “Each honor has given me more confidence,” Li said before this year’s event.
PASSION AND ECOLOGY IN HARMONY
Qinghai Province is home to numerous lakes and diverse wildlife in the headwaters of the Three Rivers – the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang – making it the “Water Tower of China.” The region is dedicated to building an international ecological civilization highland.
An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 23, 2024 shows Mount Gangshika in Menyuan Hui Autonomous County, northwest China’s Qinghai Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
The Tour of Magnificent Qinghai is a “green calling card” showcasing Qinghai’s ecological civilization construction. This year’s race passes through the Twelve Turns of Huzhu, the picturesque Zhuoer Mountain, and the vast Jin Yintan (Golden and Silver Beach), showcasing Qinghai’s harmonious coexistence between mankind and nature.
“The Tour of Magnificent Qinghai has witnessed Qinghai’s determination to protect the headwaters, but more importantly, through ‘green’ sports, the organizing committee is sending a strong signal to the outside world about protecting the Sanjiangyuan (Three Rivers Source), Qinghai Lake, and even the ecological environment along the route,” said Wang Xia, Director of the Qinghai Provincial Sports Bureau.
The Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture’s Menyuan and Qilian Counties, where this year’s race passes through, are important parts of the Qilian Mountains National Park.
Seeing the majestic Gangshika Snow Mountain and the canola flower fields along the route, Swiss rider Simon Pellaud said, “These flower fields remind me of my hometown. Qinghai is a romantic place.”
This photo taken on July 21, 2022 shows a view of the Mount Geladandong in the source region of the Yangtze River in northwest China’s Qinghai Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
Since 2017, the national park has seen a 15 percent improvement in vegetation and ecological quality, with 60 percent of degraded grassland effectively restored. Water conservation capacity and hydrological runoff have also improved significantly, while vegetation has increased its carbon dioxide absorption by 19 percent and oxygen release by 20 percent.
From late May to early August, Qinghai Lake’s naked carp enter their spawning season. Tens of thousands of these fish swim upstream into the freshwater rivers feeding the lake, creating a striking natural spectacle known as “half river clear water, half river fish.”
As the most classic stage of the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai, Qinghai Lake, China’s largest inland saltwater lake, is writing a new chapter in its development as a national wetland park, emphasizing the integrated protection of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes and grasslands.
Today, the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai has become a driving force for promoting high-quality development in Qinghai, which is emerging as a world-class salt lake industry hub, a national clean energy industry highland, an international eco-tourism destination, a green and organic agricultural and livestock product export base, and a demonstration zone for coordinated development of computing power and electricity.
An aerial drone photo taken on April 23, 2024 shows a photovoltaic project in Delingha, northwest China’s Qinghai province. [Photo/Xinhua]
Salt lake resources support the dual strategies of food security and new energy transition. Qinghai’s installed capacity and power generation from renewable energy sources rank among the highest nationwide.
PLATEAU CULTURE AND DEVELOPMENT
Qinghai is a homeland of multi-ethnic groups living in harmony. The Han, Tibetan, Hui, Mongolian, Tu and Salar ethnic groups are as closely united as pomegranate seeds. The Tour of Magnificent Qinghai has become a “friendship bridge,” fostering cultural exchanges and showcasing rural revitalization on the plateau.
20-year-old Guo Kuanzhang from Lusha’er Town, Huangzhong District, Xining City, has been learning stilt-walking from his father since childhood. Before the start of the second stage in Duoba Base on July 7, Guo and his companions performed “aerial dances” on 2.5-meter stilts for the cyclists and spectators.
In the Hehuang Valley, the traditional Shehuo folk performance occurs every Spring Festival, with stilt walking a major highlight. Lusha’er stilt walking is listed as an intangible cultural heritage of Qinghai Province.
“Practicing stilts has given me a new understanding of courage and strength, and I also wish the cyclists the best of luck,” said Guo.
Folk artists perform during a Shehuo parade in Xining, northwest China’s Qinghai Province, Feb. 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Along the way, the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai has witnessed various regions developing characteristic industries.
The name of Dongge’er in Shinaihai Town, Gonghe County, means white conch in Tibetan. The fish-watching platform resembles a white conch lying quietly in the curved bay where tens of thousands of naked carp revel.
The Dongge’er Fish Watching Platform is the collective economy of six villages in Shinaihai Town. In July 2023, the villages established a cultural tourism company which built a 450-square-meter tent food city opposite the fish watching platform, creating dozens of shops selling characteristic agricultural and livestock products such as yak jerky, yogurt and wolfberries. The vast majority of local herders have now become shopkeepers to serve the booming trade.
Haiyan County’s Xihai Town, the final stage of this year’s race, is situated in the heart of Jin Yintan Grassland. Local official Xie Xiaoling said that the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai has significantly promoted the growth of the local cycling industry, with 16 cycling clubs and over 12,000 bicycles now present in the area.
A female Tibetan antelope is seen at the Drolkar Lake area in Hoh Xil, northwest China’s Qinghai Province, June 18, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]
Reflecting on the region’s cultural history, Chinese composer Wang Luobin created the timeless song “In That Distant Place” on the Jin Yintan Grassland in 1940, spreading Western Chinese folk music around the world.
Today, with the steady advancement of ecological protection and sustainable development, Qinghai is no longer a remote region but a shining example of a modern, eco-friendly plateau. The “green” cycling race continues to paint a vivid new picture of Qinghai’s development and harmony with nature.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China’s diving team held internal trials Saturday ahead of the upcoming World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, featuring significant lineup changes.
New partnerships will compete in key events, including women’s 10m platform and women’s 3m springboard. Chen Yuxi, who previously swept multiple Olympic and world titles in women’s synchronised 10m platform with Quan Hongchan, will now partner with Zhang Minjie.
“I feel her individual dives are quite stable with good height off the board. She can guide me well,” Zhang said.
“For the synchro event, each has her own style,” Chen Yuxi noted. “The priority is aligning with each other. We need continuous refinement through teamwork.”
Reflecting on her mindset post-2024 Olympics, Chen added: “The shift is substantial. After three years of intense competition last cycle, I’m starting from scratch this time to gradually regain competition rhythm. Mentally, I feel more stable and mature now.”
In women’s 3m springboard, Olympic champion Chen Yiwen pairs with newcomer Chen Jia, who has won two World Cup singles titles this season. “I’m looking forward to my first Worlds,” Chen Jia said. Chen Yiwen aims to “regain her sense of purpose” at the event. Both will also contest the singles.
Veteran Cao Yuan, an Olympic gold medalist in three different diving disciplines, switches back to men’s 3m springboard singles. “This switch demanded tremendous effort. I aim for breakthroughs and hope to execute details well,” Cao said.
Wang Zongyuan teams with Zheng Jiuyuan in the men’s synchronised 3m springboard. Wang, who will also compete in the singles, stated: “As a major post-Olympics meet, this championship will help identify areas for improvement. I’ll focus on technique and adapt during competition.”
The men’s synchronised 10m platform features rookie duo Cheng Zilong and Zhu Zifeng. “We’ll motivate each other to adjust mentally,” Zhu said. Cheng added: “As new partners this cycle, we aim to follow in our predecessors’ footsteps for national glory. This requires daily, step-by-step training progress. We’ll keep learning from them.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese Chen Yi continued her giant-killing spree, defeating more favored teammate Kuai Man to reach the women’s singles final in the WTT US Smash in Las Vegas on Saturday.
The unseeded 20-year-old from the southeastern province of Zhejiang, who had eliminated China’s world No. 1 and world champion Sun Yingsha and Japan’s ninth seed Hina Hayata, outlasted fifth-seeded Kuai 4-3 (6-11, 11-3, 3-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-1, 11-9) to set up a title clash against former Chinese national team star Zhu Yuling.
“Kuai Man and I know each other very well,” said Chen. “We both know whoever is more determined and decisive would win this game.”
Zhu, a former World Cup winner who now plays for Macao, China, swept seventh-seeded Japanese Mima Ito 4-2 (11-6, 11-9, 6-11, 4-11, 11-6, 11-8) in the other semifinal.
The 30-year-old Zhu previously stepped away from China’s national team to recover from cancer, pursue her studies, and later become a professor at Tianjin University. She joined the Macao team last year.
Earlier in the day, South Korea’s An Jae-hyun/Lim Jong-hoon beat France’s Alexis Lebrun/Felix Lebrun 3-1 to win the men’s doubles title.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China’s basketball prodigy Zhang Ziyu is set to make her international debut in senior major tournaments as China announced a 12-player roster for the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup on Saturday.
Standing 2.26 meters tall, Zhang, 18, starred at last year’s FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup with an average of 35 points and 12.8 rebounds, helping China advance to the final and being awarded the MVP of the tournament.
Zhang is joined by Han Xu, MVP of the previous Women’s Asia Cup in 2023, on the center position.
The other players included are Wang Siyu, Li Yuan, Yang Liwei, Yang Shuyu, Zhang Ru, Luo Xinyu, Jia Saiqi, Huang Sijing, Pan Zhenqi and Zhai Ruoyun.
The FIBA Women’s Asia Cup will be held in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province from July 13 to 20.
China is placed in Group A along with South Korea, New Zealand and Indonesia, and will kick off its title defense against Indonesia on Sunday.
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 13, 2025.
New Caledonia’s political parties commit to ‘historic’ statehood deal By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk New Caledonia’s pro-and-anti-independence parties have committed to an “historic” deal over the future political status of the French Pacific territory, which is set to become — for the first time — a “state” within the French realm. The 13-page agreement yesterday, officially entitled “Agreement Project of
Twyford praises NFIP lead, calls for inspired peace and regionalism Asia Pacific Report An opposition Labour Party MP today paid tribute to the Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific (NFIP) movement, saying it should inspire Aotearoa New Zealand to maintain its own independence, embrace a strong regionalism, and be a “voice for peace and demilitarisation”. But Phil Twyford, MP for Te Atatu and spokesperson on disarmament,
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 13, 2025.
New Caledonia’s political parties commit to ‘historic’ statehood deal By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk New Caledonia’s pro-and-anti-independence parties have committed to an “historic” deal over the future political status of the French Pacific territory, which is set to become — for the first time — a “state” within the French realm. The 13-page agreement yesterday, officially entitled “Agreement Project of
Twyford praises NFIP lead, calls for inspired peace and regionalism Asia Pacific Report An opposition Labour Party MP today paid tribute to the Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific (NFIP) movement, saying it should inspire Aotearoa New Zealand to maintain its own independence, embrace a strong regionalism, and be a “voice for peace and demilitarisation”. But Phil Twyford, MP for Te Atatu and spokesperson on disarmament,
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Openness brings progress, while closure leads to backwardness, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday when commenting on U.S.-imposed high tariffs against various countries.
Amid the ongoing mixture of changes and chaos in the current international situation, every country must make a choice between unilateralism and multilateralism, closeness and openness, unity and division, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, who was here attending the ASEAN Plus foreign ministers’ meetings in the Malaysian capital.
China’s choice is to be more open, he stressed, explaining that this is not only the basic experience of China’s development and growth, but also the inevitable logic of history moving forward.
China has taken the initiative to provide zero-tariff treatment for products to the least developed countries and the entire Africa, fully completed negotiations on the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, and has created a new model of cross-regional cooperation at the ASEAN-China-GCC summit, he added.
In contrast, the high tariffs imposed on various countries are a clear violation of World Trade Organization rules, disrupting the stable operation of the production and supply chains, and hindering the recovery and development of the world economy, said the Chinese foreign minister, adding that such move is irresponsible, unpopular, and unsustainable.
Wang said that China will continue to stand firmly with countries in the region, promoting unity, cooperation, and collective strength, and will always be an advocate of multilateralism, a defender of free trade, and a contributor to open development, he said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday spoke to reporters about the South China Sea issue in response to questions while attending annual ASEAN Plus foreign ministers’ meetings in Kuala Lumpur.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the South China Sea issue is discussed every year at the meetings, and this year was no exception. “What struck me most this time is the clear temperature difference between regional countries and a few countries from outside the region.”
At the China-ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting, the discussion on the South China Sea was held in a more calm and confident manner, becasse compared with other seas in the world, the South China Sea is clearly stable. There are no problems with freedom of navigation and overflight, Wang said
Some countries outside the region continue to make irresponsible remarks about the South China Sea. Although their tone has notably softened this year, they have not stopped, he said, adding tt seems they fear the South China Sea will not be chaotic. Regional countries are now well aware of these “old tricks.”
Wang said he proposed that a new narrative should be built for the South China Sea. We should not always associate the South China Sea with friction, conflict, or confrontation, but with peace, stability, and cooperation. This should become the mainstream narrative in the future, stated the Chinese foreign minister.
China and ASEAN countries are working toward this direction, he said, adding there is still one country that seems out of sync with the others, but I believe it will come to eventually understand. Acting as a pawn for others will only lead to being sacrificed.
Wang said that China and ASEAN countries have agreed to upgrade the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) by formulating a Code of Conduct (COC) that is effective, substantive, and consistent with international law.
All sides also agreed to strive to conclude the COC as scheduled next year, he said. In the next stage, consultations will become more frequent, and the process will speed up. We have the confidence, capability, and wisdom to maintain stability in the South China Sea, remove external interference, and jointly build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation.
Wang emphasized that during the meetings, he also elaborated on China’s position regarding the so-called South China Sea arbitration case. This arbitration case has serious flaws in terms of fact-finding and application of law. It carried out actions that violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea under the name of the convention itself, and its damage to regional peace and stability as well as the maritime order has become increasingly evident.
Wang stated that we must ask: if compulsory arbitration can be abused, is there still value in diplomatic efforts? Should bilateral consultations be abandoned? Do commitments under the DOC still count? If territorial sovereignty and maritime demarcation issues are submitted for arbitration, should the exclusive declarations under the convention still be respected? Does an agreement between China and the Philippines to resolve disputes through dialogue still hold? And if all islands and reefs in the South China Sea are denied maritime entitlements, should the world’s maritime map be redrawn?
In fact, this so-called arbitration case is a political manipulation and should be thrown into the trash heap of history, Wang said.
New Caledonia’s pro-and-anti-independence parties have committed to an “historic” deal over the future political status of the French Pacific territory, which is set to become — for the first time — a “state” within the French realm.
The 13-page agreement yesterday, officially entitled “Agreement Project of the Future of New Caledonia”, is the result of a solid 10 days of difficult negotiations between both pro and anti-independence parties.
They have stayed under closed doors at a hotel in the small city of Bougival, in the outskirts of Paris.
French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls (centre) shows signatures on the last page of New Caledonia’s new agreement. Image: RNZ Pacific/FB
The talks were convened by French President Emmanuel Macron after an earlier series of talks held between February and May 2025 failed to yield an agreement.
After opening the talks on July 2, Macron handed over them to his Minister for Overseas, Manuel Valls, to oversee. Valls managed to bring together all parties around the same table earlier this year.
In his opening speech earlier this month, Macron insisted on the need to restore New Caledonia’s economy, which was brought to its knees following destructive and deadly riots that erupted in May 2024.
He said France was ready to study any solution, including an “associated state” for New Caledonia.
During the following days, all political players exchanged views under the seal of strict confidentiality.
While the pro-independence movement, and its Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), remained adamant they would settle for no less than “full sovereignty”, the pro-France parties were mostly arguing that three referendums — held between 2018 and 2021 — had already concluded that most New Caledonians wanted New Caledonia to remain part of France.
Those results, they said, dictated that the democratic result of the three consultations be respected.
Group photo of participants at the end of negotiations. Image: Philippe Gomes
With this confrontational context, which resulted in an increasingly radicalised background in New Caledonia, that eventually led to the 2024 riots, the Bougival summit was dubbed the “last chance summit”.
In the early hours of Saturday, just before 7 am (Paris time, 5 pm NZ time), after a sleepless night, the secrecy surrounding the Bougival talks finally ended with an announcement from Valls.
He wrote in a release that all partners taking part in the talks had signed and “committed to present and defend the agreement’s text on New Caledonia’s future.”
Valls said this was a “major commitment resulting from a long work of negotiations during which New Caledonia’s partners made the choice of courage and responsibility”.
The released document, signed by almost 20 politicians, details what the deal would imply for New Caledonia’s future.
In its preamble, the fresh deal underlines that New Caledonia was “once again betting on trust, dialogue and peace”, through “a new political organisation, a more widely shared sovereignty and an economic and social refoundation” for a “reinvented common destiny.”
New Caledonia’s population will be called to approve the agreement in February 2026.
If approved, the text would be the centrepiece of a “special organic law” voted by the local Congress.
It would later have to be endorsed by the French Parliament and enshrined in an article of the French Constitution.
What does the agreement contain? One of the most notable developments in terms of future status for New Caledonia is the notion of a “State of New Caledonia”, under a regime that would maintain it as part of France, but with a dual citizenship — France/New Caledonia.
Another formulation used for the change of status is the often-used “sui generis”, which in legal Latin, describes a unique evolution, comparable to no other.
This would be formalised through a fundamental law to be endorsed by New Caledonia’s Congress by a required majority of three-fifths.
The number of MPs in the Congress would be 56.
The text also envisages a gradual transfer of key powers currently held by France (such as international relations), but would not include portfolios such as defence, currency or justice.
In diplomacy, New Caledonia would be empowered to conduct its own affairs, but “in respect of France’s international commitments and vital interests”.
On defence matters, even though this would remain under France’s powers, it is envisaged that New Caledonia would be “strongly” associated, consulted and kept informed, regarding strategy, goals and actions led by France in the Pacific region.
On police and public order matters, New Caledonia would be entitled to create its own provincial and traditional security forces, in addition to national French law enforcement agencies.
New Caledonia’s sensitive electoral roll The sensitive issue of New Caledonia’s electoral roll and conditions of eligibility to vote at local elections (including for the three Provincial Assemblies) is also mentioned in the agreement.
It was this very issue that was perceived as the main trigger for the May 2024 riots, the pro-independence movement feared at the time that changing the conditions to vote would gradually place the indigenous Kanak community in a position of minority.
It is now agreed that the electoral roll would be partly opened to those people of New Caledonia who were born after 1998.
The roll was frozen in 2007 and restricted to people born before 1998, which is the date the previous major autonomy agreement of Nouméa was signed.
Under the new proposed conditions to access New Caledonia’s “citizenship”, those entitled would include people who already can vote at local elections, but also their children or any person who has resided in New Caledonia for an uninterrupted ten years or who has been married or lived in a civil de facto partnership with a qualified citizen for at least five years.
Provincial elections once again postponed One of the first deadlines on the electoral calendar, the provincial elections, was to take place no later than 30 November 2025.
It will be moved once again — for the third time — to May-June 2026.
A significant part of the political deal is also dedicated to New Caledonia’s economic “refoundation”, with a high priority for the young generations, who have felt left out of the system and disenfranchised for too long.
One of the main goals was to bring New Caledonia’s public debts to a level of sustainability.
In 2024, following the riots, France granted, in the form of loans, over 1 billion euros (NZ $1.9 billion) for New Caledonia’s key institutions to remain afloat.
But some components of the political chessboard criticised the measure, saying this was placing the French territory in a state of excessive and long-term debt.
Group photo of participants at the end of negotiations with the signed agreement. Image: Philippe_Gomes/RNZ Pacific
Strategic nickel A major topic, on the macro-economic side, concerns New Caledonia’s nickel mining industry, after years of decline that has left it (even before 2024) in a state of near-collapse.
Nickel is regarded as the backbone of New Caledonia’s economy.
A nickel “strategic plan” would aim at re-starting New Caledonia nickel’s processing plants, especially in the Northern province, but at the same time facilitating the export of raw nickel.
There was also a will to ensure that all mining sites (many of which have been blocked and its installations damaged since the May 2024 riots) became accessible again.
Meanwhile, France would push the European Union to include New Caledonia’s nickel in its list of strategic resources.
New Caledonia’s nickel industry’s woes are also caused by its lack of competitiveness on the world market — especially compared to Indonesia’s recent rise in prominence in nickel production — because of the high cost of energy.
Swift reactions, mostly positive
New Caledonian politicians Sonia Backès (left to right), Nicolas Metzdorf, Gil Brial and Victor Tutugoro. Image: Nicolas Metzdorf/RNZ Pacific
The announcement yesterday was followed by quick reactions from all sides of New Caledonia’s political spectrum and also from mainland France’s political leaders.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou expressed “pride” to see an agreement “on par with history”, emerge.
“Bravo also to the work and patience of Manuel Valls” and “the decisive implication of Emmanuel Macron,” he wrote on X-Twitter.
From the ranks of New Caledonia’s political players, pro-France Nicolas Metzdorf said he perceived as one of the deal’s main benefits the fact that “we will at last be able to project ourselves in the future, in economic, social and societal reconstruction without any deadline.”
Metzdorf admitted that reaching an agreement required concessions and compromise from both sides.
“But the fact that we are no longer faced with referendums and to reinforce the powers of our provinces, this was our mandate”, he told public broadcaster NC La 1ère.
“We’ve had to accept this change from New Caledonia citizenship to New Caledonian nationality, which remains to be defined by New Caledonia’s Congress. We have also created a completely new status as part of the French Republic, a sui generis State”, he noted.
He said the innovative status kept New Caledonia within France, without going as far as an “associated state” mooted earlier.
“At least, what we have arrived at is that New Caledonians remain French”, pro-France Le Rassemblement-LR prominent leader Virginie Ruffenach commented.
“And those who want to contribute to New Caledonia’s development will be able to do so through a minimum stay of residence, the right to vote and to become citizens and later New Caledonia nationals”
“I’m aware that some could be wary of the concessions we made, but let’s face it: New Caledonia nationality does not make New Caledonia an independent State . . . It does not take away anything from us, neither of us belonging to the French Republic nor our French nationality,” Southern Province pro-France President Sonia Backès wrote on social media.
In a joint release, the two main pro-France parties, Les Loyalistes and Rassemblement-LR, said the deal was no less than “historic” and “perennial” for New Caledonia as a whole, to “offer New Caledonia a future of peace, stability and prosperity” while at the same time considering France’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
From the pro-independence side, one of the negotiators, Victor Tutugoro of UNI-UPM (Progressist Union in Melanesia) said what mattered was that “all of us have placed our bets on intelligence, beyond our respective beliefs, our positions, our postures”.
“We put all of these aside for the good of the country.”
“Of course, by definition, a compromise cannot satisfy anyone 100 percent. But it’s a balanced compromise for everyone,” he said.
“And it allows us to look ahead, to build New Caledonia together, a citizenship and this common destiny everyone’s been talking about for many years.”
Before politicians fly back to New Caledonia to present the deal to their respective bases, President Macron received all delegation members last evening to congratulate them on their achievements.
During the Presidential meeting at the Elysée Palace, FLNKS chief negotiator Emmanuel Tjibaou (whose father Jean-Marie Tjibaou also struck a historic agreement and shook hands with pro-France leader Jacques Lafleur, in 1988), stressed the agreement was one step along the path and it allows to envisage new perspectives for the Kanak people.
A sign of the changing times, but in a striking parallel — 37 years after his father’s historic handshake with Lafleur, Emmanuel Tjibaou (whose father was shot dead in 1989 by a radical pro-independence partisan who felt the independence cause had been betrayed — did not shake hands, but instead fist pumped with pro-France’s Metzdorf.
In a brief message on social networks, the French Head of State hailed the conclusive talks, which he labelled “A State of New Caledonia within the (French) Republic,” a win for a “bet on trust.”
“Now is the time for respect, for stability and for the sum of good wills to build a shared future.”
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Signatures on the last page of New Caledonia’s new agreement. Image: Philippe Dunoyer/RNZ Pacific
The Government is committed to improving the effectiveness of district governance and one of the key issues of focus is improving the environment of public housing estates and creating comfortable homes.
Diligent efforts With this in mind, the Housing Bureau announced the launch of a resident-oriented “Well-being design” guide last year, which serves as a reference for the improvement works of existing estates.
Assistant Director of Housing Michael Hong said each year about 10 estates will be selected to undergo minor improvement works.
“In general, the minor improvement works will include enhancements of the recreation facilities as well as the pedestrian routing.
“We also have five estates to carry out theme-based estate improvement works.”
Improving public spaces and amenities of public housing estates requires diligent efforts to address residents’ daily needs through practical actions. This approach leads to tangible improvements within the community.
Recently, the improvement works in Ping Shek Estate have ensured that residents enjoy a comfortable living environment. Kung Fu Court is one of the success stories.
“In Kung Fu Court, in the past, it was only green in colour. So we added some colours to it. We also added a 100m trail on the court so that elderly residents can walk or run along the trail.
“There is a kindergarten nearby, we can see that the kids can enjoy these very fun areas.
“Every day, they will come out and have some activities. And we can see the smile on their faces.”
Important input Citizens can also play their part in promoting well-being at public housing estates.
In an effort to revitalise Chak On Estate’s public spaces, the Housing Bureau organised the “Let’s Go Well-being Chak On” Design Competition in January.
The competition was divided into two categories that include the “students” group and the “emerging” group, covering four public spaces: Chak On Plaza – Estate Stage; Communal space – Cultural & Recreational Room; Estate landmark – Sunset Plaza; and Intergeneration Fitness Playscape.
A group of master’s degree students majoring in urban design gathered extensive feedback from residents through workshops and interviews.
Their efforts allowed them to excel in the competition and ultimately win.
“Let’s Go Well-being Chak On” Design Competition (Students Category) winning team member Gia He said her team spoke to estate residents to hear their user experience and input on the design when creating their design.
“They told us their stories of this community, their life. We were touched by their love for their life and also their love for this community.
Miss He added that the team’s design was mainly based on the residents’ requests.
“The area is mostly suitable for them to use, like they have a comfortable seating area, an area for them to talk with each other or play with their children or play chess, anything they want to do.”
The winning projects will serve as a reference for the detailed design of the improvements to Chak On Estate.
Miss He and her teammates are currently working as interns at a design consultancy.
Under the guidance of professional consultants and relevant departments, the design plan was optimised in hopes of overcoming technical difficulties.
She added that they will do their utmost to transform the design project from the drawing board to reality.
New York City, NY, July 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In an industry often clouded by complexity and technical barriers, Bay Miner is taking a bold step forward by launching an advanced, user-first cloud mining platform designed to make cryptocurrency mining accessible, transparent, and profitable for everyone—regardless of experience level or technical background.
Operating globally and rooted in transparency and trust, Bay Miner is poised to reshape how users engage with digital currencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Litecoin (LTC). By removing traditional barriers such as hardware requirements, high energy consumption, and technical complexity, Bay Miner is empowering individuals to mine crypto in the simplest and most secure way possible.
“We’re not just building another mining platform—we’re building a future where everyday people can benefit from the digital economy,” said a spokesperson for Bay Miner. “We’ve designed our ecosystem to be intuitive, transparent, and truly rewarding, from day one.”
A Simpler Way to Mine
Bay Miner’s platform offers instant access to mining through the cloud—no equipment, no software installation, and no learning curve. Users can sign up in seconds, claim their free $15 mining credit, and begin earning daily returns with just a few clicks. This frictionless onboarding experience reflects the company’s mission: making mining as easy as opening a browser.
The platform is completely web-based, allowing users to track mining performance, adjust contract settings, and monitor earnings directly from their smartphone, tablet, or computer—anytime, anywhere.
Key Features That Set Bay Miner Apart
1. Real Mining Infrastructure Every mining contract on Bay Miner is backed by actual operations running across secure, energy-optimized data centers strategically located in North America, Europe, and Asia. Users mine real cryptocurrencies with real, verifiable rewards.
2. Flexible Mining Contracts Bay Miner offers a wide range of contract options—short-term for fast returns, and long-term for compounding profits. From modest $100 contracts to premium packages exceeding $5,000, each plan is tailored to meet individual risk appetites and investment strategies.
3. Transparent Daily Payouts Earnings are calculated and distributed daily, with no hidden fees or withdrawal limits. This gives users full visibility and control over their mining income, building long-term trust in the platform.
4. Military-Grade Security and Stability Bay Miner’s infrastructure is fortified with end-to-end encryption, multi-layer authentication, and around-the-clock system monitoring. Users’ data and digital assets are protected by the same protocols used in modern financial institutions. With 99.9% platform uptime, users can mine with confidence around the clock.
5. Generous Onboarding Bonuses and Loyalty Rewards New users are welcomed with a 15$ mining credit upon registration, and daily login bonuses encourage ongoing engagement. Referral incentives and performance-based rewards further amplify user growth and earnings.
Designed for Growth
Bay Miner’s unique ecosystem is built to scale. Whether you’re an individual looking for a passive income stream or an institutional client seeking high-volume mining contracts, Bay Miner provides robust tools and support to maximize returns.
Elite Mining Suite – $5,000+ packages with enhanced daily profits and priority support
Each contract includes real-time monitoring and performance reporting, giving users complete transparency and control.
A Platform Built on Trust and Vision
In a market saturated with empty promises and vague tech jargon, Bay Miner takes a grounded approach. The platform was built with regulatory compliance, long-term sustainability, and user empowerment at its core. Unlike many competitors that focus solely on growth metrics, Bay Miner puts integrity first.
“Our philosophy is simple—if our users succeed, we succeed,” said the company spokesperson. “We’re not just offering a mining platform; we’re creating a community of forward-thinkers who want to build wealth the right way.”
With thousands of users already joining the platform during its beta testing phase, early feedback has highlighted its simplicity, reliability, and impressive earning potential.
Getting Started is Easy
Anyone can begin mining with Bay Miner in three simple steps:
Register and receive a $15 free mining bonus instantly
Select a contract that matches your goals and start earning daily income
No equipment. No experience. No delays. Just seamless, secure, and scalable mining.
About Bay Miner
Bay Miner is a US-based cloud mining company dedicated to redefining access to cryptocurrency mining through secure, user-friendly, and transparent services. By leveraging state-of-the-art mining technology and a global network of data centers, Bay Miner delivers a truly modern solution to digital wealth generation.
Bay Miner – Mine Smarter. Earn Faster. Own the Future.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.
New York City, NY, July 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In an industry often clouded by complexity and technical barriers, Bay Miner is taking a bold step forward by launching an advanced, user-first cloud mining platform designed to make cryptocurrency mining accessible, transparent, and profitable for everyone—regardless of experience level or technical background.
Operating globally and rooted in transparency and trust, Bay Miner is poised to reshape how users engage with digital currencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Litecoin (LTC). By removing traditional barriers such as hardware requirements, high energy consumption, and technical complexity, Bay Miner is empowering individuals to mine crypto in the simplest and most secure way possible.
“We’re not just building another mining platform—we’re building a future where everyday people can benefit from the digital economy,” said a spokesperson for Bay Miner. “We’ve designed our ecosystem to be intuitive, transparent, and truly rewarding, from day one.”
A Simpler Way to Mine
Bay Miner’s platform offers instant access to mining through the cloud—no equipment, no software installation, and no learning curve. Users can sign up in seconds, claim their free $15 mining credit, and begin earning daily returns with just a few clicks. This frictionless onboarding experience reflects the company’s mission: making mining as easy as opening a browser.
The platform is completely web-based, allowing users to track mining performance, adjust contract settings, and monitor earnings directly from their smartphone, tablet, or computer—anytime, anywhere.
Key Features That Set Bay Miner Apart
1. Real Mining Infrastructure Every mining contract on Bay Miner is backed by actual operations running across secure, energy-optimized data centers strategically located in North America, Europe, and Asia. Users mine real cryptocurrencies with real, verifiable rewards.
2. Flexible Mining Contracts Bay Miner offers a wide range of contract options—short-term for fast returns, and long-term for compounding profits. From modest $100 contracts to premium packages exceeding $5,000, each plan is tailored to meet individual risk appetites and investment strategies.
3. Transparent Daily Payouts Earnings are calculated and distributed daily, with no hidden fees or withdrawal limits. This gives users full visibility and control over their mining income, building long-term trust in the platform.
4. Military-Grade Security and Stability Bay Miner’s infrastructure is fortified with end-to-end encryption, multi-layer authentication, and around-the-clock system monitoring. Users’ data and digital assets are protected by the same protocols used in modern financial institutions. With 99.9% platform uptime, users can mine with confidence around the clock.
5. Generous Onboarding Bonuses and Loyalty Rewards New users are welcomed with a 15$ mining credit upon registration, and daily login bonuses encourage ongoing engagement. Referral incentives and performance-based rewards further amplify user growth and earnings.
Designed for Growth
Bay Miner’s unique ecosystem is built to scale. Whether you’re an individual looking for a passive income stream or an institutional client seeking high-volume mining contracts, Bay Miner provides robust tools and support to maximize returns.
Elite Mining Suite – $5,000+ packages with enhanced daily profits and priority support
Each contract includes real-time monitoring and performance reporting, giving users complete transparency and control.
A Platform Built on Trust and Vision
In a market saturated with empty promises and vague tech jargon, Bay Miner takes a grounded approach. The platform was built with regulatory compliance, long-term sustainability, and user empowerment at its core. Unlike many competitors that focus solely on growth metrics, Bay Miner puts integrity first.
“Our philosophy is simple—if our users succeed, we succeed,” said the company spokesperson. “We’re not just offering a mining platform; we’re creating a community of forward-thinkers who want to build wealth the right way.”
With thousands of users already joining the platform during its beta testing phase, early feedback has highlighted its simplicity, reliability, and impressive earning potential.
Getting Started is Easy
Anyone can begin mining with Bay Miner in three simple steps:
Register and receive a $15 free mining bonus instantly
Select a contract that matches your goals and start earning daily income
No equipment. No experience. No delays. Just seamless, secure, and scalable mining.
About Bay Miner
Bay Miner is a US-based cloud mining company dedicated to redefining access to cryptocurrency mining through secure, user-friendly, and transparent services. By leveraging state-of-the-art mining technology and a global network of data centers, Bay Miner delivers a truly modern solution to digital wealth generation.
Bay Miner – Mine Smarter. Earn Faster. Own the Future.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
July 11, 2025
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—secured several important provisions to support servicemembers and boost American competitiveness and national security in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that SASC approved this week and the full Senate will now consider. Among the provisions that the Senator secured in the Committee-passed legislation, Duckworth successfully led a provision to expand IVF access for uniformed servicemembers and ensure military families have the same level of coverage that Members of Congress and other federal employees already have. As President Donald Trump continues to misuse our military to intimidate American citizens across our nation, Duckworth also successfully secured provisions that would safeguard Americans’ civil rights when servicemembers assist law enforcement on U.S. soil.
“The brave men and women in uniform who serve our nation at home and abroad deserve to know that our country fully supports them as they and their families sacrifice to defend our country and our Constitution,”?said Duckworth.?“While I don’t support every provision included in this bill, I’m proud that it includes several of my provisions to support our servicemembers and their families, boost American manufacturing, improve Americans’ faith in their military as well as rein in the Trump Administration. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue improving this NDAA and ensure Congress passes a strong final bill that lets our troops know we have their backs.”
NDAAs set our nation’s defense policy and laws, authorize funding for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and ensure that our servicemembers have the tools they need to defend our nation. Additionally, this year’s committee-passed legislation authorizes funding to support a 3.8 percent pay raise for military members.
Key Duckworth-led provisions secured in this year’s Committee-passed NDAA would:
Expand access to IVF for military families by requiring TRICARE to cover fertility treatment services, including IVF, to ensure servicemembers and their families have the same level of coverage that Members of Congress already receive. This is the second time Senator Duckworth secured this provision in the committee-passed version of an NDAA bill.
Regarding this provision, Duckworth said: “Even before I was wounded, I had made the difficult decision to delay building a family because I knew getting pregnant would impact my ability to be an Army aviator—and to advance in the career I loved. Because of the miracle of IVF—and my access to reproductive healthcare through the VA—I’m now a mom to two beautiful girls. The reality is that the men and women of the uniformed services face unique challenges when trying to start or build a family, and studies show that servicemembers and Veterans have higher rates of infertility compared to the general population. After successfully securing this provision in last year’s Committee-passed bill, I’m so proud my colleagues helped me build on this progress by including it in this year’s bill as well. It’s past time our nation provides our military families with the same access to IVF that all Members of Congress already have and ensure our heroes can start the families they’ve dreamed of.”
Strengthen public trust of the military and enhance civil rights by requiring that servicemembers identify themselves as part of the military when assisting federal law enforcement in the United States. As the Trump Administration continues to send federal agents and our nation’s military into our communities to intimidate their fellow Americans, this provision ensures that servicemembers identify themselves properly—to avoid public misunderstanding about who is providing logistical support versus conducting arrests or law enforcement duties.
Regarding this provision, Duckworth said: “In my own experience serving in the National Guard, I saw firsthand the difference drawing a bright line between the roles of our military and law enforcement can make in terms of maintaining public trust in our military. I’m proud my colleagues agreed that this is a necessary requirement to provide accountability to the public during tense moments when troops might be interacting with citizens, from protests to natural disasters to humanitarian crises, and I hope the rest of my colleagues in the Senate do too.”
Ensure all servicemembers know their legal obligations during deployments both at home and abroad by mandating legal training to all servicemembers, including a refresher within 90 days of any mobilization or deployment, on their responsibilities under the law of armed conflict, rules of engagement, defense support for civil authorities and standing rules for the use of force within the United States. In light of the Trump Administration’s increasing use of troops to support law enforcement within the United States, this provision will ensure troops know how to responsibly operate within the bounds of domestic laws and protect American civil rights.
Establish a senior leader of DoD Programs for military to civilian transition efforts by directing DoD to appoint a senior official to oversee policy and programs related to the transition of servicemembers to civilian life or to the reserves. This would elevate and strengthen DoD’s attention on services to assist troops as they leave service and enter civilian life, providing a streamlined conduit for coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Explore international co-production of auxiliary vessels by requiring DoD to identify opportunities to enter joint ventures between U.S. military, U.S. companies and foreign partners to co-produce auxiliary vessels and small boats. Senator Duckworth’s effort aims to increase our nation’s sealift capacity and shipbuilding workforce through leveraging the strengths of our allies and partners in constructing smaller vessels as well as building our ability to surge production of these vessels closer to the point of need in the event of conflict.
Enhance Congressional oversight of the military justice system by requiring the President and DoD to notify Congress of any removal of Judge Advocates General, to ensure that military commanders have the legal advice they need to make their difficult decisions. In addition to notice, the President and DoD must provide a justification for the involuntary removal of any of the top Judge Advocates General (JAG) at least five days before the JAG is removed. This follows Secretary Hegseth’s unceremonious firing of JAGs, which are our military’s legal experts on everything from administrative and domestic protections to international law.
Protect servicemembers from dangerous PFAS in their protective garments by requiring the DoD’s to articulate its plan for acquiring chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threat protective garments free from toxic PFAS chemicals as soon as possible.
Enable the nonpartisan, Duckworth-created Afghanistan War Commission to finish its final report by authorizing DoD to provide non-reimbursable support services—like staff, facilities and funding—and authorizing the Commission to enter into contracts to obtain essential goods and servicesauthor, including the ability to publish its final report through a private publisher. These provisions align its authorities with similar commissions, including the 9/11 National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States.
Expand the successful Southeast Asia Cyber Pilot Program to allow U.S. forces to work with the Pacific Island nations to improve their cyber capabilities and reduce vulnerabilities, building resilience against threats in DoD’s priority region.
Expand exchange opportunities for allies and partners by authorizing DoD to offer exchange opportunities at universities with ROTC programs for servicemembers from partner nations, creating a cost-effective way to train future leaders of key partner militaries.
Ensure fairness in Special and Incentive Pay for Reservists by directing DoD to deliver a special and incentive pay assessment framework – which was required in the FY24 NDAA — by June 1, 2026, and also requiring DoD to make a specific determination about the percentage of aviation incentive pay that goes to maintaining skill proficiency. This provision is essential to ensuring Reservists are paid fairly when they are required to maintain skills and certifications that are expensive to maintain.
Direct a GAO Report on Aviation Safety to review DoD policies and procedures for data gathering, risk assessment and risk mitigation of U.S. military flights, especially as in U.S. domestic civilian airspace. This provision follows investigations into the tragic crash at Reagan National Airport and close calls with military flights throughout civilian airspace.
Bolster our nation’s aviation supply chain by encouraging the use of domestically manufactured helicopters in Initial Entry Rotary Wing pilot training by the Army.
Improve servicemember mental health services and confidentiality by emphasizing support for consistent compliance with suicide prevention policy and confidential access to mental health care without retaliation for all servicemembers and across all branches. The Senator helped secure this provision alongside U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
Expand robotic enhancements for armaments manufacturing by authorizing an additional $5 million for the Secretary of the Army to expand prototyping and production capacity by integrating robotics, automation and digital manufacturing into the munitions industrial base.
Use advanced manufacturing to improve the rapid repair of equipment in forward-based locations by authorizing digital manufacturing as part of the prototyping program for contested logistics and removing the sunset for the program. This provision would allow DoD to develop best practices regarding forward-based commercial, advanced digital manufacturing facilities for rapid, distributed parts production closer to the point of use.
Elevate research on total force optimization by expressing support for investments in biomechanical, physiological, and psychological research to mitigate injury risks and improve physical resilience in combat operations.
Improve equipment connectivity for military airfields by encouraging the Air Force to integrate connectivity solutions for flightline support equipment, such as generators, light carts, and support vehicles, that are critical for ensuring our military aircraft can safely take off and land. This will improve equipment readiness to ensure our Airmen are prepared for expeditionary flightline operations in contested environments.
Advance U.S. bio-industrial manufacturing innovation by supporting the innovative work being done at advanced facilities like the University of Illinois’s Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Hub (iFAB) by requiring more information on how DoD is investing in this technology critical for national security.
Illuminate gaps in the military footwear industrial base by requesting DoD provide data and analysis on the necessary war reserves for footwear and textiles, and the accompanying surge needs in the event of crisis or conflict. This report language is a modified version of the Senator’s Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act, which recognizes that our defense industrial base for combat boots needs investment in order for it to support our troops and help ensure they have the sturdiest and most protective boots in a possible war.
Strengthen domestic suppliers of critical uniform components by prohibiting the DoD from sourcing clothing, fabrics or components from countries of concern—such as China, Iran, North Korea and Russia—when using domestic sourcing waivers under the Berry Amendment, to prevent further weakening of the U.S. clothing and textile industrial base.?
Allow the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) to explore investments in nuclear energy and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturing by authorizing inclusion of nuclear energy as a covered technology under Section 149 of Title 10 and directing OSC to explore the value of investments in PCBs. This change would enable DoD to explore new investments with these key industries critical for our national security.
Accelerate commercially-useful Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computers (FTQC) by recognizing the importance of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) program, which aims to build a commercially useful FTQC by 2033, and encouraging the Department to concurrently prepare algorithms to operate those machines, while the hardware is being built. This provision recognizes the importance of the development of the first FTQC, which is being built at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago, Illinois.
Improve cross-state medical license reciprocity for Title 32 National Guard medical providers by requiring DoD to analyze any barriers to ensuring medical license reciprocity for Guardsmen to train under Title 32 status. This follows reports from National Guardsmen medical providers that they struggle to get the permissions necessary to conduct essential training across state lines, especially in specialized hospitals for trauma care – vital kinds of training for combat care.
Protect Rock Island Arsenal by restricting the Secretary of the Army from using any funds authorized for restructuring Army commands until the Army provides more information about their proposed plan to integrate Joint Munitions Command and Army Sustainment Command, ensuring operations at Rock Island Arsenal are not unnecessarily affected.
Improve Arsenal Workload Sustainment by establishing a 5-year pilot program requiring DoD to give preference to public-private partnerships in arsenals, especially those non-public partners that ensure equitable workshare to DoD employees to protect critical skills. This provision is a modified version of the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act that Duckworth introduced alongside U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) as well as U.S. Representative Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) to help ensure Army arsenals and factories remain active and viable while preserving the skilled workforce, equipment and production capacity critical to our nation’s defense industrial base.
Improve the governance of the organic industrial base by directing the Army to analyze the effectiveness of their current governance and resourcing model for the Army’s arsenals, depots as well as ammunition plants and identify opportunities for changes to ensure the enterprise and its workforce can support the military’s munitions and sustainment requirements now and in the future. The Senator helped secure this provision alongside Senator Tom Cotton (R-AK).
Improve predictive manufacturing analytics at Army Arsenals by urging the continued implementation of industrial control networks across our Army’s arsenals to enable the collection, aggregation and analysis of data associated with the manufacture and repair of equipment and supplies.
Ensure Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC)’scontinued success by securing a one-year extension of the Joint Medical Facility Demonstration Fund, which supports the operations of the North Chicago-based Lovell FHCC. This provision, led with Senator Durbin, will help safeguard continued access to vital services for military families and Veterans in the area.
Improve the “Warm Hand-off Process” for Servicemembers by changing the current “opt-in” option on the DD-2648 form for sending servicemembers’ information to state veterans’ agencies to an “opt-out” option, aiming to streamline information flow to state services and improve the “warm hand-off” process for servicemembers when they separate or retire from the military service. The Senator helped secure this provision alongside U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND).
Support the construction of a Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal by authorizing $50 million in Major Construction funds for a new addition to the Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal and to consolidate the existing facilities into a single building and make upgrades to meet DoD guidelines and safety requirements. This project will provide a necessary service to the Arsenal and surrounding community.
Support the design of a new Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Scott Air Force Base by authorizing $6 million in Planning and Design funds for the construction of a new aircraft maintenance hangar to support the training and operational mission of the 126th Aerial Refueling Wing at Scott Air Force Base. The current hangar was constructed in 1956, remains in disrepair and no longer meets Department of Defense standards or mission requirements, making a new hangar critical to the Wing’s mission.
Support the design renovation to General Jones Readiness Center by authorizing $5 million in Planning and Design funds for major alternations to the General Richard L. Jones National Guard Readiness Center in Chicago. This facility was built in 1931 and remains one of the largest readiness centers in the country. Renovating it to meet mission requirements is a top priority for the Illinois National Guard.
Improving the Tactical Vehicle Fleet by authorizing an additional $168 million to speed up replacement of Marine Corps HMMWVs with modernized vehicles to improve readiness for global missions.
In addition to these provisions, Duckworth also successfully worked to protect Universities across the country from having their DoD funding for critical technological research cut unnecessarily.
The All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi will host Shalyacon 2025, a three-day national seminar from July 13 to 15, coinciding with Sushruta Jayanti, celebrated annually on July 15 to honor Acharya Sushruta, widely regarded as the Father of Surgery. Organized by AIIA’s Department of Shalya Tantra under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Yogesh Badwe, in collaboration with the National Sushruta Association, the event marks the 25th Annual Conference of the association.
The inaugural ceremony on July 14 will be attended by Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush, as the Chief Guest. Guests of Honour include Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush; Prof. Sanjeev Sharma, Vice Chancellor of the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur; and Prof. (Dr.) Tanuja Nesari, Director of the Institute of Teaching & Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar.
Prof. (Dr.) Manjusha Rajagopala, Director (I/C) of AIIA, emphasized the institute’s commitment to advancing Ayurveda globally. “Shalyacon reflects AIIA’s dedication to integrating Ayurvedic principles with modern surgical advancements, equipping emerging Ayurvedic surgeons with the skills and confidence to practice integrated surgical care,” she said.
The seminar, themed around Innovation, Integration, and Inspiration, will feature live surgical demonstrations on July 13 and 14, including general surgeries, anorectal procedures, and urosurgical cases. The first day will showcase ten general endoscopic laparoscopic surgeries, while the second day will feature sixteen anorectal surgeries, providing participants with real-time learning opportunities.
Shalyacon 2025 is expected to draw over 500 scholars, surgeons, researchers, and academicians from India and abroad. The event will foster idea exchange, highlight clinical advancements, and explore emerging trends in Ayurvedic surgical practices. A special plenary session spanning all three days will cover topics such as General and Laparoscopic Surgery, Wound Management, Para-surgical Techniques, Anorectal Surgery, Asthi-Sandhi Marma Chikitsa, and surgical innovations.
On the final day, over 200 oral and poster presentations will contribute to scholarly discussions. Additionally, a Scientific Session will provide a platform for researchers and clinicians to present their work, followed by a cultural program to conclude the event.
This dynamic confluence of tradition and technology underscores AIIA’s mission to advance Ayurvedic surgery and promote its global relevance.
President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 30% tariff on imports from Mexico and the European Union starting on August 1, after weeks of negotiations with the key U.S. allies and top trading partners failed to reach a comprehensive trade deal.
In an escalation of the trade war that has angered U.S. allies and rattled investors, Trump announced the latest tariffs in separate letters to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum posted on Truth Social on Saturday.
Both the EU and Mexico responded by calling the tariffs unfair and disruptive while pledging to continue to negotiate with the U.S. for a broader trade deal before the August deadline.
The European Union and Mexico are among the largest U.S. trading partners.
Trump has sent similar letters to 23 other U.S. trading partners this week, including Canada, Japan and Brazil, setting blanket tariff rates ranging from 20% up to 50%, as well as a 50% tariff on copper.
Trump said the 30% tariff rate was “separate from all sectoral tariffs”, which means 50% levies on steel and aluminum imports and a 25% tariff on auto imports would remain at those levels.
The August 1 deadline gives countries targeted by Trump’s letters time to negotiate a trade deal that could lower the threatened tariff levels.
The spate of letters shows Trump has returned to the aggressive trade posture that he took in early April when he announced a slew of reciprocal tariffs against trading partners that sent markets tumbling before the White House delayed implementation.
But with the stock market hitting record highs in recent weeks and a bullish economy, Trump is showing no signs of slowing down his trade war.
Trump promised to use the 90-day pause in April to strike dozens of new trade deals with trading partners, but has only secured framework agreements with Britain, China and Vietnam.
The EU had hoped to reach a comprehensive trade agreement with the U.S. for the 27-country bloc.
Trump’s letter to the EU included a demand that Europe drop its own tariffs, an apparent condition of any future deal.
“The European Union will allow complete, open Market Access to the United States, with no Tariff being charged to us, in an attempt to reduce the large Trade Deficit,” Trump wrote.
EU President von der Leyen said the 30% tariffs “would disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic.”
She also said while the EU will continue to work towards a trade agreement, they “will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”
Mexico’s economy ministry said Saturday that it was informed the U.S. would send a letter during a bilateral meeting Friday with U.S. officials.
“We mentioned at the roundtable that it was unfair treatment and that we did not agree,” the ministry’s statement said.
MEXICO’S TARIFF RATE LOWER THAN CANADA’S
Mexico’s proposed tariff level is lower than Canada’s 35% rate, with both letters citing fentanyl flows even though government data shows the amount of the drug seized at the Mexican border was significantly higher than the Canadian border.
“Mexico has been helping me secure the border, BUT, what Mexico has done, is not enough. Mexico still has not stopped the Cartels who are trying to turn all of North America into a Narco-Trafficking Playground,” Trump wrote.
Mexico sends more than 80% of its total exported goods to the U.S. and free trade with its northern neighbor drove Mexico to overtake China as the U.S.’s top trading partner in 2023.
The EU had initially hoped to strike a comprehensive trade agreement but more recently had scaled back its ambitions and shifted toward securing a broader framework deal similar to the one Britain brokered that leaves key details to be negotiated.
The 27-country bloc is under conflicting pressures as powerhouse Germany urged a quick deal to safeguard its industry, while other EU members, such as France, have said EU negotiators should not cave into a one-sided deal on U.S. terms.
Trump’s cascade of tariff orders since returning to the White House has begun generating tens of billions of dollars a month in new revenue for the U.S. government. U.S. customs duties revenue shot past $100 billion in the federal fiscal year through to June, according to U.S. Treasury data on Friday.
The tariffs have also strained security relationships with some of America’s closest partners.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said last week that Japan needed to wean itself from U.S. dependence in key areas. The fight over tariffs has also prompted Canada and some European allies to reexamine their security dependence on the United States, with some looking to purchase non-U.S. weapons systems.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
NEW YORK, July 12 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday morning that a 30 percent tariff will be imposed on goods from the European Union and Mexico starting August 1.
The new duties were announced in letters addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The messages were published on Trump’s Truth Social page.
D. Trump criticized Mexico for “failing to stop drug cartels” from smuggling drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States and accused the country of not cooperating enough with Washington to curb illegal immigration.
As for the European Union, the US President criticised it for its tariff and non-tariff barriers, accusing them of creating “long-term, large and persistent trade deficits”.
“Our relations, unfortunately, are far from reciprocal,” the president wrote in his letter.
Trump used much of the same language in his letter as he did in messages sent earlier this week to other leaders, warning them against retaliation, urging them to move companies to the United States and hinting at the possibility of adjusting tariffs if they cooperate.
Over the past week, the US president has sent more than 20 similar letters to other US trading partners, including Canada, the Republic of Korea, Japan and Brazil, imposing uniform tariff rates on goods from these countries, ranging from 20 to 50 percent. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, July 12 /Xinhua/ — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hee in the city of Wonsan in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on Saturday as part of the second round of strategic dialogue, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported.
“The heads of the foreign policy departments thoroughly discussed current issues of developing bilateral relations, including the schedule of upcoming political contacts. Particular attention was paid to the prospects for further cooperation in practical areas,” the statement published on the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry noted.
As stated in the report, a keen exchange of views took place on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia (NEA). Mutual commitment to a political and diplomatic solution to the problems existing there was confirmed. The parties emphasized their determination to jointly counter the hegemonic aspirations of extra-regional players, which are leading to escalating tensions in NEA and the entire Asia-Pacific region.
Following the negotiations, a Plan for Inter-Ministerial Exchanges between Russia and the DPRK for 2026-2027 was signed.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, S. Lavrov arrived at Wonsan airport on Friday night, beginning his visit to the DPRK. His visit will last from July 11 to 13. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Xinhua) — China hopes to work with Sri Lanka to further develop strategic cooperative partnership based on sincere mutual assistance and lasting friendship, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, noted that China and Sri Lanka enjoy traditional friendship, and recalled that in January this year, the two heads of state held fruitful talks and reached an important consensus on deepening the China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership and jointly building a community with a shared future for China and Sri Lanka, indicating the direction and providing guidance for the development of bilateral ties.
The Chinese Foreign Minister noted that China is a reliable partner of Sri Lanka, and the two sides should deepen high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road and practical cooperation in various fields.
The two sides should jointly and effectively implement the two flagship projects of Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port, accelerate negotiations on the China-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, and create new growth points for cooperation in areas such as green energy, digital economy, modern agriculture and marine economy, Wang said.
The Chinese Foreign Minister noted that maritime cooperation between China and Sri Lanka is mutually beneficial, is not directed against third parties and should not be subject to their influence.
China hopes to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Sri Lanka on platforms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum to jointly maintain stability and development in the region, he said, adding that the so-called “Indo-Pacific Strategy” provokes bloc confrontation and forces parties to take one position or another, which is not in line with the trend of the times and will not be supported by countries in the region.
V. Herath, for his part, assured that Sri Lanka attaches great importance to relations with China and firmly adheres to the one-China principle. Sri Lanka is grateful to China for its firm support in protecting its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for its timely assistance during times of difficulty, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister added.
Sri Lanka-China cooperation has brought great benefits to the people of Sri Lanka and effectively promoted the overall development of the region and regional connectivity, V. Herath continued. The Minister added that Sri Lanka is willing to work with China to implement the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries, strengthen practical cooperation in various fields including economy and trade, investment, infrastructure and maritime affairs, so as to further deepen the Sri Lanka-China strategic cooperative partnership. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
SINGAPORE, July 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In response to surging demand for leveraged crypto trading, BexBack Exchange has announced a limited-time promotional campaign featuring a 100% deposit bonus match and a $50 welcome bonus for new users. This initiative comes as Bitcoin continues to trade above $110,000, sparking renewed interest in high-leverage futures among investors aiming to capitalize on market volatility. With up to 100x leverage now available on BTC and over 50 other digital assets, BexBack is positioning itself as a leading destination for crypto derivatives traders seeking capital efficiency and flexible onboarding.
Advantages of 100x Leverage Crypto Futures
Amplified Profits: Control large positions with a small amount of capital, capturing more profits from market fluctuations.
Low Capital Requirement: Participate in high-value trades with minimal investment, lowering the entry barrier.
Increased Market Opportunities: Profit quickly from price fluctuations, especially in volatile markets.
High Capital Efficiency: Leverage enables better use of your capital, expanding your investment potential.
Profit from Both Up and Down Markets: Adapt to any market conditions, with opportunities to profit whether the market goes up or down.
What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?
Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:
Suppose the Bitcoin price is $100,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.
One day later, if the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be (105,000 – 100,000) * 100 BTC / 100,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.
With BexBack’s deposit bonus
BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.
Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.
How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work? The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.
About BexBack?
BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform offering up to 100x leverage on futures contracts for BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and over 50 other digital assets. Headquartered in Singapore, the platform also operates offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. Like many top-tier exchanges, BexBack holds a U.S. MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. The platform accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe, with zero deposit fees and 24/7 multilingual customer support, delivering a secure, efficient, and user-friendly trading experience.
Why recommend BexBack?
No KYC Required: Start trading immediately without complex identity verification.
High-Leverage Trading: Offers up to 100x leverage, maximizing investors’ capital efficiency.
Demo Account: Comes with 10 BTC in virtual funds, ideal for beginners to practice risk-free trading.
Comprehensive Trading Options: Feature-rich trading available via Web and mobile applications.
Convenient Operation: No slippage, no spread, and fast, precise trade execution.
Global User Support: Enjoy 24/7 customer service, no matter where you are.
Lucrative Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission, perfect for promoters.
Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!
If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users, you can be a winner in the new bull run.
Sign Up Now on BexBack — Break the 100x Leverage and KYC Barriers, Get Double Deposit Bonus and $50 Welcome Bonus Instantly
Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack.The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
Recent reductions in income tax burdens, benign inflation, lower interest rates and a favourable outlook for agricultural production are expected to support rural incomes and bolster overall consumption in India, according to a new report.
Given that private final consumption expenditure constitutes nearly 60 per cent of India’s GDP, it has a strong bearing on India’s overall growth outlook.
A sustained recovery in consumption is also vital for a meaningful pick-up in private sector capital expenditure.
“We expect private consumption growth of 6.2 per cent in FY26 compared to an average of 6.7 per cent in the last three years. In the long run, it will be critical to monitor factors impacting household income to ensure healthy growth in private consumption,” said the report by CareEdge Ratings.
While overall consumption growth has remained broadly healthy over the past few years, recent indicators suggest emerging pressures in urban demand, even as rural demand continues to hold firm.
Rural consumption is expected to be supported by favourable agricultural output and easing inflation in FY26, the report mentioned.
Recent policy support in the form of RBI rate cuts, reduced tax burdens, and easing inflationary pressures is expected to offer some relief and support to urban consumption in the near term.
Moreover, rural consumption could get a further fillip from the likelihood of a good monsoon this year, the report mentioned.
At a time when the income growth has been weak, the household leverage has seen an uptick. As of FY24, household debt stands at 41 per cent of GDP and 55 per cent of net household disposable income. Even though, Indian households are less leveraged than certain emerging economies such as Thailand (87 per cent of GDP), Malaysia (67 per cent) and China (62 per cent).
The report said that it is essential to closely monitor the unsecured segment of household liabilities, which has increased in the post-pandemic years. This is particularly important in the context of moderating income growth and rising delinquencies in the segment.
The 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was convened on 11 July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Meeting was chaired by The Honourable Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia.
Review and Future Direction of the EAS
The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening the EAS as the premier Leaders-led forum for dialogue and cooperation on broad strategic, political, and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia in line with the EAS foundational documents and based on the established principles, objectives and modalities of the EAS.
Download the full statement here.
The post Chairman’s Statement of the 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Xinhua) — Openness brings progress, while closedness leads to backwardness, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said on Saturday, commenting on the high tariffs imposed by the United States on various countries.
Amid the ongoing intertwining of changes and chaos in the current international situation, every country must make a choice between unilateralism and multilateralism, closedness and openness, unity and division, said Wang Yi, who attended the ASEAN Plus Foreign Ministers’ Meetings in Kuala Lumpur.
China is choosing to be more open, he stressed, explaining that this is not only based on the country’s basic experience of development and growth, but also on the inevitable logic of historical progress.
Beijing has taken the lead in lifting tariffs on products from least developed countries and Africa as a whole, fully completed negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0, and created a new model of inter-regional cooperation at the ASEAN-China-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) summit, the minister added.
On the contrary, high tariffs on various countries are a clear violation of World Trade Organization rules, disrupt the stable operation of production and supply chains, and hinder the recovery and development of the world economy, Wang said. He called the move irresponsible, unpopular and unsustainable.
China will continue to firmly stand shoulder to shoulder with countries in the region, promote unity, cooperation and collective strength, and will always be an advocate of multilateralism, a defender of free trade and a champion of open development, the minister stressed. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, briefed reporters on Saturday on his talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the ASEAN Plus Foreign Ministers’ Meeting here on Friday.
Both Beijing and Washington recognize that the China-US relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world, affects both countries and impacts the entire world, he said.
The common goal of both sides is to translate the important consensus reached by the two heads of state into concrete policies and actions to ensure that the two giant ships – China and the United States – do not deviate from course, lose speed or collide, Wang added.
According to him, the meeting was constructive and an equal dialogue took place in the spirit of mutual respect.
The Chinese delegation comprehensively laid out its principled position on relations with the United States, which, according to Wang Yi, strengthened the United States’ understanding of China and paved the way for future exchanges between the diplomatic teams of the two countries.
The Minister summed up the meeting with the following words: strengthening contacts, preventing misjudgments, managing differences and expanding cooperation.
Wang Yi noted that from the perspective of historical evolution and humanity as a whole, China and the United States have great common interests and broad space for cooperation.
Both sides have the responsibility and opportunity to find the right path to improve relations in the new era, the Foreign Minister said. Finding a common language will be a blessing for the peoples of both countries and will give hope to all countries in the world, he added. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Pyongyang, July 12 (Xinhua) — Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived at Wonsan Airport on Friday night to begin his visit to the DPRK, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Saturday.
It is noted that during the visit, which is taking place at the invitation of the DPRK Foreign Ministry, S. Lavrov will hold talks with his North Korean counterpart Choi Son Hee.
The visit will last from July 11 to 13, KCNA reported earlier.
Ahead of this trip, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that S. Lavrov and Choi Son Hee will take part in the second round of bilateral strategic dialogue at the level of foreign ministers in Pyongyang, Russian media reported on Friday. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canada-based and Solana-focused FinFra leader Astra Fintech today reinforced its commitment to the Solana ecosystem by announcing a $10M strategic acquisition of Dexlab, a pioneering Solana-native token launching and tooling platform. Backed by Astra’s recently launched $100 million Solana ecosystem fund, this deal marks a bold step in the company’s mission to accelerate PayFi adoption across Asia and beyond.
Why Dexlab? The Investment Thesis From an investment standpoint, Astra Fintech understands that Solana’s technical advantages – its industry-leading scalability and cost efficiency – ultimately derive their value from the quality of Dapps and infrastructures developed on its blockchain. Dexlab stands out as a cornerstone asset for three key reasons:
Proven Track Record
Launched in 2020 as Solana’s first meme coin creation platform, Dexlab enables anyone to create and list a token without writing code. This no-code, permissionless model kickstarted a wave of on-chain experimentation, making Dexlab a cultural and technical foundation of the Solana ecosystem.
95% of Solana’s iconic meme coins — including Bonk, Slerf, Ponke, and numerous Trump and Biden-themed tokens — were originally created on Dexlab. With 189K tokens minted, DexLab generates $532M in trading volume.
Full Token Lifecycle Solutions
Over time, Dexlab evolved into a full-stack token management platform — providing everything from token minting to liquidity pool generation, staking, and decentralized trading. “Dexlab isn’t just a DEX; it’s the Shopify for token economies,” noted Astra Head of Partnership Jamie, “It lowers the barrier to launch and scale tokens — from memes to serious fintech.”
Asia-First Synergy
With Astra’s Asia HQ now operational and DexLab’s recent launch of its APAC subsidiary Calab, the strategic alignment between both entities has created unprecedented momentum for regional blockchain adoption. DexLab will combine its established global infrastructure with Calab’s localized expertise to deliver tailored fintech solutions across Asian markets. This synergistic approach enables Hyper-localized product deployment and PayFi Acceleration across Asia.
Strategic Synergy behind the Acquisitions This acquisition exemplifies Astra’s comprehensive investment thesis – combining financial resources with deep technical expertise to drive ecosystem development. The integration delivers immediate value to Dexlab through:
Access to Astra’s $100M Solana fund, multicoin-backed resources, and cross-border PayFi integrations.
Strategic talent infusion with Astra deploying seasoned North American executives across product, marketing, and operations roles.
Token rebranding to $XLAB to signify a new chapter under Astra’s leadership
Enterprise-level upgrades to support next-gen token management tools for institutions and creators alike.
“This isn’t just an acquisition, it’s more like a catalyst for Solana’s next ecosystem growth wave,” Jamie added, “Dexlab will be our foundation for onboarding the next 100 million users to Web3, starting in Asia.”
The Bigger Picture: Solana as the Foundation The Dexlab deal underscores Astra’s conviction in Solana’s role as the backbone of next-gen fintech. With Korea as its hub, Astra plans to:
Deploy capital from its $100M fund to Solana-based Finfra, PayFi, and AI projects.
Integrate Dexlab’s token rails with Banana Pay, Astra’s blockchain payment solution, to merge decentralized and traditional finance.
Host hackathons and developer grants, building on its Seoulana success to nurture grassroots innovation.
“Crypto’s future hinges on usable infrastructure,” said Jamie. “By investing in Dexlab, we’re betting on Solana and on builders who share our vision for a borderless financial stack.”
About Astra Fintech Astra Fintech is a Canada-based blockchain finance leader revolutionizing FinFra by bridging traditional and decentralized payments. As a strategic Solana ecosystem partner backed by Multicoin LPs, we deliver secure, borderless PayFi solutions while driving innovation through investments in next-gen financial infrastructure.
About DexLab As Solana’s pioneering meme launchpad behind iconic tokens including Bonk, Slerf, and Ponke – along with Trump&Biden-themed assets – DexLab originally facilitated 95% of the network’s early token launches, generating $532M in trading volume. Today, DexLab has matured into a complete institutional-grade token management solution, offering end-to-end lifecycle tools built natively on Solana.
Disclaimer:This content is provided byAstra Fintech. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
The 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was convened on 11 July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Meeting was chaired by The Honourable Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia.
Review and Future Direction of the EAS
The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening the EAS as the premier Leaders-led forum for dialogue and cooperation on broad strategic, political, and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia in line with the EAS foundational documents and based on the established principles, objectives and modalities of the EAS.
Download the full statement here.
The post Chairman’s Statement of the 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.