NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB Joins Partnership for a Lead-Free Future

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    MANILA, PHILIPPINES (24 September 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today announced a set of actions to mainstream lead exposure mitigation into its operations, as part of its participation in the newly formed Partnership for a Lead-Free Future, a global initiative led by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The partnership aims to eliminate childhood lead exposure by 2040.

    The initiative, launched at the United Nations General Assembly today, will target high-risk countries including Bangladesh, Indonesia, India, and Nepal, among others throughout Asia and the Pacific.

    ADB’s participation in the partnership underscores its ongoing commitment to addressing health and environmental challenges in developing Asia and the Pacific. Lead contamination, particularly from informal used lead-acid battery recycling sites, presents a major health crisis. Toxic lead exposure is affecting at least 400 million children in the region, leading to cognitive impairments, health complications, and major economic losses. The global economic cost of lead-related cognitive underdevelopment is estimated at about $1 trillion annually.

    “Lead exposure doesn’t just affect children’s health—it holds back entire economies,” said ADB Vice-President for East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Scott Morris. “The Partnership for a Lead-Free Future is an important step in addressing this environmental, health, and economic issue. We will dedicate ADB’s expertise and resources to help ensure that countries across Asia and the Pacific can mitigate lead exposure, enhance public health, and secure a healthier, more productive future for all.”

    ADB is embedding lead management into its broader environmental safeguards and technical assistance programs, and has already begun engaging with governments in Indonesia, India, and the Philippines to tackle lead contamination. The bank will co-host a technical side event on lead pollution at the 12th Asia Pacific Regional Forum on Health and Environment in Jakarta on 25 September, which will serve as a platform to advance the lead elimination agenda. Co-organized with the governments of Indonesia, Japan and Thailand, USAID, and the World Bank, the forum will highlight cutting-edge research on lead exposure and showcase effective strategies for reducing lead poisoning. 

    In collaboration with the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, ADB is also developing the Chemical and Wastes Financing Partnership Facility, the first of its kind. This facility will scale chemical management, including lead mitigation, across the region. The initiative complements ADB’s work in managing hazardous waste, providing governments with the resources to regulate industries, replace hazardous materials, and enforce environmental standards.

    ADB plans to integrate lead elimination into its universal health care support programs, starting in the Philippines. Through these programs, ADB has been working to ensure equitable access to health services, address gender-specific health needs, and mitigate the health impacts of climate change.

    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB Launches Country Partnership Strategy for Fiji for 2024-2028

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    MANILA, PHILIPPINES (24 September 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a new country partnership strategy (CPS) with Fiji for 2024–2028, which will support Fiji’s resilience to economic and climate-related shocks.

    “This new CPS will build on ADB’s ongoing assistance to support more resilient public finances, quality infrastructure and services, and a greener and more diversified private sector,” said ADB Director General for the Pacific Leah Gutierrez. “The strategic partnership will tailor ADB support towards Fiji’s recently launched National Development Plan 2025-2029.”

    The new strategy will prioritize assistance for public sector management, improving access to climate-resilient transport infrastructure, and climate-resilient urban water and wastewater services. The CPS emphasizes emerging areas of engagement in coastal protection for vulnerable communities, upgrading national health care facilities, and accelerating Fiji’s renewable energy transition. It focuses on promoting private sector investment, accelerating progress in gender equality, and fostering regional cooperation and integration.  

    “The strategy reflects the close partnership between the Government of Fiji and ADB, aligning future support with Fiji’s National Development Plan 2025–2029,” said Fijian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Biman Prasad.

    The 5-year strategy will assist Fiji’s efforts to bolster climate and disaster resilience through innovative financial solutions, upgrading critical infrastructure, reinforcing climate policy reforms, and improving access to concessional climate finance.    

    ADB has been supporting Fiji since 1970, and has committed 117 public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance totaling $991 million to Fiji.

    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: ADB approves $500M loan to support Indonesia’s energy transition

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a 500 million U.S. dollars loan for Indonesia to help the Southeast Asian country accelerate its energy transition agenda, the bank’s official said on Saturday.

    ADB Country Director for Indonesia Jiro Tominaga said in a statement that the loan would support the development of Indonesia’s basic and collaborative policy that would be formulated to identify and address the complex challenges it faces in speeding up the transition into sustainable and clean energy.

    “Indonesia is at a very important junction in its energy transition journey. It has rapid growth of power generation capacity that helps it overcome most of its electricity supply constraints. However, it has also made the country heavily dependent on fossil fuel-based power sources such as coal, gas and diesel,” Tominaga said.

    Therefore, he said, the loan would be mainly used in efforts to build a strong policy and regulatory framework to facilitate the transition to clean energy, strengthen sector governance and financial sustainability, and ensure an equitable and inclusive transition.

    Indonesia, one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of coal, is currently pursuing a reduction of carbon emissions to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: FishTech visit boosts regional research collaborations

    Source: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

    Among the tour delegates was Cambodian Secretary of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, His Excellency Khun Savoeun. 

    His Excellency said the visit provided an excellent opportunity for Mekong leaders to rethink water and fish management, and to expand efforts to maintain fish migration routes. 

    ‘It promoted collaboration between irrigation engineers and fishery biologists to work together on river connectivity, aiming to save both water and fish, which are essential for rural food security. 

    We learned that the integration of fishery technology into river engineering is crucial for conserving fish and saving water for multiple purposes.

    His Excellency Khun Savoeun
    Cambodian Secretary of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries,
     

    His Excellency said the visit also underscored the importance of leadership in environmental planning and sustainable development in his own country.  

    ‘Fish are a vital Cambodian food source, with many poor households dependent on fishing for their livelihoods. 

    ‘This program was both useful and necessary, especially for incorporating fish passage outcomes into water and development policies.’ 

    Dr Baumgartner said the visit also provided a valuable knowledge exchange for the Australian project partners.  

    ‘What was particularly interesting were design discussions and hearing how the different countries are developing policies and legislation to protect fish.’ 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: STL to visit Beijing and Tianjin

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    STL to visit Beijing and Tianjin
    STL to visit Beijing and Tianjin
    ********************************

         The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, will leave for a visit to Beijing and Tianjin this evening (September 24).     Mr Lam will attend the Global Sustainable Transport Forum (2024) hosted by the Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing tomorrow (September 25), where he will speak at a thematic session. During his visit in Beijing, Mr Lam will also meet with officials of the Ministry of Transport.     Mr Lam will then visit Tianjin to attend the 11th China Air Finance Development (DFTP) Summit and deliver a speech at the opening ceremony on September 26.     He will return to Hong Kong on the evening of September 26. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san, will be the Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 10:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Air Force Airmen exercise warfighter mindset in Southern Beach

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    KADENA AIR BASE, Japan  –  

    U.S Air Force Airmen conducted training operations during exercise Southern Beach, Sept. 17 – 20.

    Southern Beach enables U.S. forces to refine shared tactics, techniques and procedures to better integrate defense capabilities in support of regional security.

    “Our objective in this operation is to integrate our 4th and 5th generation platforms,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Jonathan Greene, Southern Beach 24-3 project officer. “We want to measure the ability of our fighter squadrons to gain and maintain air superiority in a controlled environment.”

    F-22A Raptors assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron and 199th Fighters Squadrons, F-16CM Fighting Falcons assigned to the 179th Fighter Squadron, KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, an E-3 Sentry assigned to the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron, and the 623rd Air Control Squadron, all participated in the exercise.

    This iteration of Southern Beach consisted of a Defensive Counter Air scenario, designed to detect, identify, intercept, and negate enemy forces attempting to penetrate or attack through friendly airspace.

    Southern Beach provides the opportunity to practice employing airpower in a contested environment, promoting national sovereignty, and improving global safety and security.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for more mates to support Port Macquarie’s Sailability

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Call for more mates to support Port Macquarie’s Sailability

    Published: 24 September 2024

    Released by: Minister for Agriculture

    The Port Macquarie community group, Sailability, is calling for volunteers ahead of this year’s sailing season, as the club prepares to take to the Hastings River again on Wednesday 25 September.

    Sailability is a volunteer organisation whose mission is to offer people with varying abilities freedom on the water.

    The club uses a fleet of specially designed sailing dinghies with simplified controls and enhanced stability to hold weekly sailing days for people living with physical and mental disability.

    The club received $55,920 from the NSW Government to extend its carpark and complete landscaping around its new boat shed and accessible amenities block, as well as to install six accessible picnic tables in McInherney Park.

    The not-for-profit club is the only organisation of its kind in the area and its 80 volunteers cater to approximately 60 sailors each week.

    The group provides its services at no charge, with sailors coming from disability support units at local schools in Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Laurieton and Kempsey, as well as disability service providers, aged care facilities and private enquiries.

    Census statistics for show there are approximately 6,000 people with serious or profound disability in the Port Macquarie area, and the club struggles to meet the demand for its services.

    People keen to get involved in volunteering with the club can attend McInherney Park on Wednesdays between September and May to learn more, or go to www.sailabilitypm.com.au and click the Contact Us tab.

    Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

    “This fantastic community group is really making waves in terms of improving quality of life for people in the Port Macquarie area with disability.

    “It’s wonderful to see people experience a sense of achievement and improved self-confidence and self-esteem through their participation in Sailability’s program.”

    Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion, Liesl Tesch* said:

    “Sailability is a beacon of hope and inclusion in Port Macquarie. By fostering a sense of belonging on the water, they’re not only enhancing the lives of people with disability but also enriching the entire community.”

    “The amazing volunteers at Sailability do such important work helping build confidence and resilience for so many people in the region each week.”

    *Liesl Tesch is a seven-time Paralympian including winning two gold medals in sailing

    Sailability Port Macquarie volunteer Rick Eller said:

    “The club has come a long way from humble beginnings when it launched in December 2012, we were using two borrowed boats at the time, we had a handful of volunteers, and we were borrowing life jackets from the SES or emergency services here in Port Macquarie.

    “The best part about working for Sailability is the expressions and the smiles when the people who’ve been sailing come back to the pontoon, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

    Sailability Port Macquarie Vice President Julie Constable said:

    “It’s extremely important that people are aware that people with a disability are very able and keen to get out into society so something like this is off great benefit to the community.”

    Case study: Vision impaired sailor – Kathryn Stephens

    Sailability Port Macquarie

    • Kathryn has been sailing with the Port Macquarie group since it began.
    • In October, Kathryn will set course for Southport to compete in the Hansa Class Asia Pacific Championships.
    • Kathryn has previously competed in the state para championships, coming second behind the world champion in the doubles.
    • She has also placed third in the Middle Harbour Yacht Club inclusive classes regatta alongside a sailing partner from another branch of Sailability.

    Quotes attributable to Kathryn Stephens:

    “Participating in sailing has opened up a whole new world of opportunities for me.

    “I love the whole idea of being out on the water, the sensation and the sound and just the feel of sailing because I can’t see what I’m doing so it’s all by sound and feel, and just the freedom of being out on the water, it’s a great sensation.

    “The people come from all sorts of different backgrounds and interests and it’s just wonderful to catch up with them as well as meeting other sailing participants every week and we just have a great time and it’s a really lovely community and it’s got a really great feel about it.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Lower recent petrol prices welcome after prices moved higher in the June quarter

    Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

    Average retail petrol prices were higher in the June quarter but have since reduced, according to the ACCC’s latest quarterly petrol monitoring report.

    In the June quarter 2024, average retail petrol prices across the five largest cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth) were 196.5 cents per litre (cpl). This was an increase of 3.3 cpl from the March quarter 2024 (193.2 cpl). 

    Click to enlarge

    “The lower prices since the end of the quarter have provided some relief to many motorists around the country,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

    Average retail petrol prices across the five largest cities decreased in July and August 2024, following lower international refined petrol benchmark prices. On a monthly basis, average retail petrol prices across the five largest cities were 193.6 cpl in June 2024, and decreased by around 10 cpl to 183.7 cpl in August 2024.

    The following chart shows 7-day rolling average retail petrol prices across the five largest cities from July 2022 to August 2024.

    Seven-day rolling average retail petrol prices across the 5 largest cities in nominal terms

    Source: ACCC calculations based on data from FUELtrac and Informed Sources. 
    Notes: The grey shaded area in the chart represents the June quarter 2024. 
    The blue shaded area in the chart represents July and August 2024. 
    A 7-day rolling average price is the average of the current day’s price and prices on the 6 previous day.
     

    Among the five largest cities in the June quarter 2024, average petrol prices increased the most in Sydney (by 5.7 cpl), with average Adelaide prices decreasing by 0.7 cpl, while Brisbane’s average retail petrol prices were the highest of the five largest cities (204.8 cpl).

    Quarterly average retail petrol prices increased in Canberra, Hobart and Darwin. Average prices in Darwin were the third lowest among all eight capital cities, behind Adelaide and Perth. Quarterly average prices in Canberra were 205.1 cpl, the highest among the eight capital cities.

    The ACCC’s latest report also gives results for the financial year 2023-24. Annual average retail petrol prices across the five largest cities were 195.1 cpl in 2023-24. This was the highest on record in nominal terms and the highest in 10 years in real (inflation adjusted) terms. After adjusting for inflation, annual average prices in 2013-14 were 196.6 cpl.

    The ACCC encourages motorists to make the most of fuel price apps and websites

    In August 2024, the ACCC released a report on fuel price apps and websites and petrol price cycles in Australia, illustrating the benefits of using one of the many free fuel price apps and websites to shop around for lower fuel prices. There are more than 40 free to use fuel price apps and websites available.

    “In the current economic climate, making savings is important to many motorists. It can always be worth using a fuel price app or website to quickly check for a lower priced retailer near you before filling up,” Ms Brakey said.

    The following chart shows a range of average petrol prices by major brand in Brisbane during a petrol price cycle in the June quarter 2024. The chart also shows the levels of terminal gate prices (or indicative wholesale prices), represented by the grey shaded area.

    “There is often a range of petrol prices available across retail sites and using a fuel price app or website to find a lower priced site can result in large savings,” Ms Brakey said.

    From April to early June 2024 in Brisbane, the range of retail petrol prices between the highest and lowest priced brands was around 19 cpl on average. The range varied from as high as 42 cpl (when retail prices were increasing in the cycle) to around 9 cpl (when prices were decreasing).

    Daily average retail regular unleaded petrol prices by major brand and daily average terminal gate prices (lagged 7 days) in Brisbane

    Source: ACCC calculations based on data from the Queensland Government open data portal – Fuel price reporting 2024. 
    Notes: The grey shaded area in the chart represents average terminal gate prices in Brisbane (lagged by 7 days). 
    Retail prices are averaged across sites on a brand basis using data from the Queensland Government fuel price transparency scheme. Major retail brand means a retail brand with at least 7 retail sites under one brand that sold regular unleaded petrol. The ‘Independent’ category represents a collection of other branded and unbranded sites. Daily average retail prices are calculated from price observations at 6 hour intervals.
     

    Observing petrol price cycles in the five largest cities can also be a useful way for motorists to save on petrol. The ACCC web page – Petrol price cycles in major cities – includes up to date price charts, buying tips, and information on petrol price cycles in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. 

    “We know that because of longer petrol price cycles, motorists in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane can’t always wait for the price cycle to reach the next low point,” Ms Brakey said.

    “Where possible though, taking advantage of the low points of the cycle, and topping up or filling up before prices increase, can save money.”  

    Retail petrol price components

    The following chart shows changes in the components of average retail petrol prices in the five largest cities between the March quarter 2024 and the June quarter 2024.

    The largest components include the international price of refined petrol (Mogas 95) and excise and wholesale goods and services tax. The Australian/US dollar exchange rate can impact retail prices because international refined petrol is bought and sold in US dollars in global markets – although in the June quarter the exchange rate was relatively stable and had minimal impact on changes in average Mogas 95 prices in Australian dollar terms. 

    Other components include wholesale costs and margins (including international shipping costs and other import costs, and wholesale costs and margins) and retail costs and margins (represented by gross indicative retail differences).

    Changes in the components of average retail petrol prices across the 5 largest cities – cents per litre (cpl)

    Source: ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources, Argus Media, Ampol, bp, Mobil, Viva Energy, FuelWatch, the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Australian Taxation Office. 
    Notes: cents per litre change from the previous quarter. 
    The excise and wholesale goods and services tax component in this chart (65.9 cpl) is different to the excise and goods and services tax (wholesale and retail) component in the bowser, shown in the ‘June quarter 2024 – Petrol snapshot’. This is because a small amount of retail goods and services tax (1.6 cpl) is included in the gross indicative retail differences component in the above chart, for consistency in reporting gross indicative retail difference figures throughout this report. 
    Total excise and goods and services tax was 67.5 cpl in the June quarter 2024, an increase of 0.6 cpl from the previous quarter.

    Gross indicative retail differences increased to slightly above pre-pandemic levels 

    Average gross indicative retail differences across the five largest cities (in aggregate) were 17.2 cpl in the June quarter 2024. This was 1.8 cpl higher than the previous quarter (15.4 cpl). Gross indicative retail differences are a broad indicator of gross retail margins (including both retail operating costs and profits).

    In the 2023-24 financial year, annual average gross indicative retail differences across the five largest cities were 16.3 cpl, slightly higher than pre-pandemic levels on a real terms (inflation-adjusted) basis. 

    The level of gross indicative retail differences is not uniform across each of the five largest cities. In the June quarter 2024, quarterly gross indicative retail differences were lowest in Adelaide (9.2 cpl) and highest in Brisbane (25.6 cpl). In 2023–24, annual average gross indicative retail differences were lowest in Perth (10.7 cpl) and highest in Brisbane (22.0 cpl).

    The ACCC will continue to closely monitor the levels of gross indicative retail differences, including the differences between cities.

    Quarterly average regional retail petrol prices were marginally higher than prices across the five largest cities

    The ACCC monitors fuel prices in all capital cities and over 190 regional locations across Australia. In the June quarter 2024, average regional retail petrol prices (regional prices) were 197.4 cpl, an increase of 3.7 cpl from the March quarter 2024. 

    Regional prices were 0.9 cpl higher than average retail petrol prices across the five largest cities (196.5 cpl).

    Diesel prices were lower in many capital cities

    Quarterly average retail diesel prices across the five largest cities were 194.5 cpl in the June quarter 2024, a decrease of 1.2 cpl from the March quarter 2024 (195.7 cpl).

    Quarterly average retail diesel prices decreased in each of the capital cities except Canberra, where prices increased by 0.8 cpl. Retail diesel prices generally followed lower international diesel benchmark prices, which accounted for the largest component of retail diesel prices.

    Petrol sales continue to remain below pre-pandemic levels 

    The volumes of regular unleaded petrol sales reduced by 2.8 per cent in the June quarter (to 2,196 million litres) and continue to remain below pre-pandemic levels.

    “As consumers are increasingly switching from combustion engine vehicles to hybrid and electric vehicles, demand for fuel has reduced. Other factors would also be influencing demand such as working from home arrangements, vehicles becoming more fuel efficient, and changes in driving habits quite possibly due to cost of living pressures,” Ms Brakey said.

    Note to editors

    ‘Petrol’ means regular unleaded petrol unless otherwise specified.

    Singapore Mogas 95 Unleaded (Mogas 95) is the relevant international benchmark for the wholesale price of petrol in Australia. Singapore Gasoil with 10 parts per million sulphur content (Gasoil 10 ppm) is the international benchmark for the wholesale price of diesel.

    Background

    The ACCC has been monitoring retail prices in all capital cities and over 190 regional locations across Australia since 2007.

    On 14 December 2022, the Treasurer issued a new direction to the ACCC to monitor the prices, costs and profits relating to the supply of petroleum products in the petroleum industry in Australia and produce a report every quarter for a further three years.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Kashgar transforms into unique tourist destination blending history, modernity

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

    Kashgar transforms into unique tourist destination blending history, modernity

    Updated: September 24, 2024 10:00 Xinhua
    Tourists select leather bags in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. The ancient city of Kashgar, located in southwestern Xinjiang, served as a vital transportation hub connecting China with Central Asia and South Asia in ancient times. The confluence of diverse ethnic cultures in this region has given rise to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures. Today, Kashgar has harnessed its cultural and geographical advantages, transforming into a unique tourist destination that blends history and modernity. In the first eight months of 2024, Kashgar received over 19.5 million domestic tourists, an increase of 29.46 percent year-on-year, and generated tourism revenue of nearly 15.35 billion yuan (about 2.18 billion U.S. dollars), up 38.83 percent. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A tourist poses for a photo in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Local residents enjoy their leisure time in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A tourist tries a headdress in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An ice cream maker gives a tourist her ice cream through magic tricks in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit a local residential building with more than 300 years of history in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A tourist buys local snacks in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit the ancient city of Kashgar in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Copper wares are pictured in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A tourist buys pomegranate juice in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A tourist selects wool carpets in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A local cook introduces his food to tourists in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCST visits Sichuan

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SCST visits Sichuan
    SCST visits Sichuan
    *******************

         ​The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, is on his way to Chengdu, Sichuan, this morning (September 24), where he has been invited by the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda to attend the ceremony seeing off the two giant pandas “An An” and “Ke Ke”. The Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai, and representatives from Ocean Park Hong Kong are also joining the visit.           During his stay in Sichuan, Mr Yeung will visit the heritage sites and arts and cultural facilities in Chengdu to learn about the integrated development of culture and tourism, as well as the promotion of tourism development.           Mr Yeung will depart from Sichuan for Hong Kong on the evening of September 25. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, will be the Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 10:22

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Registration to activities at Maritime Carnival in celebration of National Day begins today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Registration to activities at Maritime Carnival in celebration of National Day begins today
    Registration to activities at Maritime Carnival in celebration of National Day begins today
    ******************************************************************************************

         To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Marine Department (MD) will organise a Maritime Carnival at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum (HKMM) at Central Pier No. 8 on October 6 (Sunday). Through a series of family-friendly activities and display panels, the carnival aims to enrich public’s understanding about the development of maritime industry as well as to promote patriotic education.     The carnival will be held from 10.30am to 7pm and highlights will include two demonstrations of marine refuse and oil cleansing at 11.30am and 4pm, as well as shipboard visits to the MD’s newly launched vessels, patrol launch “MARINE 1” and hydrographic survey vessel “HYDRO 2”. The vessel visits will provide members of the public with a rare opportunity to view the equipment of the operation vessels up close. In addition, ship-handling simulator will also be set up at the HKMM to provide citizens with an immersive opportunity to navigate a virtual boat journey through Hong Kong waters.     Persons interested in participating either the shipboard visits to the MD’s vessels or trying out the ship-handling simulator can register at the respective website starting from today (September 24) till 11.59pm on September 29 (Sunday). The registration form for shipboard visits can be found at the website forms.gle/GAFcfk3Sdmynbiw66, and for the ship-handling simulator at forms.gle/X6gcLwfVFFs5syDw8. Registration is free and on a first-come, first-served basis. Successful registrants will receive a confirmation email on or before October 4.     Other interesting activities of the carnival include demonstrations of unmanned underwater system challenge, marine movie screenings, tattoo sticker experience, maritime-themed talks, game booths and guided tours to the HKMM.      All activities of the Maritime Carnival are free of charge. For more information about the carnival, please visit the website: www.hkmaritimemuseum.org/event-details/celebrating-the-75th-anniversary-of-the-founding-of-the-peoples-republic-of-china-maritime-carnival. For enquiries, please contact the HKMM at 3713 2500 during office hours.     Should there be adverse weather, for example, the Standby Signal No.1 or Red Rainstorm Signal to be issued by the Hong Kong Observatory at 8am on the event day, or the relevant signal is still in force at 8am on the event day, the Maritime Carnival will be rescheduled to October 13 for safety reason. Visitors should regularly check the HKMM’s website www.hkmaritimemuseum.org/ for the latest information. 

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 10:18

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Motions — Release from Captivity—New Zealand Pilot Phillip Mehrtens – 001408

    Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

    MOTIONS

    Release from Captivity—New Zealand Pilot Phillip Mehrtens

    Hon TODD McCLAY (Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs): I seek leave to move a motion without notice and without debate on the successful release from captivity of New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens.

    SPEAKER: Very good. Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.

    Hon TODD McCLAY: I move, That this House welcome the release of New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens on Saturday after being held hostage for 592 days in Papua, Indonesia; convey best wishes to Mr Mehrtens and his family and friends, as they recover from this deeply difficult experience; express deep gratitude to the Indonesian Government, including Minister for Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, together with community leaders, for the careful and patient approach taken to secure this peaceful outcome; commend the considerable effort of the wide range of New Zealand Government agencies, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which worked in cooperation and coordination with Indonesian authorities towards securing Mr Mehrtens’ release; acknowledge the New Zealand Government staff who have worked on the case in Jakarta and Papua, led by Ambassador Kevin Burnett; and note the cooperation and restraint shown by the New Zealand media in relation to this case.

    Motion agreed to.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Sony Semiconductor Solutions to Release 0.44-Type Full HD OLED Microdisplay with Industry’s Smallest Pixels and Highest Brightness

    Source: Sony

    Atsugi, Japan — Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (SSS) today announced the upcoming release of the ECX350F, a 0.44-type Full HD resolution OLED Microdisplay that combines the industry’s smallest*1 5.1 µm pixels (approximately 5,000 ppi) with the industry’s highest*1 brightness of up to 10,000 cd/m2.

    The ECX350F is an OLED Microdisplay designed for use in augmented reality (AR) glasses, an application which demands a thin, lightweight form factor without compromising visibility. Adopting a novel OLED structure and microlenses, the microdisplay enhances pixel light emission despite its diminutive size. This innovation allows for Full HD resolution within a compact 0.44-inch panel while delivering a peak brightness of 10,000 cd/m2 — approximately double that of the conventional model.*2 This new product represents a breakthrough that addresses the longstanding challenge of delivering high brightness with small pixels.

    Beyond reducing the size and weight of AR glasses, SSS is committed to enhancing the user experience by supporting high-resolution, exceptionally clear imaging.

    *1:   Among OLED Microdisplays with three full-color subpixels (red, green, and blue) per pixel. According to SSS research,       
            as of announcement on September 24, 2024.
    *2:   SSS’s ECX348E.

    0.44-Type Full HD OLED Microdisplay

    Model name Sample shipping date (planned)

    Sample price (excluding tax)

    ECX350F 0.44-Type Full HD
    (1,920 x 1,080) OLED Microdisplay

    		 October 2024 40,000 yen

    Main Features

    ・Industry-smallest*1 5.1 µm pixels and highest*1 brightness of up to 10,000 cd/m2
    Shrinking OLED Microdisplay pixels typically reduces luminous efficiency and limits per-pixel current, hindering the attainment of high brightness.

     The new microdisplay product addresses these challenges thanks to a newly developed semiconductor process for fabricating 5.1 µm pixels and microlenses that optimize luminous efficiency at this scale. Additionally, a uniquely designed OLED structure strikes the ideal balance between driving voltage and luminous efficiency, delivering both high brightness and small pixels.

     Consequently, the ECX350F delivers Full HD resolution with the industry-smallest*1  5.1 µm pixels and exceptional visibility with industry-leading*1  brightness of up to 10,000 cd/m².

    Resolution and brightness comparison (conceptual diagram)

    ・Miniaturization through smaller pixels and narrow bezels
    The non-display area (bezel) surrounding the active display area integrates the circuits and wiring required for the display drive. With conventional technology, it was difficult to narrow the bezel due to concerns about reliability as a display device and issues such as poor screen display caused by the required wiring width of the circuit portion. The new product solves these problems by introducing a new circuit design and assembly process, reducing the bezel size on the long side of the display to 1.14mm on both the top and bottom.

    By miniaturizing the pixels and narrowing the display bezel, the new microdisplay boasts a short-side size of 7.99 mm, a 24% reduction from the conventional product,*2 while maintaining the pixel count needed for Full HD, thereby enabling AR glasses to be made thinner and lighter.

    Comparison of bezel and external size (conceptual diagram)

    Example of AR glasses and their optical system
    using OLED Microdisplays (conceptual diagram)


    ・Variable black frame function supporting variable input resolution and display position
    The new product comes with a variable black frame function that enables it to display video input of any resolution below Full HD at any desired position within the device’s active display area.

     Generally, in AR glasses, the real space is visible through the black display area, allowing the displayed image to be overlaid on the real space. This function was achieved in the conventional product *2 by generating a video signal for the black display area in the pre-processing side (application processor) and inputting it. However, with the microdisplay device now itself performing this process, it is easy to display images at an arbitrarily set resolution, and this also contributes to low power consumption and low latency for the system.

    Variable black frame function explanation (conceptual diagram)

     

    Related Links
    SSS’s OLED Microdisplay technology:
    https://www.sony-semicon.com/en/technology/display/oled-high-resolution.html

    Applications using OLED Microdisplays:
    https://www.sony-semicon.com/en/application/electronics/arvr.html

    Key Specifications
    Model name ECX350F
    Display size 0.44 type (11.235 mm diagonal)
    Resolution (horizontal x vertical) 1,920 x 1,080 (Full HD)
    Pixel pitch 5.1 µm
    Maximum frame rate 120 fps
    Video interface MIPI® DSI
    Maximum luminance 10,000 cd/m2 (100% duty drive)
    Contrast 100,000:1 or higher
    Color gamut sRGB area ratio: 100%

    Note: All product and service names that appear in this press release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Transport Department alerts public to fraudulent SMS message purportedly from HKeToll

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Transport Department alerts public to fraudulent SMS message purportedly from HKeToll
    Transport Department alerts public to fraudulent SMS message purportedly from HKeToll
    *************************************************************************************

         The Transport Department (TD) today (September 24) alerted members of the public to a fraudulent SMS message purportedly issued by the HKeToll. The SMS message spoofed the name “HKeToll” and provided a hyperlink with the domain name (https://t.ly/[.]QpBjt) that leads to a fake HKeToll website, which seeks to deceive recipients into making payments and obtain their credit card information.     The TD clarifies that the SMS message was not issued by the HKeToll and has referred the case to the Police for follow-up. Members of the public are reminded that the HKeToll will not send SMS messages or emails to vehicle owners with hyperlinks that direct them to websites to carry out transactions. If a vehicle owner wishes to pay an outstanding toll online, they must log in to the HKeToll website (hketoll.gov.hk) or mobile app.     Members of the public should stay alert when receiving unidentified messages. They should not visit suspicious websites and disclose any personal information. Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the website concerned should contact the Police. For enquiries about the HKeToll, please call 3853 7333.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 11:15

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Money Market Operations as on September 23, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 584,136.10 6.69 1.00-6.95
         I. Call Money 9,938.90 6.68 5.10-6.80
         II. Triparty Repo 403,004.70 6.67 6.30-6.77
         III. Market Repo 169,807.50 6.74 1.00-6.90
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,385.00 6.88 6.85-6.95
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 174.50 6.33 5.85-6.65
         II. Term Money@@ 408.00 – 6.80-7.40
         III. Triparty Repo 482.30 6.66 6.54-6.80
         IV. Market Repo 1,136.97 6.78 6.77-6.85
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Mon, 23/09/2024 1 Tue, 24/09/2024 50,007.00 6.65
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Mon, 23/09/2024 1 Tue, 24/09/2024 3,320.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Mon, 23/09/2024 1 Tue, 24/09/2024 57,919.00 6.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -4,592.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo Fri, 20/09/2024 14 Fri, 04/10/2024 25,002.00 6.52
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    5. On Tap Targeted Long Term Repo Operations€ Mon, 27/09/2021 1095 Thu, 26/09/2024 600.00 4.00
    Mon, 04/10/2021 1095 Thu, 03/10/2024 350.00 4.00
    Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 250.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 2,275.00 4.00
    6. Special Long-Term Repo Operations (SLTRO) for Small Finance Banks (SFBs)£ Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 105.00 4.00
    Mon, 22/11/2021 1095 Thu, 21/11/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 29/11/2021 1095 Thu, 28/11/2024 305.00 4.00
    Mon, 13/12/2021 1095 Thu, 12/12/2024 150.00 4.00
    Mon, 20/12/2021 1095 Thu, 19/12/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 255.00 4.00
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       8,547.26  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*    

    38,039.26

    		  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     33,447.26  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on September 23, 2024 982,960.08  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending October 04, 2024 1,005,433.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ September 23, 2024 50,007.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on September 06, 2024 427,689.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    € As per the Press Release No. 2020-2021/520 dated October 21, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/763 dated December 11, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/1057 dated February 05, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/695 dated August 13, 2021.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    £ As per the Press Release No. 2021-2022/181 dated May 07, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/1023 dated October 11, 2021.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad            
     Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/1152

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI China: Forum held in Tokyo to boost China-Japan people-to-people exchanges

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Around 60 experts and scholars from China and Japan gathered at a forum in Tokyo on Monday to discuss how to boost people-to-people exchanges and foster cultural understanding between the two countries.

    The forum, co-hosted by the China Foundation for Human Rights Development and the Japan-China Friendship Center, covered topics such as Sino-Japanese relations in a globalized world and the role of youth in fostering cultural understanding between the two nations.

    Qin Liang, deputy secretary-general of the China Foundation for Human Rights Development, emphasized that the foundation of Sino-Japanese friendship lies in people-to-people exchanges, and mutual understanding is key to improving bilateral relations.

    Former Japanese ambassador to China Yuji Miyamoto expressed hope that the forum would serve as a platform for further dialogue and help resolve issues between the two nations.

    The forum was supported by the Chinese Embassy in Japan, with Minister Shi Yong underscoring the importance of deepening cultural cooperation to improve understanding.

    Ahead of the forum, the Chinese delegation visited various Japanese social organizations, universities, and media institutions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israel’s large-scale airstrikes on Lebanon kill nearly 500

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo shows the smoke from Israeli airstrikes in Khiam, Lebanon, on Sept. 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The death toll from the largest Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon since the onset of the Israel-Palestine conflict has risen to 492, with injuries reported at 1,645, the Lebanese Health Ministry said on Monday night.

    The death toll from the Israeli airstrikes included 35 children and 58 women, with many victims still unidentified, according to Lebanese health officials.

    Israel’s sweeping airstrikes across Lebanon have raised the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah to a new peak. This latest surge in hostilities comes on the heels of last week’s explosions targeting pagers and walkie-talkies throughout Lebanon, which left dozens dead and a nation on edge.

    The rapid succession of events has catapulted the long-simmering tensions to unprecedented levels, raising fears of a broader regional conflagration.

    Herzi Halevi, Israel’s military chief, announced on Monday evening that the country was preparing for “the next phases” of its military operation, as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) targeted approximately 1,100 sites in southern and eastern Lebanon.

    “This morning, the IDF launched a proactive offensive operation,” Halevi said during a situational assessment at the IDF Headquarters Underground Operations Center in Tel Aviv.

    “We are targeting combat infrastructure that Hezbollah has been building for the past 20 years,” Halevi noted, adding, “We are striking targets and preparing for the next phases.”

    Also on Monday, Israeli airstrikes in Beirut targeted Ali Karki, a senior Hezbollah commander, who was called by Israeli media the “last deputy” of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Hezbollah later said he was “in full health and has moved to a safe place.”

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was acting to change the “security balance” in the north. He also issued a stark warning to Nasrallah during a security assessment meeting on Monday, stating that “everyone is in the crosshairs.”

    The strikes have caused widespread destruction and displacement in Lebanon, with residents fleeing from cities such as Tyre, Nabatieh, and Iqlim al-Tuffah towards Beirut and Mount Lebanon.

    Syrian media reported a significant movement of people fleeing from Lebanon into Syria at the Syrian-Lebanese border. Jordan’s Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission announced that it has suspended flights of Jordanian airlines to Beirut until further notice, citing increasing regional tensions and the need to ensure safety and security in civil aviation.

    In response to the Israeli attacks, Hezbollah fired over 180 rockets toward northern Israel throughout Monday, the Israeli military reported. Israel’s aerial defense systems intercepted some projectiles, while others fell within Israeli territory, causing fires. The Magen David Adom rescue service reported that five people were injured by shrapnel.

    Hezbollah said in a statement that it had bombed several Israeli military targets, including the reserve headquarters of the Israeli army’s northern corps and Rafael’s military-industrial complexes north of Haifa, “with dozens of missiles.”

    Defense Minister Yoav Gallant urged the public to remain calm in anticipation of potential escalated attacks by Hezbollah in the coming days. “These are days in which the Israeli public will have to show composure,” he noted in a video statement.

    The Israeli Defense Ministry also announced a “special” security situation across the entire country on Monday night, amid concerns that Hezbollah might broaden the range of its retaliatory attacks.

    The attacks have prompted condemnations from both regional and international communities.

    Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the Israeli attacks, describing them as “a war of extermination” during a cabinet meeting. He called on the United Nations and the international community to “stand up and deter aggression.”

    The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the Israeli attacks, describing them as a “flagrant violation of international law” and a threat to regional stability driven by the “far-right goals of the Israeli government.”

    Egypt on Monday condemned Israel’s attacks on Lebanon, warning that its military escalation will only aggravate the crisis.

    In a statement, the Egyptian foreign ministry urged international powers and the UN Security Council to intervene to stop Israel’s escalation in the region.

    Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani warned of the serious consequences of Israel’s “bids to expand the conflict in the entire West Asia region,” while the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that the attacks “mark a new phase in Israel’s efforts to drag the entire region into chaos.”

    The Syrian Foreign Ministry on Monday issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s ongoing military actions in Lebanon. It said the Israeli actions “would not be possible without the protection and complicity provided by the United States, which shields Israel from accountability under international law.”

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed “grave alarm” over the escalating tensions in the region and voiced serious concern for the safety of civilians, including UN personnel. He urged immediate de-escalation and a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US needs to end obsession with containing China: Chinese foreign ministry

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The United States needs to end its obsession with perpetuating its supremacy and containing China, and cease using regional countries as its tools, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

    Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a daily press briefing following U.S. President Joe Biden’s claims that China continues to act aggressively and is testing the U.S. and its allies in the Indo-Pacific region, claims which he made at the Quad summit in the U.S. over the weekend.

    Lin noted that the Quad is seen as the premier regional grouping that plays a leading role in the United States’ Indo-Pacific strategy. It is a tool the U.S. uses to contain China and perpetuate U.S. hegemony.

    The U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy attempts to amass forces to exclude and contain China by peddling the “China threat” narrative, and the Quad attempts to muster military and security cooperation under the pretext of maritime issues, he said, adding that they have the same intention and the same tactics.

    Though the U.S. claims it does not target China, the first topic of the summit was China-related, and China was made an issue throughout the event, Lin noted, saying that the U.S. is “lying through its teeth” and not even the U.S. media believes these lies.

    “China believes that cooperation between countries should not target any third party or even harm their interests. Any regional initiative should follow the overwhelming trend of the region and promote regional peace, stability and prosperity,” Lin said.

    He stressed that ganging up to form exclusive groupings undermines mutual trust and cooperation between regional countries, runs counter to the overwhelming trend of pursuing peace, development, cooperation and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific, and is bound to fail.

    The U.S. needs to end its obsession with perpetuating its supremacy and containing China, cease using regional countries as its tools, stop glossing over the strategic intentions behind all kinds of exclusive groupings, and act on its claim that the revitalization of its alliances is not aimed at China, instead of seeking selfish gains at the expense of other countries’ strategic security interests and the well-being of the people in the Asia-Pacific, Lin said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-ASEAN expo to promote cooperation

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

    The upcoming 21st China-ASEAN Expo is expected to advance the building of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 and promote high-quality regional development through a variety of economic and trade activities, the expo’s secretariat said at a news conference on Monday in Nanning, capital of Southwest China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

    The expo will be held in Nanning from Tuesday to Saturday, with Malaysia to be the country of honor.

    Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang will attend and address the opening ceremony of the expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Nanning on Tuesday. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will deliver a video address.

    “Trade and economic activities at the event are increasingly emphasizing practicality and highlighting key areas to promote cooperation in the digital economy and green economy,” said Zeng Zhong, deputy secretary-general of the China-ASEAN Expo secretariat.

    It will also focus on cooperation, with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states holding national promotion events. For example, Indonesia is organizing promotional events focusing on environmental protection and investment. Cambodia’s national promotion events emphasize commerce, investment and tourism. Vietnam’s promotions will highlight trade and economic integration.

    Zeng said the expo has been extended from four to five days, with the additional day open to the public. The exhibition layout has been optimized, with the addition of strategic emerging themes showcasing new, high-quality productive forces, along with new areas for digital technology and cultural exchanges.

    More than 2,000 companies will be exhibiting in the main exhibition area. More than 800 ASEAN and regional foreign companies are participating, accounting for more than 41 percent of exhibitors.

    “There are more than 400 companies from the Fortune Global 500 and China’s Top 500, as well as unicorns and specialized, innovative enterprises — representing a 15 percent increase over the previous session,” Zeng said.

    Chinese exhibitors will showcase drivers of new quality production such as the digital economy, new energy vehicles and green, low-carbon technologies, including applications such as Beidou chips and high-end mechanical equipment.

    More than 1,100 Chinese and foreign leaders, ASEAN ambassadors to China, heads of international organizations, entrepreneurs, experts and scholars will be present at the opening ceremony.

    “Through such high-level dialogue activities as the opening ceremony, we hope a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future will emerge,” Zeng said.

    China has been ASEAN’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, and ASEAN became China’s top trading partner in 2020. Last year, the value of trade between China and ASEAN members reached $911.7 billion.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Japan lifts tsunami advisory for Izu, Ogasawara islands

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) lifted the tsunami advisory for the Izu and Ogasawara Islands at 11:00 a.m. local time Tuesday after several areas saw wave heights milder than previous forecast.

    The agency warned that slight tidal changes could still be observed along the Pacific coast, but there is no concern about tsunami-related damage.

    A tsunami advisory that urged residents to stay away from the coastline was triggered after a 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Japanese islands on Tuesday morning.

    The quake, which took place at 8:14 local time, was centered in adjacent sea of Torishima Islands at a depth of 10 km, but no seismic intensity of 1 or above was recorded, according to the weather agency.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Firing practice for October 2024

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Firing practice for October 2024
    Firing practice for October 2024
    ********************************

    Firing practice will take place at two military sites, namely the San Wai/Tai Ling Firing Range and the Tsing Shan Firing Range, next month (October).      Red flags or red lamps will be hoisted at the firing areas before and during firing practice. For their safety, people are advised not to enter the firing area.      Following are the dates and times for the firing practice sessions in October 2024: San Wai/Tai Ling Firing Range————————————- 

    Date
    Time

    October 2 (Wednesday)October 3 (Thursday)October 4 (Friday)October 5 (Saturday)October 7 (Monday)October 8 (Tuesday)October 9 (Wednesday)October 10 (Thursday)October 12 (Saturday)October 14  (Monday)October 15 (Tuesday)October 16 (Wednesday)October 17 (Thursday)October 18 (Friday)October 19 (Saturday)October 21 (Monday)October 22 (Tuesday)October 23 (Wednesday)October 24 (Thursday)October 25 (Friday)October 26 (Saturday)October 28 (Monday)October 29 (Tuesday)October 30 (Wednesday)October 31 (Thursday)
    8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm

     Tsing Shan Firing Range——————————- 

    Date
    Time

    October 2 (Wednesday)October 3 (Thursday)October 4 (Friday)October 5 (Saturday)October 7 (Monday)October 8 (Tuesday)October 9 (Wednesday)October 10 (Thursday)October 12 (Saturday)October 14  (Monday)October 15 (Tuesday)October 16 (Wednesday)October 17 (Thursday)October 18 (Friday)October 19 (Saturday)October 21 (Monday)October 22 (Tuesday)October 23 (Wednesday)October 24 (Thursday)October 25 (Friday)October 26 (Saturday)October 28 (Monday)October 29 (Tuesday)October 30 (Wednesday)October 31 (Thursday)
    8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm8am-9pm

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 11:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Japan issues tsunami advisory after 5.9-magnitude quake hits

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A tsunami advisory that urged residents to stay away from the coastline was triggered after a 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Japanese islands on Tuesday morning, according to the weather agency.

    The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the advisory for Izu Islands and Ogasawara Islands, noting that tsunami waves of up to 1 meter are rapidly approaching and are expected to arrive around 9:00 a.m. local time.

    The quake, which took place at 8:14 local time, was centered in adjacent sea of Torishima Islands at a depth of 10 km.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: THAILAND, VIETNAM FLOODS: More than 900 schools damaged, leaving children unable to return to learning

    Source: Save The Children

    In the north of Thailand, floods tore through homes and schools leaving 140 schools damaged, while in Vietnam at least 805[1] schools have been damaged since early September after Typhoon Yagi battered the country.
    Asia is the world’s most disaster-hit region from weather, climate and water-related hazards.[2] Across the world, a staggering 774 million children – or one third of the world’s child population – are living with the dual impacts of poverty and high climate risk.[3]
    In Thailand, this means learning has been disrupted for more than 30,500 children[4] for an indefinite period.
    The floods have also increased the risk of waterborne diseases. Globally, increases in disease related to climate change are projected to have deadly implications for children, including vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. [5]
    Classroom floors, chairs, tables and learning materials in schools across Thailand’s northernmost Chiang Rai province remain covered in mud and many schools are in need of new learning equipment.
    Children’s psychosocial well-being has also been acutely affected by the loss of their belongings, damage to their schools, their play areas and environments familiar to them.
    Patchara*, a 15-year-old student from Chiang Rai province, said she was able to save only some belongings when the floods hit and water levels reached her waist level.
    Her family is temporarily staying with relatives. Patchara said she’s worried about waterborne diseases as she travels to school. This is her first severe flood experience.
    Many flood-affected areas in Thailand and Vietnam are also still inaccessible due to flooded roads and the danger of landslides, severely hampering rescue and relief operations.
    Guillaume Rachou, Save the Children Thailand Executive Director, said:
    “Children in Chiang Rai can’t go back to school anytime soon. Others have had to stay at home to help their families rebuild their lives.  The recovery effort will take months so it’s important that these children’s lives are as normal and that they can return to their classrooms as soon as, and as safely, as possible and feel supported during the transition.”
    Save the Children will provide essential support to children in five districts of Chiang Rai province, including booklets on flood recovery hygiene and on infant feeding.
    The children’s charity will also provide 1,500 students with back-to-school kits including learning kits and school uniforms. In collaboration with global apparel retailer UNIQLO, the initiative will also see the distribution of 2,600 items of children’s clothing, which includes 1,600 new pieces of children’s innerwear and T-shirts, along with 1,000 pieces of adult clothing sourced from the brand’s customer take-back program known as “RE.UNIQLO.”
    Save the Children is also working with community volunteers, teachers and Thailand’s Department of Mental Health to provide psychological first aid training and training in how to spot children who are at risk of dropping out of school. The children’s organisation will set up a mobile psychological first aid team to support school staff and students at 20 schools where community outreach activities will include theater and arts.
    In Vietnam, Save the Children has been in discussions with government agencies to release a flood response plan to help affected children return to school safely and continue their learning.
    Save the Children has worked in Thailand since 1979 to support children most impacted by discrimination and inequality running  programmes on education, child protection, livelihood, and child rights governance.
    Save the Children started working in Vietnam in 1990 and now operates in 22 provinces in partnership with government agencies, civil society organisations, the private sector and academic institutions.
    *Name changed to protect identity.
    ********************************************************************** 
    For interview requests please contact:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers opening remarks at the 21st CAEXPO

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today delivered his opening remarks at the 21st China-ASEAN EXPO (CAEXPO), highlighting the importance of RCEP agreement and the efforts to the realization of the ASEAN-China FTA 3.0 as a bedrock of ASEAN-China economic relations. Dr. Kao stressed that digitalization and sustainability are key megatrends reshaping how businesses operate and how society lives in an increasingly interconnected world. 

    Download the full opening remarks here.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers opening remarks at the 21st CAEXPO appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Lam Sai-hung to visit Beijing, Tianjin

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Transport & Logistics Lam Sai-hung will leave for a visit to Beijing and Tianjin later today, and will return to Hong Kong on Thursday.

    In Beijing, Mr Lam will attend the Global Sustainable Transport Forum (2024), hosted by the Ministry of Transport. He will speak at a thematic session and meet ministry officials at the event.

    He will then proceed to Tianjin to attend the 11th China Air Finance Development Summit and deliver a speech at its opening ceremony.

    During his absence, Under Secretary for Transport & Logistics Liu Chun-san will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary for Health receives vaccinations against seasonal influenza and COVID-19

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Secretary for Health receives vaccinations against seasonal influenza and COVID-19
    Secretary for Health receives vaccinations against seasonal influenza and COVID-19
    **********************************************************************************

         The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, received vaccinations against seasonal influenza and COVID-19 at Sai Wan Ho General Out-patient Clinic today (September 24). The Under Secretary for Health, Dr Libby Lee; the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam; the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH), Dr Edwin Tsui; the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare of the Health Bureau, Dr Pang Fei-chau; the Chairman of the Hospital Authority (HA), Mr Henry Fan; the Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Tony Ko; and frontline healthcare workers also echoed the move and were vaccinated.     Professor Lo said, “Seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) is one of the most effective means to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications. I strongly appeal to all members of the public to receive SIV early as it is now the best timing to get vaccinated for effective protection in the coming year against the  influenza strains predicted by the World Health Organization in preparation for the possible winter or summer influenza seasons. Separately, individuals of high-risk priority groups should also receive an additional COVID-19 booster no less than six months after the last dose or COVID-19 infection (whichever is later) to enhance protection and reduce the risks of serious complications and death.”     He continued, “To boost the SIV coverage rate among schoolchildren, special arrangements have been made under the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach Programme (SIVSOP) this year to offer a more flexible choice of vaccine options for kindergartens and childcare centres. They can choose both injectable inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV) and live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV) (i.e. nasal vaccines) for the same or different outreach vaccination activities. Moreover, the DH will roll out a pilot scheme in which LAIV will be provided to  primary and secondary schools that had indicated earlier this year their preference for arranging LAIV for their students.”     At present, around 870 kindergartens and childcare centres (80 per cent) have already arranged vaccination activities for their schoolchildren. Among them, 246 schools will offer LAIV, eight schools will offer both IIV and LAIV, and the rest will offer IIV. Separately, around 610 primary schools (93 per cent) and around 390 secondary schools (77 per cent) have arranged vaccination activities for their students. Professor Lo added, “I call on those schools that have yet to join the outreach vaccination programme to enrol as soon as possible to seize the optimum timing for vaccination and do their part to provide the best protection for schoolchildren.”     Hong Kong generally experiences two influenza seasons each year. The winter influenza season usually lies between January and March or April, whereas the summer influenza season typically runs from July to August. The overall influenza activity has remained at a low level since the end of the influenza season in late July this year. However, with reference to previous surveillance data, as the weather is expected to become cooler gradually, the CHP foresaw that the influenza activity level may rise at the end of the year. All citizens should receive SIV which can reduce the risks of serious illnesses and death.      The Government will launch the 2024/25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes, including the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme, the Government Vaccination Programme, the SIVSOP and the Residential Care Home Vaccination Programme the day after tomorrow (September 26) to provide free or subsidised SIV for persons aged 50 or above (including the elderly living in residential care homes); adults aged 18 to 49 with underlying comorbidities; persons aged 6 months or above with immunocompromising conditions; pregnant women and healthcare workers etc.       Furthermore, individuals of the abovementioned  groups should receive an additional COVID-19 booster in a timely manner regardless of the number of doses of COVID-19 vaccines received before for dual protection. A COVID-19 vaccine can be co-administered with, or separated from, an SIV under informed consent. The inactivated COVID-19 vaccines currently used in Hong Kong (i.e. Sinovac CoronaVac) will expire on October 3, and the vaccine supplier has confirmed that they will no longer produce inactivated COVID-19 vaccines. Members of the public who would like to receive an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine should make a booking as early as possible. Starting from October 4, only mRNA vaccines will be available under the Government’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.     For more details, members of the public may call the CHP at 2125 2125 or visit the Vaccination Schemes page.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 12:52

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Kevin Yeung headed to Chengdu

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung is on his way to Chengdu, Sichuan, where he has been invited by the China Conservation & Research Centre for the Giant Panda to attend a ceremony bidding farewell to An An and Ke Ke, two giant pandas bound for Hong Kong.

    Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Mickey Lai and representatives from Ocean Park Hong Kong are joining Mr Yeung on the visit.

    Mr Yeung will also visit heritage sites and arts and cultural facilities in Chengdu to learn about the city’s integrated development of culture and tourism, and its promotion of tourism development.

    The tourism chief will depart for Hong Kong tomorrow evening. During his absence, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Raistlin Lau will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI to conduct 2-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction under LAF on September 24, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    On a review of current and evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided to conduct a Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction on September 24, 2024, Tuesday, as under:

    Sl. No. Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Tenor
    (day)    		 Window Timing Date of Reversal
    1 50,000 2 10:45 AM to 11:15 AM September 26, 2024
    (Thursday)

    2. The operational guidelines for the auction will be same as given in Reserve Bank’s Press Release 2021-2022/1572 dated January 20, 2022.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1153

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Giant panda pair to arrive in Hong Kong

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A pair of giant pandas gifted by the central government to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China will arrive in the city on Thursday, John Lee, chief executive of the HKSAR announced on Tuesday. 
    Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.ChinaNews App Download

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Emergency Management – Nearly half a million people signed up for ShakeOut with one month to go

    Source: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

    With one month to go, nearly half a million people have already signed up for New Zealand ShakeOut 2024, our national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi.

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says over 480,000 people have signed up to Drop, Cover and Hold and practice their tsunami hīkoi on Thursday 24 October at 9:30am. You can join them and sign up at www.ShakeOut.govt.nz.

    NEMA’s Director Civil Defence Emergency Management, John Price says it’s fantastic to see almost half a million people already signed up, and he encourages schools, businesses, community groups and whānau to sign up if they haven’t already.

    “All of New Zealand is at risk of earthquakes and tsunamis at any time. Shake Out gives us the chance to practice, exercise and test the correct actions to take during an earthquake and tsunami.

    “A large earthquake such as an Alpine Fault rupture will be a defining event for all of New Zealand. We need to be ready.

    “By practising Shake Out each year, knowing what to do to stay safe in an earthquake and tsunami will become second nature. Exercising regularly improves our ability to cope on the day and keep ourselves and our communities safe.”

    Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake Chief Resilience and Research Officer, Dr Jo Horrocks says they are proud to support ShakeOut again. “At NHC Toka Tū Ake, we’re working really hard to minimise the impact of future natural hazards on communities. Our beautiful land is one of the highest-risk countries in the world for a range of natural hazards, but there is a lot we can all do to prepare for them.”

    Dr Horrocks is pleased to see that almost half a million Kiwis have already signed up for ShakeOut and is hopeful more will join the challenge. “Taking a bit of time to think about how hazards could affect us at home, work or school, and then taking steps to prepare – these are things that will make a big difference in a disaster.”

    John Price says, “Before the drill, check your tsunami evacuation zone using our map and make plans for your tsunami hīkoi if you are in a coastal area. (ref. https://getready.govt.nz/en/emergency/tsunami/tsunami-evacuation-zones/ )

    “Remember that no matter where you live, visit, work or play –  if you are near the coast, or any large body of water and you’re in an earthquake that is strong enough to make it difficult to stand up, or lasts a minute or more, you should immediately head inland or for higher ground. Remember, if it’s long or strong, get gone.”

    New Zealand ShakeOut 2024 is sponsored by the Natural Hazards Commission and supported by New Zealand Red Cross. The drill is taking place on Thursday 24 October 2024 at 9:30am.

    New Zealand ShakeOut is based on the highly successful California ShakeOut which began in 2008 and has now expanded to numerous other US states and countries such as Canada and Japan.

    Sign up and go into the draw to win a prize pack! Find more information at www.ShakeOut.govt.nz.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –