NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • Putin tells Trump Russia has to respond to Ukrainian attacks

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russian President Vladimir Putin told U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday that he would have to respond to Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia’s nuclear-capable bomber fleet, while also describing peace talks with Ukraine as “useful.”

    The war in Ukraine is intensifying after nearly four months of cajoling and threats to both Moscow and Kyiv from Trump, who says he wants peace after more than three years of the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two.

    After Ukraine bombed bridges and attacked Russia’s fleet of bombers deep in Siberia and Russia’s far north, Putin on Wednesday said he did not think Ukraine’s leaders wanted peace.

    Shortly after Putin discussed the attacks with top ministers in Moscow, Trump said he had spoken by telephone with Putin for one hour and 15 minutes, and that they had discussed the Ukrainian attacks and Iran.

    “We discussed the attack on Russia’s docked airplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides. It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace,” Trump said on social media.

    Russia has unleashed several massive aerial attacks on Ukraine over recent weeks.

    “President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields,” Trump said.

    A foreign policy aide to Putin, Yuri Ushakov, said the Russian leader told Trump on the call that ceasefire talks between Moscow and Kyiv have been productive, despite what he termed attempts by Ukraine to “disrupt” them.

    “Let me stress that our president described in detail the content of the talks and that these talks on the whole were useful,” Ushakov said.

    Memorandums outlining peace plans were exchanged and will be analysed, Ushakov said, “and we hope that afterwards the two sides will be able to continue their talks.”

    Ushakov confirmed the two presidents discussed other international issues, particularly the Middle East conflict and how Russia could help deal with Iran and its nuclear programme.

    On Iran, Trump said he believed Putin agreed with Washington that Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon,” and accused Tehran of “slowwalking” decisions regarding the talks.

    Trump has been unusually silent on the Ukrainian attacks on the Russian bombers – one of the three pillars of Russia’s nuclear arsenal – though Moscow demanded that the United States and Britain restrain Ukraine.

    The Kremlin said Trump had told Putin that Washington was not informed in advance of the Ukrainian attacks. Trump’s Ukraine envoy said the risk of escalation from the war in Ukraine was “going way up” after the strikes.

    Russia and the United States are by far the world’s biggest nuclear powers: together they hold about 88% of all nuclear weapons.

    Each has three ways of nuclear attack – strategic bombers, land-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles – and any attack on any part of the “triad” is considered a grave escalation.

    WAR OR PEACE?

    In some of his most hawkish remarks in recent months on the outlook for peace, Putin on Wednesday said the bridge attacks had been directed against civilians and accused Ukrainian leadership of being a “terrorist organisation” supported by powers who were becoming “terrorist accomplices.”

    “The current Kyiv regime does not need peace at all,” Putin said at a meeting with senior officials. “What is there to talk about? How can we negotiate with those who rely on terror?”

    Ukraine has not commented on the bridge attacks. It denies it targets civilians, as does Russia, though civilians have been killed by both sides.

    Kyiv has similarly accused Moscow of not seriously wanting peace, citing as evidence Russian resistance to an immediate ceasefire. Russia says certain conditions must first be met.

    Putin, in his public remarks, did not mention the bomber attacks, which came just before Russia and Ukraine met for direct peace talks in Istanbul where Moscow set out what the United States has called “maximalist” aims.

    Before Putin spoke, other Russian officials said military options were “on the table” for its response to Ukrainian attacks deep inside Russia and accused the West of being involved in them.

    “We urge London and Washington to react in such a way as to stop further escalation,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying. Ryabkov oversees relations with the U.S. and arms control.

    British and U.S. officials have said they had no prior knowledge of the weekend attacks on Russian nuclear-capable long-range bombers. The White House has said Trump was not informed of Ukraine’s drone attack before it unfolded.

    (Reuters)

  • World Environment Day: PM Modi launches ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ tree plantation drive, to flag off 200 buses in Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    ata-start=”117″ data-end=”499″>Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked World Environment Day on Wednesday by planting a sapling at Mahavir Jayanti Park in the national capital, as part of the second phase of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. The campaign, which encourages individuals to plant a tree in honour of their mothers, aims to promote environmental consciousness through personal and symbolic action.

    Launched by the Prime Minister last year with the planting of a Peepal tree at Buddha Jayanti Park, the initiative returns in an expanded version this year — targeting the plantation of 10 crore trees across India between June 5 and September 30.

    In a post on X, PM Modi said, “This #WorldEnvironmentDay, let’s deepen our efforts towards protecting our planet and overcoming the challenges we face. I also compliment all those working at the grassroots to make our environment greener and better.”

    The plantation drive also marks the anniversary of the campaign’s launch.

    The theme of the campaign — planting a tree in the name of one’s mother — seeks to blend environmental action with cultural values. Officials said the gesture is meant to highlight the nurturing role of both mothers and trees in sustaining life and securing the future.

    In another post on X, the Prime Minister noted that India has seen an increase in forest cover over the past decade. “It would make you all very happy that in the last decade, India has undertaken numerous collective efforts which have led to increased forest cover across the nation. This is great for our quest towards sustainable development,” he said.

    In a parallel move to promote sustainable urban mobility, PM Modi will also flag off 200 electric buses under the Delhi government’s clean transport initiative. The introduction of these electric buses aims to reduce air pollution and boost the adoption of green transportation in the national capital.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sixth project approved under Subsidy Scheme for Using Hotels and Guesthouses as Youth Hostels

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) approved the sixth project under the Subsidy Scheme for Using Hotels and Guesthouses as Youth Hostels to the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs).

    To meet young people’s aspirations of having their own living space, apart from continuing to fully fund non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to construct youth hostels on under-utilised sites through the Youth Hostel Scheme (YHS), the current-term Government expanded the YHS in 2023 to subsidise NGOs to rent suitable hotels and guesthouses for use as youth hostels. The current-term Government is committed to taking forward the youth hostel projects. The number of hostel places launched under the YHS, including this project by the TWGHs, has increased significantly from about 80 when the current-term Government took office to over 3 700.

    The sixth youth hostel project approved under the Subsidy Scheme is named the TN Residence, which will be launched by the TWGHs and the Hong Kong Ferry (Holdings) Company Limited. The project is located at 280 Tung Chau Street, Sham Shui Po, providing up to 676 hostel places. The TWGHs has introduced the concept of a “youth vertical community” for the project, and it is hoped that in addition to enjoying their own living space, youth tenants could also interact with other tenants in the common areas, thereby establishing a social network with mutual assistance and trust. Another feature of the project is the V-Mile programme, which encourages youth tenants to actively participate in value-added activities and community services recognised by the TWGHs or organise activities on their own. This aims to facilitate their personal development, cultivate their physical and mental well-being and foster proper values, so that they could achieve self-enrichment, widen their personal and social networks, and even contribute to society. For details about the project and the means of application, please visit the website of the TN Residence (tnresidence.tungwahcsd.org).

    A HYAB spokesperson said, “The TN Residence is the third project under the Subsidy Scheme located in Kowloon. It is in close proximity to railway stations, and situated within the cultural and creative industry hub with many specialty shops and restaurants nearby. This project provides young people who aspire to have their own living space an opportunity to realise their ideal way of life, and enables them to proactively equip themselves and formulate a better plan for the future during their stay. Furthermore, the HYAB will set up a physical platform for interaction for members of Youth Link in the adjacent Nam Cheong District Community Centre and Tung Chau Street Temporary Market. It is envisaged that the additional activity space for young people would create synergy with the youth hostel project. The TN Residence fully demonstrates the power of the tripartite collaboration among the Government, the business sector and the community. We are delighted that the Subsidy Scheme has gained support from society and we will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders who share our vision to take forward youth hostel projects.”

    Details about the Subsidy Scheme, including the guidelines for applications and the application forms, have been uploaded onto the HYAB website (www.hyab.gov.hk/en/policy_responsibilities/Social_Harmony_and_Civic_Education/youth_hostel_scheme.htm). Relevant organisations can submit their applications to the HYAB by post, email or other means.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Expands Global Availability of Sleep Apnea Feature on Galaxy Watch Series

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics announced today that the Sleep Apnea feature1 on the Galaxy Watch series — available through the Samsung Health Monitor app2 — is expanding to 34 European markets,3 as well as Australia and Singapore, bringing the global total to 70 markets.4
     
    This growth follows the feature’s receipt of CE (Conformité Européenne or European Conformity) marking for the European Economic Area. The CE marking affirms that Samsung meets the European Union’s health, safety and environmental protection standards, reinforcing its leadership in sleep technology. Additionally, the feature was recently approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration and Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority.
     
    The milestone builds on Samsung’s groundbreaking De Novo authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — the first of its kind for a wearable device to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.5 The Sleep Apnea feature was also approved by Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Brazil’s health regulatory agency ANVISA and Health Canada.
     
    Recognizing the critical role of sleep in overall health, Samsung is committed to helping users improve sleep quality by understanding their sleep patterns, providing personalized sleep coaching and optimizing their sleep environments. With the Sleep Apnea feature, more users can now detect symptoms6 earlier — helping to prevent health issues associated with this common yet often undiagnosed condition.
     
    The Sleep Apnea feature reflects Samsung’s ongoing commitment to providing users with meaningful insights to support healthy sleep habits. By expanding access to this FDA-authorized feature globally, Samsung is empowering users worldwide to take proactive steps toward better sleep health.
     

     
     
    1 The Sleep Apnea feature is an over-the-counter (OTC), software-only mobile medical application operating on compatible Galaxy Watch series models and Galaxy smartphones. It is intended to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in the form of significant breathing disruptions in adult users age 22 and older over a two-night monitoring period. The feature is designed for on-demand use and is not intended for individuals previously diagnosed with sleep apnea. Users should not rely on this feature as a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare provider. The data provided by this device is also not intended to assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders.
    2 Availability may vary by market, carrier, model or paired smartphone. The feature is available on Galaxy Watch4 series and later models running Wear OS 5.0 or later and must be paired with a Galaxy smartphone running Android 12.0 or later. Due to regulatory restrictions in obtaining approval and registration as a Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), the feature only works on supported Galaxy Watch series models and Galaxy smartphones purchased in markets where the service is currently available. Service may be restricted when users travel to unsupported markets.
    3 Availability may vary depending on country-specific registration in some European markets.
    4 Supported markets include Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norfolk Island, Norway, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Réunion, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen.
    5 Considered a common yet serious medical condition, sleep apnea causes someone to stop breathing while asleep, which can result in disruptions in oxygen supply, lower sleep quality, and other health complications such as hypertension, cardiac disorder, stroke or cognitive disorder.
    6 The Sleep Apnea feature utilizes the BioActive Sensor to measure blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) during sleep. It analyzes changes in SpO₂ levels related to apnea and hypopnea patterns and estimates the Apnea-Hypopnea Index to inform users of potential symptoms.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Solomon Islands – HKH Constituency invests over $500k in CDF for Human Resources Development

    Source: Solomon Islands Government

    The Hograno-Kia-Havulei Constituency (HKHC) last year invested $542,014.35 of its Constituency Development Funds (CDF) allocation in education, supporting the country’s human resource development. 

    This provision is from the constituency’s 2024 budget of $3.88 million. The money was paid directly to educational institutions in tuition fees for 191 students undertaking studies at SINU, USP, and Rural Training Centers (RTCs).

    Apart from the essential and social sectors, which covered school fee support, HKHC also commits ongoing support to other sectors, including productive, resource, cultural, and cross-sectoral initiatives.

    Support to the education sector is an ongoing commitment of the HKHC office under the leadership of the Member of Parliament (MP), Honourable Jeremiah Manele.

    “Education is one of our top priorities,” Constituency Development Officer (CDO), Apollos Manegere, who spoke on behalf of the constituency office said.

    “The constituency office has, over the years, invested a significant portion of its CDF allocation in this sector with the desire and commitment to contribute to the development of human resources in the constituency and the country as a whole.

    “HKHC office has always prioritized education and will continue to support this sector to ensure students excel in their studies,” CDO Manegere added.

    Mr. Manegere explained that this support is specifically to assist students with tuition fees, with payments made directly to the respective institutions, as has been the process over the years.

    “This is not the first time for the HKHC office, under the leadership of Hon. Manele, to provide support in this way, as it has always been his ongoing commitment to support his constituency’s human resources development since becoming the MP for HKHC.

    “Our MP continues to prioritize the development of human resources in his constituency by allocating grants to the education sector. This is undertaken with support from the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) through the constituency education grant, as well as the CDF under its essential and social sector allocations. We would like to thank him for his commitment and tremendous support toward this important cause,” CDO Manegere emphasized.

    Over the years, the HKHC office has assisted students studying at SINU, the University of the South Pacific (USP), vocational schools, Rural Training Centers, and other tertiary institutions in the country.

    Mr. Manegere also acknowledged the national government through the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) for its unwavering commitment and support to the CDF program, which allows constituencies to access much-needed funds to support the country’s human resource development.  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Solomon Islands – HKH Constituency submits 2024 CDF Expenditure Report, reinforces accountability & compliance with CDF Act 2023

    Source: Government of the Solomon Islands

    The Hograno-Kia-Havulei Constituency (HKHC) on Monday this week submitted its 2024 CDF Expenditure Report to the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), reinforcing accountability and compliance with the reporting obligation under Section 29 of the CDF Act 2023.

    The report submitted comprised of the records of the total CDF allocation of about 3.88m disbursed to each constituency at the end of the Financial Year 2024.

    The presentation was done by the Constituency Development Officer for HKH Constituency, Mr Apollos Manegere on behalf of the Member of Parliament for the Constituency, Honourable Jeremiah Manele.  

    Receiving the report on behalf of the Ministry of Rural Development, PS John Misite’e, said that this is a reassuring pace, as the Ministry continues to implement the CDF legislation and bringing guidance in the administration of the constituency program under this legal framework.

    PS Misite’e emphasised that Annual Reports inclusive of the financial expenditures’ reports are important processes and documents within any organisation and more so when public resources are being utilised in service delivery.  These reports re-enforce transparency and demonstrated accountability in the use of public resources and funds.

    PS Misite’e thanked the HKH constituency for its diligent efforts in complying with the reporting obligations and also thanked other constituencies that already made their submissions on this 2024 CDF disbursement.

    PS Misitee reiterated calls on other constituencies who are yet to submit their reports to do so as soon as possible. By law all constituency annual reports and expenditure reports should be submitted by February each year and to be compiled by MRD by March of any financial year.

    ‘I am now calling on these constituencies to come forward with their reports soon’. PS Misite’e reiterated.

    The HKH Constituency Development Officer (CDO), Manegere on behalf of the Honourable Member of Parliament, Jeremiah Manele and its Constituency Officers was very delighted with its office for submitting their report and pledge to support MRD in the process annually to satisfy the legal requirements for reporting.

    The CDF Act 2023 was passed by Parliament on 22nd December 2023 and came into commencement/enforcement on the 5th of January 2024.

    This means that whatever offence (s) committed by a recipient (s) of the CDF program after the commencement date of the new Act will be subject to penalties.

    Penalties apply to constituents, Members of Parliament (MPs), and Public Officers if they commit an offence (s).

    The CDF Act 2023 specific offences are as follows;

    A Member of Parliament (MP), or a Public officer or a fund (CDF) recipient commits an offence if he or she:

    Misappropriates any funds or assets from the fund; or
    Advances materials and cash from a supplier without prior approval from the responsible ministry; or
    Fraudulently converts project assets or materials to his own use or to the use of some other person; or
    Deliberately victimises non-voters by excluding them from receiving Constituency Development Funds projects and funds without justifiable grounds; or
    Assists or causes a person to misappropriate or apply the funds otherwise than in the manner provided in this Act and Regulations.

    Now that we have a new CDF Act, the responsibility is on all of us to take responsibility and comply with the new CDF law to avoid legal penalties.

    We (constituents) should not be fearful of this legislation as it is there to act as a guide to our conduct in working with and applying the CDF in our development processes.

    The purposes of the new CDF Act 2023 are;

    To strengthen good governance;
    To ensure improved and effective delivery mechanisms of the Constituency Development Funds and
    To promote equal and inclusive participation of all Solomon Islanders in development.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Introduces Samsung Finance+ for Bespoke AI Appliances, Offering Quick and Digital Financing for Indian Consumers

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand has expanded its popular digital lending program, Samsung Finance+, enabling consumer ease of purchase for its wide range of Bespoke AI Appliances. Developed by Samsung R&D Institute in Bangalore & Delhi, Samsung Finance+ ensures a fully digital and hassle-free financing experience with loan approvals in as little as 15 minutes. The initiative aims to provide seamless, quick, and paperless financing solution, making Samsung’s latest AI-enabled appliances including refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, more accessible to consumers across India.
     
    Samsung Finance+ is designed to drive financial inclusion so that consumers can avail easy credit with minimal documentation and quick loan approvals. Loans under Samsung Finance+ are facilitated in partnership with leading financial institution, DMI Finance, which specializes in digital lending solutions, ensuring a fast and seamless experience.
     
     “At Samsung, we are committed to making premium technology accessible to consumers across India, and Samsung Finance+ is a testament to our vision. By combining digital innovation with seamless and hassle-free accessibility, we are simplifying the financing process and expanding financial inclusion, ensuring consumers can conveniently upgrade their lifestyles with our Bespoke AI Appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners,” said Ghufran Alam, Vice President, Digital Appliances, Samsung India.
     
    How Samsung Finance+ Works
    Consumers can avail a loan through Samsung Finance+ via samsung.com and across retail stores in just a few simple steps. At the retail outlets, consumers have to submit their e-documents for KYC verification at the Samsung Finance+ desk. On the completion of verification and credit scoring processes, the loan is sanctioned in as little as 15 minutes. Flexible EMI options are also available, tailored to suit varied consumer needs. This seamless process ensures that customers can purchase their preferred Samsung appliances quickly and without financial strain.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • Nintendo Switch 2 launches globally with shortages expected amid pent-up demand

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nintendo’s 7974.T Switch 2 launched on Thursday and is widely expected to be in short supply globally amid pent-up demand for the more powerful next-generation gaming device.

    “The level of demand seems to be sky-high,” said Serkan Toto, founder of the Kantan Games consultancy.

    The Switch launched in 2017 and followed the underperforming Wii U. The home-portable device became a juggernaut with games including two “The Legend of Zelda” titles and COVID-19 pandemic breakout hit “Animal Crossing: New Horizons”.

    The Switch 2 bears many similarities with its predecessor but offers a larger screen and improved graphics and debuts with titles including “Mario Kart World”.

    “The much larger audience of Switch users should translate to stronger adoption in the opening part of its lifecycle,” said Piers Harding-Rolls, an analyst at Ampere Analysis.

    “Nintendo is better prepared this time around” to deal with the high demand, he said.

    The launch of the $499.99 Switch 2 is a test of Nintendo’s supply chain management during U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war.

    Nintendo last month forecast sales of 15 million Switch 2 units during the current financial year.

    President Shuntaro Furukawa said Nintendo will strengthen production capacity to respond to strong demand and focus on sales promotion in an effort to exceed the forecast.

    The company, which is known for conservative forecasts, also expects to sell 4.5 million Switch units.

    Nintendo said it received 2.2 million applications for its Switch 2 sales lottery on its My Nintendo Store in Japan. Pre-orders at Target TGT.N sold out in less than two hours.

    “You are looking at weeks or months until you can walk into a store and buy a Switch 2,” said Toto of Kantan Games.

    Investor expectations for the new device are similarly lofty.

    Nintendo’s shares are trading near highs and have gained almost 30% this year.

    Concerns include whether momentum for the Switch 2 will be sustained after hardcore gamers have upgraded.

    “The volume of first-party games on offer at launch isn’t as strong as it could be, so some more casual users may wait and see how the games available build over the next one to two years before making the leap,” said Ampere’s Harding-Rolls.

    Ampere forecasts Switch 2 sales to exceed 100 million units in 2030. Nintendo has sold 152 million Switch units in total.

    (Reuters)

  • DBT, Jan Dhan schemes revolutionised welfare delivery in India: FM Sitharaman

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Several groundbreaking financial inclusion schemes by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government have revolutionised welfare delivery in India in the last 11 years, by plugging leakages and ensuring transparency, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday.

    Over the past decade, the NDA government has taken pathbreaking steps to uplift several people from the clutches of poverty, focussing on empowerment, infrastructure and inclusion.

    “Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) has revolutionised welfare delivery in India, by plugging leakages and ensuring transparency. Over 1,200 government schemes now leverage DBT, enabling direct transfer of Rs 44 lakh crore to beneficiaries’ bank accounts,” said FM Sitharaman in a post on X.

    This system has already saved the nation Rs 3.48 lakh crore in leakages and inefficiencies, she informed.

    Also, PM MUDRA Yojana has given wings to grassroots dreams and made entrepreneurship inclusive.

    “Under this scheme, over 52 crore loans worth Rs 33 lakh crore have been sanctioned, out of which 68 per cent belong to women,” said the Finance Minister.

    PM Jan Dhan Yojana has made banking universal. Under the world’s largest financial inclusion programme, 55.44 crore accounts have been opened, out of which 55.7 per cent are held by women, said the Finance Minister.

    According to PM Modi, the push for DBT, digital inclusion and rural infrastructure has ensured transparency and faster delivery of benefits till the last mile.

    Since the money goes directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries, the leakage has been curbed, which has resulted in a halving of subsidy allocations from 16 per cent to 9 per cent of total expenditure, government data showed in April.

    “It is due to this that over 25 crore people have defeated poverty. The NDA remains committed to building an inclusive and self-reliant India, where every citizen has the opportunity to live with dignity,” said PM Modi in a post on X.

    (IANS)

     

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU and RUDN University held events to adapt foreign students

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On June 4, 2025, the State University of Management held a series of events aimed at ensuring the socio-cultural adaptation and integration of foreign students of higher education institutions.

    The programme of events was divided into two sections.

    The participants of the first section were foreign students of the preparatory department for foreign citizens from countries of Africa, Great Britain, China, Vietnam and Syria, who took part in the interactive training “Adaptation to the environment of a Russian university.

    Speaker Kevin Fabrice Yhombi, assistant of the Department of Russian Studies, Ethno-Oriented Pedagogy and Digital Didactics of the Russian Language Institute of RUDN University, spoke about the difficulties of adaptation and learning Russian for foreign students and shared effective practices for improving the language level. A presentation of the Telegram channel “Adventures of Foreigners in Russia” was also held for students.

    The event aroused genuine interest among the students. They had many stories of personal adaptation in Russia and questions for the speaker, whose knowledge of Russian aroused general admiration.

    The target audience of the second part of the event – teachers of the preparatory department for foreign citizens, employees of the International Cooperation Department, representatives of the Department of Youth Policy and Educational Work and the Student City – were presented with a presentation of the best practices in social and cultural adaptation of foreign students in Russian higher education institutions. The speaker was Maria Vladimirovna Alimova, Director of the Center for Assistance to Social and Cultural Adaptation and Intercultural Communication at RUDN. The main issues were: the importance of social and cultural adaptation for Russian universities, the impact of cultural differences on the educational process, information support and orientation events, and foreign student support centers.

    A round table on “Issues of social and cultural adaptation of foreign students” was also held for the staff of the State University of Management.

    In conclusion, those present thanked the speakers for their work and useful information, and wished the project further success.

    The event was organized by the State University of Management and the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: First women’s health satellite to open

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The first of three Women Wellness Satellites (WWSs), located in Chai Wan, will begin operating on June 12, providing eligible women with prevention-based and more personalised primary healthcare services.

    The Government announced earlier this year that women’s health services under the Department of Health would be integrated into the Primary Health Care Commission, with three WWSs being established.

    The WWS (Hong Kong) is the first of the three satellites to start operating, and is located on 2/F, Chai Wan Health Centre, at 1 Hong Man Street.

    It will open six days a week, with a minimum eight-hour service most days. The satellite will operate until 8pm two days a week.

    Equipped with a health promotion and education room, doctor and nurse consultation rooms, and health assessment rooms, it spans a total floor area of about 380 sq m.

    The WWS (Kowloon), in Lam Tin, and the WWS (New Territories), in Tuen Mun, are both expected to begin operating in September.

    In the interim, the operator, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, will establish two transitional service points, in Yau Ma Tei and North Point, to facilitate delivery of women’s health services.

    The WWSs will provide health assessments, individual consultations, cervical and breast cancer screenings, and dedicated nurse clinic services to eligible women. When necessary, cases will be referred to family doctors for follow up.

    Eligible women will receive a partial subsidy from the Government, and will have to pay a designated co-payment fee.

    Women aged 64 or below who wish to use the services must first register as members of a District Health Centre (DHC) or District Health Centre Express (DHCE). As of June 1, over 680 women have received preliminary assessments through DHCs/DHCEs, with more than 600 arranging to receive services at the WWSs.

    Furthermore, DHCs/DHCEs will arrange for women who are Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients or are subject to full or partial medical fee waivers by the Hospital Authority, to receive preventive care and health promotion services at seven selected public clinics.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Intern Recruitment for Global Environmental Education Partnership — Asia-Pacific Regional Center (GEEPAPRC)

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    The Ministry of Environment, R.O.C. (Taiwan) will provide young people in the Asia-Pacific region with opportunities to serve as interns in the environmental education field, participate in environmental education promotion, and observe business management practices.
    This program aims at cultivating the capabilities of young people in the Asia-Pacific region to connect with international trends, getting to know the diverse cultures of various countries, understanding the responses to environmental issues of various countries, and establishing partnerships in the environmental education fields of various Asia-Pacific countries.
    Internship sites:
    1. Tzu Chi’s Environmental Education Site (Hualien County, Taipei City)
    2. Oceanic Hakka Leisure Agriculture Development Association (Taoyuan City)
    For more details : https://geepaprc.org/en

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Underwriting Auction for sale of Government Securities for ₹32,000 crore on June 06, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Government of India has announced the sale (re-issue) of Government Securities, as detailed below, through auctions to be held on June 06, 2025 (Friday).

    As per the extant scheme of underwriting commitment notified on November 14, 2007, the amounts of Minimum Underwriting Commitment (MUC) and the minimum bidding commitment under Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) auction, applicable to each Primary Dealer (PD), are as under:

    (₹ crore)
    Security Notified Amount MUC amount per PD Minimum bidding commitment per PD under ACU auction
    6.92% GS 2039 16,000 381 381
    6.90% GS 2065 16,000 381 381

    The underwriting auction will be conducted through multiple price-based method on June 06, 2025 (Friday). PDs may submit their bids for ACU auction electronically through Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) System between 10:30 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. on the day of underwriting auction.

    The underwriting commission will be credited to the current account of the respective PDs with RBI on the day of issue of securities.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/481

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Ageas Re partners with Slovenian insurer Triglav Group in connection with the Motor insurance business distributed by Italian Insurtech Prima

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Ageas Re partners with Slovenian insurer Triglav Group in connection with the Motor insurance business distributed by Italian Insurtech Prima

    Today, Ageas Re, the reinsurance arm of Ageas Group, concluded a reinsurance agreement with Slovenian insurer Triglav Group in connection with the partnership entered into by Triglav Group with leading Italian direct Motor insurance distributor, Prima Assicurazioni S.p.A. (Prima), with the objective to expand its business portfolio and to contribute to the Ageas’s Elevate27 profitable growth ambitions.

    Under to the agreement, Ageas Re takes an 80% Quota Share on the Prima business underwritten by Triglav Group in 2025, commencing in the coming weeks.

    Prima is a rapidly growing, profitable insurance distributor that began distributing personal lines policies, mainly Motor, in 2015. Since then, it has become the number 1 in the Italian Direct Motor business. In 2024, the company generated EUR 1.3 billion gross written premiums, servicing over 4 million customers, and EUR 104 million Group EBITDA.

    This agreement is in perfect alignment with Ageas’s Elevate27 strategy to achieve profitable growth in an attractive European Non-Life market. The Italian Motor insurance market generates premiums in excess of EUR 15 billion, with consistent profitability. Through this partnership, Ageas Re teams up with a tech-driven, local champion, with proven track record, providing immediate market entry with considerable scale.

    Ageas Re anticipates inflows from this transaction in excess of EUR 500 million in 2025 and a Net Operating Result of around EUR 15 million, spread over 2025 and 2026. The impact on Group Solvency is estimated to be no more than -4 points in 2025.

    Hans De Cuyper, CEO of Ageas stated: The agreement with Triglav Group aligns well with many aspects of our newly launched strategy, Elevate27. This collaboration enables us to enter a promising European growth market in Non-Life insurance and achieve profitable growth through a partner with a strong market position.”

    Joachim Racz, CEO of Ageas Re continued: “I am pleased to announce this partnership. Along with the entire Ageas Re team, I look forward to establishing a successful collaboration, offering high-quality insurance products to the Italian customer distributed by Prima. We would also like to thank Howden Re for the excellent management of the process and transaction.”

    George Ottathycal, CEO of Prima said: “Prima Assicurazioni has experienced remarkable growth in the Italian motor insurance market, surpassing 4 million active customers in just ten years. This success is the result of our sophisticated and rigorous pricing and underwriting, outstanding user experience, and, most importantly, our carefully selected strategic partners who fully align with our cutting-edge, technology- and data-driven business model. Not only will the solidity and trust of the new partners Triglav Group and Ageas Re further expand our growth, but will also deliver significant value to our entire network of agents and brokers—and, above all, to our customers.”

    Andrej Slapar, President of the Management Board of Zavarovalnica Triglav, commented: “Our strategic ambition is to grow beyond existing markets and enhance Triglav Group’s international recognition. The Italian motor insurance market presents a strong opportunity to support this goal, and we are pleased to be working with well-established partners Prima and Ageas Re. The Triglav Group will continue to explore opportunities for further growth and for delivering on the other objectives set out in our strategy.”

    Ageas is a Belgian rooted listed international insurance Group with a heritage spanning of 200 years. It offers Retail and Business customers Life and Non-Life insurance products designed to suit their specific needs, today and tomorrow, and is also engaged in reinsurance activities. As one of Europe’s larger insurance companies, Ageas concentrates its activities in Europe and Asia, which together make up the major part of the global insurance market. It operates successful insurance businesses in Belgium, the UK, Portugal, Türkiye, China, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, and the Philippines through a combination of wholly owned subsidiaries and long-term partnerships with strong financial institutions and key distributors. Ageas ranks among the market leaders in the countries in which it operates. It represents a staff force of about 50,000 people and reported annual inflows of EUR 18.5 billion in 2024.

    Prima Assicurazioni is an insurtech company operating as a specialized insurance agency in the automotive, home, and family sectors, serving over 4 million clients. It has revolutionized the Italian insurance market through innovation, technology, and a data-driven strategy. Thanks to unprecedented growth over its 10-year history, Prima’s evolving business model has enhanced the user experience, offering competitive pricing and fostering greater market competition. A leader in Italy’s online motor insurance sector, Prima also operates a nationwide network of agents. Since 2022, the company has expanded into the United Kingdom and Spain.

    For 125 years, the Triglav Group has earned the trust of clients and other stakeholders through its expertise, experience, and financial strength. It is the largest insurance-financial group in the Adria region and one of the leading groups in Southeast Europe. The Group operates in six countries, with broader international presence through insurance and reinsurance activities. Insurance and asset management are the two main pillars of its operations. The Group employs more than 5,000 people. Its mission is to create a safer future. The core values of the Group are responsiveness, simplicity, and reliability. Its vision is focused on strengthening its identity and recognition as an international insurance-financial group. Through sustainable operations, it provides a development-oriented environment for employees, maintains strong partnerships, and represents a stable, secure, and profitable investment for shareholders. The parent company of the Triglav Group is Zavarovalnica Triglav, a Prime Market issuer on the Ljubljana Stock Exchange.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • Indian delegation meets EU representatives in Belgium, conveys firm resolve against terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation, led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, held a series of high-level engagements in Brussels on Wednesday with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), emphasising India’s resolute stance against cross-border terrorism.

    The Indian MPs visited the European Parliament and engaged with MEPs, including from the Delegation for Relations with India, the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), and the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE).

    The delegation briefed MEPs about the cross-border terrorism targeting India, including terror attack in Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor and India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.

    The discussions focused on enhancing India-EU strategic cooperation, particularly in the area of counter-terrorism, broader India-EU ties, high-level engagements and the deepening Parliamentary exchanges.

    The MEPs condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack, and supported India’s right to defend itself and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    The Indian Embassy Belgium & Luxembourg said, “Taking India’s strong message against terrorism to the world, members of All-Party Delegation met with Members of European Parliament (MEPs) and discussed combating terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, global peace, and deepening of India-EU ties.”

    “The EU side was briefed about the heinous Pahalgam terrorist attack and the calibrated and targeted response of India through Operation Sindoor, giving the message of zero tolerance to terrorism. MEPs expressed their solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack,” the embassy added.

    Earlier in the day, the delegation was briefed by Ambassador of India to EU, Belgium & Luxembourg Saurabh Kumar. The delegation also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at the Indian Embassy.

    Furthermore, the delegation interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, which expressed its deep solidarity with India’s strong and principled stance and zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.

    The delegation underscored the vital role of the diaspora in amplifying India’s voice on the global stage.

    The delegation also had a productive exchange of views with some of Brussels’ leading think-tanks and members of the strategic community.

    Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a post on X, “During our visit to Brussels, my colleagues from the all-party delegation and I engaged in a comprehensive discussion on the scourge of terrorism, particularly cross-border terrorism targeting India. We deliberated on India’s counter-terrorism initiatives, notably including Operation Sindoor, with prominent think tanks in the region. Our interaction underscored a unified and unambiguous stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism.”

    After concluding visits to France, Italy, Denmark, and the UK, the delegation is on a 3-day visit to Belgium.

    Apart from Prasad, the delegation includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari, Samik Bhattacharya, and Ghulam Ali Khatana; Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi; AIADMK MP M. Thambidurai; Congress MP Amar Singh; former Union Minister M.J. Akbar; and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: DPRK Supreme Leader Meets with Russian Security Council Secretary

    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

    Pyongyang, June 5 (Xinhua) — Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), met here on Wednesday with visiting Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Thursday.

    At the meeting, the parties exchanged views on protecting the common key interests of the two countries, discussed cooperation in various areas, as well as the regional and international situation, the report says. It is added that during the meeting, the coincidence of the positions of the two countries was confirmed.

    “The DPRK will unconditionally support Russia’s position and foreign policy in all serious international political issues, including the Ukrainian issue, and responsibly abide by the articles of the treaty between the DPRK and Russia,” KCNA quotes Kim Jong-un as saying.

    S. Shoigu conveyed special gratitude from the Russian leadership to the DPRK servicemen who participated in operations in the Russian Kursk region.

    The two sides also expressed the will of the leaderships of both countries to continue to dynamically expand and develop bilateral relations towards a powerful and comprehensive strategic partnership, the KCNA said in a statement. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: The last day of trading in unit rights in Terranet’s rights issue

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SINGAPORE, SOUTH AFRICA, SOUTH KOREA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL OR WOULD REQUIRE REGISTRATION OR ANY OTHER MEASURES. PLEASE REFER TO IMPORTANT INFORMATION AT THE END OF THE PRESS RELEASE.

    Today, June 5, 2025, is the last day of trading in unit rights issued in connection with Terranet AB’s (“Terranet” or the “Company”) rights issue of units which the Board of Directors resolved on April 16, 2025, and was approved by the annual general meeting on May 23, 2025 (the “Rights Issue”). Unit rights that are not sold or used for subscription will expire worthless.

    Summary of the Rights Issue:

    • The Rights Issue comprises a maximum of 13,880,714 units. One unit in the Rights Issue consists of twelve (12) B-shares and three (3) warrants of series TO9 B. The warrants are issued free of charge.
    • The subscription price per unit in the Rights Issue is SEK 1.08 per unit, corresponding to SEK 0.09 per B-share. Upon full subscription, the Rights Issue will provide Terranet with approximately SEK 15 million before deduction of issue costs.
    • The right to subscribe for units in the Rights Issue shall, with preferential rights, be granted to shareholders in proportion to the number of shares they already own, where one (1) existing share entitles the holder to one (1) unit right, and eighty-six (86) unit rights entitle the holder to subscribe for one (1) unit.
    • The last day of trading in Terranet’s B-shares including the right to receive unit rights in the Rights Issue was April 25, 2025. The B-shares will be traded excluding the right to receive unit rights from April 28, 2025.
    • The subscription period for the Rights Issue runs from May 27, 2025, up to and including June 11, 2025.
    • The Rights Issue is covered by subscription commitments of approximately SEK 35.2 thousand, corresponding to 0.2 percent of the Rights Issue, and underwriting commitments of approximately SEK 15 million, corresponding to approximately 99.8 percent of the Rights Issue. Thus, the Rights Issue is covered to 100 percent by subscription commitments and underwriting commitments.

    Preliminary timetable for the Rights Issue

    May 27, 2025 – June 5, 2025 Trading in unit rights
    May 27, 2025 – June 11, 2025 Subscripition period
    May 27, 2025 – June 30, 2025 Trading in paid subscribed units (BTU)
    June 13, 2025 Preliminary date for publication of the outcome in the Rights Issue

    Advisers
    Mangold Fondkommission AB is the financial advisor to Terranet in connection with the Rights Issue. Eversheds Sutherland Advokatbyrå AB is the legal advisor to the Company in connection with the Rights Issue.

    For more information, please contact:
    Dan Wahrenberg, CFO
    E-mail: dan.wahrenberg@terranet.se

    About Terranet AB (publ) 

    Terranet’s goal is to save lives in urban traffic. The company develops innovative technical solutions for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Vehicles (AV). Terranet’s anti-collision system BlincVision laser scans and detects road objects up to ten times faster than any other ADAS technology available today.
    The company is headquartered in Lund, with offices in Gothenburg and Stuttgart. Since 2017, Terranet has been listed on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market (Nasdaq: TERRNT-B).

    Follow our journey at: www.terranet.se

    Certified Adviser to Terranet is Mangold Fondkommission AB.

    Important information
    The release, announcement or distribution of this press release may, in certain jurisdictions, be subject to restrictions. The recipients of this press release in jurisdictions where this press release has been published or distributed shall inform themselves of and follow such restrictions. The recipient of this press release is responsible for using this press release, and the information contained herein, in accordance with applicable rules in each jurisdiction. This press release does not constitute an offer, or a solicitation of any offer, to buy or subscribe for any securities in Terranet in any jurisdiction, neither from Terranet nor anyone else.

    This press release does not constitute or form part of an offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States. The securities referred to herein may not be sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold within the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There is no intention to register any securities referred to herein in the United States or to make a public offering of the securities in the United States. The information in this press release may not be announced, published, copied, reproduced or distributed, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, within or into Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, Singapore, South Africa, the United States or in any other jurisdiction where such announcement, publication or distribution of the information would not comply with applicable laws and regulations or where such actions are subject to legal restrictions or would require additional registration or other measures than what is required under Swedish law. Actions taken in violation of this instruction may constitute a crime against applicable securities laws and regulations.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • DGCA flags safety gaps in Turkish Airlines’ operations in India during ramp inspections

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed Turkish Airlines to ensure full compliance with international and national aviation safety regulations after a series of inspections revealed multiple lapses in operations across Indian airports.

    Between May 29 and June 2, the DGCA conducted Safety Oversight and Ramp (SOFA/RAMP) inspections of Turkish Airlines’ passenger and cargo flights at Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. The inspections were conducted under Article 16 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation to assess adherence to ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices as well as DGCA norms.

    At Bengaluru airport, the DGCA found that the marshaller responsible for ground operations did not hold proper authorization or a valid competency card. This shortfall raises concerns about the safety of aircraft movements on the ground.

    Further, the inspection revealed that during aircraft arrivals, an authorized Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) was not always present, with technicians performing arrival procedures in their stead. M/s Airworks, the authorised engineering service provider for Turkish Airlines, must ensure strict compliance with maintenance protocols.

    Cargo handling processes also came under scrutiny. The DGCA noted that dangerous goods, including explosives, were transported without the mandatory permissions required for carriage in Indian airspace. These permissions were neither attached nor mentioned in the relevant Dangerous Goods Declaration.

    Ground handling arrangements were found wanting as well. Turkish Airlines was operating without a formal Service Level Agreement (SLA) with its ground handling agent at Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Essential equipment such as ladders, trolleys, and Ground Power Units (GPUs) lacked proper accountability and monitoring. Moreover, Globe Ground India was providing ground services without a formal handover from the previous contractor, Celebi, raising questions over operational oversight.

    The DGCA has directed Turkish Airlines to promptly address these deficiencies and comply fully with ICAO standards and DGCA regulations.

  • PM Modi reiterates commitment to welfare of the poor as NDA completes 11 years

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the poor, calling the past 11 years of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) rule a period of transformative and inclusive governance. 
     
    In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said the government’s sustained efforts had helped lift more than 25 crore people out of poverty. “Over the past decade, the NDA Government has taken pathbreaking steps to uplift several people from the clutches of poverty, focussing on empowerment, infrastructure and inclusion,” he said. Citing key welfare schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, PM Ujjwala Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana and Ayushman Bharat, the Prime Minister said these initiatives had expanded access to housing, clean cooking fuel, banking and healthcare, particularly for marginalised communities.
     
    The Prime Minister also underlined the role of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), digital inclusion, and investments in rural infrastructure in ensuring the transparent and efficient delivery of benefits. According to him, these initiatives, driven by a governance model rooted in compassion, have ensured that help reaches the last mile, offering citizens the dignity of self-reliance.
     
    The NDA government, he said, remains committed to building an inclusive and self-reliant India—“where every citizen has the opportunity to live with dignity.”
     
    A key element of this welfare architecture has been the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), a food security programme launched in 2020 as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat package. Initially introduced to provide free food grains to migrants and economically vulnerable sections during the COVID-19 pandemic, the scheme has undergone several extensions over the past few years.
     
    In its latest phase, the PMGKAY has been extended for five years starting January 1, 2024, at an estimated cost of ₹11.80 lakh crore. More than 81 crore beneficiaries—including Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households and Priority Households (PHH) identified under the National Food Security Act (NFSA)—will receive free food grains as per their monthly entitlements.
     
    Under the scheme, wheat is being distributed in six states and Union Territories—Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Delhi and Gujarat—while rice is allocated to the rest of the country. Beneficiaries include families falling under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH) categories, as identified by respective state governments and UT administrations.
     
    AAY households are those headed by widows, the terminally ill, disabled or elderly persons without assured means of subsistence. Other eligible groups include primitive tribal families, landless agricultural labourers, marginal farmers, rural artisans, slum dwellers, daily-wage earners in the informal sector, and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families of HIV-positive individuals.
     
    Earlier in the evening, the Prime Minister also chaired a meeting of the Union Council of Ministers, though no official details from the meeting were immediately released.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 18 countries elected to ECOSOC for three-year term

    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

    UNITED NATIONS, June 5 (Xinhua) — Eighteen countries, including China, were elected on Wednesday to three-year terms on the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the coordinating body for economic and social work of U.N. agencies and funds.

    UN General Assembly President Philemon Young announced the results after a secret ballot.

    The council included Burundi, Chad, Mozambique and Sierra Leone from Africa, China, India, Lebanon and Turkmenistan from Asia and the Pacific, Croatia, Russia and Ukraine from Eastern Europe, Ecuador, Peru and Saint Kitts and Nevis from Latin America and the Caribbean, and Australia, Finland, Norway and Turkey from Western Europe and other regions.

    These ECOSOC members are elected for a three-year term beginning on 1 January 2026.

    ECOSOC has 54 members. Its membership is renewed annually by a vote in the UN General Assembly. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • PM Modi launches ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ with tree plantation on World Environment Day

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked World Environment Day on Wednesday by planting a sapling at Mahavir Jayanti Park in the national capital, as part of the second phase of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. The campaign, which encourages individuals to plant a tree in honour of their mothers, aims to promote environmental consciousness through personal and symbolic action.

    Launched by the Prime Minister last year with the planting of a Peepal tree at Buddha Jayanti Park, the initiative returns in an expanded version this year — targeting the plantation of 10 crore trees across India between June 5 and September 30.

    In a post on X, PM Modi said, “This #WorldEnvironmentDay, let’s deepen our efforts towards protecting our planet and overcoming the challenges we face. I also compliment all those working at the grassroots to make our environment greener and better.”

    The plantation drive also marks the anniversary of the campaign’s launch. On this special occasion, PM Modi planted a sapling to celebrate the success of the programme.

    The theme of the campaign — planting a tree in the name of one’s mother — seeks to blend environmental action with cultural values. Officials said the gesture is meant to highlight the nurturing role of both mothers and trees in sustaining life and securing the future.

    In another post on X, the Prime Minister noted that India has seen an increase in forest cover over the past decade. “It would make you all very happy that in the last decade, India has undertaken numerous collective efforts which have led to increased forest cover across the nation. This is great for our quest towards sustainable development,” he said.

    IANS

  • Buddha’s sacred relics arrive in Sarnath to ceremonial welcome

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The sacred relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Sarnath on Tuesday, welcomed with traditional chants and official honours as hundreds of monks and devotees gathered at the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.

    The relics, which began their journey from the National Museum in New Delhi, were flown to Varanasi and then transported to Sarnath in a ceremonial procession. The District Magistrate of Varanasi, Satyendra Kumar, along with the Senior Superintendent of Police and other dignitaries, received the relics at the VIP Lounge of Varanasi airport before accompanying them to the final site.

    The Uttar Pradesh Police presented a guard of honour, while NCC cadets and a ceremonial band participated in the welcome. Devotees, including a large number of Buddhist monks and nuns, had assembled at the vihar to pay their respects.

    Speaking at the event, Most Venerable Seewali Bhante recalled his recent visit to Vietnam, where the relics were previously displayed, and described the widespread public reverence he witnessed during the month-long exposition.

    Officials from the International Buddhist Confederation, National Museum representatives, and senior monks were also present. The procession and public homage underscore the significance of Sarnath—a site where the Buddha delivered his first sermon—as a centre of global Buddhist pilgrimage.

    The event is part of a broader initiative to strengthen cultural and spiritual ties among Buddhist communities worldwide.

  • MIL-OSI China: Sci-fi writers reflect on peace at notorious Japanese germ warfare site

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

    Chinese science fiction writers toured the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, late last month, with several sharing their shock and reflections on world peace with China.org.cn.

    Chinese writers view displays at the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, May 24, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Harbin Huiwen Academy Cultural Media Group]

    The visit coincided with the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

    More than 70 writers participated in the tour on May 24, many coming directly from a sci-fi-themed book fair and the 2025 Children’s Science Fiction Convention held in late May.

    Renowned science fiction writer Bao Shu said he recently saw Japanese right-wing revisionist claims online that Unit 731 came to China for “epidemic prevention” and “treating Chinese people.” He said he was shocked by this clear distortion of history.

    Bao said he gained a much deeper understanding of history after visiting the museum and witnessing firsthand evidence of these atrocities. He believes every Chinese person should visit the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders and the Unit 731 Exhibition Hall, instead of just learning about World War II in school.

    “While Unit 731’s death toll was smaller than Nanjing’s, its horrors were equally chilling — the systematic weaponization of science against humanity,” he said. “They perverted medicine into torture, treating people as lab specimens. This nightmare shows what can happen when technology is used without ethical restraints or regard for human dignity. It forces us to reflect on the essential relationship between technological progress and human values.”

    Harbin’s Unit 731 war crimes museum preserves the original site of Japan’s biological warfare operations during World War II and holds approximately 100,000 pieces of war crime evidence. Visitors can see the remaining facilities, including the old headquarters ruins, bacterial labs, special prison remains, underground animal breeding rooms, frostbite labs, boiler rooms, and gas chambers. As the largest bacterial warfare base in history, the site documents Japan’s human experimentation program, which caused the deaths of at least 3,000 test subjects and more than 300,000 victims across China.

    Dong Jing, assistant to the chair of the Chinese Nebula Awards organizing committee, reflected: “This history teaches us war’s most terrible lesson — how it grotesquely distorts humanity, amplifying our darkest impulses to commit unforgivable crimes against civilization.”

    He noted that the Unit 731 site serves two vital purposes: “First, it exposes Japan’s undeniable wartime atrocities during its invasion of China, serving as a warning to modern militarists to acknowledge historical truth and renounce war. Equally important, it reminds citizens of both China and Japan to cherish peace and resist being drawn into conflict by groups pursuing their own interests.”

    Sci-fi writer Lu Hang believes this history offers a crucial lesson for all nations. “As the saying goes, ‘Past experience, if not forgotten, is a guide for the future.’ We learn that national strength safeguards people — through building power to deter aggression and protect citizens. This conviction grew stronger after I visited the Harbin Institute of Technology, where I saw rockets and spacecraft modules displayed on campus. That experience revealed not just technological achievement but the nation’s growing overall strength.”

    Zhang Mei, a renowned children’s literature critic, said the atrocities committed by Japan’s Unit 731 were among the most heinous crimes against humanity and an “extreme evil” that stains human civilization.

    “We must go beyond surface-level condemnation and examine why Japan still lacks not only remorse, but also the fundamental virtues of reciprocity and human compassion,” she said.

    Writer Shi Yongming noted that only through peace can humanity progress together, and all nations — whether powerful or vulnerable — must prioritize mutual respect, compassion and seeking common ground while respecting differences.

    “Yet we must remain vigilant against ideologies that threaten humanity and possess both the awareness and the ability to contain their spread,” said Shi.

    Writer Qin Yingliang described the visit as profoundly shocking. A native of northeastern China, Qin emphasized that Unit 731 is a source of deep, collective trauma for people in the region. She noted that Japan’s infiltration and occupation of northeast China lasted nearly 50 years, including prewar activities, and that the effects are still felt today through emotional legacies and subconscious memories passed down through generations.

    “The museum’s essential role is to present this history through meticulously documented evidence, allowing every visitor to face historical truth directly. Our present is built on countless yesterdays; only by understanding the past can we properly move toward tomorrow,” she said.

    “The exit route leads through a long, sunless tunnel — that’s the darkness of historical memory. Walking gradually upward toward the light at the end represents our emergence into today’s brightness,” Qin added. “Along the walls were carved survivors’ testimonies and war criminals’ confessions. As I ran my fingers over the stone inscriptions, I was suddenly reminded of that line from ‘The Three-Body Problem’: ‘Engrave words in stone.’”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump signs proclamation banning travel from 12 countries

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to ban travel from certain countries on Wednesday evening, citing national security risks.

    According to a release by the White House, the proclamation will fully ban the entry of nationals from 12 countries, namely Afghanistan, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

    These countries were found “to be deficient with regards to screening and vetting and determined to pose a very high risk to the United States,” the release read.

    Meanwhile, the proclamation will partially restrict the entry of nationals from seven countries — Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.

    The travel ban is scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. next Monday.

    “The restrictions and limitations imposed by the Proclamation are necessary to garner cooperation from foreign governments, enforce our immigration laws, and advance other important foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives,” the White House said.

    Exceptions to the ban include lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests.

    During his first term, Trump announced a ban on travelers from seven countries, a policy that went through several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Former President Joe Biden reversed the ban in 2021. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Indian delegation reaffirms anti-terror resolve during high-level meetings in US

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation on Wednesday held a series of high-level meetings in Washington to underscore India’s firm stand against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism.

    After their arrival on late Tuesday, the Indian delegation began their official engagements on Wednesday, which included meetings with US Congress members, policy leaders and members of the Indian Diaspora.

    The delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, held discussions with the leadership of the Foreign Relations Committee of the US House of Representatives and members of the India Caucus, and later met Republican Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Brian Mast, and Democratic Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, among others.

    Gregory Meeks, the Democratic Ranking Member, said, “Pleasure to host Chairman Shashi Tharoor & members of the Indian Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. My colleagues & I expressed condolences for the terrorist attack in Pahalgam & reaffirmed Congress’s commitment to the US-India partnership.”

    During the interactions, the delegation briefed American lawmakers on Operation Sindoor and India’s stance against cross-border terrorism.

    According to the Indian Embassy, “The Parliamentary delegation briefed the committee members on the success of Operation Sindoor in defining a new normal in India’s fight against cross-border terrorism.”

    The US House Committee leadership condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam unequivocally, reiterating the United States’ solidarity with India.

    “India and the USA stand together in their unwavering resolve and fight against terrorism in all its forms,” said the Indian Embassy.

    The Indian parliamentarians also held talks with Congressmen Ro Khanna and Rich McCormick, co-chairs of the House India Caucus, and Senators Mark Warner and John Cornyn, co-chairs of the Senate India Caucus.

    Senator Cornyn shared on X, “Good meeting with Indian parliamentary delegation about US-India relationship.”

    Tharoor appreciated the interactions, stating, “Great to meet you and your Senate Foreign Relations Committee colleagues, Senate Rich McCormick! We greatly valued all of you finding the time for us on a busy day and expressing your solidarity with our fight against terrorism. We also appreciated your enthusiasm for greater and stronger cooperation between our countries on a wide range of areas. The potential is unlimited!”

    Congressman Ro Khanna also reiterated bipartisan support for India’s fight against terror, saying, “United States has a bipartisan commitment to the India relationship and stands with India to dismantle these terrorist networks in Pakistan.”

    Tharoor acknowledged Khanna’s support and said it was “terrific” to meet him, adding that the delegation was “grateful for the strong support of the India Caucus” in the House of Representatives.

    Later in the day, the delegation met members of the Indian diaspora.

    “The All Party delegation led by Shashi Tharoor met prominent members of the Indian diaspora in USA. The delegation spoke about India’s resolute and united stand against terrorism and the new normal created by India through Operation Sindoor. The Indian diaspora members shared their message of solidarity with the victims of terrorism and support for India’s fight against terrorism,” said the Indian embassy.

    At a news conference, Tharoor said that India received “total support and solidarity” in fighting terrorism from US lawmakers whom the delegation met on Wednesday.

    “We didn’t have a single sceptical or negative voice,” he said. “On the contrary, what we got was very, very positive responses.”

    There was “total support and solidarity for India and its fight against terrorism” and expressions of “complete understanding of India’s right to defend itself against terrorism,” Tharoor said.

    “Broadly speaking, we have left the hill very pleased with the quality of the conversations the level of interest,” he added.

    “On the hill, there was a fairly bi-partisan acceptance that as largest, vibrant, very diverse democracies, both nations together, have a lot to offer to the world. This agenda of economics is the core point,” but it also relates to “a larger, longer-term play of democracy across the world is central,” he said.

    Tharoor also urged the Indian diaspora to speak up with their members of US Congress for India.

    “They will listen to you,” he said. “They are conscious of you. They respect you. You’re all very, very high achievers, and people can do significant things. We are proud of you.”

    During the two-day visit, the Indian representatives will continue their meetings with members of the US Congress and administration, think tanks, media, and key policymakers.

    The Embassy emphasised that the delegation aims to build consensus and deepen strategic cooperation on shared security priorities.

    Apart from Tharoor, the delegation includes Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas MP Shambhavi Choudhary, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s Sarfaraz Ahmad, Shiv Sena’s Milind Murli Deora; BJP’s Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, and Tejasvi Surya; and Telugu Desam Party’s GM Harish Balayogi. Former Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, is also accompanying the delegation.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • PM Modi to launch ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ with tree plantation on World Environment Day

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will mark World Environment Day on Wednesday by planting a sapling at Mahavir Jayanti Park in the national capital, as part of the second phase of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. The campaign, which encourages individuals to plant a tree in honour of their mothers, aims to promote environmental consciousness through personal and symbolic action.

    Launched by the Prime Minister last year with the planting of a Peepal tree at Buddha Jayanti Park, the initiative returns in its expanded version this year — targeting the plantation of 10 crore trees across India between June 5 and September 30.

    In a post on X, PM Modi said, “This #WorldEnvironmentDay, let’s deepen our efforts towards protecting our planet and overcoming the challenges we face. I also compliment all those working at the grassroots to make our environment greener and better.”

    The plantation drive will also mark the anniversary of the campaign’s launch. On this special occasion, PM Modi will plant a sapling and celebrate the success of the program.

    The theme of the campaign — planting a tree in the name of one’s mother — seeks to blend environmental action with cultural values. Officials said the gesture is meant to highlight the nurturing role of both mothers and trees in sustaining life and securing the future.

    In another post on X, the Prime Minister noted that India has seen an increase in forest cover over the past decade. “It would make you all very happy that in the last decade, India has undertaken numerous collective efforts which have led to increased forest cover across the nation. This is great for our quest towards sustainable development,” he said.

    IANS

  • Indian stock market opens in green amid mixed global cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The domestic benchmark indices opened higher on Thursday amid mixed global cues, with buying seen in the pharmaceutical, automotive and IT sectors in early trading.

    At approximately 9:29 am, the Sensex was trading 268.8 points, or 0.33 per cent, higher at 81,267.09, while the Nifty added 82.75 points (0.34 per cent) to reach 24,702.95.

    The Nifty Bank was down 29.70 points, or 0.05 per cent, at 55,647.15. The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 58,188, having risen 263.35 points (0.45 per cent). The Nifty Smallcap 100 index was at 18,398.75 after climbing 141.65 points (0.78 per cent).

    According to analysts, the Nifty ended higher on Wednesday and the India VIX fell by nearly 5 per cent, a development that bulls would have liked to see.

    “For the Nifty, 24,462 remains intact and that’s keeping optimism alive. Should this level break, the market will most likely drop to its key support at 23,800. Short-term resistance sits between 24,760 and 24,882. Globally, stock bulls have tailwinds,” said Akshay Chinchalkar, Head of Research at Axis Securities.

    Meanwhile, in the Sensex pack, Eternal, PowerGrid, M&M, HDFC Bank, HCL Tech, TCS, IndusInd Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank were the top gainers. Conversely, Nestle India, Titan, Bajaj Finance, Tata Motors and Tech Mahindra were the top losers.

    According to analysts, both geopolitical and economic news are likely to weigh on markets in the near term.

    “The major economic news is the sharp dip in the US ISM PMI data. This indicates that the US economy is slowing down sharply. The US 10-year bond yield has declined to 4.36 per cent and, given the slowing US economy, is likely to trend lower,” according to Dr V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments Ltd.

    “This will turn out to be good for emerging markets (EMs) like India in the medium term. ‘Buy on dips’ continues to be the ideal strategy for now. Rate-sensitive stocks will be preferred in view of the expected rate cut by the RBI MPC,” said experts.

    In the Asian markets, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Seoul, China and Jakarta were trading in the green, whereas only Japan was trading in the red.

    In the last trading session in the US, the Dow Jones closed at 42,427.74, down 91.90 points (0.22 per cent). The S&P 500 ended with a gain of 0.44 points (0.01 per cent) at 5,970.81, and the Nasdaq closed at 19,460.49, up 61.53 points (0.32 per cent).

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net buyers, purchasing equities worth ₹1,076.18 crore on 4 June, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) purchased equities worth ₹2,566.82 crore.

    (IANS) 

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai confers decoration on President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands, hosts state banquet  

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-06-03
    President Lai and President Hilda C. Heine of Marshall Islands hold bilateral talks and witness signing of agreements
    On the morning of June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands at the Presidential Office following a welcome ceremony with military honors for her and her husband. The leaders also jointly witnessed the signing of a letter of intent for sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft. In remarks, President Lai thanked the government and the Nitijela (parliament) of the Marshall Islands for their longstanding support for Taiwan’s international participation and for voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. President Lai said that Taiwan looks forward to continuing to deepen its diplomatic partnership with the Marshall Islands and build an even closer cooperative relationship across a range of fields, engaging in mutual assistance for mutual benefits and helping each other achieve joint and prosperous development to yield even greater well-being for our peoples. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I once again warmly welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and our guests to Taiwan. During my visit to the Marshall Islands last year, I said that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands are truly a family. When Vice President Hsiao and I took office last year, President Heine led a delegation to Taiwan. It is now one year since our inauguration, and I am delighted to see President Heine once again, just as if I were seeing family arrive from afar. Through my visit to the Marshall Islands, I gained a profound sense of the friendship between the peoples of our two nations, well-demonstrated by bilateral exchanges in such areas as healthcare, agriculture, and education. And it is thanks to President Heine’s longstanding support for Taiwan that our countries have been able to further advance collaboration on even more issues, including women’s empowerment and climate change. In recent years, the geopolitical and economic landscape has changed rapidly. We look forward to Taiwan and the Marshall Islands continuing to deepen our partnership and build an even closer cooperative relationship. In just a few moments, President Heine and I will witness the signing of several documents, including a memorandum of understanding and a letter of intent, to expand bilateral cooperation in such fields as sports, education, and transportation. Taiwan will take concrete action to work with the Marshall Islands and advance mutual prosperity and development, writing a new chapter in our diplomatic partnership. I would also like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to the government and Nitijela of the Marshall Islands. In recent years, the Nitijela has passed annual resolutions backing Taiwan’s international participation, and President Heine and Marshallese cabinet members have been some of the strongest advocates for Taiwan’s international participation, voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. Building on the pillars of democracy, peace, and prosperity, Taiwan will continue to work with the Marshall Islands and other like-minded countries to deepen our partnerships, engage in mutual assistance for mutual benefits, and help one another achieve joint and prosperous development. I have every confidence that the combined efforts of our two nations will yield even greater well-being for our peoples and see us make even more contributions to the world. President Heine then delivered remarks, and began by conveying warm greetings of iokwe from the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). She said she was deeply honored to be in Taiwan for an official visit, and extended appreciation to President Lai and his government for their gracious invitation and warm welcome. President Heine stated that this year marks 27 years of diplomatic ties between our two nations, and that they are proud of this enduring friendship. This special and enduring relationship, she said, is grounded in our shared Austronesian heritage, and strengthened by mutual respect for each other’s democratic systems and our steadfast commitment to the core values of freedom, justice, and the rule of law. President Heine stated that Taiwan’s continued support has been invaluable to the people and national development of the Marshall Islands, particularly in the areas of health, education, agriculture, and climate change. She also expressed deep appreciation to Taiwan for providing Marshallese students with opportunities to study in Taiwan, and for the care extended to Marshallese who travel here for medical treatment. President Heine also announced that she would be presenting a copy of a resolution by the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands reiterating their appreciation for the support provided by the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and calling on the United Nations to take immediate action to resolve the inappropriate exclusion of Taiwan’s 23 million people from the UN system. She added that she looked forward to the bilateral discussions later that day, and to continuing the important work that both countries carry out together. After the bilateral talks, President Lai and President Heine witnessed the signing of a letter of intent regarding sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Marshallese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft, marking the formal beginning of Taiwan-Marshall Islands air transport cooperation. The visiting delegation also included Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Finance David Paul, and Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chair Joe Bejang. They were accompanied to the Presidential Office by Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

    Details
    2025-06-03
    President Lai welcomes President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands with military honors  
    President Lai Ching-te welcomed President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and her husband on the morning of June 3 with full military honors. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. The president said that over our 27 years of diplomatic relations, our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. And moving ahead, he said, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. The welcome ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office. President Lai and President Heine each delivered remarks after a 21-gun salute, the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, and a review of the military honor guard. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), it is a great pleasure to welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and their delegation with full military honors as they make this state visit to Taiwan. When I traveled to the Marshall Islands on a state visit last December, I was received with great warmth and courtesy. I once again thank President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share Austronesian cultural traditions, and we are like-minded friends. Throughout our 27 years of diplomatic relations, we have always engaged with each other in a spirit of reciprocal trust and mutual assistance. Our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. This is President Heine’s first state visit to Taiwan since taking office for a second time. We look forward to engaging our esteemed guests in in-depth discussions on issues of common concern. And moving ahead, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration with the Marshall Islands across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. In closing, I thank President Heine, First Gentleman Kijiner, and their entire delegation for visiting Taiwan. I wish you all a pleasant and successful trip.  A transcript of President Heine’s remarks follows: Your Excellency President Lai Ching-te, Vice President [Bi-khim] Hsiao, honorable members of the cabinet, ambassadors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: It is my pleasure to extend warm greetings of iokwe on behalf of the people and the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. I wish to also convey my appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, for the hospitality and very warm welcome – kommol tata. This visit marks my seventh official state visit to this beautiful country. It’s a testament to my strong commitment to further deepening ties between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of China (Taiwan). During this visit, I look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions with Your Excellency President Lai to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between our two nations and our peoples.  For over a quarter-century, Taiwan has been a strong ally and friend to the Marshall Islands. Our partnership has thrived across many sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. Through Taiwan’s generous support and collaboration, we have made significant progress in improving the lives of our people, empowering our communities, and fostering sustainable growth. The Marshall Islands deeply values our partnership with Taiwan and appreciates Taiwan’s support over the years. Despite our small size and limited voice on the global stage, the Marshall Islands deeply cherishes our friendship with Taiwan, and to that end, I wish to reaffirm my government’s commitment to Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system. Taiwan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. In light of current constraints in global affairs, it is now more urgent than ever that the international community of nations recognize the fundamental rights of the 23 million Taiwanese people and recognize Taiwan’s aspiration to engage fully in global affairs. It is with this in mind that I wish to reiterate to Your Excellency President Lai, the Taiwanese people, and the world that under my government, Marshall Islands will continue to acknowledge Taiwan’s contribution on the global stage and urge like-minded countries to advocate for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement in the international arena. In closing, may I once again extend our sincere appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), for your warm welcome.  Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.  

    Details
    2025-05-29
    President Lai attends 2025 Europe Day Dinner
    On the evening of May 29, President Lai Ching-te attended the 2025 Europe Day Dinner. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan looks forward to further establishing institutionalized mechanisms with Europe for our trade and investment ties and hopes to take an innovative and diverse approach to sign an economic partnership agreement with the European Union, to provide a more transparent, stable, and predictable business environment for our enterprises. The president said that Taiwan will actively work alongside other democracies, including those in Europe, to jointly build resilient, promising non-red supply chains, and noted that Taiwan and Europe have endless potential for collaboration, whether it is in safeguarding freedom and democracy or advancing our economic and trade relationship. He expressed hope to further strengthen our partnership and work together toward global peace, stability, and prosperity. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: Chairman [Henry] Chang (張瀚書), thank you for the invitation, and congratulations on your second term. I’m confident that under your leadership, the ECCT [European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan] will build even more bridges for cooperation between Taiwan and Europe. I would also like to thank EETO [European Economic and Trade Office] Head [Lutz] Güllner and all the European country representatives stationed in Taiwan. Your hard work over the years has helped deepen Taiwan-Europe relations and brought about such fruitful cooperation. Thank you. This year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. In 1950, then-French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed to create a European federation dedicated to preserving peace. The declaration symbolized a new flowering in the post-war era of democracy, unity, and cooperation. As we face the geopolitical challenges and drastic economic changes of today’s world, the Schuman Declaration still speaks to us profoundly. This year is also the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to advance cooperation with our democratic partners, and will join hands with Europe to build a partnership of even greater resilience and mutual trust. Europe is Taiwan’s third largest trading partner. It is also Taiwan’s largest source of foreign direct investment. Last year, bilateral trade between Taiwan and Europe totaled US$84.7 billion. This demonstrates our vibrant economic and trade ties and reflects the high levels of confidence our businesses have in each other’s markets and systems. We look forward to Taiwan and Europe further establishing institutionalized mechanisms for our trade and investment ties. And we hope to take an innovative and diverse approach to sign an economic partnership agreement with the EU, to provide a more transparent, stable, and predictable business environment for our enterprises. Today’s Taiwan has an internationally recognized democracy and a semiconductor industry vital to global security and prosperity. This enables us to play a key role in restructuring global democratic supply chains and the economic order. In particular, we see supply chains dominated by a new authoritarian bloc expanding their influence through non-market mechanisms, price subsidies, and monopolies on resources, as they seek global control of critical technologies and manufacturing capabilities. Their actions not only distort principles of market fairness, but also threaten the international community’s basic expectations for democracy, the rule of law, and corporate responsibility. In response, Taiwan will actively work alongside other democracies, including those in Europe, to jointly build resilient, promising non-red supply chains. We will also introduce an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. This is more than a proposal for economic cooperation; it is an alliance of shared values and advanced technology. Security in the Taiwan Strait and regional peace and stability have always been issues of mutual interest for Taiwan and Europe. So here today, on behalf of all the people of Taiwan, I would like to thank the EU and European nations for continuing to take concrete actions in public support of peace and stability across the strait. Such actions are vital to regional security and prosperity. Taiwan will continue to bolster itself to achieve real peace through strength, and will work with democratic partners to safeguard freedom and democracy, thereby showing our determination for regional peace. At this critical time, Taiwan and Europe have endless potential for collaboration, whether it’s in safeguarding freedom and democracy or advancing our economic and trade relationship. I look forward to our joining hands at this strategic juncture to further strengthen our partnership and work together toward global peace, stability, and prosperity. Also in attendance at the event was British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones.

    Details
    2025-05-28
    President Lai meets US delegation led by Senator Tammy Duckworth
    On the afternoon of May 28, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by United States Senator Tammy Duckworth. In remarks, President Lai thanked the US Congress and government for their longstanding and bipartisan support for Taiwan. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the US and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. He pointed out that the Taiwan government has already proposed a roadmap for deepening Taiwan-US trade ties and will encourage mutual investment between Taiwanese and US businesses. He then expressed hope of deepening Taiwan-US ties and creating more niches for both sides. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome this delegation led by Senator Duckworth, a dear friend of Taiwan. Senator Duckworth previously visited in May last year to convey congratulations after the inauguration of myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. Your bipartisan delegation was the first group from the US Senate that I met with as president. Today, you are visiting just after the first anniversary of my taking office, demonstrating the staunch support of the US and our deep friendship. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincere appreciation and greetings. And I invite you to come back and visit next year, the year after that, and every year. Taiwan and the US share the values of democracy and the rule of law and believe in free and open markets. Both sides embrace a common goal of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. I thank the US Congress and government for their longstanding, bipartisan, and steadfast support for Taiwan. In 2021, to help Taiwan overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Duckworth made a special trip here to announce that the US government would be donating vaccines to Taiwan. In recent years, Senator Duckworth has also promoted the TAIWAN Security Act, STAND with Taiwan Act, and Taiwan and America Space Assistance Act in the US Congress, all of which have further deepened Taiwan-US cooperation and steadily advanced our ties. For this, I express my deepest appreciation. I want to emphasize that the people of Taiwan have an unyielding determination to protect their homeland and free and democratic way of life. Over the past year, the government and private sector have been working together to enhance Taiwan’s whole-of-society defense resilience. The government is committed to reforming national defense, and it has proposed prioritizing special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds three percent of GDP. This will continue to bolster Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the US. In addition to jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability, we also aspire to deepen bilateral trade and economic ties. At the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC, earlier this month, Taiwan’s delegation was once again the biggest delegation attending the event – proof positive of our close economic and trade cooperation. We have already proposed a roadmap for deepening Taiwan-US trade ties. We will narrow the trade imbalance through the procurement of energy and agricultural and other industrial products from the US. We will encourage mutual investment between Taiwanese and US businesses to stimulate industrial development on both sides, especially in such industries as national defense and shipbuilding. We therefore look forward to Congress passing the US-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act as soon as possible, as this would deepen Taiwan-US trade ties and create more niches for business. In closing, I once again thank Senator Duckworth for making the trip to Taiwan. Let us continue to work together to elevate Taiwan-US ties. I wish you a pleasant and successful visit. Senator Duckworth then delivered remarks, saying that she is happy to be back in Taiwan and that she wanted to make sure to come back just after President Lai’s one-year anniversary of taking office to show the dedication and the outstanding friendship that we have. She noted that because no matter who is in the White House, no matter which political party is in power in Washington, DC, she has always believed that if America wants to remain a leader on the global stage, it has to show up for friends like Taiwan.  Senator Duckworth mentioned that in the years that she has been coming to Taiwan since pre-COVID times, she has seen a remarkable increase in participation in its defense and the support of the Taiwanese people for defending the homeland. She then thanked Taiwan for making the commitment to its self-defense, and also for being a partner with other nations around the world.  The STAND with Taiwan Act, the senator noted, is so named because the US wants to stand side by side with Taiwan. Pointing out that Taiwan is an important leader in the Indo-Pacific and on the global stage, she reiterated that there is support on both sides of the aisle in Washington for Taiwanese democracy, and added that the people of Taiwan are showing that they are willing to shore up their own readiness. Senator Duckworth said that whether it is delivering vaccines to Taiwan or making sure that the US National Guard works with Taiwan’s reserve forces or even with its civilian emergency response teams, these are all important components to the ongoing partnership between our nations.  Senator Duckworth indicated that there are many great opportunities moving forward beyond our military cooperation with one another. Whether it is in chip manufacturing, agricultural investments, shipbuilding, or in the healthcare field, those investments in both nations will facilitate stability and development in both our nations. She said that is why she wants to continue the Taiwan-US relationship, underlining that they are in it for the long haul. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

    Details
    2025-05-27
    President Lai meets delegation led by US House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman
    On the afternoon of May 27, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Chair of the Natural Resources Committee of the United States House of Representatives Bruce Westerman. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan and the US enjoy close industrial exchanges and continue to explore new opportunities for investment and collaboration. The president said that Taiwan will continue to increase purchases from and together build non-red supply chains with the US, expressing hope that economic and trade relations grow even closer and that both work together to jointly safeguard peace and stability throughout the region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to meet and exchange views with members of the US House Committee on Natural Resources today. Chair Westerman, the leader of this delegation, is an old friend of Taiwan. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a very warm welcome to the delegation. I also want to thank you all for your long-term close attention to Taiwan-related affairs and your strong support for Taiwan. Taiwan and the US enjoy close ties and share ideals and values. There is an excellent foundation for cooperation between us, particularly in such areas as energy, the economy and trade, agriculture and fisheries, environmental protection, and sustainable development. In recent years, Taiwan-US ties have grown closer and closer. The US has become Taiwan’s largest destination for overseas investment, accounting for over 40 percent of Taiwan’s outbound investment. Taiwan is also the seventh largest trading partner of the US and its seventh largest export market for agricultural products. The SelectUSA Investment Summit held in Washington, DC earlier this month was the largest in its history. Taiwan’s delegation, representing 138 enterprises, was once again the biggest delegation attending the event. This shows that Taiwan and the US enjoy close industrial exchanges and continue to explore new opportunities for investment and collaboration. Looking ahead, with the global landscape changing rapidly, Taiwan will continue to increase purchases from the US, including energy resources such as natural gas and petroleum, as well as agricultural products, industrial products, and even military procurement. This will not only help balance our bilateral trade, but also strengthen development for Taiwan in energy autonomy, resilience, the economy, and trade. Taiwan and the US are also well-matched in such areas as high tech and manufacturing. As the US pursues reindustrialization and aims to become a global hub for AI, Taiwan is willing to take part and play an even more important role. We will strengthen Taiwan-US industrial cooperation and together build non-red supply chains. In addition to bringing our economic and trade relations even closer, this will also allow Taiwanese industries to remain rooted in Taiwan while expanding their global presence, helping bolster the US, and marketing worldwide. As for military exchanges, we are grateful to the US government for continuing its military sales to Taiwan and backing our efforts to upgrade our self-defense capabilities. Taiwan will continue to work with the US to jointly safeguard peace and stability throughout the region. In closing, I thank our guests once again for making the long journey here, not only offering warm friendship, but also demonstrating the staunch bipartisan support for Taiwan in the US Congress. Chair Westerman then delivered remarks, saying that it is an honor for him and his colleagues to be in Taiwan to talk about the strong relationship between the US and Taiwan and how that relationship can continue to grow in the future. The chair pointed out that natural resources are foundational to any kind of economic development, whether it is energy, which is key to manufacturing, or whether it is mining, which provides rare earth elements and all the minerals and metals needed for manufacturing. He said that as for natural resources including fish, wildlife, or timber, all are foundational to any society, but this is especially so for agriculture, noting that the US produces a lot of food and fodder and is always looking for more friends to share that with. Chair Westerman indicated that they are excited about opportunities to work with Taiwan, adding that Taiwan’s investments in the US have been greatly appreciated. He said they also are excited about the talks with the Trump administration and the future going forward on how we can have a stronger trade relationship, a stronger bilateral relationship, and how we can work with each other to help both economies grow and prosper. Chair Westerman concluded his remarks by expressing thanks for the opportunity to visit, saying that they treasure Taiwan’s friendship and our long-term relationship, and are very excited to be able to discuss in more detail how our two countries can work together. The delegation also included US House Natural Resources Committee Representatives Sarah Elfreth, Harriet Hageman, Celeste Maloy, and Nick Begich. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.  

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
    In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era.  The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • PM Modi hails addition of two new Ramsar sites in Rajasthan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded India’s ongoing efforts in environmental conservation after two more wetlands in Rajasthan were added to the Ramsar list of internationally important wetlands.
     
    The newly designated Ramsar Sites are Khichan in Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur. With their inclusion, the total number of Ramsar Sites in India has now risen to 91.
     
    Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav shared the update on X, describing it as a reflection of the Prime Minister’s consistent commitment to preserving nature. “Another milestone in PM @narendramodi ji’s efforts to protect Amrit Dharohar. The addition of Khichan and Menar in Rajasthan to the Ramsar list highlights India’s growing network of protected wetlands,” he posted.
     
    Responding to the announcement, Prime Minister Modi wrote on X, “Great news! India’s strides in environmental conservation are happening with great vigour and are powered by public participation.”
     
    Earlier in the evening, the Prime Minister also chaired a meeting of the Union Council of Ministers, though no official details from the meeting were immediately released.
     
    The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. 

  • In First White House Visit, Merz to Address Trade and Security with Trump

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Germany’s new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, will hold his first face-to-face talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday in a high stakes meeting in the Oval Office as Europe seeks to stave off looming U.S. tariffs and sustain U.S. backing for Ukraine.

    The 69-year-old conservative, who took the helm of Europe’s largest economy last month, is scheduled to join Trump for lunch and one-on-one talks that analysts say could set the tone for U.S.-German ties for years to come.

    Germany’s export-oriented economy stands more to lose from U.S. tariffs than others and the country is also the second largest military and financial backer of Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s invasion, after the United States.

    The meeting comes amid a broader fraying of the transatlantic relationship. Trump’s administration has, for example, intervened in domestic European politics in a break with past practice, aligning with right-wing political movements and challenging European policies on immigration and free speech.

    The encounter will be closely watched after some recent meetings in the Oval Office, with the leaders of Ukraine and South Africa, for example, turned tense when Trump ambushed them with false claims and accusations.

    Merz and his entourage have sought coaching from other leaders on how to deal with Trump to avoid conflict.

    The meeting comes just weeks before a critical summit of the NATO Western military alliance which is looking increasingly strained given Trump’s threats not to come to the aid of U.S. allies that do not up their spending on defence.

    Such threats are of particular concern to Germany, which has relied on U.S. nuclear deterrence for its security since the end of World War Two.

    Merz has already made some bold policy moves that he can highlight to appease Trump, analysts said. He has backed Trump’s demand to more than double NATO’s spending target to 5% of economic output, earning unprecedented praise last weekend from U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

    Merz, who has vowed a more assertive foreign policy, also coordinated a visit by European leaders to Kyiv just days after taking office, two European diplomat sources said.

    “This shows that Germany is willing to accept a greater responsibility for Ukraine and the European security order – these are all things that have been wished for in the United States over years and will be welcomed,” said Sudha David-Wilp of the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

    “Germany is well-positioned to show that it can help the United States achieve its foreign policy goals.”

    The fact Merz was invited to stay in the Blair House guest quarters across from the White House is a positive signal, said analysts.

    KINDRED SPIRIT OR FOE?

    Merz and Trump could even find some common ground given their business backgrounds, their membership in right-of-centre political parties, their focus on fighting illegal immigration and their fondness for golf, said Steven Sokol, President and CEO of the American Council on Germany.

    They also both had run-ins with former German chancellor Angela Merkel – who once squeezed Merz out of top-level politics.

    Moreover Merz has described himself as “a convinced transatlanticist”, chairing the “Atlantic Bridge”, a non-profit fostering U.S.-German ties, for 10 years.

    “They might discover a kindred spirit,” Sokol said.

    Still, Trump was unpredictable, while Merz was impulsive, warned analysts, and there were huge frictions in the relationship.

    “The challenge that he could face is … if Trump says something is erroneous, do you correct him? Do you risk turning it into an argument?” said Jeffrey Rathke, a former U.S. diplomat and president of the American-German Institute at the Johns Hopkins University in Washington.

    “Or do you find a way to indicate that you see it differently, but not let it sidetrack the conversation.”

    U.S. administration officials remain upset that Merz criticized Trump shortly before the 2024 U.S. election, a source familiar with its thinking said.

    And, on the eve of his own election victory, Merz criticised the “ultimately outrageous” comments flowing from Washington during the campaign, comparing them to hostile interventions from Russia.

    Another possible landmine could be a recent German proposal for a levy on online platforms such as Alphabet’s Google GOOGL.O, and Meta’s Facebook META.O, especially given Trump’s close ties with the U.S. tech industry, he said.

    (Reuters)