NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Global: G20 countries could produce enough renewable energy for the whole world – what needs to happen

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Sven Teske, Prof. Dr. | Research Director, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney

    The world’s most developed economies have also burnt the most oil and coal (fossil fuels) over the years, causing the most climate change damage. Preventing further climate change means a global fossil fuel phase-out must happen by 2050. Climate change mitigation scientists Sven Teske and Saori Miyake analysed the potential for renewable energy in each of the G20 countries. They concluded that the G20 is in a position to generate enough renewable energy to supply the world. For African countries to benefit, they must adopt long term renewable energy plans and policies and secure finance from G20 countries to set up renewable energy systems.

    Why is the G20 so important in efforts to limit global warming?

    The G20 group accounts for 67% of the world’s population, 85% of global gross domestic product, and 75% of global trade. The member states are the G7 (the US, Japan, Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Canada), plus Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Russia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina.

    We wanted to find out how G20 member states could limit global warming. Our study examined the solar and wind potential for each of G20 member countries (the available land and solar and wind conditions). We then compared this with projected electricity demands for 2050. This is, to our knowledge, the first research of its kind.



    Read more:
    G20 is too elite. There’s a way to fix that though – economists

    We found that the potential for renewable energy in G20 countries is very high – enough to supply the projected 2050 electricity demand for the whole world. They have 33.6 million km² of land on which solar energy projects could be set up, or 31.1 million km² of land on which wind energy projects could be set up.

    This potential varies by geography. Not all G20 countries have the same conditions for generating solar and wind energy, but collectively, the G20 countries have enough renewable energy potential to supply the world’s energy needs.

    But for the G20 countries to limit global warming, they also need to stop emitting greenhouse gases. Recent figures show that the G20 countries were responsible for generating 87% of all energy-related carbon dioxide emissions that cause global warming.

    On the other hand, African Union countries (apart from South Africa, which is a high greenhouse gas emitter), were responsible for only 1.2% of the global total historical emissions until 2020.

    The G20 countries with the highest renewable energy potential (especially Australia and Canada) are major exporters of the fossil fuels that cause global warming. Along with every other country in the world, the G20 nations will need to end their human-caused carbon emissions by 2050 to prevent further climate change.

    Where does Africa fit into the picture?

    African countries cannot set up new electricity plants based on burning fossil fuels, like coal. If they do that, the world will never end human-caused greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The continent must generate electricity for the 600 million Africans who do not currently have it but will need to move straight past fossil fuels and into renewable energy.

    For this, Africa will need finance. The African Union hosts the G20 summit later this year. This meeting begins just after the world’s annual climate change conference (now in its 30th year and known as COP30). These two summits will give Africa the chance to lobby for renewable energy funding from wealthier nations.

    Africa already has the conditions needed to move straight into renewable energy. The continent could be generating an amount of solar and wind power that far exceeds its projected demand for electricity between now and 2050.

    We are launching an additional analysis of the solar and wind potential of the entire African continent in Bonn, Germany on 19 June 2025 at a United Nations conference. This shows that only 3% of Africa’s solar and wind potential needs to be converted to real projects to supply Africa’s future electricity demand.



    Read more:
    Africa’s power pools: what the G20 can do to help countries share electricity

    This means that Africa has great untapped potential to supply the required energy for its transition to a middle-income continent – one of the African Union’s goals in Agenda 2063, its 50 year plan.

    But to secure enough finance for the continent to build renewable energy systems, African countries need long-term energy policies. These are currently lacking.

    So what needs to be done?

    The countries who signed up to the 2015 international climate change treaty (the Paris Agreement) have committed to replacing polluting forms of energy such as coal, fuelwood and oil with renewable energy.

    South Africa, through its G20 presidency, must encourage G20 nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and support renewable energy investment in Africa.



    Read more:
    Fossil fuels are still subsidised: G20 could push for the funds to be shifted to cleaner energy

    Because financing the global energy transition is already high on the priority list of most countries, South Africa should push for change on three fronts: finance, sound regulations and manufacturing capacity for renewable technologies. These are the among the main obstacles for renewables, particularly in Africa.

    Finance: Financing the energy transition is among the highest priorities for COP30. Therefore, the COP30 meeting will be an opportunity for the African Union to negotiate finance for its renewable energy infrastructure needs.

    For this, fair and just carbon budgets are vital. A carbon budget sets out how much carbon dioxide can still be emitted in order for the global temperature not to rise more than 2°C higher than it was before the 1760 industrial revolution.

    A global carbon budget (the amount of emissions the whole world is allowed) has been calculated, but it needs to be divided up fairly so that countries that have polluted most are compelled to limit this.

    To divide the global carbon budget fairly, energy pathways need to be developed urgently that consider:

    • future developments of population and economic growth

    • current energy supply systems

    • transition times for decarbonisation

    • local renewable energy resources.

    The G20 platform should be used to lobby for fair and just carbon budgets.



    Read more:
    Wealthy nations owe climate debt to Africa – funds that could help cities grow

    Sound regulations that support the setting up of new factories: Governments must put policies in place to support African solar and wind companies. These are needed to win the trust of investors to invest in a future multi-billion dollar industry. Long-term, transparent regulations are needed too.

    These regulations should:

    • say exactly how building permits for solar and wind power plants will be granted

    • prioritise linking renewable energy plants to national electricity grids

    • release standard technical specifications for stand-alone grids to make sure they’re all of the same quality.

    Taking steps now to speed up big renewable energy industries could mean that African countries end up with more energy than they need. This can be exported and increase financial income for countries.

    Sven Teske receives funding from the European Climate Foundation and Power Shift Africa (PSA).

    Saori Miyake receives funding from European Climate Foundation and Power Shift Africa.

    – ref. G20 countries could produce enough renewable energy for the whole world – what needs to happen – https://theconversation.com/g20-countries-could-produce-enough-renewable-energy-for-the-whole-world-what-needs-to-happen-258463

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Southeast Asian nations look to hedge their way out of troubled waters in the South China Sea

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By John Rennie Short, Professor Emeritus of Public Policy, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

    A Philippine coast guard vessel patrols near Pagasa, part of the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea. Daniel Ceng/Anadolu via Getty Images

    The South China Sea has long been a bubbling geopolitical hot spot. Recently, a series of moves by the various nations claiming a stake in the waters has stirred up yet more trouble.

    Malaysia has of late reaffirmed its commitment to oil and gas exploration in waters claimed by China while quietly building up its military on the islands off Borneo.

    Meanwhile, Chinese coast guard vessels have deployed water cannons against Filipino fishing boats. And the accidental grounding of a Chinese boat in shallow waters around the Philippines’ Thitu Island on June 8, 2025, was enough to put Filipino forces on alert.

    Vietnam, too, has been active in the disputed waters. A Beijing-based think tank on June 7 flagged that Vietnamese engineers had been busy reclaiming land and installing military-related ports and airstrips around the Spratly Islands.

    What the three Southeast Asian nations of Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia have in common is that they, along with others in the region, are trying to navigate a more assertive China at a time when the U.S. policy intentions under the second Trump Administration are fluid and hard to read. And in lieu of a coordinated response from the regional body Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, each member nation has been busy charting its course in these choppy waters.

    US-China relations all at sea

    Why is China trying to assert control in the South China Sea? In a 2023 speech, President Xi Jinping noted that “Western countries led by the United States have implemented all round containment, encirclement and suppression of China.”

    This fear has been long held in Beijing and was reinforced by a U.S. Indo-Pacific policy announced in 2011 of rebalancing military forces away from Europe and toward Asia to confront China.

    In response, China has in recent years embarked on an ambitious policy of attempting to outmuscle U.S. naval power in the South China Sea.

    China is now the world’s leading builder of naval vessels and is estimated to have 440 battleships by 2030, compared with the United States’ 300.

    And it comes at a time when U.S. naval power is spread around the world. China’s, meanwhile, is concentrated around the South China Sea where, since 2013, Chinese vessels have pumped sand onto reefs, turning them into islands and then weaponizing them.

    Satellite imagery shows the Fiery Cross Reef in the South China Sea, part of the Spratly Islands group, being built by Chinese dredges.
    Maxar via Getty Images

    Then there is the activity of China’s maritime militia of approximately 300 nominally fishing boats equipped with water cannons and reinforced hulls for ramming. This so-called gray zone fleet is increasingly active in confronting Southeast Asia nations at sea.

    The U.S. response to China’s militarization in the sea has been through so-called “freedom of navigation” exercises that often deploy carrier groups in a show of force. But these episodic displays are more performative than effective, doing little to deter China’s claims.

    The U.S. has also strengthened military alliances with Australia, India, Japan and the Philippines, and has increased coast guard cooperation with the Philippines and Japan.

    A fleet from the U.S. Navy patrolling the Pacific Ocean.
    Sean M. Castellano US Navy via Getty Images

    The sea is a valuable resource

    Yet the battle over control of the South China Seas is more than just geopolitical posturing between the two superpowers.

    For adjoining countries, the sea is a valuable biological resource with rich fishing grounds that provide a staple of fish protein for close to 2 billion people. There are estimates of 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 11 billion barrels of oil.

    The U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS, guarantees a nation an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 200 nautical miles from around its coastline.

    China is a signatory of the UNCLOS. Yet it views ownership of the South China Sea through the lens of its nine-dash line, a reference to the boundary line that Beijing has invoked since 1948. While the claim has no legal or historical basis, the delineation makes major incursions into waters around Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia and, to a lesser extent, Brunei and Indonesia as well.

    Despite China’s expansive claim to the South China Sea being dismissed in 2016 by the international Permanent Court of Arbitration, Beijing continues to assert its claim.

    Hedging positions

    As I explore in my recent book “Hedging and Conflict in the South China Sea,” part of the problem Southeast Asian nations face is that they have failed to forge a unified position.

    ASEAN, the regional bloc representing 10 nations in Southeast Asia, has long been governed by the principle that major decisions need unanimous agreement. China is a major trading partner to ASEAN nations, so any regional country aligning too close to the U.S. comes with the real risk of economic consequences. And two ASEAN members, Cambodia and Laos, are especially close to China, making it difficult to generate a unified ASEAN policy that confronts China’s maritime claim.

    Instead, ASEAN has promoted a regional code of conduct that effectively legitimizes China’s maritime claims, fails to mention the 2016 ruling and ignores the issue of conflicting claims.

    Further complicating a united front against China is the competing claims among ASEAN nations themselves to disputed islands in the South China Sea.

    In lieu of a coordinated response, Southeast Asian nations have instead turned to hedging — that is, maintaining good relationships with both China and the U.S. without fully committing to one or other.

    A balancing act for Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines

    Malaysia’s approach sees its government partition off the South China Sea dispute from its overall bilateral ties with China while continuing to promote an ASEAN code of conduct.

    Until recently, Malaysia’s oil and gas activities were well within Malaysia’s EEZ and not far enough out to fall into China’s nine-dash claim.

    But as these close-to-shore fields become exhausted, subsequent exploration will need to extend outward and into China’s nine-dash claim, putting Malaysia’s dealings with China under pressure.

    China’s nine-dash line claims a significant amount of Vietnam’s EEZ, and the contested maritime area is a source of friction between the two countries; China’s maritime militia regularly harasses Vietnamese fishermen and disrupts drilling operations in Vietnam’s EEZ .

    But Vietnam has to tread carefully. China plays a significant role in the Vietnamese economy as a major destination of exports and an important provider of foreign investment. China also has the ability to dam the Mekong River upstream of Vietnam — something that would disrupt agricultural production.

    As a result, Vietnam’s hedging involves a careful calibration to avoid angering China. However, part of Vietnam’s heavy hedging involves the promotion of the South China Sea dispute as a core issue for domestic public opinion, which limits the Vietnamese government’s ability to offer concessions to China.

    A Philippine coast guard ship and fishing boats are seen in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines, on May 26, 2025.
    Daniel Ceng/Anadolu via Getty ImagesDaniel Ceng/Anadolu via Getty Images

    China’s nine-dash claim also includes a wide swath of the Philippines’ EEZ.

    The Philippines has zigzagged in its dealings with China. The presidencies of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (2001–2010) and Rodrigo Duterte (2016-2022) pursued a pro-China tack that downplayed Filipino claims in the South China Sea. Presidents Benigno Aquino (2010-2016) and Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (2022-present), in contrast, have given U.S. forces greater access to its maritime bases and mobilized national and international opinion in favor of its claims.

    Since coming to power, Marcos has also pursued even closer naval ties with the U.S.. But this has come at a cost: China now views the Philippines as a U.S. ally. As such, Beijing sees little to be gained by pulling back from its assertive activity in and around its waters.

    The future

    In the shadow of two major powers battling for power in the South China Sea, Southeast Asian nations are making the best of their position along a geopolitical fracture line by advancing their claims and interests while not overly antagonizing a more assertive China or losing the support of the U.S.

    This may work to tamp down tensions in the South China Sea. But it is a fluid approach not without risk, and it could yet prove to be another source of instability in a geopolitically contested and dangerous region.

    John Rennie Short received funding from Fulbright Foundation

    – ref. Southeast Asian nations look to hedge their way out of troubled waters in the South China Sea – https://theconversation.com/southeast-asian-nations-look-to-hedge-their-way-out-of-troubled-waters-in-the-south-china-sea-257092

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Iran’s long history of revolution, defiance and outside interference – and why its future is so uncertain

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University; and Vice Chancellor’s Strategic Fellow, Victoria University

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has gone beyond his initial aim of destroying Iran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons. He has called on the Iranian people to rise up against their dictatorial Islamic regime and ostensibly transform Iran along the lines of Israeli interests.

    United States President Donald Trump is now weighing possible military action in support of Netanyahu’s goal and asked for Iran’s total surrender.

    If the US does get involved, it wouldn’t be the first time it’s tried to instigate regime change by military means in the Middle East. The US invaded Iraq in 2003 and backed a NATO operation in Libya in 2011, toppling the regimes of Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi, respectively.

    In both cases, the interventions backfired, causing long-term instability in both countries and in the broader region.

    Could the same thing happen in Iran if the regime is overthrown?

    As I describe in my book, Iran Rising: The Survival and Future of the Islamic Republic, Iran is a pluralist society with a complex history of rival groups trying to assert their authority. A democratic transition would be difficult to achieve.

    The overthrow of the shah

    The Iranian Islamic regime assumed power in the wake of the pro-democracy popular uprising of 1978–79, which toppled Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi’s pro-Western monarchy.

    Until this moment, Iran had a long history of monarchical rule dating back 2,500 years. Mohammad Reza, the last shah, was the head of the Pahlavi dynasty, which came to power in 1925.

    In 1953, the shah was forced into exile under the radical nationalist and reformist impulse of the democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh. He was shortly returned to his throne through a CIA-orchestrated coup.

    Despite all his nationalist, pro-Western, modernising efforts, the shah could not shake off the indignity of having been re-throned with the help of a foreign power.

    The revolution against him 25 years later was spearheaded by pro-democracy elements. But it was made up of many groups, including liberalists, communists and Islamists, with no uniting leader.

    The Shia clerical group (ruhaniyat), led by the Shah’s religious and political opponent, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, proved to be best organised and capable of providing leadership to the revolution. Khomeini had been in exile from the early 1960s (at first in Iraq and later in France), yet he and his followers held considerable sway over the population, especially in traditional rural areas.

    When US President Jimmy Carter’s administration found it could no longer support the shah, he left the country and went into exile in January 1979. This enabled Khomeini to return to Iran to a tumultuous welcome.

    Birth of the Islamic Republic

    In the wake of the uprising, Khomeini and his supporters, including the current supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, abolished the monarchy and transformed Iran to a cleric-dominated Islamic Republic, with anti-US and anti-Israel postures. He ruled the country according to his unique vision of Islam.

    Khomeini denounced the US as a “Great Satan” and Israel as an illegal usurper of the Palestinian lands – Jerusalem, in particular. He also declared a foreign policy of “neither east, nor west” but pro-Islamic, and called for the spread of the Iranian revolution in the region.

    Khomeini not only changed Iran, but also challenged the US as the dominant force in shaping the regional order. And the US lost one of the most important pillars of its influence in the oil-rich and strategically important Persian Gulf region.

    Fear of hostile American or Israeli (or combined) actions against the Islamic Republic became the focus of Iran’s domestic and foreign policy behaviour.

    A new supreme leader takes power

    Khomeini died in 1989. His successor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ruled Iran largely in the same jihadi (combative) and ijtihadi (pragmatic) ways, steering the country through many domestic and foreign policy challenges.

    Khamenei fortified the regime with an emphasis on self-sufficiency, a stronger defence capability and a tilt towards the east – Russia and China – to counter the US and its allies. He has stood firm in opposition to the US and its allies – Israel, in particular. And he has shown flexibility when necessary to ensure the survival and continuity of the regime.

    Khamenei wields enormous constitutional power and spiritual authority.

    He has presided over the building of many rule-enforcing instruments of state power, including the expansion of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its paramilitary wing, the Basij, revolutionary committees, and Shia religious networks.

    The Shia concept of martyrdom and loyalty to Iran as a continuous sovereign country for centuries goes to the heart of his actions, as well as his followers.

    Khamenei and his rule enforcers, along with an elected president and National Assembly, are fully cognisant that if the regime goes down, they will face the same fate. As such, they cannot be expected to hoist the white flag and surrender to Israel and the US easily.

    However, in the event of the regime falling under the weight of a combined internal uprising and external pressure, it raises the question: what is the alternative?

    The return of the shah?

    Many Iranians are discontented with the regime, but there is no organised opposition under a nationally unifying leader.

    The son of the former shah, the crown prince Reza Pahlavi, has been gaining some popularity. He has been speaking out on X in the last few days, telling his fellow Iranians:

    The end of the Islamic Republic is the end of its 46-year war against the Iranian nation. The regime’s apparatus of repression is falling apart. All it takes now is a nationwide uprising to put an end to this nightmare once and for all.

    Since the deposition of his father, he has lived in exile in the US. As such, he has been tainted by his close association with Washington and Jerusalem, especially Netanyahu.

    If he were to return to power – likely through the assistance of the US – he would face the same problem of political legitimacy as his father did.

    What does the future hold?

    Iran has never had a long tradition of democracy. It experienced brief instances of liberalism in the first half of the 20th century, but every attempt at making it durable resulted in disarray and a return to authoritarian rule.

    Also, the country has rarely been free of outside interventionism, given its vast hydrocarbon riches and strategic location. It’s also been prone to internal fragmentation, given its ethnic and religious mix.

    The Shia Persians make up more than half of the population, but the country has a number of Sunni ethnic minorities, such as Kurds, Azaris, Balochis and Arabs. They have all had separatist tendencies.

    Iran has historically been held together by centralisation rather than diffusion of power.

    Should the Islamic regime disintegrate in one form or another, it would be an mistake to expect a smooth transfer of power or transition to democratisation within a unified national framework.

    At the same time, the Iranian people are highly cultured and creative, with a very rich and proud history of achievements and civilisation.

    They are perfectly capable of charting their own destiny as long as there aren’t self-seeking foreign hands in the process – something they have rarely experienced.

    Amin Saikal does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Iran’s long history of revolution, defiance and outside interference – and why its future is so uncertain – https://theconversation.com/irans-long-history-of-revolution-defiance-and-outside-interference-and-why-its-future-is-so-uncertain-259270

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Iran’s long history of revolution, defiance and outside interference – and why its future is so uncertain

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University; and Vice Chancellor’s Strategic Fellow, Victoria University

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has gone beyond his initial aim of destroying Iran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons. He has called on the Iranian people to rise up against their dictatorial Islamic regime and ostensibly transform Iran along the lines of Israeli interests.

    United States President Donald Trump is now weighing possible military action in support of Netanyahu’s goal and asked for Iran’s total surrender.

    If the US does get involved, it wouldn’t be the first time it’s tried to instigate regime change by military means in the Middle East. The US invaded Iraq in 2003 and backed a NATO operation in Libya in 2011, toppling the regimes of Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi, respectively.

    In both cases, the interventions backfired, causing long-term instability in both countries and in the broader region.

    Could the same thing happen in Iran if the regime is overthrown?

    As I describe in my book, Iran Rising: The Survival and Future of the Islamic Republic, Iran is a pluralist society with a complex history of rival groups trying to assert their authority. A democratic transition would be difficult to achieve.

    The overthrow of the shah

    The Iranian Islamic regime assumed power in the wake of the pro-democracy popular uprising of 1978–79, which toppled Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi’s pro-Western monarchy.

    Until this moment, Iran had a long history of monarchical rule dating back 2,500 years. Mohammad Reza, the last shah, was the head of the Pahlavi dynasty, which came to power in 1925.

    In 1953, the shah was forced into exile under the radical nationalist and reformist impulse of the democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh. He was shortly returned to his throne through a CIA-orchestrated coup.

    Despite all his nationalist, pro-Western, modernising efforts, the shah could not shake off the indignity of having been re-throned with the help of a foreign power.

    The revolution against him 25 years later was spearheaded by pro-democracy elements. But it was made up of many groups, including liberalists, communists and Islamists, with no uniting leader.

    The Shia clerical group (ruhaniyat), led by the Shah’s religious and political opponent, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, proved to be best organised and capable of providing leadership to the revolution. Khomeini had been in exile from the early 1960s (at first in Iraq and later in France), yet he and his followers held considerable sway over the population, especially in traditional rural areas.

    When US President Jimmy Carter’s administration found it could no longer support the shah, he left the country and went into exile in January 1979. This enabled Khomeini to return to Iran to a tumultuous welcome.

    Birth of the Islamic Republic

    In the wake of the uprising, Khomeini and his supporters, including the current supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, abolished the monarchy and transformed Iran to a cleric-dominated Islamic Republic, with anti-US and anti-Israel postures. He ruled the country according to his unique vision of Islam.

    Khomeini denounced the US as a “Great Satan” and Israel as an illegal usurper of the Palestinian lands – Jerusalem, in particular. He also declared a foreign policy of “neither east, nor west” but pro-Islamic, and called for the spread of the Iranian revolution in the region.

    Khomeini not only changed Iran, but also challenged the US as the dominant force in shaping the regional order. And the US lost one of the most important pillars of its influence in the oil-rich and strategically important Persian Gulf region.

    Fear of hostile American or Israeli (or combined) actions against the Islamic Republic became the focus of Iran’s domestic and foreign policy behaviour.

    A new supreme leader takes power

    Khomeini died in 1989. His successor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ruled Iran largely in the same jihadi (combative) and ijtihadi (pragmatic) ways, steering the country through many domestic and foreign policy challenges.

    Khamenei fortified the regime with an emphasis on self-sufficiency, a stronger defence capability and a tilt towards the east – Russia and China – to counter the US and its allies. He has stood firm in opposition to the US and its allies – Israel, in particular. And he has shown flexibility when necessary to ensure the survival and continuity of the regime.

    Khamenei wields enormous constitutional power and spiritual authority.

    He has presided over the building of many rule-enforcing instruments of state power, including the expansion of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its paramilitary wing, the Basij, revolutionary committees, and Shia religious networks.

    The Shia concept of martyrdom and loyalty to Iran as a continuous sovereign country for centuries goes to the heart of his actions, as well as his followers.

    Khamenei and his rule enforcers, along with an elected president and National Assembly, are fully cognisant that if the regime goes down, they will face the same fate. As such, they cannot be expected to hoist the white flag and surrender to Israel and the US easily.

    However, in the event of the regime falling under the weight of a combined internal uprising and external pressure, it raises the question: what is the alternative?

    The return of the shah?

    Many Iranians are discontented with the regime, but there is no organised opposition under a nationally unifying leader.

    The son of the former shah, the crown prince Reza Pahlavi, has been gaining some popularity. He has been speaking out on X in the last few days, telling his fellow Iranians:

    The end of the Islamic Republic is the end of its 46-year war against the Iranian nation. The regime’s apparatus of repression is falling apart. All it takes now is a nationwide uprising to put an end to this nightmare once and for all.

    Since the deposition of his father, he has lived in exile in the US. As such, he has been tainted by his close association with Washington and Jerusalem, especially Netanyahu.

    If he were to return to power – likely through the assistance of the US – he would face the same problem of political legitimacy as his father did.

    What does the future hold?

    Iran has never had a long tradition of democracy. It experienced brief instances of liberalism in the first half of the 20th century, but every attempt at making it durable resulted in disarray and a return to authoritarian rule.

    Also, the country has rarely been free of outside interventionism, given its vast hydrocarbon riches and strategic location. It’s also been prone to internal fragmentation, given its ethnic and religious mix.

    The Shia Persians make up more than half of the population, but the country has a number of Sunni ethnic minorities, such as Kurds, Azaris, Balochis and Arabs. They have all had separatist tendencies.

    Iran has historically been held together by centralisation rather than diffusion of power.

    Should the Islamic regime disintegrate in one form or another, it would be an mistake to expect a smooth transfer of power or transition to democratisation within a unified national framework.

    At the same time, the Iranian people are highly cultured and creative, with a very rich and proud history of achievements and civilisation.

    They are perfectly capable of charting their own destiny as long as there aren’t self-seeking foreign hands in the process – something they have rarely experienced.

    Amin Saikal does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Iran’s long history of revolution, defiance and outside interference – and why its future is so uncertain – https://theconversation.com/irans-long-history-of-revolution-defiance-and-outside-interference-and-why-its-future-is-so-uncertain-259270

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCST visits Shanghai (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, visited Shanghai today (June 18). In the morning, she went to the Shanghai Museum on People’s Square and was given a guided tour of a well-received exhibition, “On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt”. During her visit, Miss Law met with Deputy Director of the Shanghai Museum Mr Huang He. She thanked the Shanghai Museum for its support of Hong Kong over the years, while Mr Huang shared experiences in developing and designing creative products. Miss Law said Hong Kong could learn a lot from the Shanghai Museum in developing cultural and creative industries. Miss Law expressed hope that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) and the Shanghai Museum will strengthen their cultural co-operation in the future, contributing cultural content to the country’s modernisation and promoting cultural prosperity.
     
         After that, Miss Law called on the Director of the Shanghai Administration of Sports, Mr Xu Bin, and had a working lunch together, during which she shared with him Hong Kong’s progress and achievements in promoting sports development. Mr Xu said there is huge room for developing culture, sports and tourism, while sports exchanges serve as a bridge between the two places and can also boost economic and social developments. Miss Law said that Hong Kong, China athletes achieved excellent results in international competitions in recent years, which helps lift citizens’ interests in sports and support for athletes. Miss Law added that Hong Kong is preparing at full steam for the 15th National Games and the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games to be cohosted with Guangdong and Macao this November and December. Through today’s exchange, Miss Law said she hopes to learn from Shanghai’s experiences in hosting same events and further improve the preparatory work.
     
         In the afternoon, Miss Law visited the Memorial Hall of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China and met with the Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of the Memorial, Mr Xue Feng. The Memorial is the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held in 1921, in which the founding of the CPC was announced, bearing great significance. Noting that the HKSARG is setting up a museum to introduce the country’s developments and achievements and preparing exhibitions related to the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, Miss Law said the visit was arranged intentionally to seek guidance, with an aim to make better preparations for the relevant projects in the future.
     
         In the evening, Miss Law attended the opening ceremony and dinner of WestK Shanghai Week 2025. Speaking at the event, she said that Hong Kong and Shanghai are connected by blood and share common traits, as they are both exemplars of the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures and dazzling Pearls of the Orient. The two places actively deepen international exchanges and co-operations in areas of economy, culture and globalisation, serving as pioneers in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
     
         Miss Law also said, “The West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) is an important cultural infrastructure investment of the HKSARG. After many years of development, the WKCD has transformed from a blueprint into reality today and become one of the largest cultural hubs in the world, featuring performing arts venues with our country’s staunch support. The Hong Kong Palace Museum, which opened in 2022, and the M+ museum, which commenced operation in 2021, have become world-class museums blending traditional and contemporary arts and cultures.”
     
         “The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) kick-started WestK Shanghai Week today. It is the first time a series of exhibitions and performing arts programmes and cultural exchange activities have been brought outside Hong Kong. It is not only an important milestone of the HKSARG driving top-notch arts, cultural and creative programmes to go global, but also showcases Hong Kong’s diverse arts achievements and further attracts local and overseas visitors to experience Hong Kong’s vibrancy and appeal firsthand,” Miss Law added.
     
         Supporting organisations of WestK Shanghai Week 2025 include the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the HKSARG, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai of the HKSARG.
     
         This morning, Miss Law visited the “WestK x MANNER” limited-edition art collaboration themed store, jointly rolled out by the WKCDA and Shanghai’s beloved coffee brand MANNER COFFEE. The store invited Hong Kong’s renowned illustrator Don Mak to craft exclusive designs inspired by the Victoria Harbour skyline, WKCD panoramas and iconic Hong Kong urban motifs, demonstrating the creative charm of integrating culture, creative industry and tourism.
     
         Upon arrival yesterday (June 17), Miss Law had a working lunch with representatives of the management of Shanghai Shendi Group to exchange information on the latest tourism situation in Shanghai and Hong Kong. She also visited the Shanghai Disney Resort to learn about its operation and development. Miss Law said that the Shanghai Disney Resort and the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort are iconic attractions in the two places, which play vital roles in driving regional tourism and economic development.
     
         Miss Law will depart from Shanghai for Hong Kong tonight.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Russia warns US not to help Israel militarily against Iran

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned on Wednesday that direct U.S. military assistance to Israel could radically destabilise the situation in the Middle East, where an air war between Iran and Israel has raged for six days.

    In separate comments, the head of Russia’s SVR foreign intelligence service, Sergei Naryshkin, was quoted as saying that the situation between Iran and Israel was now critical.

    Ryabkov warned the U.S. against direct military assistance to Israel or even considering such “speculative options,” according to Russia’s Interfax news agency.

    “This would be a step that would radically destabilise the entire situation,” it cited him as saying.

    Earlier, a source familiar with U.S. internal discussions said President Donald Trump and his team were considering a number of options, including joining Israel in strikes against Iranian nuclear sites.

    On Tuesday, Trump openly mused on social media about killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but said “We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.”

    Israel launched air strikes last Friday against Iran’s nuclear sites, scientists and top military leaders in a surprise attack that Russia condemned as unprovoked and illegal. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin, who in January signed a strategic partnership treaty with Iran, has called for a cessation of hostilities between the two sides.

    (Reuters)

  • Russia warns US not to help Israel militarily against Iran

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned on Wednesday that direct U.S. military assistance to Israel could radically destabilise the situation in the Middle East, where an air war between Iran and Israel has raged for six days.

    In separate comments, the head of Russia’s SVR foreign intelligence service, Sergei Naryshkin, was quoted as saying that the situation between Iran and Israel was now critical.

    Ryabkov warned the U.S. against direct military assistance to Israel or even considering such “speculative options,” according to Russia’s Interfax news agency.

    “This would be a step that would radically destabilise the entire situation,” it cited him as saying.

    Earlier, a source familiar with U.S. internal discussions said President Donald Trump and his team were considering a number of options, including joining Israel in strikes against Iranian nuclear sites.

    On Tuesday, Trump openly mused on social media about killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but said “We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.”

    Israel launched air strikes last Friday against Iran’s nuclear sites, scientists and top military leaders in a surprise attack that Russia condemned as unprovoked and illegal. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin, who in January signed a strategic partnership treaty with Iran, has called for a cessation of hostilities between the two sides.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Global: China positions itself as a stable economic partner and alternative to ‘unpredictable’ Trump

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chee Meng Tan, Assistant Professor of Business Economics, University of Nottingham

    After the second world war, the US and its western allies created a set of international agreements and institutions to govern attitudes to mutual defence, economics and human rights. For decades this created stable alliances and predictable economic plans.

    But, unlike his predecessors, Donald Trump believes that international organisations undermine US interests and sovereignty. He has withdrawn the US from the World Health Organization, and there is speculation he could reduce US commitment to the UN. US investment in Nato’s mutual defence pact remains under discussion.

    But while Washington is busy sounding the retreat from the very world order it had a hand in building, Beijing is looking to increase its international role. Chinese leadership in international agencies affiliated with the UN has increased over the years, and so has its financial commitment to international institutions.

    That’s not all. China is also a prominent member of trade coalitions such as the
    15-member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and the ten-member Brics group (led by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). These groups not only promote greater economic integration among its members, but may reduce members’ reliance on the US economy and the US dollar. Amid an increasingly volatile US, China’s presence as the second largest economy in the world in these trade groups would be useful.

    Now with the whole world negotiating new US trade deals, most nations see their relationship with the US as unstable. China sees this as a golden opportunity to position itself as a global counterbalance to the US. One of its policies is to “deliver greater security, prosperity and respect for developing countries”, and this is particularly relevant in African nations, where US aid is being reduced rapidly.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    A US-Sino trade deal was reached in London on June 10 2025. US tariffs on Chinese goods now stand at 55%, while Chinese tariffs on US imports will remain at 10%. But how long this trade deal will last remains uncertain, when Trump has a tendency to change his mind.

    There are few details of the US trade deal with China so far.

    Just a month earlier, on May 12, Washington and Beijing concluded a major trade accord in Geneva aimed at diffusing massive trade tensions. Unfortunately, this deal only lasted for 18 days before Trump started accusing China of violating the agreement.

    But Trump’s tendency to escalate trade tensions and then diffuse them is not just China’s problem. His allies are also a victim of his frequent wavering. This leaves nations around the world, whether traditional US partners or not, in a crisis of not knowing what the US’s next move will be, and whether their economy will suffer.

    In February 2025, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada but temporarily called off the tariffs a month later. Then in early April 2025, Trump raised tariffs on 60 countries and trading blocs, including traditional US allies such as the EU (20%), Japan (24%), South Korea (25%) and Taiwan (32%). Hours later, Trump unexpectedly rescinded these tariffs, but that caused massive damage to the global economy.

    If there is a time that the world needs a more predictable partner it would be now. But it isn’t a Trump-helmed US. A recent annual report on democracy and national attitudes indicates that for first time, respondents across 100 countries view China more favourably than they do the US. So, could China be the partner that the world seeks?

    Why China needs trade

    While the world needs a stable environment to promote economic growth, Beijing needs this stability for reasons that go beyond economics.

    Unlike liberal democracies that derive their legitimacy through elections, a large part of Beijing’s legitimacy comes from its ability to deliver sustained economic prosperity to the Chinese people. But with a battered economy that was first triggered by a real estate crisis in 2021, this task of maintaining legitimacy has become more difficult.

    Exporting its way of out the economic slump may have been on Beijing’s books, as this was one of China’s traditional methods for promoting economic growth. But Trump’s trade war has made this an increasingly difficult prospect, especially to the US which imports 14.8% of total Chinese exports.

    As a result, fixing China’s economy has become a priority for the Chinese government, and it is because of this that Xi tours neighbouring Asean countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia to promote trade and strategic plans to maintain economic stability.

    Obstacles for China

    Despite everything that China is doing, its image remains a problem, for some. For instance, China has claimed sovereignty over the South China Sea and has built ports, military installations and airstrips on artificial islands across the region, despite territorial disputes with its neighbours including Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.

    But there are other concerns about China. The country’s rapid advancements in military technology, for example, have the potential to destabilise security within the Indo Pacific, potentially allowing China to take control of strategically placed islands to use as bases for its navy. China is also becoming a dominant hacking threat, according to UK cyber expert Richard Horne, which is likely to cause problems for worldwide cybersecurity.

    Polish prime minister Donald Tusk once remarked: “With a friend like Trump, who needs enemies?” Many other national leaders are likely to share Tusk’s sentiment today, and may see opportunities to extend trade deals with China as an alternative to a turbulent relationship with Trump.

    Chee Meng Tan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. China positions itself as a stable economic partner and alternative to ‘unpredictable’ Trump – https://theconversation.com/china-positions-itself-as-a-stable-economic-partner-and-alternative-to-unpredictable-trump-258443

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: EIA forecasts new export licensing requirements will reduce U.S. ethane exports

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    June 18, 2025

    We forecast U.S. ethane exports will decrease by 80,000 barrels per day (b/d) this year and by 177,000 b/d in 2026 in our June Short-Term Energy Outlook because of new licensing requirements for U.S. exports of ethane to China. Any policy changes that relax licensing requirements, such as the outcome of trade negotiations between the United States and China, would lead us to increase our forecasts for U.S. ethane exports again.

    China is the largest destination for U.S. ethane exports, accounting for 47% of U.S. ethane exports in 2024. All U.S. ethane exports to China come from two terminals on the U.S. Gulf Coast. Enterprise operates the Orbit terminal in Morgan’s Point, Texas, and Energy Transfer operates a terminal in Nederland, Texas. These terminals have long-term contracts with ethane cracking facilities in China. Both companies announced they received notice from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) that they need to apply for a special license to export ethane to China. Both Enterprise and Energy Transfer report that BIS said ethane exports to China pose an “unacceptable risk” that the material could be used for military purposes.

    According to Vortexa data, as of June 16, seven Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs), nearly a quarter of the VLEC fleet, are stalled along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Two stalled VLECs are laden with nearly 1 million barrels of ethane each. Typically, these loaded VLECs would be headed to China through the Panama Canal, indicating that they were likely loaded before the export licenses were denied. Three VLECs that typically go to China are ballast (empty) and moored off the U.S. Gulf Coast. Two vessels that typically carry ethane from the U.S. Gulf Coast to China on long-term agreements have been diverted to ethane crackers in Dahej, India. The last shipment of U.S. ethane to China left May 23 from Energy Transfer’s terminal on the U.S. Gulf Coast.

    Ethane is a natural gas liquid extracted from wet natural gas during processing and is primarily used to produce ethylene. Ethylene is a crucial component in the petrochemical industry and a building block for plastics, resins, and synthetic rubber.

    Average annual U.S. ethane exports have increased every year since 2014 except 2020, when exports fell slightly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Growing U.S. ethane exports have been supported by rising global petrochemical demand, ethane’s cost advantage in ethylene production over other feedstocks such as naphtha and propane, and increased ethane tanker fleet shipping capacity.

    Crackers in China that can only use ethane as a feedstock, such as Satellite Petrochemical, have already shut down, according to Argus, because no alternative sources for ethane imports exist. Other crackers in China can switch feedstock to naphtha or liquified petroleum gas (propane and butane), such as SP Chemical’s Taixing cracker.

    Principal contributor: Josh Eiermann

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: $112K Is Not Bitcoin’s Peak: PFMCrypto’s Unique BTC Mining Plan Becomes a Must-Have for Holders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin (BTC) prices begin to stabilize, both experts and traders agree that the $112,000 mark is far from its peak. In response to growing investor interest and momentum across the BTC network, global mining leader PFMCrypto has introduced a unique Bitcoin mining strategy that is rapidly gaining popularity among BTC holders. This high-performance mining contract is designed to help users earn passive income—even outside of bull markets—without any technical expertise or complex equipment. PFMCrypto’s cloud mining approach provides secure and consistent BTC rewards.

    Key Highlights of PFMCrypto’s BTC Mining Strategy
    – Exclusive BTC Contracts Now Live: Tailored for Bitcoin holders seeking passive mining income growth.
    – No Lock-in Risk: Withdraw earnings daily. Once the contract ends, the full principal is returned—ensuring liquidity and security.
    – Proven High ROI: PFMCrypto’s BTC mining contracts are based on real performance, not speculative promises. Historical returns have reached up to 55.6% in 30 days.

    Visit PFMCrypto’s homepage: https://pfmcrypto.net

    AI + BTC Mining: Smart Technology for Savvy Investors
    PFMCrypto’s BTC mining platform integrates cutting-edge artificial intelligence to optimize block verification efficiency and automatically reallocate computing power to maximize profits. With 20 mining centers operating around the clock globally, users enjoy consistent BTC earnings without downtime or maintenance.
    Unlike traditional mining, PFMCrypto’s cloud mining model eliminates the costs and complexities of hardware management, making it accessible to everyone—from newcomers to seasoned investors.

    What Makes PFMCrypto’s BTC Mining Plans So Attractive?
    – Zero Hardware Investment: No need to purchase mining rigs to access industrial-grade computing power.
    – All-Inclusive Operation: PFMCrypto handles electricity, cooling, maintenance, and hardware upgrades.
    – Instant Access: New users can start mining BTC within minutes using an intuitive dashboard with real-time earnings tracking.
    – Security & Transparency: All contracts guarantee daily returns, principal repayment, and detailed performance analytics.

    Join PFMCrypto now and receive a $10 welcome bonus to kickstart your BTC mining journey.

    Why Now? BTC’s Road Beyond $112,000
    Market analysts forecast that sustained institutional adoption, ETF integration, and declining exchange reserves could propel BTC to an all-time high of $120,000 by Q3 2025. As PFMCrypto’s CEO puts it:
    “Bitcoin is more than a store of value—it’s a catalyst for wealth accumulation. Our BTC mining strategy empowers users to earn consistent returns amid unprecedented market momentum.”

    PFMCrypto’s BTC Mining Contracts: Proven Performance
    With the recent launch of its 2-day BTC mining contract, PFMCrypto has opened its high-performance cloud mining infrastructure to all users, dramatically lowering the technical and financial barriers to entry. Since its founding in 2018, the platform has grown to support over 9.2 million active users across 192 countries, delivering impressive returns:
    2-Day Strategy: +6.6% ROI
    5-Day Strategy: +6.15% ROI
    15-Day Strategy: +20.7% ROI
    30-Day Strategy: +55.6% ROI
    These figures represent actual average user returns, powered by PFMCrypto’s AI-enhanced infrastructure.

    Click here to view the full BTC mining contract catalog.

    How to Start BTC Cloud Mining with PFMCrypto
    1. Register: Sign up now to receive a $10 bonus and $0.60 daily sign-in reward.
    2. Choose Your Plan: Select from a range of flexible BTC contracts suitable for both short- and long-term investors.
    3. Earn BTC Daily: Let PFMCrypto’s intelligent engine handle everything and start earning Bitcoin instantly.

    About PFMCrypto
    PFMCrypto is a global pioneer in cloud mining services, offering secure and user-friendly cryptocurrency mining tools to millions of users. Since 2018, the company has processed over $1 billion in mining expenditures and operates mining centers across Europe, Asia, and North America. PFMCrypto continues to reshape how individuals and institutions engage with crypto by delivering transparent, reliable, and profit-driven solutions.

    Visit https://pfmcrypto.net to learn more, claim your $10 welcome bonus and start your BTC mining journey today.

    Media Contact:
    Amelia Elspeth
    PFMcrypto
    info@pfmcrypto.net

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4f5332cc-14f1-4752-b2a7-d8329cab344a
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e1aba1e0-a162-4358-9dd3-b665fd7e11d4

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: $112K Is Not Bitcoin’s Peak: PFMCrypto’s Unique BTC Mining Plan Becomes a Must-Have for Holders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin (BTC) prices begin to stabilize, both experts and traders agree that the $112,000 mark is far from its peak. In response to growing investor interest and momentum across the BTC network, global mining leader PFMCrypto has introduced a unique Bitcoin mining strategy that is rapidly gaining popularity among BTC holders. This high-performance mining contract is designed to help users earn passive income—even outside of bull markets—without any technical expertise or complex equipment. PFMCrypto’s cloud mining approach provides secure and consistent BTC rewards.

    Key Highlights of PFMCrypto’s BTC Mining Strategy
    – Exclusive BTC Contracts Now Live: Tailored for Bitcoin holders seeking passive mining income growth.
    – No Lock-in Risk: Withdraw earnings daily. Once the contract ends, the full principal is returned—ensuring liquidity and security.
    – Proven High ROI: PFMCrypto’s BTC mining contracts are based on real performance, not speculative promises. Historical returns have reached up to 55.6% in 30 days.

    Visit PFMCrypto’s homepage: https://pfmcrypto.net

    AI + BTC Mining: Smart Technology for Savvy Investors
    PFMCrypto’s BTC mining platform integrates cutting-edge artificial intelligence to optimize block verification efficiency and automatically reallocate computing power to maximize profits. With 20 mining centers operating around the clock globally, users enjoy consistent BTC earnings without downtime or maintenance.
    Unlike traditional mining, PFMCrypto’s cloud mining model eliminates the costs and complexities of hardware management, making it accessible to everyone—from newcomers to seasoned investors.

    What Makes PFMCrypto’s BTC Mining Plans So Attractive?
    – Zero Hardware Investment: No need to purchase mining rigs to access industrial-grade computing power.
    – All-Inclusive Operation: PFMCrypto handles electricity, cooling, maintenance, and hardware upgrades.
    – Instant Access: New users can start mining BTC within minutes using an intuitive dashboard with real-time earnings tracking.
    – Security & Transparency: All contracts guarantee daily returns, principal repayment, and detailed performance analytics.

    Join PFMCrypto now and receive a $10 welcome bonus to kickstart your BTC mining journey.

    Why Now? BTC’s Road Beyond $112,000
    Market analysts forecast that sustained institutional adoption, ETF integration, and declining exchange reserves could propel BTC to an all-time high of $120,000 by Q3 2025. As PFMCrypto’s CEO puts it:
    “Bitcoin is more than a store of value—it’s a catalyst for wealth accumulation. Our BTC mining strategy empowers users to earn consistent returns amid unprecedented market momentum.”

    PFMCrypto’s BTC Mining Contracts: Proven Performance
    With the recent launch of its 2-day BTC mining contract, PFMCrypto has opened its high-performance cloud mining infrastructure to all users, dramatically lowering the technical and financial barriers to entry. Since its founding in 2018, the platform has grown to support over 9.2 million active users across 192 countries, delivering impressive returns:
    2-Day Strategy: +6.6% ROI
    5-Day Strategy: +6.15% ROI
    15-Day Strategy: +20.7% ROI
    30-Day Strategy: +55.6% ROI
    These figures represent actual average user returns, powered by PFMCrypto’s AI-enhanced infrastructure.

    Click here to view the full BTC mining contract catalog.

    How to Start BTC Cloud Mining with PFMCrypto
    1. Register: Sign up now to receive a $10 bonus and $0.60 daily sign-in reward.
    2. Choose Your Plan: Select from a range of flexible BTC contracts suitable for both short- and long-term investors.
    3. Earn BTC Daily: Let PFMCrypto’s intelligent engine handle everything and start earning Bitcoin instantly.

    About PFMCrypto
    PFMCrypto is a global pioneer in cloud mining services, offering secure and user-friendly cryptocurrency mining tools to millions of users. Since 2018, the company has processed over $1 billion in mining expenditures and operates mining centers across Europe, Asia, and North America. PFMCrypto continues to reshape how individuals and institutions engage with crypto by delivering transparent, reliable, and profit-driven solutions.

    Visit https://pfmcrypto.net to learn more, claim your $10 welcome bonus and start your BTC mining journey today.

    Media Contact:
    Amelia Elspeth
    PFMcrypto
    info@pfmcrypto.net

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4f5332cc-14f1-4752-b2a7-d8329cab344a
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e1aba1e0-a162-4358-9dd3-b665fd7e11d4

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Moomoo Gears Up to Celebrate New York Mets’ 50th Victory with a $20,000 Fan Giveaway, Announces 25th Win Prize Recipient with $10,000

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JERSEY CITY, N.J., June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Moomoo, a global investment and trading platform, is getting ready to celebrate with New York Mets fans with a $20,000 giveaway as the Mets approach the exciting 50th win of the 2025 MLB season. Moomoo also congratulates the Mets on achieving their 25th win by giving $10,000 to the sweepstakes winner – H Smith from Queens, New York. This milestone also activated the first major prize in moomoo’s season-long fan engagement campaign.

    As part of the strategic partnership with the Mets, moomoo pledged to contribute $10,000 to a special prize fund for every team victory. With the Mets reaching 25 wins, H Smith becomes the first moomoo user to win the first prize of this ongoing sweepstakes. As the season progresses, subsequent milestone achievements including 50, 75, and 100 wins will lead to increased prizes for each milestone and a potential $1 million grand prize for a lucky moomoo investor.

    At this time, fans are encouraged to create their moomoo account and make a qualifying deposit soon for a chance to win the $20,000 prize after the team records its 50th win.

    “We’re excited to officially kickoff the prize portion of this special partnership with the Mets, and reward Mets fans and moomoo users by creating special experiences like this,” said Neil McDonald, moomoo US’s CEO. “Our partnership with the Mets aims at creating memorable experiences for fans and investors alike and we can’t wait to see what the rest of the season will bring.”

    In addition to the cash awards, moomoo will host Moomoo Mondays at Mets games: every Monday home game during the 2025 regular season moomoo will be giving away up to 500 free tickets to fans. To be eligible, fans will simply show the moomoo Monday Mets ticket offer on their moomoo app at the Mets Box Office at the ballpark. Each Monday, fans can expect prizes and surprises during their Citi Field experience, including free promotional items.

    About moomoo
    Moomoo is a leading global investment and trading platform dedicated to empowering investors with user-friendly tools, data, and insights. Our platform is designed to provide essential information and technology, enabling users to make more-informed investment decisions. With advanced charting tools, pro-level analytical features, moomoo evolves alongside our users, fostering a dynamic community where investors can share, learn, and grow together.
    Founded in the U.S., moomoo operates globally, serving investors in countries such as the US, Singapore, Australia, Japan, Canada and Malaysia. As a subsidiary of a Nasdaq-listed Futu Holdings (FUTU), we take pride in our role as a global strategic partner of the Nasdaq, earning numerous international accolades from renowned industry leaders such as Benzinga and Fintech Breakthrough. Moomoo has also received multiple awards in the US, Singapore, and Australia for its innovative, inclusive approach to investing.

    For more information, please visit moomoo’s official website at www.moomoo.com or feel free to email us: pr@us.moomoo.com.

    Purchase will not improve chances of winning. Void where prohibited. 18+. Open to permanent legal U.S. residents residing in NY, NJ, CT, or PA. Starts 4/4/2025. Various deadlines may apply. Entries must be received by 11:59 pm ET on 9/28/2025 or earlier if the Mets win 100 games. Enter for free at Free entry link. Prize restrictions apply. For details/Official Rules visit bit.ly/moomoomillion_Rules

    The Mets are not affiliated with moomoo or its affiliates. Moomoo is a financial information and trading app offered by Moomoo Technologies Inc. Securities offered through Moomoo Financial Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Investing is risky.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3d63025a-3e11-40b6-9a13-20cfa71d5a5e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NexQloud Closes $2.3M Pre-Seed Round, Surpasses 1,850 NanoServers Deployed, Outpaces Traditional Data Centers in Efficiency—and Pursues FedRAMP for Public Sector Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALO ALTO, Calif., June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NexQloud, a startup in decentralized cloud computing infrastructure, today announced the successful close of its $2.3 million Pre-Seed funding round under a Reg CF exemption. The raise, completed with fully audited financials, marks a significant milestone and confirms market appetite for decentralized computing solutions that reward individuals and organizations for contributing their hardware to the cloud.

    The company now enters a new phase of growth, backed by a 12-month runway and plans to launch a $5 million Seed Round to accelerate proof of market fit for its Distributed Kubernetes Service (DKS) and expand into three additional cloud service verticals designed to serve the growing demand from AI organizations, SaaS providers, and DevOps teams.

    “This funding validates what we’ve always believed — that the future of cloud computing is decentralized, energy efficient, and eco-friendly,” said Mauro Terrinoni, CEO of NexQloud. “With over 1,850 NanoServers live, we’ve demonstrated not only demand but global scalability. Now, we’re focused on unlocking enterprise and federal adoption with even greater ambition.”

    1,850+ NanoServers Now Deployed Across 10 Countries

    Since its last milestone announcement of 1,250 units, NexQloud has rapidly expanded to over 1,850 NanoServers across ten countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Belgium, Australia, Vietnam, Switzerland, Germany, India, and Jamaica. This marks a 48% growth since its last update, demonstrating strong contributor momentum and global adoption.

    Built on mobile CPU architecture, each NanoServer operates with just 12% of the energy consumed by traditional rackmount servers. The result: 88% energy savings with identical computational performance. These energy-efficient devices operate 24/7 with minimal cooling or infrastructure overhead, creating a sustainable, community-powered alternative to centralized data centers.

    To date NexQloud’s Distributed Compute Platform (DCP) now comprises:

    • 54,820 virtual CPUs (vCPUs) — powering compute-intensive enterprise workloads
    • 158.83 terabytes of RAM — supporting large-scale, memory-driven applications
    • 849 AI-capable GPUs — enabling real-time machine learning, inference, and analytics

    NexQloud’s DCP Matches Enterprise Data Center Power—Without the Real Estate

    To contextualize the scale of its current infrastructure, NexQloud’s DCP now delivers the performance equivalent of a mid-sized enterprise-grade data center, comprising approximately 70 traditional server racks. The platform can support between 500,000 and 750,000 concurrent users for web-based applications, while simultaneously powering tens of thousands of containerized workloads across its Distributed Kubernetes Service (DKS).

    In addition, NexQloud’s GPU infrastructure can support hundreds of parallel AI inference, training, and rendering tasks, enabling enterprise-scale AI computing at a fraction of typical cost. Remarkably, this level of compute was achieved without building a single data center— and with new devices coming online daily, NexQloud’s DCP will continue to grow in scale and resilience.

    Eliminating Infrastructure Costs, Saving Energy, Reducing Emissions

    If built traditionally, this infrastructure would require an estimated $7.5 million in capital expenditures. NexQloud eliminates these costs entirely by leveraging decentralized ownership and contributor-operated devices, with the potential to deliver:

    • Annual electricity savings: Over 6.94 million kWh, equal to $832,550 in avoided energy costs
    • CO₂ emissions avoided: Approximately 2,895 metric tons per year, equivalent to removing 640 cars from the road
    • Environmental impact: Comparable to planting 133,000 mature trees annually

    “This is more than cloud infrastructure — it’s a major shift in how compute is produced, powered, and rewarded,” added Terrinoni. “With the theoretical ability to add millions of devices, we are poised to do for computing what the internet did for information —decentralize it, distribute it, and redefine it.”

    Pursuing FedRAMP to Unlock Government Cloud Contracts

    Lastly, the company announces its intent to pursue FedRAMP certification to unlock opportunities with U.S. government agencies. As one of the largest consumers of traditional cloud infrastructure, the U.S. government represents a high-value target. NexQloud’s pursuit of FedRAMP is a strategic move to access public sector contracts and expand into one of the most regulated and defensible segments of the cloud market.

    About NexQloud

    NexQloud is redefining cloud infrastructure by combining blockchain, AI, and a global network of energy-efficient NanoServers into a scalable, secure, and environmentally responsible computing platform. Through its NXQ token economy and Distributed Kubernetes Service (DKS), NexQloud offers individuals and enterprises an inclusive alternative to centralized hyperscale providers.

    Media Contact:
    Mauro Terrinoni, CEO
    Email: mterrinoni@nexqloud.io
    Phone: +1 669 241 0916
    Website: www.nexqloud.io

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Satellogic Poised to Deliver Its NextGen Satellite and Technology Transfer for Malaysia’s Earth Observation Satellite Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Satellogic, Inc. (NASDAQ: SATL), a leader in satellite manufacturing and high-resolution Earth observation data, is pleased to announce that Uzma Berhad, and by extension Satellogic as Uzma’s Technology Partner, has been selected as the successful bidder to lead the Malaysian High-Resolution Earth Observation Satellite Project (MHREOSP) for the Government of Malaysia.

    As a technology partner, Satellogic will design, develop, assemble, integrate and test a state-of-the-art high resolution satellite with active involvement of Malaysian personnel. This newest evolution of Satellogic’s proven platform, is built on the extensive heritage from over 50 NewSat satellites and features key upgrades, including superior National Imagery Interpretability Rating Scales (NIIRS) ratings, larger optics and enhanced sensor design, to deliver 50cm resolution across all spectral bands. Final integration and testing are planned to take place in Malaysia in collaboration with Uzma and local parties to support meaningful homegrown capacity development.

    This collaboration builds on the successful deployment of UzmaSAT-1 and underscores Satellogic’s commitment to delivering agile space solutions to its customers around the world. “Satellogic brings proven satellite technology and a commitment to agile innovation that aligns with our goals and the nation’s space aspirations, supporting the Malaysia Space Exploration 2030 Action Plan,” said Dato’ Kamarul Redzuan Muhamed, Group CEO of Uzma Berhad. “With the Government’s guidance, Satellogic’s expertise, and our homegrown talents, we are enabling Malaysia to leap forward in its geospatial intelligence capabilities and supporting the long-term sustainability of our national infrastructure and environment by nurturing local talent through knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and exposure to satellite technology. We look forward to help grow the ecosystem further, guided by the Malaysian Government and its agencies, including Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), MYSA, the Public-Private Partnership Unit (UKAS), and Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT).”

    The selection strengthens Satellogic’s expanding presence in Asia and reinforces its mission to democratize access to state-of-the-art space technology.
    “This partnership harnesses the power of commercial space to strengthen national sovereignty through proprietary space access,” said Emiliano Kargieman, CEO & Co-Founder of Satellogic. “We’re proud to support Malaysia’s forward-looking vision for space and to work alongside Uzma and GeospatialAI in delivering capabilities that will drive national resilience and innovation”

    About Satellogic

    Founded in 2010 by Emiliano Kargieman and Gerardo Richarte, Satellogic (NASDAQ: SATL) is the first vertically integrated geospatial company, driving real outcomes with planetary-scale insights. Satellogic is creating and continuously enhancing the first scalable, fully automated EO platform with the ability to remap the entire planet at both high-frequency and high-resolution, providing accessible and affordable solutions for customers.

    Satellogic’s mission is to democratize access to geospatial data through its information platform of high resolution images to help solve the world’s most pressing problems including climate change, energy supply, and food security. Using its patented Earth imaging technology, Satellogic unlocks the power of EO to deliver high-quality, planetary insights at the lowest cost in the industry.

    With more than a decade of experience in space, Satellogic has proven technology and a strong track record of delivering satellites to orbit and high-resolution data to customers at the right price point.

    To learn more, please visit: http://www.satellogic.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intends”, “may”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “potential”, “predict”, “project”, “should”, “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on Satellogic’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Satellogic and include statements concerning Satellogic’s strategic realignment as a U.S. company, and the visibility and high growth opportunities it will provide in connection therewith. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve, and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ
    from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Satellogic. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) our ability to generate revenue as expected, including due to challenges created by macroeconomic concerns, geopolitical uncertainty (e.g., trade relationships), financial market fluctuations and related factors, (ii) our ability to effectively market and sell our EO services and to convert contracted revenues and our pipeline of potential contracts into actual revenues, (iii) risks related to the secured convertible notes, (iv) the potential loss of one or more of our largest customers, (v) the considerable time and expense related to our sales efforts and the length and unpredictability of our sales cycle, (vi) risks and uncertainties associated with defense-related contracts, (vii) risk related to our pricing structure, (viii) our ability to scale production of our satellites as planned, (ix) unforeseen risks, challenges and uncertainties related to our expansion into new business lines, (x) our dependence on third parties, including SpaceX, to transport and launch our satellites into space, (xi) our reliance on third-party vendors and manufacturers to build and provide certain satellite components, products, or services and the inability of these vendors and manufacturers to meet our needs, (xii) our dependence on ground station and cloud-based computing infrastructure operated by third pirates for value-added services, and any errors, disruption, performance problems, or failure in their or our operational infrastructure, (xiii) risk related to certain minimum service requirements in our customer contracts, (xiv) market acceptance of our EO services and our dependence upon our ability to keep pace with the latest technological advances, including those related to artificial intelligence and machine learning, (xv) our ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates or consummate acquisitions on acceptable terms, or our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions, (xvi) competition for EO services, (xvii) challenges with international operations or unexpected changes to the regulatory environment in certain markets, (xviii) unknown defects or errors in our products, (xix) risk related to the capital-intensive nature of our business and our ability to raise adequate capital to finance our business strategies, (xx) uncertainties beyond our control related to the production, launch, commissioning, and/or operation of our satellites and related ground systems, software and analytic technologies, (xxi) the failure of the market for EO services to achieve the growth potential we expect, (xxii) risks related to our satellites and related equipment becoming impaired, (xxiii) risks related to the failure of our satellites to operate as intended, (xxiv) production and launch delays, launch failures, and damage or destruction to our satellites during launch, (xxv) the impact of natural disasters, unusual or prolonged unfavorable weather conditions, epidemic outbreaks, terrorist acts and geopolitical events (including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, in the Gaza Strip and the Red Sea region) on our business and satellite launch schedules and (xxvi) the anticipated benefits of the domestication may not materialize. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of Satellogic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents filed or to be filed by Satellogic from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Satellogic assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Satellogic can give no assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

    Contacts

    Investor Relations:

    Ryan Driver, VP of Strategy & Corporate Development 

    ryan.driver@Satellogic.com

    Media Relations:

    Satellogic

    pr@Satellogic.com

    Uzma Berhad

    communications@uzmagroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Satellogic Poised to Deliver Its NextGen Satellite and Technology Transfer for Malaysia’s Earth Observation Satellite Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Satellogic, Inc. (NASDAQ: SATL), a leader in satellite manufacturing and high-resolution Earth observation data, is pleased to announce that Uzma Berhad, and by extension Satellogic as Uzma’s Technology Partner, has been selected as the successful bidder to lead the Malaysian High-Resolution Earth Observation Satellite Project (MHREOSP) for the Government of Malaysia.

    As a technology partner, Satellogic will design, develop, assemble, integrate and test a state-of-the-art high resolution satellite with active involvement of Malaysian personnel. This newest evolution of Satellogic’s proven platform, is built on the extensive heritage from over 50 NewSat satellites and features key upgrades, including superior National Imagery Interpretability Rating Scales (NIIRS) ratings, larger optics and enhanced sensor design, to deliver 50cm resolution across all spectral bands. Final integration and testing are planned to take place in Malaysia in collaboration with Uzma and local parties to support meaningful homegrown capacity development.

    This collaboration builds on the successful deployment of UzmaSAT-1 and underscores Satellogic’s commitment to delivering agile space solutions to its customers around the world. “Satellogic brings proven satellite technology and a commitment to agile innovation that aligns with our goals and the nation’s space aspirations, supporting the Malaysia Space Exploration 2030 Action Plan,” said Dato’ Kamarul Redzuan Muhamed, Group CEO of Uzma Berhad. “With the Government’s guidance, Satellogic’s expertise, and our homegrown talents, we are enabling Malaysia to leap forward in its geospatial intelligence capabilities and supporting the long-term sustainability of our national infrastructure and environment by nurturing local talent through knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and exposure to satellite technology. We look forward to help grow the ecosystem further, guided by the Malaysian Government and its agencies, including Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), MYSA, the Public-Private Partnership Unit (UKAS), and Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT).”

    The selection strengthens Satellogic’s expanding presence in Asia and reinforces its mission to democratize access to state-of-the-art space technology.
    “This partnership harnesses the power of commercial space to strengthen national sovereignty through proprietary space access,” said Emiliano Kargieman, CEO & Co-Founder of Satellogic. “We’re proud to support Malaysia’s forward-looking vision for space and to work alongside Uzma and GeospatialAI in delivering capabilities that will drive national resilience and innovation”

    About Satellogic

    Founded in 2010 by Emiliano Kargieman and Gerardo Richarte, Satellogic (NASDAQ: SATL) is the first vertically integrated geospatial company, driving real outcomes with planetary-scale insights. Satellogic is creating and continuously enhancing the first scalable, fully automated EO platform with the ability to remap the entire planet at both high-frequency and high-resolution, providing accessible and affordable solutions for customers.

    Satellogic’s mission is to democratize access to geospatial data through its information platform of high resolution images to help solve the world’s most pressing problems including climate change, energy supply, and food security. Using its patented Earth imaging technology, Satellogic unlocks the power of EO to deliver high-quality, planetary insights at the lowest cost in the industry.

    With more than a decade of experience in space, Satellogic has proven technology and a strong track record of delivering satellites to orbit and high-resolution data to customers at the right price point.

    To learn more, please visit: http://www.satellogic.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intends”, “may”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “potential”, “predict”, “project”, “should”, “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on Satellogic’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Satellogic and include statements concerning Satellogic’s strategic realignment as a U.S. company, and the visibility and high growth opportunities it will provide in connection therewith. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve, and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ
    from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Satellogic. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) our ability to generate revenue as expected, including due to challenges created by macroeconomic concerns, geopolitical uncertainty (e.g., trade relationships), financial market fluctuations and related factors, (ii) our ability to effectively market and sell our EO services and to convert contracted revenues and our pipeline of potential contracts into actual revenues, (iii) risks related to the secured convertible notes, (iv) the potential loss of one or more of our largest customers, (v) the considerable time and expense related to our sales efforts and the length and unpredictability of our sales cycle, (vi) risks and uncertainties associated with defense-related contracts, (vii) risk related to our pricing structure, (viii) our ability to scale production of our satellites as planned, (ix) unforeseen risks, challenges and uncertainties related to our expansion into new business lines, (x) our dependence on third parties, including SpaceX, to transport and launch our satellites into space, (xi) our reliance on third-party vendors and manufacturers to build and provide certain satellite components, products, or services and the inability of these vendors and manufacturers to meet our needs, (xii) our dependence on ground station and cloud-based computing infrastructure operated by third pirates for value-added services, and any errors, disruption, performance problems, or failure in their or our operational infrastructure, (xiii) risk related to certain minimum service requirements in our customer contracts, (xiv) market acceptance of our EO services and our dependence upon our ability to keep pace with the latest technological advances, including those related to artificial intelligence and machine learning, (xv) our ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates or consummate acquisitions on acceptable terms, or our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions, (xvi) competition for EO services, (xvii) challenges with international operations or unexpected changes to the regulatory environment in certain markets, (xviii) unknown defects or errors in our products, (xix) risk related to the capital-intensive nature of our business and our ability to raise adequate capital to finance our business strategies, (xx) uncertainties beyond our control related to the production, launch, commissioning, and/or operation of our satellites and related ground systems, software and analytic technologies, (xxi) the failure of the market for EO services to achieve the growth potential we expect, (xxii) risks related to our satellites and related equipment becoming impaired, (xxiii) risks related to the failure of our satellites to operate as intended, (xxiv) production and launch delays, launch failures, and damage or destruction to our satellites during launch, (xxv) the impact of natural disasters, unusual or prolonged unfavorable weather conditions, epidemic outbreaks, terrorist acts and geopolitical events (including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, in the Gaza Strip and the Red Sea region) on our business and satellite launch schedules and (xxvi) the anticipated benefits of the domestication may not materialize. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of Satellogic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents filed or to be filed by Satellogic from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Satellogic assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Satellogic can give no assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

    Contacts

    Investor Relations:

    Ryan Driver, VP of Strategy & Corporate Development 

    ryan.driver@Satellogic.com

    Media Relations:

    Satellogic

    pr@Satellogic.com

    Uzma Berhad

    communications@uzmagroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government’s response to temporary stay granted by Court about decision to remove Aggressive Construction Company Limited from register

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Government’s response to temporary stay granted by Court about decision to remove Aggressive Construction Company Limited from register 
    The BA refused the registration renewal application of ACCL on May 22, 2025 and decided to remove its name from the register of general building contractors on June 20. ACCL has appealed against the decision and applied for a stay of execution of the decision. The Court of First Instance of the High Court today granted an interim-interim stay of execution of the decision. The hearing of the appeal and application for stay of execution is tentatively scheduled for August 26 and 27.
     
    The spokesman for the DEVB said, “As the Court has granted an interim-interim stay of execution of the decision, ACCL will not be removed from the register of general building contractors on June 20. During the period pending further hearings, if there are still construction activities on the project sites undertaken by ACCL, the project owners concerned will act in accordance with the contracts and continue to monitor the construction sites and the performance of the contractor. If the contractor’s performance fails to meet the contractual requirements, the project owners will handle the matter in accordance with the contract and reserve the right to take follow-up actions. The BD and project owners will also step up monitoring and surprise inspections to safeguard site safety. In fact, since the performance of ACCL in respect of the public works project of the Chai Wan Government Complex was far below the contractual requirements, the Government as the project owner has terminated the contract in accordance with the contractual mechanism and taken over the construction site on June 15. The Government will endeavour to arrange in the near term for a new contractor to take over and finish the remaining works.”
    Issued at HKT 20:45

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt set to replace water main

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Water Supplies Department (WSD) will work around the clock to replace a 400-metre-long steel water main by early July, that was believed to be the source of the bitumen sediments found in the fresh water at Queen’s Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court.

    Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn told legislators today that the Government is highly concerned about the water incident at Queen’s Hill. Upon receiving the incident reports at the end of May, the WSD and the Housing Department (HD) formed a joint working group to probe the incident and formulate remedial measures.

    The WSD has cleaned the water mains under its management and maintenance 11 times, while the HD has cleaned water pipes and water tanks under its purview six times and three times respectively.

    The HD has also installed 22 screen filters at the water inlet of each building and the estates.

    In addition, the WSD keeps collecting water samples from the estates for testing. So far, all samples have complied with the Hong Kong Drinking Water Standards.

    Ms Linn noted that about 700 enquiries have been made to the 24-hour hotline since its set-up on June 7. Furthermore, the WSD has received over 1,500 requests for flushing water meters through community channels.

    Such channels involved the street counters and home visits organised by District Council members, the three district committees and the Care Teams.

    The WSD has completed the flushing of water meters within one to two days. Currently, most of the residents reported an improvement in water quality and follow-up action is not required.

    The WSD believes that the black sediments in the fresh water originated from a steel water main at the upstream water supply network at Ping Che Road. The 400-metre-long water main uses bitumen as an inner lining that serves as a protective coating.

    Over the past week, the WSD has explored the approach of using exposed temporary water mains to replace the steel water main.

    It collaborated with the Development Bureau, the contractor, the Transport Department, Police and the North District Office to formulate traffic arrangements.

    Through collective efforts, the WSD will immediately start the project and work around the clock to complete the temporary water mains by early July, when the specified section of bitumen-lined steel water mains will decommission.

    The WSD will also strive to replace the exposed temporary water mains with a permanent underground water mains by the end of this year.

    Ms Linn pointed out that the WSD has ceased applying bitumen lining on fresh water mains since 2005. Of the water pipes that still contain this type of lining, only about 230km are fresh water distribution mains, representing about 3.9% of the city’s total fresh water distribution mains.

    Apart from installing over 1,000 screen filters in the related water supply network, the WSD is reviewing the necessity of installing additional screen filters at suitable locations, she added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Esker Expands European Field Presence with New Office in Ghent, Belgium

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Esker Expands European Field Presence with New Office in Ghent, Belgium

    LYON, France, and MIDDLETON, Wis. — June 18, 2025 — Esker, a global cloud platform and leader in AI-driven process automation solutions for finance and customer service functions, is proud to announce the opening of its new office in Ghent, Belgium, further strengthening its presence in the Benelux region (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg).

    The new Ghent office will enable Esker to better serve its growing customer base in a region known for its economic vitality and innovation, particularly in the industrial and biotechnology sectors.

    Esker already supports several major customers in the Benelux region, including Abbott, Atlas Copco, Greenyard, Heineken and Ineos, and maintains a strong partnership with KPMG in the Netherlands. The new Ghent office enables Esker to be even closer to these customers and provide more localized support.

    Adelin Odent, who has led Esker’s operations in the Benelux region for over a decade, has been appointed Managing Director for Esker Benelux.

    “I’m thrilled to lead Esker’s expansion in this strategically important region,” said Odent. “Opening our office in Ghent brings us closer to our customers and partners, and allows us to better support their digital transformation journeys. We’re also looking to scale up the workforce in the region and attract top local talent to drive our continued success.”

    About Esker

    Esker is the global authority in AI-powered business solutions for the Office of the CFO. Leveraging the latest in automation technologies, Esker’s Source-to-Pay and Order-to-Cash solutions optimize working capital and cashflow, enhance decision-making, and drive better collaboration and human-to-human relationships with customers, suppliers and employees. Esker operates in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific with global headquarters in Lyon, France, and U.S. headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information on Esker and its solutions, visit www.esker.com. Follow Esker on LinkedIn and join the conversation.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Esker Expands European Field Presence with New Office in Ghent, Belgium

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Esker Expands European Field Presence with New Office in Ghent, Belgium

    LYON, France, and MIDDLETON, Wis. — June 18, 2025 — Esker, a global cloud platform and leader in AI-driven process automation solutions for finance and customer service functions, is proud to announce the opening of its new office in Ghent, Belgium, further strengthening its presence in the Benelux region (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg).

    The new Ghent office will enable Esker to better serve its growing customer base in a region known for its economic vitality and innovation, particularly in the industrial and biotechnology sectors.

    Esker already supports several major customers in the Benelux region, including Abbott, Atlas Copco, Greenyard, Heineken and Ineos, and maintains a strong partnership with KPMG in the Netherlands. The new Ghent office enables Esker to be even closer to these customers and provide more localized support.

    Adelin Odent, who has led Esker’s operations in the Benelux region for over a decade, has been appointed Managing Director for Esker Benelux.

    “I’m thrilled to lead Esker’s expansion in this strategically important region,” said Odent. “Opening our office in Ghent brings us closer to our customers and partners, and allows us to better support their digital transformation journeys. We’re also looking to scale up the workforce in the region and attract top local talent to drive our continued success.”

    About Esker

    Esker is the global authority in AI-powered business solutions for the Office of the CFO. Leveraging the latest in automation technologies, Esker’s Source-to-Pay and Order-to-Cash solutions optimize working capital and cashflow, enhance decision-making, and drive better collaboration and human-to-human relationships with customers, suppliers and employees. Esker operates in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific with global headquarters in Lyon, France, and U.S. headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information on Esker and its solutions, visit www.esker.com. Follow Esker on LinkedIn and join the conversation.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OTSAW Announces Public Filing of Registration Statement for Proposed Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Otsaw Limited (“OTSAW” the “Company”, “we”, “our”) today announced the Company publicly filed a registration statement on Form F-1 (the “Registration Statement”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) relating to the proposed initial public offering of its class A ordinary shares (the “Proposed Offering”). OTSAW has applied to list its class A ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol, “OTSA.” The Company has not yet disclosed the price range or the number of securities to be offered in the Proposed Offering at this time. The Proposed Offering is subject to market conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the Proposed Offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or other terms of the Proposed Offering.

    As of the date of this announcement, Aegis Capital Corp. is acting as the sole bookrunner for the Proposed Offering and CMD Global is acting as a financial advisor to the Company. The Proposed Offering will be made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus relating to this Proposed Offering, when available, may be obtained by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, copies of the preliminary prospectus, when available, may be obtained from: Aegis Capital Corp., Attention: Syndicate Department, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, 27th floor, New York, NY 10105, by email at syndicate@aegiscap.com, or by telephone at +1 (212) 813-1010. The Registration Statement relating to the Proposed Offering has been filed with the SEC but has not yet become effective. The securities being offered by the Company in the Proposed Offering may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted, prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation, or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of that jurisdiction. Any offers, solicitations or offers to buy, or any sales of securities will be made in accordance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Proposed Offering is subject to market and other conditions and the completion of the SEC’s review process.

    About OTSAW

    We are a Singapore-based company specializing in autonomous mobile robots (“AMRs”) and robotics solutions, with cutting-edge robotics software development and manufacturing capabilities. Founded in 2015, we are an innovator in advanced robotics autonomy technologies and next-generation artificial intelligence (“AI”). Our mission is to disrupt, revolutionize, and redefine the global facilities management industry with our AI-enabled AMRs and robotics solutions across security, disinfection, last-mile delivery, and healthcare facilities.

    Leveraging our core software technologies, robot and machine outdoor autonomy expertise, and AI-enabled AMRs, our products empower customers to enhance productivity, reduce reliance on human capital, and seamlessly integrate automation into their facilities management operations. By addressing labor shortages, rising wages, and labor cost challenges, we aim to empower the entire facilities management industry globally.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts, including statements relating to Otsaw Limited’s expectations regarding the commencement and completion of its proposed public offering and listing, are forward-looking statements. You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” or “anticipates,” or similar expressions which concern our strategy, plans, or intentions. By their nature, forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact or guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions or changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict or quantify. Our expectations and beliefs are expressed in good faith, and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that management’s expectations and beliefs will result or be achieved, and actual results may vary materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement in this press release speaks only as of the date of this release. Otsaw Limited undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws.

    Contact:
    Jules Abraham
    CORE IR
    +1 (212) 655-0924

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Helport AI Appoints Former Google and ServiceNow Executive Vanessa Chan as Chief Commercial Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Experienced Executive to Lead Commercial Expansion, Strategic Partnerships, and Revenue Acceleration Initiatives in North America

    SINGAPORE and SAN DIEGO, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Helport AI Limited (NASDAQ: HPAI) (“Helport AI” or the “Company”), an AI technology company serving enterprise clients with intelligent customer communication software and services, today announced the appointment of Hiu-Yu “Vanessa” Chan as Chief Commercial Officer (“CCO”), effective June 16, 2025.

    Ms. Chan joins Helport AI at a pivotal moment of global growth. She brings over 23 years of enterprise leadership experience across AI, SaaS, and strategic expansion, having held senior roles at Google Cloud, SAP, ServiceNow, and McKinsey. As CCO, she will lead commercial expansion, strategic partnerships, and revenue acceleration initiatives across the United States and North America. Ms. Chan is also expected to play a key role in shaping go-to-market strategy and customer success at scale. Ms. Chan holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. She will be based out of Helport AI’s San Diego headquarters. Most recently, Ms. Chan served as Head of Corporate Strategy for North Asia at ServiceNow, where she oversaw strategic growth across its Public Sector and Financial Services space and spearheaded an investment initiative for Singapore’s regulated cloud market. Previously, at Google Cloud, she led go-to-market operations for Greater China and Korea. Ms. Chan also held executive roles at SAP, managing strategic accounts and alliances while delivering revenue growth through strategic partnerships in the China market.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Vanessa to Helport AI,” said Guanghai Li, CEO of Helport AI. “Her track record speaks for itself—Vanessa combines strategic clarity with operational excellence and a deep understanding of global enterprise markets. I am personally excited to partner with her as we embark on our next stage of commercial growth.”

    Ms. Chan added, “I am excited to join Helport AI at a time of global expansion and product momentum. I expect that the Company’s AI-driven software platform will transform how enterprises engage with their customers by addressing complex communication challenges, and I look forward to delivering value to those using our technology to transform their customer engagement model.”

    With Ms. Chan’s appointment, Helport AI has strengthened its executive bench to support its continued international expansion, enterprise customer growth, and strategic capital partnerships.

    About Helport AI

    Helport AI (NASDAQ: HPAI) is a global technology company serving enterprise clients with intelligent customer communication software and services. Its flagship product, AI Assist, acts as a real-time co-pilot for customer contact teams, delivering smart guidance and tools designed to drive sales, improve customer engagement, and lower costs. The Company’s mission is to empower everyone to work as an expert—using AI to elevate, not replace, human capability. Learn more at https://www.helport.ai/.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking, including, but not limited to, Helport AI’s business strategies, expansion plans, and anticipated results. These statements involve risks and uncertainties based on current expectations and projections. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Helport AI undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although Helport AI believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and Helport AI cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in Helport AI’s registration statement and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Media Contact
    Helport AI Investor Relations
    Email: ir@helport.ai
    Website: https://ir.helport.ai/

    External Investor Relations Contact
    Chris Tyson
    Executive Vice President, MZ North America
    Direct: +1 949-491-8235
    Email: HPAI@mzgroup.us
    Website: www.mzgroup.us

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Supporting Immigrant New Yorkers

    Source: US State of New York

    esterday, Governor Kathy Hochul visited Brooklyn’s Little Haiti neighborhood to visit community leaders and discuss the impact of President Trump’s policies on the Haitian-American community.

    PHOTOS of the meeting are available on the Governor’s Flickr page.

    “With the Statue of Liberty in our harbor, New York has always welcomed immigrants who come to this country seeking a better life. That’s especially true for our Haitian American community who have become a large, vibrant part of New York’s culture and civic life. Haitian American leaders have opened small businesses, provided essential healthcare as front line workers, produced extraordinary arts and culture, and served at the highest levels of elected office. These are our fellow Americans — and our fellow New Yorkers,” said Governor Hochul. We know the Haitian American community has been under attack by cynical political leaders. Haiti has been characterized in ways that are too vile to put in writing, and politicians have spread false rumors about Haitian Americans in Ohio. Now, the federal government is banning travel between Haiti and the United States, cutting hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers off from their loved ones and family. As leaders of the Empire State, we stand united against this outrageous travel ban. The ban is cruel and does nothing to make us safer. Instead of doubling down on hate, New York will continue our efforts to lift up the Haitian American community with support and resources to ensure their safety and well-being. We stand united in the face of this bigotry, and we will not back down.”

    Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages, Chair of the NYS Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus said, “This policy is not rooted in national security. It is rooted in racism, xenophobia, and a cruel desire to slam the door on families fleeing hardship. As the first person of Haitian descent elected to the New York State Legislature, this is deeply personal. I understand what our community has faced and continues to endure. Haitian New Yorkers are caregivers, small business owners, students, faith leaders, and essential workers who contribute to our economy and enrich New York every day. Banning Haitians and others from entering the United States under the guise of safety is not only wrong, it is a stain on our nation’s moral fabric. We cannot allow fear and bigotry to dictate immigration policy. We must reject this shameful act and continue fighting for an immigration system that reflects compassion and human dignity.”

    Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn said, “New York has always been a welcoming beacon for immigrant communities to build a better life. The President’s inhumane and xenophobic policy banning citizens from 12 countries – including Haiti – from entry and travel to the U.S. is not only unjust — it causes real harm by cutting families off from their loved ones in a time of dire crisis. Further, the sudden, blatantly racist ban targets millions who have legally called our nation and state home, and will wreak havoc on our economy while causing dangerous discord for our nation that is built on the backs of immigrants. As the first Haitian-American State Legislator elected to represent NYC, I resolutely stand with Governor Hochul in opposition. In the face of xenophobic rhetoric and harmful policies that unfairly target Haitians, and the Black and brown immigrants from 11 nations, New York must, and will, lead with compassion, strength, and resolve.”

    Assemblymember Clyde Vanel said, “Policies like these serve only to further isolate Haiti and its people during a time when international support is most needed. Thousands of constituents in my district, including myself, have close relatives in Haiti. This ban will do nothing except to make unifying families and visiting loved ones next to impossible. It will also further worsen the humanitarian crisis already occurring in Haiti.”

    Councilmember Farah N. Louis said, “The decision to impose travel restrictions on 12 countries represents a despicable and deeply troubling moment for our community. Haiti is once again being unfairly targeted in an intentional attack on our identity, dignity, and humanity. I commend Governor Hochul for standing with Haitian New Yorkers and reaffirming that our state will not be complicit in cruelty. New York’s leaders are showing the country what it means to protect all people, regardless of nationality or status. I will continue to join efforts to safeguard our community, uplift Haitian voices, and fight back against federal policies rooted in discrimination and fear.”

    Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse said, “As a proud Haitian-American, I stand with my community and Governor Hochul in opposing the federal travel ban that will only deepen the suffering of those already facing unimaginable challenges. Haiti is in the midst of a devastating crisis, and for many, the United States represents their last hope for safety, medical care, and a better life. By cutting off access to this lifeline, the federal government is turning its back on the Haitian people, and also disregarding the very values that define this nation, compassion, humanity, and support for those in need.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: G7 summit ends in disputes

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

    The Group of Seven (G7) summit wrapped up in Canada on Tuesday with no joint communique but some stark frictions.

    Several statements, or the leaders’ commitments, were issued after the summit, which included driving secure, responsible and trustworthy AI adoption across public and private sectors, powering AI now and into the future, and closing digital divides; boosting cooperation to unlock the full potential of quantum technology to grow economies, solve global challenges and keep communities secure.

    The attendees also committed to mounting a multilateral effort to better prevent, fight and recover from wildfires, which are on the rise around the world; protecting the rights of everyone in society, and the fundamental principle of state sovereignty, by continuing to combat foreign interference, with a focus on transnational repression; and countering migrant smuggling by dismantling transnational organized crime groups.

    In his final remarks at the closing news conference, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that the discussions over the past two days were marked by a range of differing opinions, frank conversations and strategic exchanges.

    “There is a great amount of direct dialogue and discussion, very frank exchanges, very strategic exchanges, differences of opinion on a number of issues, but an effort to find common solutions to some of these problems,” said Carney, also chair of this year’s summit.

    He said this is particularly valuable “at a time when multilateralism is under great strain.”

    There was no joint statement on Ukraine, although Carney announced new Canadian support for Ukraine’s defense and another set of sanctions on Russia. Carney invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the event in person and made support for the country one of the summit’s key discussion topics on Tuesday.

    Leaders met for the final day of the summit in Kananaskis in Canada’s province of Alberta without U.S. President Donald Trump, who suddenly left Canada on Monday night, saying that escalations in the Middle East forced his early exit from the G7 event.

    As he left, the summit published a statement that the resolution of the Iranian crisis can lead to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, even a ceasefire in Gaza.

    The remaining G7 leaders had a working lunch with visiting non-G7 leaders on energy security. In the statement, the leaders said that they remain vigilant to the implications of the Iran-Israel aerial conflict for international energy markets and that they will stand ready to coordinate to safeguard market stability.

    Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in downtown Calgary and Banff during the summit, calling on the summit to address a variety of issues, including Trump’s threat to annex Canada.

    Originally scheduled to begin on the weekend, the summit was shortened to two days and officially started on Monday.

    French President Emmanuel Macron announced Tuesday that next year’s summit will take place in Evian, a French spa town known for its mineral water.

    The G7 is an informal bloc comprising seven of the world’s advanced economies — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States — along with the European Union.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/PHILIPPINES – Impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte: Catholics are guided by the spirit of the “Oratio imperata”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Archdiocese of Manila

    Manila (Agenzia Fides) – ” “There has been and continues to be a heated debate in the country following the postponement, in the Senate, of the vote on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. Public opinion seems to be divided. As an ecclesial community, following these political developments, we can affirm that our compass remains the common good. And the spirit with which we observe and assess this situation is that of the “Oratio Imperata” that we recited in Manila before the elections,” Father Esteban Lo, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the Philippines, told Fides.In that moment before the elections, Cardinal José Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, invited the faithful “to be open to a constant conversion toward truth, justice, and peace.” Father Lo recalls several passages from the Oratio Imperata, in which one asks God: “Guide our nation in this time of crisis”; “Let the light of truth shine to guide us on the path to unity and peace”; “Let justice prevail and pave the way to healing and reconciliation.”Last February, the House of Representatives initiated impeachment proceedings against Sara Duterte on charges of embezzlement, bribery, and corruption with 215 of 306 votes. For the proceedings to proceed, the Senate must also vote on the matter.Following the May 12 elections and the new composition of the Senate, a special impeachment court was established in the Assembly to consider the case and potentially conduct the trial of Vice President Duterte. However, on June 10, senators voted to refer the complaints to the House of Representatives for legal and procedural reasons, sparking protests from activists and public discontent. The spokesperson for the Senate impeachment tribunal, attorney Regie Tongol, rejected accusations of “buying time” and explained the necessary steps: the formal organization of the tribunal, the adoption of procedural rules, the issuance of a mandate to the House to resolve jurisdictional issues, the formal summons of Duterte, and the receipt of his defense attorneys and receiving the formal summons from the defense attorneys. At this stage, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, through a message signed by its president, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, urged the Senate to act, recalling that this is “a constitutional duty, not a political choice.” According to the statement, the Church’s intervention does not respond to partisan interests, but is rooted in Catholic social teaching, “which upholds truth, justice, and the common good.” “The pursuit of truth is not a political option; it is a moral imperative. Let your conscience guide your actions. Let the truth take its course,” the statement reads.The Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, Socrates Villegas, also warned that delaying the impeachment process “not only constitutes a political, moral, and spiritual failure on the part of public officials, but also a grave sin of omission against the common good,” as it violates truth, justice, and the right of citizens to demand accountability.The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), the largest network of Catholic educational institutions in the country, has joined the call, urging the Senate not to delay the process, which it called “a constitutional, moral, and democratic imperative.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 18/6/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • German minister to Iran: never too late to negotiate

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Germany’s foreign minister appealed to Iran’s leaders to make credible assurances that it is not seeking a nuclear weapon and to show it is willing to find a negotiated solution as fears mount of further military escalation between Iran and Israel.

    “We are still ready to negotiate a solution. However, Iran must act urgently … it is never too late to come to the negotiating table if one comes with sincere intentions,” Johann Wadephul said at a news conference with his Jordanian counterpart on Wednesday.

    Wadephul said Israel’s fear that Iran would develop nuclear weapons was justified and it had a right to self-defence.

    “The Israeli decision to do something against this threat is comprehensible,” he said, adding civilian deaths on both sides were regrettable after air attacks between Iran and Israel.

    His ministry was arranging special flights later on Wednesday and on Thursday to each repatriate about 180 German citizens via Amman, he said.

    Wadephul also said Germany had agreed to create an economic council with Syria to improve cooperation and boost prosperity and stability there.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Delegation of overseas government officials visits Hong Kong to foster exchanges (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Delegation of overseas government officials visits Hong Kong to foster exchanges  
         The visit was arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which invited government officials from 10 countries across Africa and Asia. The aim was to enhance exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and countries around the world, as well as expand the “circle of friends” of Hong Kong.
     
         The 10 countries concerned are Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Mauritania, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Sri Lanka and Tunisia.
     
         During their stay in Hong Kong, the delegation met with the Acting Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; and the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, to exchange views and obtain a better understanding of Hong Kong’s distinctive advantage of enjoying the strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle. The delegation also learned of Hong Kong’s important roles as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” serving as a bridge between the Mainland and the rest of the world.
     
         They also met with the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan; and the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, as well as representatives of a number of relevant institutions. The delegation also visited the Hong Kong Science Park and West Kowloon Cultural District to learn about the city’s latest developments and opportunities in finance, trade, innovation and technology, and arts and culture.
     
         The delegation departed for Shenzhen after their visit to Hong Kong to learn more about the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
    Issued at HKT 20:29

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The One Big Beautiful Bill Is Good for All 50 States

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    President Donald J. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill will be an economic windfall for working and middle-class Americans, delivering the largest tax cut in history, higher wages, higher take-home pay, and much more — coupled with generational spending cuts and deficit reduction that will position the U.S. for real prosperity. Its massive benefits will be felt by Americans in all 50 states, according to a new state-by-state analysis from the Council of Economic Advisers:
    State
    Long-run wage increase(Inflation-adjusted)
    Take-home pay increase(Typical family with two kids)
    Alabama
    $4,800 to $9,100
    $6,500 to $10,800
    Alaska
    $6,400 to $12,200
    $8,100 to $13,900
    Arizona
    $5,800 to $11,100
    $7,500 to $12,800
    Arkansas
    $4,500 to $8,600
    $6,200 to $10,300
    California
    $7,500 to $14,300
    $9,200 to $16,000
    Colorado
    $7,000 to $13,300
    $8,700 to $15,000
    Connecticut
    $7,300 to $14,000
    $7,300 to $14,000
    Delaware
    $6,100 to $11,700
    $7,800 to $13,400
    Florida
    $5,800 to $11,000
    $7500 to $12,700
    Georgia
    $5,800 to $11,000
    $7,500 to $12,700
    Hawaii
    $7,000 to $13,300
    $8,700 to $15,000
    Idaho
    $5,500 to $10,500
    $7,200 to $12,200
    Illinois
    $6,200 to $11,800
    $7,900 to $13,500
    Indiana
    $5,100 to $9,800
    $6,800 to $11,500
    Iowa
    $5,200 to $10,000
    $6,900 to $11,700
    Kansas
    $5,200 to $10,000
    $6,900 to $11,700
    Kentucky
    $4,700 to $8,900
    $6,400 to $10,600
    Louisiana
    $4,700 to $8,900
    $6,400 to $10,600
    Maine
    $5,400 to $10,300
    $7,100 to $12,000
    Maryland
    $7,200 to $13,800
    $8,900 to $15,500
    Massachusetts
    $7,700 to $14,800
    $9,400 to $16,500
    Michigan
    $5,200 to $10,000
    $6,900 to $11,700
    Minnesota
    $6,300 to $12,100
    $8,000 to $13,800
    Mississippi
    $4,300 to $8,100
    $6,000 to $9,800
    Missouri
    $5,200 to $9,900
    $6,900 to $11,600
    Montana
    $5,300 to $10,000
    $7,000 to $11,700
    Nebraska
    $5,700 to $10,800
    $7,400 to $12,500
    Nevada
    $5,800 to $11,000
    $7,500 to $12,700
    New Hampshire
    $7,000 to $13,300
    $8,700 to $15,000
    New Jersey
    $7,700 to $14,700
    $9,400 to $16,400
    New Mexico
    $4,800 to $9,100
    $6,500 to $10,800
    New York
    $6,800 to $13,000
    $8,500 to $14,700
    North Carolina
    $5,500 to $10,500
    $7,200 to $12,200
    North Dakota
    $5,500 to $10,500
    $7,200 to $12,200
    Ohio
    $5,200 to $10,000
    $6,900 to $11,700
    Oklahoma
    $4,800 to $9,100
    $6,500 to $10,800
    Oregon
    $6,000 to $11,400
    $7,700 to $13,100
    Pennsylvania
    $5,700 to $10,900
    $7,400 to $12,600
    Rhode Island
    $6,300 to $12,000
    $8,000 to $13,700
    South Carolina
    $5,200 to $9,900
    $6,900 to $11,600
    South Dakota
    $5,400 to $10,300
    $7,100 to $12,000
    Tennessee
    $5,300 to $10,000
    $7,000 to $11,700
    Texas
    $6,000 to $11,300
    $7,700 to $13,000
    Utah
    $6,600 to $12,500
    $8,300 to $14,200
    Vermont
    $5,900 to $11,300
    $7,600 to $13,000
    Virginia
    $6,900 to $13,100
    $8,600 to $14,800
    Washington
    $7,200 to $13,800
    $8,900 to $15,500
    West Virginia
    $4,300 to $8,200
    $6,000 to $9,900
    Wisconsin
    $5,500 to $10,400
    $7,200 to $12,000
    Wyoming
    $5,200 to $9,900
    $6,900 to $11,600
    Methodological notes:
    The Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) calculates how investment, GDP, and wages increase in response to lower effective tax rates (lower statutory rates, bigger deduction for pass-through businesses, and full expensing that businesses will enjoy on new equipment, R&D, and factories) using standard academic methods that were successful in accurately forecasting the effects of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).
    Take-home pay — defined as after-tax earnings — increases because wages rise and less money is taken out of workers’ paychecks.
    The CEA also looks at the further boost to GDP from the stronger incentive to work (lower taxes boost labor supply) and the greater spending power that Americans will have.
    More about the methodology can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA views G7 as strategic partner in several areas 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    South Africa views the Group of Seven (G7) as a strategic partner in its efforts to drive climate resilience, promote a just energy transition, and secure value-added investment in its rich mineral resources.

    This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who was speaking following the conclusion of his working visit to Canada where he participated in the G7 Summit Outreach Session. The session took place on the margins of the G7 Leaders’ Summit, held in Kananaskis, Alberta.

    “South Africa views the G7 as a strategic partner. We seek greater cooperation in areas such as investment, financing for development, international crime, climate change and just transitions, as well as inclusive global growth and development,” the President said on Tuesday.

    READ | President in Canada for G7 Leaders’ Summit

    The G7 consists of the largest advanced economies namely: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. 

    The European Union also participates in G7 Summits, although it is not a member.  

    The Outreach Session aimed “to explore leadership and collaboration in driving a comprehensive approach to energy security with a focus on technology and innovation; diversification and strengthening critical mineral supply chains; and infrastructure and investment”.

    The outreach theme resonated with South Africa’s national interests and priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency.  

    The Outreach Sessions of the G7 have been a feature of the Group over the years with the aim being to strengthen unity among G7 members and like-minded countries to deliberate on and address some of the world’s most pressing issues. 

    President Ramaphosa described the summit as “most meaningful” particularly in the context of South Africa’s role as the G20 President.

    “We’ve just concluded our visit to Canada to attend the G7 Summit. It has been most meaningful for us, particularly as we are the President of the G20. We’ve had the opportunity to interact with a number of heads of state and government of various countries,” he said.

    Climate change 

    President Ramaphosa placed climate change and its devastating effects at the centre of South Africa’s message to the G7 leaders, highlighting the destruction brought by floods in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, as well as the ongoing droughts in parts of the Western Cape. 

    “We put that firmly on the global agenda, that there should be sufficient funding for incidents such as those, as they happen on a repeated basis, particularly in our sub region – in [the] SADC [Southern African Development Community], but more importantly, in two of our provinces, KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape [which] over the past few years have suffered repeated incidents of destruction from floods and also droughts in parts of the Western Cape,” the President explained.

    Beneficiation 

    On the economic front, President Ramaphosa also pushed for a shift in the global approach to Africa’s critical minerals, emphasising the need for beneficiation and inclusive value chains.

    “We discussed the importance of how our critical minerals should be treated, particularly in view of the fact that they play such an important role in energy security and that the extraction of minerals from African countries and our own country, particularly, should be made more to be not only extractive, but also to have value add, where beneficiation becomes the order of the day,” he said. 

    He said investors must be made aware upfront that South Africa seeks to move beyond raw exports to value-added production, in line with its long-held vision of selling finished goods rather than raw materials.

    “Those who want to invest in our minerals, should know up front that we are not only looking forward to them extracting minerals, but also to value chain additions or advancements in the form of beneficiation, so that in the end, we live up to what we’ve been saying, that we want to sell value added products to the rest of the world,” the President stressed.

    Bilateral meetings

    The first citizen also held bilateral meetings with several leaders on the sidelines of the summit, which he described as “most beneficial” for South Africa’s diplomatic and economic engagements.

    He held bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government from Canada, France, Germany and the Republic of Korea. The meetings centered on fostering greater cooperation on issues of mutual interest. 

    President Ramaphosa welcomed the strengthening of cooperation between South Africa and Canada as it relates to the G20 and the G7. 

    “Canada’s Africa strategy is comprehensive and there is potential for cooperation in areas where there is alignment with the African Agenda.”

    Several engagements have taken place between South Africa and Canada at various levels, including at Sherpa and Ministerial levels. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In first official trip to Central Asia, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp visits Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: In first official trip to Central Asia, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp visits Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan

    In first official trip to Central Asia, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp visits Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan | OSCE

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    Home Newsroom News and press releases In first official trip to Central Asia, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp visits Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The first freight train traveled along the trans-Caspian international transport route Jinhua-Turkmenbashi-Baku

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    HANGZHOU, June 18 (Xinhua) — A train loaded with 100 standard containers of daily necessities, clothing and accessories, metal fittings and other goods departed from Jinhua City in east China’s Zhejiang Province on Wednesday morning for Turkmenbashi Port in Turkmenistan, from where they will travel by sea to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. It is the first train to operate on the Jinhua-Turkmenbashi-Baku trans-Caspian international transport route.

    According to Wu Xiaoping, an employee of the Hangzhou Railway Logistics Center, the train departed from the Jinhua South Station, will leave China through the Khorgos checkpoint /Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Republic, Northwest China/, and pass through Almaty, Tashkent, Ashgabat and other important cities in Central Asia.

    Transportation of goods from Jinhua to Baku involves the use of a multimodal method: “railway – sea – rail”. Using the Turkmenbashi seaport to cross the Caspian Sea instead of the traditional route will reduce the time of transportation of goods by about one day.

    The successful opening of this route will provide enterprises with a more efficient, convenient and reliable logistics solution, and will promote the growth of trade turnover between China and the five Central Asian countries, as well as China and Central and Eastern European countries, Wu Xiaoping added. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –