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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines: Sarah Hulton

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines: Sarah Hulton

    Mrs Sarah Hulton OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines and His Majesty’s non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Palau

    Mrs Sarah Hulton OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines and His Majesty’s non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Palau in succession to Ms Laure Beaufils.  Mrs Hulton will take up her appointment during September 2025.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Sarah Anne Pascale Hulton

    Year Role
    2024 to present Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Interim Director Overseas Territories and Polar Directorate
    2024 FCDO, Deputy Director Human Resources
    2023 to 2024 FCDO, Interim Director Geopolitics & Deputy Political Director 
    2019 to 2023 Colombo, British High Commissioner
    2018 to 2019 FCO, Deputy Director Human Resources
    2017 to 2018 FCO, Head of DPRK Department
    2015 to 2017 FCO, Head of Pacific Department
    2012 to 2015 Harare, Head of Political Section
    2010 to 2010 FCO, Head of Conflict Prevention Team
    2008 to 2010 FCO, Head of Weapons of Mass Destruction Controls
    2005 to 2008 Manila, Second Secretary Political PPA
    2004 to 2005 FCO, Full time language training, Tagalog
    2003 to 2004 FCO, Counter Terrorism Desk Officer
    2002 to 2003 FCO, Head of Child Abduction Unit, Consular Human Rights
    2002 Joined FCO

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: HTX DeepThink: Liquidity Window Confirmed — Bitcoin Hits $100K Again, What’s Next?

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HTX DeepThink is a flagship market insights column created by HTX, dedicated to exploring global macro trends, key economic indicators, and major developments across the crypto industry. In a world where volatility is the norm, HTX DeepThink aims to help readers “Find Order in Chaos.”

    Last week, Chloe (@ChloeTalk1) from HTX Research accurately predicted that a liquidity window could emerge in early May, driving capital back into crypto markets. On May 8, Bitcoin surged past $100,000 for the first time in three months—confirming her forecast. How long can this momentum last, and what are the implications of the latest U.S.-UK tariff deal? In this bonus update, Chloe provides fresh analysis of the evolving landscape.

    UK–U.S. Tariff Agreement Signals Reduced Risk and Policy Support

    On May 8, the United Kingdom and the United States reached a breakthrough trade agreement. The UK agreed to open its agricultural market for U.S. products in exchange for a reduction in U.S. tariffs on British automobile exports. Tariffs on British steel and aluminum exports to the U.S. were reduced to zero, while a 10% “reciprocal tariff” remains in place on U.S. imports.

    Although the UK already runs a trade deficit with the U.S. and the economic impact of the deal may be modest, it signals a willingness by the U.S. government to re-engage diplomatically and release policy tailwinds.

    U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick further indicated that the next major trade agreement could involve a large Asian economy, suggesting that the U.S. administration is preparing to offer structural trade incentives on a broader geopolitical scale.

    Bitcoin’s Market Structure Shifts From Speculative Trading to Institutional Capital Allocation

    Concurrently with these easing policy conditions, Bitcoin’s capital flow dynamics have undergone a fundamental shift. Over the past three weeks, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have recorded substantial net inflows totaling $5.3 billion——the highest quarterly inflow since their launch.

    Notably, this increase has been driven by institutional participants, including the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, the Swiss National Bank (via MicroStrategy equity purchases), and increased allocations by BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF. This signals a structural transition in Bitcoin’s pricing logic—moving from short-term, volatility-driven speculation towards long-term capital allocation. BTC is evolving beyond a high-risk asset; it is gradually forming an independent capital ecosystem, increasingly viewed by institutional investors as a “supra-sovereign asset”—somewhere between gold and U.S. Treasuries.

    Bitcoin Volatility Remains Contained; Market Awaits Macroeconomic Catalysts

    Despite BTC’s recent rally to $100,000, the market has not yet exhibited signs of speculative exuberance. Implied volatility (IV) in Bitcoin options remains stable in the 50%–55% range, far below the extreme levels of 80%+ typically seen at the peak of past bull markets. CME Bitcoin futures open interest currently stands at $14.8 billion, well below the $20 billion peak observed during the 2020 U.S. presidential election period, indicating that leverage is still manageable. Meanwhile, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield has repeatedly failed to break above 4.60%, now hovering around 4.40%, which remains a neutral-to-supportive zone for risk assets.

    Overall, as long as yields do not climb back above 4.8% and ETF inflows remain steady, Bitcoin is likely to consolidate in the $105,000–$115,000 range while awaiting the next breakout trigger.

    Hidden Risk: Breakdown in China–U.S. and EU–U.S. Trade Talks Could Reignite Tariff Battles

    Nevertheless, investors should remain vigilant about geopolitical risk. While U.S. negotiations with China and the EU are ongoing, significant unresolved tensions persist—particularly over tariffs, export controls, and industrial subsidies.

    President Trump has explicitly stated he has no intention of lowering the current 145% tariff on Chinese goods as a prerequisite for restarting trade negotiations. Meanwhile, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič warned that if discussions with the U.S. fail, the EU is prepared to launch retaliatory tariffs, potentially targeting up to €100 billion worth of American goods.

    A breakdown in these negotiations could lead to the re-imposition of aggressive tariffs, reigniting global trade friction. This would likely dampen investor sentiment and place renewed pressure on risk assets, including Bitcoin. As such, the hidden risk of renewed tariff wars remains a key macro variable that should be incorporated into all forward-looking risk assessments.

    *The above content is not investment advice and does not constitute any offer or solicitation to offer or recommendation of any investment product.

    About HTX Research

    HTX Research is the dedicated research arm of HTX Group, responsible for conducting in-depth analyses, producing comprehensive reports, and delivering expert evaluations across a broad spectrum of topics, including cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and emerging market trends.

    Connect with HTX Research Team: research@htx-inc.com

    Contact:
    Ruder Finn Asia
    glo-media@htx-inc.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by HTX. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a5c15cb3-3c1d-450c-9226-e9a09951388a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/INDIA – “Before each meeting and pastoral activity, he spent a long time in Eucharistic adoration”: Augustinians remember the Prior Provost in India

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Verapoly diocese

    New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) – “Pope Leo XIV is remembered in India with affection and gratitude. He visited our nation twice as Prior General of the Augustinian Fathers, he is remembered as a simple man, who knew how to adapt to the local context, his attitude of listening and dialogue, and his spirituality rooted in an intense life of prayer. What was most striking was the prolonged time he dedicated to silent Eucharistic adoration,” Father Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the Conference of Latin Rite Bishops of India and Founding Director of “Communio,” an initiative of the Latin Episcopate of India (CCBI) to support dioceses and religious congregations in rural areas, told Fides.Father Alathara recalls the two visits the then Prior Provost made during his tenure as head of the Order of Saint Augustine: “In 2004 and 2006, he visited several Augustinian communities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, leaving everyone with an impression of profound spirituality and closeness.” During his first visit, in 2004, he spent more than a week at the Augustinian houses in Mariyapuram, in the Archdiocese of Verapoly and Edakochi, in the Diocese of Cochin, both in the state of Kerala, in southern India. “He celebrated the Eucharist at the Parish of Mary Queen Help of Christians in Mariyapuram and at the Shrine of Saint Anthony in Edakochi. They were celebrations experienced with great fervor and hope,” the faithful recall. In particular, on April 22, 2004, he concelebrated with the then Archbishop of Verapoly, Monsignor Daniel Acharuparambil, the ordination Mass of six Augustinian deacons at the Church of St. Francis Xavier in Kathrikadavu (Kaloor). “His gestures of welcome and fraternal charity toward the new priests are engraved in our hearts,” Father Alathara emphasizes. The second visit took place in October 2006, when he returned to the Augustinian house in Mariyapuram to participate in the Asia-Pacific meeting organized by the Order. “During that trip, despite having to attend to important matters for the Order in the region, he found time to visit the Shenbagam School in Pollachi (Tamil Nadu), run by the Augustinian Fathers in the Diocese of Coimbatore, where he met with children and young people. “He also celebrated the Eucharist at the parish of St. Thomas in Thalapuzha, in the Archdiocese of Calicut, Kerala,” adds Father Alathara. “These gestures reveal his human sensitivity and his pastoral heart. He always wanted to be in touch with the concrete reality and with the people of the communities: this is how we remember him, and we hope to be able to welcome him back to India as Pope Leo XIV.”The Indian Augustinians also remember him fondly. “When he was here, we knew him as an extraordinarily simple person, down-to-earth, always ready to face the difficulties of everyday life,” notes Father Jacob Mullassery, OSA, who accompanied him on both visits. “He never asked for privileges: he traveled with us and accepted lodging in humble rooms, provided with the bare essentials. His humility deeply impressed us.”Father Metro Xavier, OSA, who had several personal encounters with the Prior Provost, describes him as “a deeply spiritual man.” And he adds: “Before each meeting or pastoral activity, he spent a long time in silent Eucharistic adoration. He demonstrated a profound love for the Church and total reverence for her Magisterium. His spiritual life gave us a testimony of prayer and simplicity.” For his part, Father Wilson Injerappu, OSA, Regional Vicar of the Order in India, joyfully expresses: “We are filled with immense gratitude. Having an Augustinian brother as Pope is a great blessing. It is also a reminder of our responsibility: we must constantly pray for him and support his mission with our daily prayer.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 9/5/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Windsor soldier of World War 1 buried with Full Military Honours

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    News story

    Windsor soldier of World War 1 buried with Full Military Honours

    The remains of Private (Pte) John Tame of 2nd Battalion The Royal Berkshire Regiment were laid to rest on 8 May in Belgium, nearly 108 years after his death.

    The coffin of Private Tame is carried into New Irish Farm Cemetery by serving soldiers of 2nd Battalion The Rifles (Crown Copyright)

    The burial service for Pte Tame was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the War Detectives, and took place at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) New Irish Farm Cemetery. 

    The service was supported by serving soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Rifles and was attended by Keith Brooks, the great nephew of Pte Tame, who aided JCCC by providing the DNA sample used to identify him. 

    Keith Brooks said: 

    John and his brothers Alfred and William have been remembered by the family from just photographs and vague memories from those who have now long passed. Now, after finding John’s remains, he is more than just a distant photograph. This has made him more real along with his story for future generations.

    This has all been achieved because of the excellent work the MOD do with all the research and investigations, giving missing people who have served their country the funeral they all greatly deserve. 

    Pte Tame was identified after his remains were found during road works at Zonnebeke near Ypres in May 2018. Nearby artefacts included a cap badge and shoulder title of The Royal Berkshire Regiment. The body also appeared to have been previously wounded around his left shoulder, which led to DNA matching confirming his identification.

    Pte Tame was from Windsor, Berkshire, and the third-eldest of 7 children. His elder brothers Alfred and William George also enlisted and served with 2nd Battalion The Royal Berkshire Regiment which, though stationed in India at the outbreak of the World War 1, arrived on the Western Front on 5 November 1914. 

    John’s brothers Lance Corporal Alfred Tame and Corporal William George Tame were both killed on 9 May 1915 during the Battle of Aubers Ridge. They are still missing and are commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial. 

    On Friday 9 May, the 110th anniversary of their deaths, the family of Pte Tame and a party from 2nd Battalion The Rifles visited the Ploegsteert Memorial to remember his missing brothers. 

    Soldiers of 2nd Battalion The Rifles visited the Ploegsteert Memorial with Keith Brooks to remember Private Tame’s brothers, killed 110 years ago today (Crown Copyright)

    JCCC Caseworker, Rosie Barron said: 

    It has been an honour to work with The Rifles to give Pte Tame the full military funeral that he deserves and to have conducted the research which led to his identification. It has also been a privilege to meet Keith, and to have shared this experience with him and his family.  

    The grave will now be cared for in perpetuity by CWGC. Commemorations Casework Manager at the CWGC, David Royle, said:

    It is an honour to have been involved in the research that led to the formal identification of Private Tame and to have assisted his family with their choices for his Commission headstone. He is now at rest alongside his comrades in New Irish Farm Cemetery, where we will care for his grave in perpetuity.

    The service was conducted by the Reverend Stephen Cassells CF, Chaplain to 2nd Battalion The Rifles. Reverend Cassells said: 

    I count it a privilege to be involved in the proper burial of Pte Tame. It is right that his remains should be laid to rest with dignity and in a place where his service will be properly honoured. I pray that his family will find peace in knowing that their relative has been found and buried properly and that those connected with his army regiment would draw renewed commitment through his service for King and country.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Fancy letting off steam with a beer before the sauna? Here’s why that might be a bad idea

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dan Baumgardt, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol

    Nick Mayorov/Shutterstock

    Saunas have long been spaces for rest, recovery, and even the occasional business deal. Personally, though, they’re not my cup of tea: too claustrophobic, too stifling and always with that distinct sensation that my nasal hairs have been singed away by the heat.

    Watching that episode of The Simpsons where Homer gets trapped in a sauna and emerges looking like a steamed clam – miraculously alive – was the final nail in the coffin. I haven’t stepped into one since.

    Despite my reservations, sauna culture is rich and diverse, transcending borders and histories. While they’re an integral part of Scandinavian life, especially in Finland, saunas also appear in the traditions of Japanese, Mexican and Native American cultures. There are many variations to experience – from yoga and life drawing sessions, to being gently flogged with birch branches. To each their own.

    In recent years, the concept of refreshment in sauna culture has taken on altogether different dimensions. In the UK, more are now hot-footing their way to the sauna instead of the pub than ever before.

    As a new social and wellbeing hub, fusing elements of bar and sauna cultures, it makes sense. But what of going the whole hog and drinking alcohol – before, during and after sauna sessions?

    Why mix booze with 80°C heat in the first place? Perhaps it’s the natural fusion of two social rituals: relaxing in a sauna and enjoying a drink with friends. Or maybe it appeals to the hedonist seeking novel pleasures and euphoria.

    Still, the question remains: what are the effects – and risks – of drinking alcohol in the sauna?

    To steam, or not to steam? That is the question

    First, let’s consider the benefits. Surely, there must be more to it than just clearing out a few pores? In fact, there’s a saying that describes the sauna as “a poor man’s pharmacy.”

    Numerous studies have explored the potential health benefits of sauna use. For instance, Japanese researchers have studied Waon therapy, literally, soothing warm therapy, (a lower-temperature sauna treatment) in patients with ischaemic heart disease, where narrowed arteries increase the risk of heart attacks.

    Their findings showed evidence of clinical improvement in these patients. Other studies have reported benefits in conditions such as peripheral arterial disease and even in recovery after a heart attack.

    Sauna use may also help manage high blood pressure and certain lung diseases. Some research also suggests benefits such as improved wound healing and even lower risks of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

    The heat is on

    But it’s not all steam and serenity. To understand the risks, especially when alcohol is involved, we need to look at how the body responds to heat – and to booze.

    The hypothalamus, a region deep in the brain, regulates our core temperature. In response to heat, it boosts blood flow to the skin and ramps up sweating, helping us cool down. But this also increases the risk of dehydration. Combine that with alcohol, a diuretic that further depletes fluids, and the risk rises significantly.

    Both alcohol and high temperatures can affect cardiovascular function, often lowering blood pressure and increasing heart rate. This can lead to dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias).

    Then there’s the impact on the brain. Alcohol of course impairs judgement and coordination – two things you’d definitely want intact in a room full of heat, slippery surfaces and scalding water.

    Put all this together and what do you get? A dehydrated, overheated, intoxicated subject with a racing heart and plummeting blood pressure. Dizziness, fainting and confusion may follow, raising the risk of falls, burns, or even drowning.

    Collapsing or falling unconscious in the sauna can prove dangerous. One sobering example comes from a case reported in the American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, where a person sustained severe injuries, including burns, in just seven minutes of sauna exposure – tragically resulting in death. Another study from Finland found a growing link between accidental sauna deaths and alcohol intoxication.

    The key takeaway here? If you’re going to drink, do it after your sauna session – not before or during. Those who are intoxicated should avoid saunas altogether, or at the very least, be closely supervised.

    Basic safety advice still applies: limit sauna sessions to short durations, cool down afterwards (via swimming or showering) and rehydrate with non-alcoholic beverages.

    While the science behind saunas is still evolving, their millennia-long appeal speaks for itself. They offer real benefits – but mixing heat with alcohol could be a cocktail that burns more than it soothes.

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

    – ref. Fancy letting off steam with a beer before the sauna? Here’s why that might be a bad idea – https://theconversation.com/fancy-letting-off-steam-with-a-beer-before-the-sauna-heres-why-that-might-be-a-bad-idea-255703

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why eating too much ginger, turmeric or cinnamon could interfere with your prescription medication

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dipa Kamdar, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, Kingston University

    Halil ibrahim mescioglu/Shutterstock

    A sprinkle of cinnamon on your porridge, a pinch of turmeric in your curry, or a dash of ginger in your biscuits – these popular spices are kitchen staples around the world. For centuries, spices haven’t just been used to flavour food but also valued in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for their healing properties. But could something as innocent as a spoonful of spice interfere with your medication?

    Take cinnamon, for example. Sourced from the bark of Cinnamomum trees, it contains active compounds like cinnamaldehyde, eugenol and coumarin. Cinnamon oil, derived from the bark or leaves, is often used in food flavouring, fragrances and herbal remedies.

    Cinnamon has been linked to a range of potential health benefits: it’s rich in antioxidants, it may reduce inflammation, it helps regulate blood sugar levels, it lowers the risk of heart disease, and even improves brain function. Traditionally, it’s also been used to ease digestion and ward off infections.

    But a recent study from the University of Mississippi has raised concerns that cinnamon could reduce the effectiveness of certain medications. In lab tests, cinnamaldehyde was found to activate receptors that speed up how drugs are cleared from the body – potentially making them less effective. While this research is still in the early stages and hasn’t yet been tested in humans, it raises important questions about how cinnamon interacts with modern medicines.

    The type of cinnamon matters too. The cinnamon commonly found in supermarkets – cassia cinnamon – is cheaper, widely available and comes from parts of Asia. Ceylon cinnamon, often labelled as “true cinnamon,” originates from Sri Lanka and is generally more expensive. Cassia cinnamon contains higher levels of coumarin, a natural compound that can harm the liver in high doses, according to studies. Coumarin is also a known anticoagulant, meaning it helps prevent blood clots, which is useful in medicine but risky when combined with blood-thinning drugs like warfarin.

    There have been a few case reports suggesting that cinnamon supplements could increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulants. This is probably due to coumarin affecting liver enzymes responsible for breaking down drugs like warfarin. Some research also suggests cinnamon could potentially interact with other medications, including painkillers, antidepressants, anti-cancer drugs and diabetes medications.

    But before you throw out your spice rack, it’s important to remember: the risks come from high doses, particularly in supplement form. A light sprinkle of cinnamon on your porridge is unlikely to cause problems.

    Small doses

    Another spice with medicinal promise – and potential risks – is turmeric. Known for its vivid yellow colour and use in both cooking and traditional medicine, turmeric contains curcumin, a compound praised for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

    However, information on turmeric’s interactions with medications is still limited. Most of what we know comes from lab and animal studies, which don’t always translate directly to humans. Still, there’s evidence that curcumin can affect how some drugs are metabolised, particularly by interfering with liver enzymes. This means it could potentially interact with antidepressants, blood pressure medications, chemotherapy drugs and certain antibiotics.

    Turmeric also has natural blood thinning properties, which could amplify the effects of medications like warfarin or aspirin. Animal studies suggest turmeric may also lower blood sugar, meaning it could increase the effects of anti-diabetic drugs or insulin. Additionally, turmeric has been shown to reduce blood pressure, which, when combined with blood pressure medications, could cause an excessive drop.

    As with cinnamon, these effects are most often linked to high dose supplements, not the small amounts used in food.

    Ginger is another spice celebrated for its health benefits, particularly its anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory effects. But its active compounds, including gingerol, may also influence how your body handles medications.

    Ginger can act as a mild blood thinner, which means combining it with anticoagulants could raise the risk of bleeding. The evidence is mixed when it comes to ginger and diabetes: while some studies suggest it may lower blood sugar, more research is needed to fully understand the effect it may have when taken alongside anti-diabetic medications.

    High doses

    While lab studies suggest these spices may affect how the body processes certain medications, the vast majority of these effects have been observed in high doses –usually from supplements, not everyday cooking.

    If you’re taking medications, especially blood thinners, diabetes medicines, or chemotherapy drugs, it’s worth having a quick chat with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new herbal supplements. But for most people, using spices in typical culinary amounts is safe – and a delicious way to add both flavour and potential health benefits to your meals.

    So go ahead: sprinkle, pinch, or dash – just be mindful of what’s in your medicine cabinet – and be wary of taking any herbal supplement in high does.

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

    – ref. Why eating too much ginger, turmeric or cinnamon could interfere with your prescription medication – https://theconversation.com/why-eating-too-much-ginger-turmeric-or-cinnamon-could-interfere-with-your-prescription-medication-255527

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Major brands don’t need to kowtow to Trump: they have the power to bring people together

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michael Beverland, Professor of Brand Management, University of Sussex Business School, University of Sussex

    Whatever you think of his personality or politics, it’s impossible to deny the success of Donald Trump as a brand. Supporters and detractors across the world are transfixed by his second term as US president.

    And so far, many corporate brands appear keen to get alongside him. The leaders of Tesla, Amazon and Meta were all prominent guests at Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.

    By then, Mark Zuckerberg had already shifted company policy on fact checking to be more aligned with the political wind. Weeks later, retail giants Walmart and Target had rolled back diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

    Even the NFL, which had so infuriated Trump in his first term with its support for diversity, has come to heel.

    So now that Trump is back in town, is the only option available to big US organisations to swing to the right? Well, not necessarily.

    Our research suggests that the rise of populism actually represents an opportunity for brands to rebuild a sense of shared national identity.

    And the most well-known brands are the best placed to do this. Their familiar place in people’s everyday lives gives them huge power as non-political agents of collective identity which can cross divides of race, class, geography and age.

    A great example of this was during the presidential election campaign when Trump’s team wanted to organise a publicity stunt involving the Republican candidate “working” at a branch of McDonald’s in Pennsylvania.

    Trump’s love of the golden arches is well known, but McDonald’s is a strongly non-political brand. So what should it do? Refuse and risk a backlash, or accept and be accused of taking sides?

    In the end, the company’s response was a masterclass in neutrality.

    McDonald’s told its employees that the company was neither red (Republican) nor blue (Democrat), but golden. Referring to both presidential candidates’ love of McDonald’s, the company made it clear that the permission granted to Trump illustrated one of their core values, stating: “We open our doors for everyone”.

    The plan worked. And this was partly down to McDonald’s being widely thought of as an authentic brand which connects people.

    Research has shown that people really value a company’s place in local communities. And McDonald’s is a place which hosts children’s birthday parties, where you can catch up with friends, where you might even have had your first ever job.

    This kind of power to unify is something other brands can do too. As something our earlier research shows, brands can benefit from bringing people together, by creating a sense of shared identity.

    Brand new

    In New Zealand for example, ANZ Bank was widely applauded for a campaign featuring Indian immigrants. The advert tells the story of a father and son and their mixed cricketing loyalties (the parent to India, the child to New Zealand).

    It is a tale of immigrants achieving their version of the national dream, through hard work and trademark Kiwi humour. This kind of narrative-driven campaign does not pitch one side against another, but instead highlights the things that bind people together.

    Similarly in the UK, the department store John Lewis has become a seasonal advertising staple as it reminds customers of their shared rituals over Christmas. And Kraft’s “How do you love your Vegemite” campaign allowed new immigrants to participate in local snacking rituals, helping them feel Australian.

    In the US, a 1971 Coca Cola commercial (one of the most lauded adverts ever) presented a united multi-cultural collection of young people as a response to the anti-Vietnam war counter-culture.

    So far, American brands have struggled to navigate the ever-shifting pronouncements coming from the White House in Trump’s second term. Amazon for example, quickly went back on its decision to list the cost of tariffs on products after it was branded a “hostile move”.

    But one brand does stand out. And that’s Ford.

    Perhaps it was inevitable that the car maker which came to symbolise successful 20th century American manufacturing would get this right. And the company’s decision to extend employee discounts to all consumers in what it describes as “unprecedented times” is a clever move.

    Some might call it a cynical tactic to embrace Trump’s tariffs and encourage Americans to buy American. But the firm (which will likely take a huge hit from more expensive imported parts and materials) is doing much more than that.

    Its new campaign (with the slogan “From America for America”) reminds US citizens that the brand is part of their lives, regardless of their political home. Supportive full-page print ads go further, setting out the firm’s long history spent backing the people of America.

    One Ford executive says that the campaign is about “authenticity” and Ford being a brand “that all consumers can rely on, especially in these uncertain times”.

    Authenticity is much prized when the political landscape is so polarised. And while divisions cannot be healed solely by brands, they can help to remind us of shared values and a sense of community. And in doing so, dial down those political tensions.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Major brands don’t need to kowtow to Trump: they have the power to bring people together – https://theconversation.com/major-brands-dont-need-to-kowtow-to-trump-they-have-the-power-to-bring-people-together-249401

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In the Chinese city of Wuhan, the great feats of Soviet pilots were and are valued

    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

    WUHAN, May 9 (Xinhua) — “The Soviet volunteer pilots not only fought for China’s liberation, but also for peace and justice for all mankind,” Xu Ziyue, a graduate student at Jianghan University, said at a commemorative event for fallen Soviet volunteer pilots held in Jiefang Park (Liberation Park) in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, in early April.

    According to park administration employee Wang Bin, during the three-day weekend of the traditional Chinese holiday Qingming (All Souls’ Day), which lasted from April 4 to 6 this year, about 40,000 people came to the park to honor the memory of fallen Soviet volunteer pilots.

    “People regularly and voluntarily come to the monument to Soviet martyrs in our park. Many of them lay flowers there,” he noted.

    In Jiefang Park stands an 8-meter-tall marble obelisk with ten gilded Chinese characters carved into the front of its base: “Tomb of the Fallen Soviet Volunteer Pilots.” The inscription, engraved in Chinese and Russian on the back of the monument, reads: “Eternal glory to the Soviet volunteer pilots who died in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.” The front of the granite monument lists the names of the fallen heroes, the oldest of whom was 33 years old at the time of his death, and the youngest only 24.

    In 1938-1939, major air battles broke out over the city of Wuhan, during which Chinese and Soviet pilots fought shoulder to shoulder against the Japanese invaders. Many Soviet pilots died during these battles. Some of the fallen were buried in the local park “Wanguo” /”Ten Thousand States”/. In 1956, their remains were reburied in a new cemetery for fallen Soviet heroes, which was built according to the Soviet model. A marble slab with the names of 15 fallen Soviet aces was erected there.

    In 2015, 14 more Soviet volunteer pilots were confirmed to have lost their lives in the air battles over Wuhan. Their names also appeared on the tombstone, bringing the total number of fallen Soviet volunteer pilots buried there to 29.

    Wang Bin said the park administration is constantly working on the protection and restoration of the monument and organizing educational services for group visitors.

    Next to the obelisk there is also a permanent exhibition dedicated to Soviet volunteer pilots. Local military fan Yan Heng actively participated in the formation of the exhibit.

    According to him, as a child he often went to Jiefang Park, where he learned about the heroism of Soviet volunteer pilots in the fight against the Japanese invaders. “I was told that heroes from the USSR who died defending our city are buried here. Their lives were cut short at a very young age. This touched me very much,” he emphasized.

    He noted that in 2017, the local newspaper Changjiang Ribao published an article about collecting items from around the world for the exhibition collection. He decided to come to the rescue so that more people could learn about the stories of Soviet volunteer pilots.

    In 2018, Yang Heng visited Moscow and received a huge amount of information and historical materials. After returning to Wuhan, he began organizing the exhibition.

    To make the exhibition more rich, Yang Heng’s team decided to recreate the real life of Soviet volunteer pilots during those war years using a multimedia installation and decorations.

    “I hope that more people today will learn about this history and cherish peace,” Yang Heng explained.

    In addition to the efforts of ordinary people to preserve the memory of Soviet volunteer pilots, work in this direction in China is also being carried out at the legislative and governmental levels.

    In 2013, China issued the Regulations on the Protection and Management of War Memorial Sites. The document states that war memorial sites of national importance may include monuments to famous foreign citizens who died in the name of China’s revolutionary struggle. The document stipulates the need to protect and manage historical monuments within the war memorial sites.

    One such site is the grave of the commander of a squadron of Soviet bombers, Grigory Kulishenko, which is located in the Wanzhou district of the city of central subordination of Chongqing /Southwest China/. Grigory Kulishenko died on October 14, 1939, in a battle over Wuhan at the age of 36.

    According to the administration of the Wanzhou Martyrs’ Memorial Park, more than 100 memorial events are held here every year, and the grave of the fallen Soviet hero is visited by an average of 300,000 people a year.

    Chen Anmin, associate professor at the Institute of History and Culture at Southwest University, stressed that the Chinese people and government always appreciate the Soviet Union’s just assistance in resisting the Japanese invaders and remember the great deeds of Soviet heroes.

    “The restoration and careful protection of memorial structures to Soviet fallen heroes testify to the fact that the Chinese people correctly and soberly assess history and value justice and friendship. Such actions help educate people and cultivate in them a love for peace and respect for true history,” he concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China-Cambodia Rubber Base Opens in South China

    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

    NANNING, May 9 (Xinhua) — The China-Cambodia (Nanning) rubber production base was officially opened on Thursday in Nanning, capital of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

    The new base aims to deepen industrial cooperation and strengthen cross-border trade with Southeast Asian countries.

    Located in the Nanning Comprehensive Bonded Zone, the 7,500 square meter factory building houses a rubber mixing production line with an annual capacity of 24,000 tons, as well as a research and development center and a finished product warehouse. The project was realized with joint investment from Cambodia and Thailand.

    Technical support and management of the facility is provided by a team of experts from Thailand.

    The base is expected to achieve an annual industrial output of 1.08 billion yuan (about 149.8 million US dollars) by 2026, with annual tax revenue of at least 54 million yuan.

    Nanning Vice Mayor Zhong Hong noted that it took only 79 days from planning to launch of the project, demonstrating Nanning’s determination to support investment from ASEAN countries.

    According to him, the base will become a key centre for rubber processing and trade in raw materials, targeting ASEAN countries.

    In the first quarter of this year, ASEAN remained China’s largest trading partner with a turnover of 1.71 trillion yuan, up 7.1 percent year on year and accounting for 16.6 percent of China’s total foreign trade. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: /Economic Review/ China’s Foreign Trade Maintains Steady Growth Despite External Challenges

    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

    BEIJING, May 9 (Xinhua) — China’s foreign trade has shown resilience and steady growth since the beginning of the year despite challenges from the external environment, official data showed on Friday.

    According to the General Administration of Customs (GAC) of China, in April 2025, China’s total import and export volume of goods increased by 5.6 percent year-on-year.

    China’s exports rose 9.3 percent year-on-year to 2.27 trillion yuan (about $314 billion) in April 2025, while imports rose 0.8 percent to 1.57 trillion yuan.

    “Thanks to the concerted efforts of various regions and departments, China’s foreign trade has maintained steady growth since the beginning of the year in the face of external shocks,” said Lu Daliang, director of the Statistics and Analysis Department of the National Bureau of Statistics of the People’s Republic of China.

    In the first four months of this year, China’s total foreign trade in goods in yuan terms increased by 2.4 percent year-on-year to 14.14 trillion yuan.

    According to the data from the State Customs Administration of China, during the reporting period, China’s exports grew by 7.5 percent year-on-year to 8.39 trillion yuan, while imports fell by 4.2 percent to 5.75 trillion yuan.

    As noted by Wan Zhe, an expert from Beijing Normal University, the stable growth of China’s foreign trade in January-April fully reflects the stability of the country’s economy.

    The particularly impressive growth in foreign trade in April this year highlights China’s ability to quickly adapt to trade disputes and supply chain shocks, she added.

    According to the data from the General Customs Office of China, the growth rate of China’s trade turnover in April accelerated by 4.3 percentage points compared with the first quarter.

    As Wan Zhe emphasized, China’s recent foreign trade performance, exceeding market expectations, has confirmed the indispensability of China’s manufacturing sector in global supply chains.

    Data from the National Customs Office of China also shows that the structural improvement of foreign trade continues. In January-April 2025, China’s exports of electromechanical equipment increased by 9.5 percent year-on-year to 5.04 trillion yuan, accounting for 60.1 percent of the country’s total merchandise exports during the period.

    According to Lyu Daliang, high-tech products showed outstanding results, with their total trading volume in the four months amounting to 1.52 trillion yuan, up 7.4 percent year on year.

    ASEAN retained its status as China’s largest trading partner in January-April this year. During this period, trade turnover between China and ASEAN countries reached 2.38 trillion yuan, up 9.2 percent year-on-year.

    During the same period, China’s trade turnover with the EU grew by 1.1 percent to 1.78 trillion yuan, and with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative by 3.9 percent to 7.25 trillion yuan.

    According to the data, China’s trade turnover with the United States fell by 2.1 percent year-on-year to 1.44 trillion yuan during the reporting period. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at Europe Day 2025 reception (English only) (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at Europe Day 2025 reception today (May 9):

    Ambassador Harvey Rouse (Head of the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

    Good evening.

    It is a great pleasure to join you this evening to celebrate Europe Day — a day that honours the enduring commitment to unity and shared prosperity on the European continent.

    On this very day 75 years ago, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman delivered a visionary declaration, proposing the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community. It laid the foundation for the European Union (EU).

    From the ruins of post-war Europe, nations once divided by conflict came together to build mechanisms of co-operation that would avert future wars and ensure long-term peace. As Schuman memorably said, and I quote: “World peace cannot be safeguarded without the making of creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it.” Those words remain as relevant today as they were in 1950.

    Today, we are once again confronted by rising geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation, now exacerbated by unilateral tariffs unseen for generations.

    History teaches us that protectionism and unilateralism were among the factors that led to some of the 20th century’s most devastating conflicts. We must never forget those lessons. Collaboration among nations is essential to ensuring lasting peace and prosperity.

    As the Confucian saying goes, “和而ä¸�å�Œ”, harmony in diversity. We may differ in our histories, cultures and systems, but we can still work together in pursuit of common goals.

    Ladies and gentlemen, the challenges we face today, from protracted conflicts and climate change to widening development gaps, are complex and inter-connected. They cannot be resolved by a divided world. That is why the global community must stand by its commitment to multilateralism, and support the institutions and efforts to address these and many other issues.

    These are values that China, our country, firmly embraces. We advocate for an equitable multipolar world and inclusive globalisation, striving to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

    At a time of uncertainties in the global economy stemming from escalating tariff measures, our country’s message and actions are clear and consistent: China welcomes global business, remains committed to high-level opening-up, and will continue to be a source of stability and growth in the international system.

    Hong Kong, under the “one country, two systems” principle, has long served as a “super connector” between China and the rest of the world. This role demands that we remain what we have always been: an open, diverse and vibrant international city, a free port and a staunch supporter of free trade. No less important, we are committed to the rule of law backed by a judiciary exercising powers independently, firmly protecting the rights of our residents and businesses.

    I’m pleased to say that the international business community recognises our commitment, as reflected in numerous surveys and the growing number of companies choosing Hong Kong to establish their base.

    Allow me to highlight a few key areas where Hong Kong and Europe can work together to seize opportunities in today’s evolving global trade and financial landscape.

    First, as the Mainland continues to open its economy, Hong Kong serves as a strategic gateway for European companies to access the immense opportunities offered by the Greater Bay Area and the broader Chinese Mainland market. And with supply chains undergoing significant realignment, our deep ties with ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) make Hong Kong an ideal connector to those markets as well.

    In the financial sector, there’s an increasing demand from global investors to diversify their asset allocation. Hong Kong’s capital market provides unparalleled access to investment opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions. Hong Kong is also a global leader in asset and wealth management, providing huge opportunities for European firms in the industry.

    Climate action is another area of promising collaboration. Hong Kong is firmly committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. But more than that, we are keen to work with the EU to contribute to global decarbonisation, in such areas as technology partnership, green finance, climate risk disclosures and green taxonomies.

    As Ambassador Rouse noted just now, the annual Green Way conference on sustainability, organised by the EU Office in Hong Kong, advances dialogue and co-operation. And we are happy to explore more partnerships with you in this connection.

    Beyond business and finance, we continue to treasure and welcome cultural co-operation. This includes longstanding partnerships in cultural exchange, like the annual French May Arts Festival, which is now on. Italy, let me add, is this year’s country partner for Business of Design Week.

    And, I’m glad to hear more good news: the first Europe Day Festival in Hong Kong will take place this Saturday at PMQ. The family-focused event will feature live performances. Plus plenty of fine food and drinks, dance workshops and all the cultural richness and diversity that the EU’s 27 member states offer. For that, and so much more, my thanks to the EU Office and all the EU member state Consulates General.

    Ladies and gentlemen, the opportunities for deeper co-operation between Hong Kong and the EU are long-term and far-reaching. Let us work together to seize that promise for our economies and our peoples.

    May our longstanding ties continue to flourish. Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Jakarta ETO supports Zuni Icosahedron’s Asia tour to promote cultural exchange (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Jakarta (HKETO Jakarta) supported the Asia tour of Hong Kong theatre group Zuni Icosahedron in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to promote cultural and artistic exchange between Hong Kong and Malaysia.

         The featured programme of the Asia tour, titled “Left Unsaid”, is a Cantonese dark drama adapted from the original play by the Artistic Director of the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre, Nick Yu. The play starred Hong Kong veteran actors Cecilia Yip and Kenny Wong and featured the adaptation, direction, and stage design by Co-Artistic Director of the theatre group Mathias Woo. The performance integrated theatre with art technology, showcasing a blend of theatrical aesthetics and multimedia innovation.

         Speaking at the opening ceremony today (May 9), the Director-General of the HKETO Jakarta, Miss Libera Cheng, said that under the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is strategically positioned as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been promoting cultural and arts development. The Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development promulgated last year sets out a clear vision, principles and strategic directions for the future development of the arts, culture and creative industries in Hong Kong.

         “Zuni Icosahedron has actively fostered cross-city, cross-field, and cross-culture exchanges. ‘Left Unsaid’ premiered in Hong Kong in November last year and has received enthusiastic reception. The Kuala Lumpur stop marks its first overseas performance, and next week it will take part in the 5th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Chinese Theatre Cultural Festival in Guangzhou, further promoting regional cultural exchange,” she said.

         Miss Cheng added that the HKETO Jakarta will continue to support Hong Kong performing arts groups and local cultural and creative industries in showcasing their work on the international stage, with a view to exploring wider development opportunities.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ombudsman meets with Chief Secretary for Administration (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

    The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, was invited to meet with the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung; and relevant senior officials, today (May 9) to deliberate on the findings and analyses of the investigation by the Office of The Ombudsman into the Government’s regulation of occupational safety and health in the construction industry and exchange views on strengthening departmental management systems and reinforcing performance accountability.  
     
    The Ombudsman said, “I must, once again, express my gratitude to the Chief Executive for his recognition of our work.  I am also very grateful that he has announced earlier that the Chief Secretary for Administration will lead a working group to conduct in-depth reviews of recommendations in the direct investigation operation reports issued by the Office of The Ombudsman to ensure that government departments will actively follow up on the recommendations from these investigations.  I am also grateful for the Chief Secretary for Administration’s invitation to this meeting.  During our meeting today, we had an in-depth and focused deliberation on my Office’s investigation findings as regards the Government’s regulation of occupational safety and health in the construction industry, and a candid discussion on the bottlenecks and challenges.  We also had a thorough exchange of views on ways to strengthen departmental management systems and reinforce performance accountability.  I am pleased to learn that the working group led by the Chief Secretary for Administration will monitor relevant departments’ follow-up actions to ensure full implementation of our recommendations.  I am also pleased to note that the Labour Department and the Buildings Department have been actively following up the recommendations of our report and commenced various work including enhancing effectiveness of enforcement and expediting the processing of cases omitted earlier.  The current-term Government is committed and determined to strengthen departmental management systems, reinforce performance accountability among departmental managerial staff, and enhance public service management and efficiency, demonstrating its devotion and dedication to fostering good governance.  My Office will give full support and co-operation in enhancing the effectiveness of public administration to ensure high-quality and efficient public services.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Event to promote mediation held

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Department of Justice today held its biennial “Mediate First” Pledge Event to encourage the community to use mediation for dispute resolution, with around 900 participants from different sectors taking part in the activity.

     

    Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said in the opening remarks that mediation is the future of dispute resolution, adding that Hong Kong has a mature development in the field of mediation.

     

    He emphasised that the city will continue to promote mediation in dispute resolution and connect local, regional and global parties, fully demonstrating its vibrancy and charm as the Capital of Mediation.

     

    A forum was held as the first part of the event, followed by a panel discussion exploring the role of the Judiciary in promoting mediation. Family mediators and mediation institutions from different sectors shared their insights and discussed with stakeholders the direction in promoting family mediation in the future.

     

    The afternoon session began with another panel discussion, highlighting the collective efforts of the Government and stakeholders on ways to promote and deepen the mediation culture.

     

    Additionally, students who participated in the peer mediation training spoke on the use of mediation to resolve peer disputes and the benefits it brought.

     

    The event concluded with Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan delivering closing remarks.

     

    Fifty-two pledgees were presented awards in recognition of their achievements in promoting and adopting mediation in the course of their business operations. More than 1,000 organisations and individuals have signed the pledge since its launch in 2009.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Delegation to visit Beijing, Jiangsu

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation to visit Beijing and Jiangsu from May 11 to 16.

     

    Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang will lead the delegates as they visit Beijing from May 11 to 14, while Permanent Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Gracie Foo will lead the group’s visit to Jiangsu from May 14 to 16.

     

    In Beijing, the delegation will meet officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other central ministries. It will then meet officials of Jiangsu and study developments in the province.

     

    The visit arrangement has been in place since 1999 to enhance communication and exchanges between the two sides.

     

    During Mr Tsang’s absence, Under Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Clement Woo will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Tensions remain as Pakistan-India flare-ups enter 3rd day

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

    Tensions have remained as flare-ups between Pakistan and India have entered the third day.

    Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has firmly rejected Indian media reports alleging cross-border attacks originating from Pakistani territory, calling them “baseless, fabricated, and aimed at creating a false pretext for escalation.”

    “The repeated pattern of leveling accusations against Pakistan without any credible investigation reflects a deliberate strategy to manufacture a pretext for aggression and to further destabilize the region,” the ministry said in a statement late on Thursday.

    Separately, Pakistani security sources dismissed claims carried by Indian media alleging drone or missile attacks in the Indian-controlled Kashmir and the downing of a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet.

    “No drone or missile has been launched from Pakistan,” the sources told Xinhua. “These reports are outright fake, politically motivated, and part of a broader campaign of disinformation.”

    In India, the Indian army on Friday released a short video showing a strike hitting a target in Pakistan.

    In the short, low-resolution video, a projectile (apparently a missile) can be seen moving and hitting a structure.

    The army described it as a “befitting reply” to Pakistan’s shelling, but the exact location of the destroyed structure has not been disclosed.

    Meanwhile, authorities in the Indian capital region Delhi on Friday installed and tested air raid sirens.

    According to social media giant X, formerly known as Twitter, the Indian government has asked it to block 8,000 accounts on the social media platform, including those belonging to international news organizations and prominent X users.

    On Wednesday, India launched airstrikes on Pakistani targets to avenge last month’s killing of 26 people by gunmen in Pahalgam town, about 89 km east of Srinagar, the summer capital of the Indian-controlled Kashmir.

    The situation along the Line of Control, dividing Kashmir, has been tense as troops of India and Pakistan deployed on both sides of the ceasefire line were engaged in an exchange of fire and artillery.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Jana Small Finance Bank Limited

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated May 07, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.00 crore (Rupees One Crore only) on Jana Small Finance Bank Limited (the bank) for contravention of provision of Section 12B(5) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the BR Act.

    The bank had raised paid-up share capital through issue / allotment of Compulsory Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS) to certain persons. This was examined vis-à-vis the requirement under Section 12B(5) of the BR Act and a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the statutory provision.

    After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, additional submissions made by it and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank issued / allotted CCPS to certain persons, which taken along with equity share capital held by them, made such persons to hold more than permitted percentage of the paid-up share capital of the bank. It was not ensured that such persons have obtained previous approval of RBI as required under Section 12B(1) of the BR Act.

    This action is based on deficiencies in statutory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/302

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: BDO Unibank, Inc. to Present at the dbVIC – Deutsche Bank ADR Virtual Investor Conference May 15th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MANILA, Philippines, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO, BDOUY) based in the Philippines, and focused on providing financial products and services, today announced that BDO Unibank, Inc. Executive Vice President, Luis S. Reyes will present at the dbVIC – Deutsche Bank American Depositary Receipt (ADR) Virtual Investor Conference on May 15. This virtual investor conference is aimed exclusively at introducing global companies with ADR programs to investors.

    DATE: May 15th
    TIME: 2:00 PM ET
    LINK: REGISTER HERE

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.  

    Participation is free of charge.

    About BDO Unibank, Inc.

    BDO is a full-service universal bank in the Philippines, providing a complete array of industry-leading products and services including Lending (corporate and consumer), Deposit-taking, Foreign Exchange, Brokering, Trust and Investments, Credit Cards, Retail Cash Cards, Corporate Cash Management and Remittances. Through its local subsidiaries, the Bank offers Investment Banking, Private Banking, Leasing and Finance, Thrift Banking and Microfinance, Life Insurance, Property and Casualty Insurance Brokerage, and Online and Traditional Stock Brokerage services.

    BDO’s institutional strengths and value-added products and services hold the key to its successful business relationships with customers. On the front line, its branches remain at the forefront of setting high standards as a sales and service-oriented, customer-focused force. The Bank has the largest distribution network with over 1,800 operating branches and more than 5,800 teller machines nationwide. BDO has 16 international offices (including full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore) spread across Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.

    The Bank also offers digital banking solutions to make banking easier, faster, and more secure for its clients.

    Through selective acquisitions and organic growth, BDO has positioned itself for increased balance sheet strength and continuing expansion into new markets. As of December 31, 2024, BDO is the country’s largest bank in terms of total resources, customer loans, deposits, assets under management and capital, as well as branch and teller machine network nationwide.

    BDO is a member of the SM Group, one of the country’s largest and most successful conglomerates with businesses spanning retail, mall operations, property development (residential, commercial, hotels and resorts), and financial services. Although part of a conglomerate, BDO’s day-to-day operations are handled by a team of professional managers and bank officers. Further, the Bank has one of the industry’s strongest Board of Directors, composed of professionals with extensive experience in various fields that include banking and finance, accounting, law, and business.

    For more information, please visit www.bdo.com.ph.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:
    BDO Unibank, Inc.
    Investor Relations (IR) Team
    (632) 8840 7000
    irandcorplan@bdo.com.ph

    Katherine T. Tan
    Senior Assistant Vice President
    (63 2) 8840-7000 ext 37609
    tan.katherine@bdo.com.ph

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI approves the voluntary amalgamation of Sawantwadi Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd., Sawantwadi (Maharashtra) with TJSB Sahakari Bank Ltd. (Maharashtra)

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India has sanctioned the Scheme of Amalgamation of Sawantwadi Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd., Sawantwadi (Maharashtra) with TJSB Sahakari Bank Ltd. (Maharashtra). The Scheme has been sanctioned in exercise of the powers conferred under sub-section (4) of Section 44A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The Scheme will come into force with effect from May 13, 2025. The branches of Sawantwadi Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd., Sawantwadi (Maharashtra) will function as branches of TJSB Sahakari Bank Ltd. (Maharashtra) with effect from May 13, 2025.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/301

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson asks SCOTUS to uphold Maine legislator’s right to vote and speak freelyRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced today that his office has joined a friend-of-the-court brief filed in the United States Supreme Court supporting Maine Representative Laurel Libby, who was stripped of her ability to vote and speak on the State House floor by Democratic legislative leadership.  

    The Supreme Court is being asked to restore Representative Libby’s voting rights while her case continues through the courts, as such actions likely violate the foundational principles of representative democracy and the U.S. Constitution. 

    “This is not a partisan issue, it’s a constitutional one,” said Attorney General Alan Wilson. “In our system of government, every citizen deserves to have their voice heard through their elected officials. Blocking a legislator from voting silences not just one voice, but the voice of every constituent they represent. That’s not how our republic is supposed to work. The ability of lawmakers to speak and vote freely on behalf of their districts is a foundational part of American democracy, and I am standing up to ensure that principle is protected.” 

    The case involves Representative Libby being barred from voting and speaking on the Maine House floor after she posted on social media about a biologically male student-athlete who won a girls’ pole-vaulting competition. The brief argues that stripping a duly elected lawmaker of their right to vote undermines democratic representation and violates the constitutional rights of both the representative and their constituents. 

    The coalition of attorneys general asserts that legislative immunity, which generally shields lawmakers from lawsuits related to legislative actions, does not protect actions that directly undermine democratic processes, like removing a legislator’s voting rights. 

    In addition to South Carolina, attorneys general from the following states joined the brief: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, and South Dakota. 

    You can read the brief here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Kaltura Announces Partnership With Magna Systems & Engineering To Support Growth in Asian and Pacific Markets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kaltura (Nasdaq: KLTR), the AI Video Experience Cloud, and Magna Systems and Engineering, a leading systems integration specialist and technology supplier for the broadcast and telecommunication industries, today announced a new partnership with Magna supporting Kaltura in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong.   

    This collaboration comes as part of Kaltura’s expansion of its media & telecom activities in the Asian and Pacific markets, with Magna as the first of several APAC partnerships. The growing network of Kaltura partners will bring new value to existing customers, supporting their technological and business evolution with new technologies, and provide a local presence for sales and market development.  

    Kaltura’s services for the media and telecommunications industries are based on the company’s robust TV Content Management system and TV streaming application, as well as advanced AI-powered capabilities that reshape content strategies. Using metadata enrichment, AI user-controlled chat, real-time translation and dubbing in multiple languages, highlighting and chaptering for VOD and live content, AI-powered content curation, and more, providers can increase engagement and grow viewership as they expand into new markets.  

    Kaltura’s recent addition, the AI-powered Kaltura TV Genie, which won the Product of the Year for Streaming at the 2025 NAB Show Award, enables companies to offer AI-powered, hyper-personalized lean-forward viewing experiences for audiences. Beyond recommendations for users, TV Genie automatically curates content in real-time for editors based on their catalogue and current trends, streamlining operations and driving continuous, ongoing engagement.  

    Magna Systems & Engineering, also commonly known simply as Magna, is an experienced systems integration specialist and provider of technology, products, and solutions to the broadcast and telecommunication industries. The company’s focus is on partnering with and providing best-of-breed technology and solutions, such as Kaltura, for their clients that meet their current requirements and future-proof them for years to come. Support, alongside the very best customer service, are two of Magna’s key and most important offerings, and they offer both across the entire Asia Pacific region from offices in Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

    “Partnering with Kaltura aligns with our strategy of connecting our customers with the latest, world-leading technology solutions and providers, enabling them to innovate and maintain a competitive advantage in the media and telecom sector. In short, we will provide our clients in the region with Kaltura AI Video Experience Cloud solutions that will add real and tangible value and efficiency to their organisations. Our new partnership with Kaltura is a very positive one that will bring many benefits to the industry as a whole,” said Matthew Clemesha, group CEO of Magna Systems.  

    “Magna is well known in APAC for its commitment to providing top-notch services, support, and solutions to its customers in the media and telecommunications industry, a brand that perfectly reflects our values and vision,” said Natan Israeli, Chief Customer Officer at Kaltura. “We are excited to work with Magna Systems to expand our reach and improve streaming experiences for more customers with our AI-powered products in this market”. 

    About Kaltura 
    Kaltura’s mission is to create and power AI-infused hyper-personalized video experiences that boost customer and employee engagement and success. Kaltura’s AI Video Experience Cloud includes a platform for enterprise and TV content management and a wide array of Gen AI-infused video-first products, including Video Portals, LMS and CMS Video Extensions, Virtual Events and Webinars, Virtual Classrooms, and TV Streaming Applications. Kaltura engages millions of end-users at home, at work, and at school, boosting both customer and employee experiences, including marketing, sales, and customer success; teaching, learning, training and certification; communication and collaboration; entertainment and monetization. For more information, visit www.corp.kaltura.com. 

    About Magna Systems & Engineering 
    Founded in 1968, Magna Systems & Engineering, also commonly known simply as Magna, is an experienced systems integration specialist and provider of technology, products and solutions to the broadcast and telecommunication industries. Our focus is on partnering with and providing best-of-breed technology and solutions for our clients that meet their current requirements and future-proof them for years to come. Support, alongside the very best customer service, are two of Magna’s key and most important offerings for our clients, and we offer both across the entire Asia Pacific region from our offices in Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, New Zealand and Singapore. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Another boost for British car industry as £1 billion secured for new Sunderland gigafactory

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Another boost for British car industry as £1 billion secured for new Sunderland gigafactory

    New state-of-the-art gigafactory ignites growth in industrial heartlands, supporting 1,000 jobs and powering up 100,000 electric vehicles a year

    • Chancellor visited Sunderland today following landmark economic deal with the US that saved thousands of auto jobs and slashed tariffs on car exports
    • Latest action in the Government’s Plan for Change to strengthen our industrial heartlands, make Britain a clean energy superpower and put more money in people’s pockets through good jobs

    Working people will benefit from 1,000 jobs at a new state-of-the-art gigafactory in Sunderland in a £1 billion auto deal to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and boost growth.

    This investment is another boost for the British car industry after yesterday’s landmark economic deal with the United States saved thousands of jobs by slashing tariffs on British exports.

    The new AESC gigafactory will manufacture batteries for electric vehicles, powering up to 100,000 EVs each year – a six-fold increase on the country’s current capacity – making the UK globally competitive selling more British EVs at home and abroad and helping to achieve our net zero target.

    In the landmark transaction, the National Wealth Fund and UK Export Finance will provide financial guarantees which unlock £680 million in financing from banks including Standard Chartered, HSBC, SMBC Group, Societe Generale and BBVA. This will cover construction and operation of the new plant. The remaining £320 million has been secured through private financing in addition to new equity provided by AESC.

    In addition to this £1 billion investment, the Government’s Automotive Transformation Fund is also investing £150 million in grant funding.

    This is the Government’s Plan for Change in action, making us more competitive on the world stage, helping Britain on its way to becoming a clean energy superpower through innovation in the automotive sector, and delivering economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets through high skilled jobs.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    We are going further and faster to boost our industries’ resilience and encourage their growth as part of our Plan for Change, and this investment follows hot on the heels of yesterday’s landmark economic deal with the US which will save thousands of jobs in the industry.

    This investment in Sunderland will not only further innovation and accelerate our move to more sustainable transport, but it will also deliver much-needed high quality, well-paid jobs to the North East, putting more money in people’s pockets.

    Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said:

    We’re backing our world-class car industry, and this investment is yet another vote of confidence in the North East’s thriving auto manufacturing hub which will secure a thousand well-paid jobs and boost prosperity across the region.

    Our modern Industrial Strategy will drive this growth even further, powering our high-potential sectors like advanced manufacturing so we can deliver jobs and investment in every corner of the UK and make our Plan for Change a reality.

    The Chancellor visited AESC in Sunderland today (Friday 9 May) where she met staff and local leaders to discuss how the investment will bring jobs and prosperity to the North East, and how the landmark economic deal secured with the US will secure the industry for years to come.

    The deal slashes car export tariffs from 27.5% to 10% and will apply to a quota of 100,000 UK cars – almost the total exported last year.

    This will save some car companies hundreds of millions of pounds, making high skilled jobs in industrial heartlands like Sunderland more secure.

    Shoichi Matsumoto, CEO of Japanese headquartered AESC, said:

    This investment marks a key milestone in AESC’s ongoing efforts to support the UK’s path towards decarbonisation and the expansion of its EV market.

    Through close collaboration with strategic partners, we strive to accelerate this transition while creating high-quality local jobs and building resilient, sustainable supply chain.

    We are honoured to contribute to the development of low-carbon economy with our advanced battery technologies.

    John Flint, National Wealth Fund CEO, said:

    AESC’s gigafactory will not only help to retool our car industry for net zero it will also support jobs, growth, and prosperity in the Northeast.

    This investment further demonstrates the significant role NWF is playing to crowd private capital into the industries and regions where its most needed, boosting government’s growth and clean energy missions.

    UKEF CEO, Tim Reid, said:

    This hugely exciting project is a prime example of how export financing is a powerful tool for unlocking growth opportunities for British exporters and strengthening local economies.

    We’re proud to join forces with partners to back this pioneering gigafactory that will help cement the UK’s prowess as an EV battery-making force for years to come.

    More information

    • The government continues to unlock private investment in UK automotive design, development, and manufacturing as the sector transitions to zero emission technology.
    • To date, the Automotive Transformation Fund and Advanced Propulsion Centre funding programmes have leveraged over £6 billion of investment from the private sector.
    • Last year’s Autumn Budget also confirmed over £2 billion for capital and research and development funding over five years for zero emission vehicle manufacturing and their supply chains – a vote of confidence in the UK’s automotive industry, supporting investment and productivity growth.

    Additional quotes

    Ian Stuart, UK CEO for HSBC who were joint ECA Coordinator & Structuring Bank (alongside SCB) as well as Underwriting Bank and Mandated Lead Arranger, said:

    We’re extremely proud to have played a leading role in this complex and significant deal, including as underwriter, structuring bank and joint ECA co-ordinator.

    Once operational, the gigafactory will unlock a huge increase in the UK’s EV battery production, supporting the electrification of vehicles and the wider green transition. The inward investment involved in the project will also deliver highly-skilled jobs and economic growth to North East England.

    Hideo Kawafune, CEO, Head of EMEA, SMBC Banking International plc said:

    SMBC Group is delighted to participate in the successful financing of this landmark Gigafactory project. As a lending partner we’re proud to work alongside partners such as National Wealth Fund, UK Export Finance and Sinosure, as well as existing client AESC, in order to support projects which power the energy transition.” 

    Saif Malik, CEO, UK and Head, Client Coverage, UK, Standard Chartered said:

    We are proud to support this transformative UK project. The development of AESC’s new gigafactory will deliver significant economic benefits locally while supporting the development of zero-emission technology. This is more than an investment in infrastructure, it’s a commitment to innovation, UK economic growth and sustainability. Supporting the transition to net zero is deeply embedded in how we operate as a Bank, and this project reflects how we bring that to life by supporting clients on their own sustainability journeys.

    Lenaig Trenaux, Societe Generale’s Global Head of Batteries, Mining and Industries, said:

    We are proud to have worked with AESC to deliver the first gigafactory project financing in the UK, which has benefitted from strong support from the National Wealth Fund and UK Export Finance.

    Societe Generale’s deep understanding of the EV value chain, coupled with our experience working with AESC, were instrumental in delivering the project financing.

    This is another demonstration of SG’s commitment to the green mobility and another step towards the energy transition.

    Beatriz Roa, Global Sectoral Head of Industrials at BBVA, states:

    BBVA is proudly supporting AESC in this landmark project in the UK. This gigafactory will help foster the transition to electric vehicles while supporting the buildup of an entire ecosystem around battery manufacturing in Sunderland. These are key objectives in BBVA’s efforts to support the transition to a more sustainable economy and to the auto and energy industries in particular.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 21 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    21 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations  
         The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence. 
         Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
    Issued at HKT 19:12

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Russia pledge to join forces against bullying, power politics

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

    MOSCOW, May 9 — China will work with Russia to shoulder the special responsibilities entrusted by the times, Chinese President Xi Jinping told his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, during their talks here on Thursday, as global uncertainties are exerting more pressure on the global economy.

    Today, in the face of unilateralist countercurrents, bullying and acts of power politics, China is working with Russia to shoulder the special responsibilities of major countries and permanent members of the UN Security Council, Xi said.

    Putin, for his part, criticized the imposition of high tariffs, saying it defies common sense, has no legal basis, and will only backfire.

    In early April, the United States rolled out so-called “reciprocal” tariffs against almost all of its trading partners worldwide, triggering widespread opposition and concerns over a possible global economic recession. Many countries have vowed to retaliate.

    On Thursday, the European Commission launched a public consultation targeting U.S. imports worth 95 billion euros (107.2 billion U.S. dollars), warning that retaliatory measures could take effect if ongoing negotiations with the United States over the so-called “reciprocal” tariffs fail to yield an agreement.

    A meeting on economic and trade affairs between Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will take place at the request of the U.S. side, during He’s May 9-12 visit to Switzerland. China’s Commerce Ministry stressed that China will not seek to reach any agreement at the expense of sacrificing its principles or the cause of international fairness and justice.

    Following their Thursday talks, Xi and Putin signed a joint statement on further deepening the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. In the document, China and Russia voice firm opposition against unilateral and unlawful restrictive measures such as trade and financial restrictions.

    The statement said that certain countries, under various pretexts, have arbitrarily imposed tariffs on their trading partners, seriously infringing upon the legitimate rights and interests of other countries, gravely violating WTO rules, severely undermining the rules-based multilateral trading system, and profoundly disrupting the stability of the global economic order.

    The two countries condemned acts of bypassing the UN Security Council to implement measures that violate the UN Charter and international law, obstruct justice and violate the rules of the WTO.

    They also pledged to continue to jointly deal with the downward pressure on the world economy, and facilitate the participation of more Global South countries in international and regional trade.

    In today’s world, China and Russia collaborate to establish a more just, sustainable and multipolar world order, said Vladimir Petrovskiy, chief researcher at the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia at the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    To this end, China and Russia have been working closely in mechanisms like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which are vital platforms for Global South countries to address development challenges and promote universal peace, he said.

    Xi is in Moscow for a state visit to Russia and celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War. He and Putin have met over 40 times on various occasions.

    On Thursday, Xi and Putin held back-to-back small-group and large-group talks, and also had a chat over tea at the presidential office in the Kremlin.

    When the two presidents met the press following their talks, Xi described his talks with Putin as “in-depth, cordial and fruitful,” adding that they reached many important new consensuses. Putin said Xi’s visit is of great significance, and will inject strong momentum into the development of bilateral ties.

    The two presidents also witnessed the exchange of over 20 bilateral cooperation documents, covering areas such as global strategic stability, upholding the authority of international law, investment protection, digital economy, quarantine and film cooperation.

    In 2024, trade between China and Russia reached 244.8 billion dollars. China has remained Russia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years.

    Russia-China relations are built on equality and mutual respect, Putin said during talks with Xi. It is neither directed against any third party nor swayed by any transient matters, Putin noted.

    The political trust between Russia and China is unparalleled in the world, said Alexander V. Lomanov, a researcher at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Russian Academy of Sciences.

    In this context, there is vast potential to further facilitate the movement not only of tourists, but also of experts, scientists and cultural figures between the two countries, he noted.

    “There is much more we can do to deepen our exchanges,” he said. “The more frequent these interactions become, the stronger our mutual understanding will grow.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitdeer Announces April 2025 Production and Operations Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ: BTDR) (“Bitdeer” or the “Company”), a world-leading technology company for Bitcoin mining, today announced its unaudited mining and operations updates for April 2025.

    Operational Update

    • Self-mined Bitcoin: 166 Bitcoins, increase of 45.6% from March 2025 on higher average self-mining hashrate from energization of SEALMINERs.
    • Mining Rig Manufacturing and R&D:
      • SEALMINER A1: 3.7 EH/s are energized with remaining 0.1 EH/s to be energized in Q2 2025.
      • SEALMINER A2:
        • Total of 3.3 EH/s mining rigs have been manufactured and 1.2 EH/s are in assembly as of the end of April.
        • Of the 3.3 EH/s mining rigs that have been manufactured:
          • External-sales: 1.3 EH/s of mining rigs have been shipped to external customers.
          • Self-mining:
            • 0.5 EH/s have been deployed in Texas and Tydal, Norway.
            • 0.4 EH/s are in-transit to Bitdeer’s site in Texas and Tydal, Norway.
            • 1.1 EH/s are being prepared for shipping.
      • SEALMINER A3:
        • Beyond the initial testing result of an energy efficiency of 9.7 J/TH at the chip level while running at low voltage, ultra power-saving mode, Bitdeer ​successfully completed testing several dozen of its prototype models in April 2025, with all the test results meeting expectations.
        • Machine level testing is expected to be finalized by late Q2 2025.
      • SEALMINER A4:
        • SEAL04 R&D remains on track to achieve an expected chip efficiency of approximately 5 J/TH with anticipated initial tape-out in Q4 2025.
    • HPC/AI:
      • Discussions are ongoing with multiple development partners and potential end users for selected large scale sites in the U.S. for HPC/AI.
    • Hosting:
      • Client-hosted mining rigs increased by 3,000 units or 0.6 EH/s in April 2025, due to existing customers increasing hosted mining rigs.
    • Infrastructure:
      • Tydal, Norway: 70 MW of available power capacity was energized in April 2025. The remaining 105 MW are expected to be energized by end of Q2 2025.
      • Jigmeling, Bhutan: 132 MW of available power capacity was energized in April 2025. The remaining 368 MW are on track to be energized in phases by the end of Q2 2025. Two 132kV transformers have been energized and five 220kV transformers are expected to be ready for energization in June 2025. Construction of datacenter infrastructure and cooling systems are in progress and also expected to be completed in June 2025.
      • Clarington, Ohio: Paused Bitcoin mining related construction at 570 MW Clarington, Ohio site (Phase 1 and 2) as a result of advancing HPC/AI discussions.
    • Financing:
      • In April 2025, Bitdeer entered into a loan agreement with Matrixport Group, a related party of the Company, for a financing facility of up to US$200.0 million. Loans drawn under the facility bear a variable interest rate equal to 9.0% plus a market-based reference rate. Each drawdown is repayable in fixed monthly installments over a 24-month term and is secured by a pledge of SEALMINERs.

    Management Commentary

    “In April 2025, we successfully energized 70 MW and 132 MW of power capacity at our Tydal, Norway expansion and Jigmeling, Bhutan sites, respectively, bringing Bitdeer’s global available power capacity to nearly 1.1 GW,” said Matt Kong, Chief Business Officer at Bitdeer. “By the end of June 2025, we expect to energize the remaining 473 MW at Tydal and Jigmeling, increasing our global available power capacity to 1.6 GW—of which more than half will be located outside the U.S. Our early investment in global diversification is now yielding meaningful strategic benefits. Our international footprint enhances our operational flexibility, particularly as we navigate evolving global trade dynamics. In the near term, we are prioritizing deployments of our SEALMINER A2s in Norway and Bhutan, which we expect will drive our self-mining hashrate to over 40 EH/s in 2025. Further, we made the strategic decision to pause Bitcoin mining related construction at our 570 MW site in Clarington, Ohio due to advancing discussions with multiple development partners and end users for HPC/AI. The Company maintains full optionality to reassess and resume the build-out for Bitcoin mining at a later date.”

    Production and Operations Summary

    Metrics Apr 2025 Mar 2025 Apr 2024
    Total hash rate under management1(EH/s) 25.1 24.2 22.3
    – Proprietary hash rate 12.4 12.1 8.4
    • Self-mining 12.4 11.5 6.7
    • Cloud Hash Rate – – 1.7
    • Delivered but not hashing – 0.6 –
    – Hosting 12.7 12.1 13.9
    Mining rigs under management 179,000 175,000 224,000
    – Self-owned2 98,000 97,000 86,000
    – Hosted 81,000 78,000 138,000
    Bitcoins mined (self-mining only) 166 114 265
    Bitcoin held3 1,246 1,156 103

    1Total hash rate under management as of April 30, 2025 across the Company’s primary business lines: Self-mining, Cloud Hash Rate, and Hosting.

    • Self-mining refers to cryptocurrency mining for the Company’s own account, which allows it to directly capture the high appreciation potential of cryptocurrency.
    • Cloud Hash Rate offers hash rate subscription plans and shares mining income with customers under certain arrangements. The Cloud Hash Rate stated above reflects the contracted hash rate with customers at month-end.
    • Hosting encompasses a one-stop mining machine hosting solution including deployment, maintenance, and management services for efficient cryptocurrency mining.

    2Self-owned mining machines are for the Company’s self-mining business and Cloud Hash Rate business.
    3Bitcoins held do not include the Bitcoins from deposits of the customers.

    Infrastructure Construction Update

    Site / Location Capacity (MW) Status Timing4
    Electrical capacity      
    – Rockdale, Texas 563 Online Completed
    – Knoxville, Tennessee 86 Online Completed
    – Wenatchee, Washington 13 Online Completed
    – Molde, Norway 84 Online Completed
    – Tydal, Norway 120 Online Completed
    – Gedu, Bhutan 100 Online Completed
    – Jigmeling, Bhutan 132 Online Completed
    Total electrical capacity 1,0985    
    Pipeline capacity      
    – Tydal, Norway Phase 2 105 In progress Q2 2025
    – Massillon, Ohio 221 In progress Q3 – Q4 2025
    – Clarington, Ohio Phase 1 266 Paused TBD
    – Clarington, Ohio Phase 2 304 Pending approval TBD
    – Jigmeling, Bhutan 368 In progress Q2 2025
    – Rockdale, Texas 179 In planning Estimate 2026
    – Alberta, Canada 99 In planning Q4 2026
    – Oromia Region, Ethiopia 50 In planning Q4 2025
    Total pipeline capacity 1,592    
    Total global electrical capacity 2,690    

    4 Indicative timing. All timing references are to calendar quarters and years.
    5 Figures represent total available electrical capacity.

    Rockdale, Texas – 100 MW Hydro-cooling conversion energization commenced:

    • All cooling system delivered and installed.
    • Energization in accordance with the phased of delivery of mining rigs.
    • Approximately 1.4 EH/s of SEALMINER A1 hydro mining rigs have been energized.

    Tydal, Norway – 175 MW site expansion has commenced energization and is expected to be fully energized by end of Q2 2025:

    • 70 MW was energized in April.
    • Remaining 105 MW is expected to be energized in phases by end of Q2 2025.
    • Installation of the transformers has been completed, with the delivery and installation of electrical equipment currently in progress. Additionally, the procurement and delivery of containers and hydro-cooling systems are underway, and drainage systems construction is ongoing.

    Massillon, Ohio – 221 MW site on track for completion in H2 2025:

    • Substation construction is underway and is expected to be completed in Q3 2025.
    • Building design completed and construction has begun earlier than expected.
    • Estimated energization is expected to be completed in phases between Q3 and Q4 2025.

    Clarington, Ohio – Paused Bitcoin mining related construction at 570 MW Clarington, Ohio site (both Phase 1 and 2) as a result of advancing HPC/AI discussions.

    • The Company maintains full optionality to reassess and resume the build-out for Bitcoin mining at a later date.

    Jigmeling, Bhutan – 500 MW site has commenced energization and is expected to be fully energized in phases by end of Q2 2025:

    • 132 MW was energized in April.
    • Remaining 368 MW is expected to be energized in phases by end of Q2 2025.
    • Two 132kV transformers have been energized and five 220kV transformers are expected to be ready for energization in June 2025.
    • Delivery of containers and hydro-cooling systems are in progress and is expected to be completed in phases by Q2 2025.

    Fox Creek, Alberta – 101 MW site acquired in Alberta, sitting on 19 acres, is fully licensed and permitted:

    • Site includes all permits and licenses to construct an on-site natural gas power plant, as well as approval for a 99 MW grid interconnection with Alberta Electric System Operator (“AESO”).
    • Bitdeer will develop and construct the power plant in partnership with a leading engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) company and is expected to be energized by Q4 2026.

    Oromia Region, Ethiopia – Signed an SPA and a turnkey agreement for the acquisition and construction of a 50 MW Bitcoin mining project in Ethiopia for US$7.5 million:

    • Acquisition includes local Ethiopian company with a mining permit, connected to a neighboring transmission substation at 33kV interconnection.
    • This local Ethiopian company has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Ethiopian Electric Power Company for a duration of 4 years at an electricity price of approximately US$0.036/ kWh.
    • Bitdeer is working closely with an EPC contractor with specialized experience in Bitcoin mining and this mining project is expected to be energized in Q4 2025.

    Upcoming Conferences and Events

    • May 14 – 15, 2025: Macquarie Asia Conference 2025 in Hong Kong
    • May 19 – 20, 2025: Barclay 15th Annual Emerging Payments and Fintech Forum in New York City
    • May 20, 2025: Benchmark Virtual Digital Asset Seminar
    • May 21 – 22, 2025: B. Riley 25th Annual Investor Conference in Marina Del Rey, California
    • May 28, 2025: Orange Group & Blockware Sell-side and Buy-side Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada
    • June 24 – 26, 2025: Roth 15th Annual Conference in London
    • June 25, 2025: Northland Virtual Growth Conference 2025

    About Bitdeer Technologies Group

    Bitdeer is a world-leading technology company for Bitcoin mining. Bitdeer is committed to providing comprehensive Bitcoin mining solutions for its customers. The Company handles complex processes involved in computing such as equipment procurement, transport logistics, datacenter design and construction, equipment management, and daily operations. The Company also offers advanced cloud capabilities to customers with high demand for artificial intelligence. Headquartered in Singapore, Bitdeer has deployed datacenters in the United States, Norway, and Bhutan. To learn more, visit https://ir.bitdeer.com/ or follow Bitdeer on X @ BitdeerOfficial and LinkedIn @ Bitdeer Group.

    Investors and others should note that Bitdeer may announce material information using its website and/or on its accounts on social media platforms, including X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Therefore, Bitdeer encourages investors and others to review the information it posts on the social media and other communication channels listed on its website.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “look forward to,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Bitdeer’s annual report on Form 20-F, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in Bitdeer’s subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. Bitdeer specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether due to new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers should not rely upon the information on this page as current or accurate after its publication date.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    Orange Group
    Yujia Zhai
    bitdeerIR@orangegroupadvisors.com

    Public Relations
    BlocksBridge Consulting
    Nishant Sharma
    bitdeer@blocksbridge.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Missile strikes and drone attacks heighten South Asian crisis – 8 questions answered over the role of Pakistan’s military in responding

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Ayesha Jalal, Professor of History, Tufts University

    A mosque lies in ruins after an Indian airstrike in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, on May 7, 2025. Zubair Abbasi/Middle East Images//AFP via Getty Images

    Pakistan’s government has pledged to respond “at a time, place and manner of its choosing” following an air attack from India that killed 31 people in Pakistan on May 6, 2025.

    The missile strike comes at a time of increased tension between the two South Asian neighbors following a terror attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22 that resulted in the deaths of 26 Indian tourists.

    India blamed the assault on its neighbor although has yet to provide any solid proof of a link between the assailants and the Pakistani state.

    To understand more about how Pakistan’s powerful military is viewing the incident, and weighing a response, The Conversation U.S. turned to Ayesha Jalal, an expert on South Asian history and politics who is the Mary Ricardson Professor of History at Tufts University.

    Who will makes the decisions over how Pakistan responds?

    This is clearly a defense issue, so the Pakistani military is going to take the lead. Any decision over how to respond to the Indian airstrikes will have to be done in consultation with the civilian government. But ultimately it will be the powerful Pakistani generals that will be making the decisions.

    In Pakistan, this is the usual way of doing things. The military has dominated politics in Pakistan for decades. Partly, this is due to the very dynamic we are seeing now. From the creation of Pakistan onward, there has been tension with India, including over Kashmir. Indeed the two countries went to war over Kashmir within a year of the partition of India soon after the creation of Pakistan. So the military has always been seen as central to Pakistan’s view of itself as an independent nation.

    Then in 1958, the Pakistani army toppled the civilian government in the country’s first of several military coup attempts, three of which have been successful.

    Since that time onward, no civilian government has been able to govern successfully for long without the support of the army. Recent political developments in the country – the ouster and arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and a 2024 election that resulted in a weak coalition government – have only strengthened the hand of Pakistan’s military.

    What do we know about Pakistan’s army chief Gen. Syed Asim Munir?

    Despite the Pakistani Army’s position of power, Gen. Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, is someone who has tried to keep out of the spotlight. He is known as a very religious character – he is a Hafiz, meaning he has memorized the Quran. And he is seen as a tough, fairly inaccessible soldier.

    He is also a hawk when it comes to relations with India. Speaking after the Kashmir attack and before India’s airstrikes, Munir warned, “Let there be no ambiguity: Any military misadventure by India will be met with a swift, resolute, and notch-up response.”

    Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir on July 16, 2023.
    Iranian Presidency/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

    This approach is somewhat of a departure from that of the man he replaced in 2022, former Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. Bajwa was more inclined to look for a peaceful resolution with India over Kashmir and other issues.

    Munir, by contrast, presents a a more belligerent front in the face of what many in Pakistan see as Indian aggression, while framing the rivalry between the two nations in religious terms.

    What role has he and the Pakistani army played so far in the crisis?

    A lot has been made, especially in India, of comments that Munir made a few days before the attack in Pahalgam.

    Munir described Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and framed the long-running animosity between Pakistan and India in religious terms, invoking the “two-nation” theory that states that India is a homeland for Hindus; Pakistan is one for Muslims. The theory, conveyed by much of India’s media, is that Munir’s was an inflammatory statement that encouraged the Pahalgam attack.

    But there is nothing in what he said that was entirely original or new: This has been the narrative of the Pakistani military for several decades. It is simply how they talk.

    Is there evidence that Pakistan’s military played a role in the attack?

    None that India has presented as yet.

    India has blamed Pakistan for supporting the Kashmiri militants responsible – but hasn’t articulated what the actual relationship is between Pakistan and the militant group, The Resistance Front.

    Certainly, Pakistan has in the past had ties to some of the many militant groups in Kashmir. For some groups, that has meant crossing over from Indian-controlled Kashmir to Pakistan for training.

    But the argument that “Pakistan used to do it, so they must be doing it now” seems unsupported – certainly, Indian hasn’t presented solid evidence to any international body.

    What has the reaction of the international community been?

    India is not on as strong of ground as it was in 2019, when a suicide bomber in Pulwama, Indian-administerd Kashmir, killed 40 members of the Central Reserve Police Force. On that occasion, the international community swung behind India, with the U.S. offering counterterrorism support while calling on Pakistan to stop sheltering terrorists.

    Without firm evidence of a link between the attack and Pakistan this time around, the international community has found it difficult to go with India’s narrative of the attack. The U.S. has called on both sides to find a “peaceful resolution.”

    Meanwhile China has indicated that it is standing by Pakistan in a statement in which it expressed “regret over India’s military actions” while also calling on both India and Pakistan to “avoid taking actions that further complicate the situation.”

    What pressures will the Pakistani army be under to respond?

    In Pakistan, the view is this is India attempting to assert its dominance and create what analysts have called a “new normal” in relationships between the two countries – one in which India will retaliate to any perceived Pakistani-linked terror attack with missile strikes on Pakistan’s territory.

    The theory here is that India doesn’t mind escalation, in fact it is seen as serving the Hindu nationalist aims of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    But I wouldn’t describe it as public pressure on Pakistan’s military to respond, it is more strategic pressure. Pakistan will need to prevent this “new normal” happening, and so will, in my view, very likely respond in kind to the Indian airstrikes.

    What can Pakistan do in response?

    Well, for starters it has, in theory, the capacity to hit over 200 Indian cities with its arsenal of missiles. But Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has already said that strikes would only target Indian military targets and not civilians. Pakistan also has to weigh how India may respond to any retaliatory strikes.

    But India has expanded the usual terms of engagement when it comes to Kashmir. Typically in recent years, fighting has been contained along the “line of control” – the border between Indian- and Pakistani-controled Kashmir.

    But the Indian airstrike was deep within Pakistan. India says that the targets were all terrorist, but civilians were killed in the process – and Pakistan’s military will not be able to just leave it at that. A response is very much expected, especially now that India has upped the ante by using Israeli made Harop drones in an attempt to target the Pakistani air defense system. Pakistan claims it has shot down 25 of these drones.

    What are the risks of escalation for Pakistan?

    Obviously the most pressing risk is that Pakistan and India are both nuclear states. If Pakistan retaliates in an escalatory way, and then India responds in a similar fashion, this gets to a point where the use of nuclear weapons is a very real risk.

    War would also hit Pakistan’s economy at a time when it is seen to be improving after years of crisis. But that will likely be of secondary importance in the decision-making process for Pakistan’s military if it believes that the country’s integrity is being threatened.

    In addition, Pakistan’s generals will likely be of the view that India, in attacking Pakistan, is trying to thwart any economic recovery in Pakistan – with the belief being that India’s government fears a powerful, more economically stable rival.

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

    – ref. Missile strikes and drone attacks heighten South Asian crisis – 8 questions answered over the role of Pakistan’s military in responding – https://theconversation.com/missile-strikes-and-drone-attacks-heighten-south-asian-crisis-8-questions-answered-over-the-role-of-pakistans-military-in-responding-256185

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The prospect of a US pope was once viewed with suspicion – but Leo XIV could prove an important counter to Trump

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Massimo D’Angelo, Research Associate in the Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs, Loughborough University

    Pope Leo XIV has been elected as the 267th pontiff, leader of the Catholic church and spiritual guide to more than 1.4 billion Catholics. He is the first pope in history to come from the United States.

    Since the 19th century, the influence of the United States within the Catholic Church has steadily increased, mirroring the country’s global geopolitical rise. US bishops, institutions and donors have played a growing role in shaping church policy, appointments and international engagement, signalling a shift away from traditional European dominance.

    This growing influence had long been accompanied by unease over the idea of entrusting the leadership of the global Catholic community to a figure from the world’s most powerful nation. In this sense, the election of Leo XIV is an unexpected and significant choice.

    Robert Francis Prevost, born in Chicago in 1955, has spent much of his ecclesiastical life to date in Peru, where he became a respected figure within the local church. He had been sent to Peru on a missions after taking his solemn vows as an Augustinian and studying in Rome.

    Once there, he served for many years as judicial vicar and professor of canon, patristic (early Christian), and moral theology in Trujillo. In 2014, he was appointed apostolic administrator of Chiclayo and became its bishop in 2015, a post he held until 2023.

    Prevost gained Peruvian citizenship and was widely regarded as a stabilising, pastoral presence in a church often divided between liberation theology and ultra-traditionalism. Known for his humility and approachability, he was respected for his ability to foster dialogue among Peru’s diverse episcopate.

    His longstanding commitment to Latin America helped shape his international reputation and proved key to his eventual election as the church’s first North American pope.

    Continuity or rupture with Francis?

    It is difficult to determine at this early stage whether the election of Leo XIV will mark a continuation of Pope Francis’s pontificate or a clear departure from it. More likely, it will represent something of a middle path.

    The first image of the newly elected pope – appearing on the balcony in traditional white and red papal garments, adorned with a gold cross – was striking. It echoed the appearance of Benedict XVI in 2005, in contrast to Francis’s more austere choice of a plain white cassock and silver cross, which reflected a deliberate gesture of humility.

    Yet, Leo XIV’s strong focus on the poor – rooted in his years as a missionary in Peru – and his warm greeting to the Peruvian community, one of the Church’s global peripheries, suggest a clear line of continuity with Francis’s pastoral priorities.

    Even his choice of name evokes Leo XIII, pope from 1878 to 1903 and author of Rerum Novarum, the landmark encyclical on social justice and the rights of the poor. Leo XIV may, therefore, embody a papacy that maintains a firm commitment to the marginalised, while adopting a less confrontational, more measured style than that of his reformist predecessor, who sometimes adopted openly anti-curial stances.

    A Counterweight to Trump?

    Prior to becoming pope, Prevost has, on several occasions, openly criticised the current US administration – particularly on matters of migration policy. As a cardinal, he voiced concern over statements made by US vice president J.D Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019.

    He shared an article challenging Vance’s interpretation of Christian love in relation to immigration. Prevost also shared posts critical of both Donald Trump and Salvadoran president Nayib Bukele regarding the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national living in Maryland.

    In this light, the election of an American pope – once a prospect viewed with suspicion – could now represent one of the strongest moral voices against the hardline migration policies of his own country’s government and a counterbalance to Donald Trump’s influence.

    The choice of the name Leo is also potentially significant here. Pope Leo XIII strongly opposed extreme nationalism, viewing it as a threat to the Church’s universal mission and moral authority.

    While acknowledging the value of legitimate patriotism, he maintained that loyalty to God and the church must always take precedence over allegiance to the nation-state. In encyclicals such as Immortale Dei and Sapientiae Christianae, he defended the church’s supranational character and cautioned against subordinating faith to national interests.

    For Leo XIII, true civic virtue could never conflict with divine law, and any form of nationalism that did so risked becoming a kind of idolatry. In an era of rising nationalism across the globe – particularly in the United States – connecting to this message would be a clear and powerful statement.

    While the prospect of an American pope once caused concern, the choice of Leo XIV shows sensitivity to the world’s margins. Yet, in a Church where Catholic growth is most pronounced in Africa and Asia – while numbers continue to decline in Europe and the Americas – the election of another western pontiff is not without its challenges. Some regions may still feel overlooked or underrepresented.

    A promising gesture was the decision to deliver a brief message in Spanish from the balcony of St Peter’s – the first time in papal history. At the same time, it is striking that the most globally diverse conclave ever convened has placed the church’s leadership in the hands of a cardinal from the world’s most powerful nation. The new pope will need to unify a church that is increasingly global and moving beyond its eurocentric past.

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

    – ref. The prospect of a US pope was once viewed with suspicion – but Leo XIV could prove an important counter to Trump – https://theconversation.com/the-prospect-of-a-us-pope-was-once-viewed-with-suspicion-but-leo-xiv-could-prove-an-important-counter-to-trump-256146

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Indonesia credit and charge card payments market to grow by 3.2% in 2025, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Indonesia credit and charge card payments market to grow by 3.2% in 2025, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Banking

    Indonesia’s credit and charge card payments market is expected to register a growth of 3.2% to reach IDR441.8 trillion ($27.9 billion) in 2025. This growth will be driven by the rising consumer spending and increasing consumer preference for cashless transactions. Enhanced by value-added incentives such as cashback offers, flexible repayment options, and installment facilities, the market is set to maintain an upward trajectory, despite the evolving global economic challenges, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s Payment Cards Analytics reveals that credit and charge card payment value in Indonesia registered a growth of 7.8% in 2024, driven by the rise in consumer spending.

    Kartik Challa, Senior Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Public awareness of the advantages associated with credit card usage is gradually rising in Indonesia. The launch of domestic credit card scheme like Kartu Kredit Indonesia (KKI) has also contributed to the rising adoption of credit cards. Consumers frequently utilize these cards to capitalize on benefits, including cashback offers and rewards programs.”

    While credit and charge card penetration is low compared to debit cards, consumers are increasingly using credit and charge cards for payments, with the frequency of payments per card standing at 24.2 times in 2024 (compared to 3.9 for debit cards) and is anticipated to further rise to 30.9 in 2029. This is driven by banks offering flexible repayment options and value-added benefits such as cashback, reward points, discounts, and installment facilities.

    Bank Mandiri offers an installment facility to Visa Credit Card Shopee and Mastercard Livin’ Everyday credit card holders. Likewise, Bank Negara Indonesia offers BNI installment plan allowing its credit card holders to convert purchases into three, six, nine, 12, 18, 24, and 36 monthly installments.

    Meanwhile, to mitigate the risk of over-indebtedness, banks provide debt consolidation programs. HSBC Indonesia, for instance, presents a Debt Management service to clients who have utilized credit cards or personal loans. This service includes options to lower the amount of each installment, extend the repayment term, or decrease the total amount owed by waiving interest or fees. These measures are designed to assist customers in managing their financial obligations more effectively.

    Gradual improvement in payment infrastructure is also contributing to the rise of credit and charge cards in the country, with the total number of POS terminals rising from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.2 million in 2024. The figure is expected to reach 3 million by 2029. Overall, the number of POS terminals per million inhabitants in Indonesia stood at 7,793 in 2024, which is higher compared to some of its peers such as India (6,964), Vietnam (5,988), the Philippines (4,891), and Cambodia (2,477), though there is significant room for further expansion of POS infrastructure.

    Challa concludes: “While the market size for credit and charge cards is smaller compared to debit cards, it is experiencing notable growth. This is due to growing consumer spending, and growth in e-commerce payments. However, challenges such as the ongoing global trade tariff dispute among major countries, and geopolitical uncertainties remain bottlenecks to the market. Overall, the value of credit and charge card payments is forecast to register a slower compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8% between 2025 and 2029 to reach IDR622.3 trillion ($39.2 billion) in 2029.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: HIV market to surpass $32 billion across 7MM in 2033, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    HIV market to surpass $32 billion across 7MM in 2033, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Pharma

    The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) market across the seven major markets (7MM*) is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.9% from $26.5 billion in 2023 to $32.1 billion in 2033, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s report, “Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Seven-Market Drug Forecast,” reveals that market growth will primarily be driven by the increased uptake of long-acting injectable therapies, as well as the anticipated launch of novel single tablet regimens (STRs).

    Anaelle Tannen, Infectious Disease Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The pipeline analysis indicates a shift away from 3-drug STRs and towards 2-drug STRs. These are hoped to have reduced toxicities and side effects as a result.”

    Six products are currently in Phase III development and are expected to launch by 2033, including four two-drug STRs. These are Gilead Sciences’ (Gilead) once-daily combination of bictegravir and lenacapavir, Merck’s once-daily doravirine and islatravir, Gilead’s once-weekly islatravir and lenacapavir, and a once-weekly regimen of GS-1720 and GS-4182 developed jointly by Gilead and Merck.

    Tannen continues: “Currently all STRs require daily administration and there is a need for alternative and more convenient options for patients which islatravir+lenacapavir and GS-1720+GS-4182 could address.”

    Other notable therapies in late-stage development include CytoDyn’s once-weekly leronlimab, which is expected to be used in patients with CCR5-type virus, and Gilead’s biannual injectable lenacapavir for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)**.

    Tannen adds: “Long-acting injectable therapies will gain significant market share across the 7MM as this method requires infrequent dosing and is thus more convenient. Lenacapavir, for example, is initially expected to be administered subcutaneously biannually for PrEP, and clinical trials are underway to see its efficacy when administered once a year. Data from a Phase I trial has demonstrated lenacapavir’s potential when administered intramuscularly once yearly.”

    Subcutaneous lenacapavir has demonstrated 100% efficacy in preventing new HIV infections in the PURPOSE1 Phase III trial and thus has shown its potential as an important new tool for PrEP. However, subcutaneous lenacapavir is expected to be more expensive than daily oral PrEP and the key opinion leaders (KOLs) interviewed by GlobalData have highlighted that this may be a barrier to access.

    Furthermore, despite the anticipated launch of several innovative products, generic erosion will represent a barrier to growth over the forecast period, with key products such as Biktarvy and Dovato losing patent protection and becoming vulnerable to competition from generics.

    Tannen concludes: “Whilst many pipeline drugs have demonstrated promising efficacy and safety profiles, none will be superior, in terms of commercial success, to the current standard of care Biktarvy.”

    *The US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Japan.

    **Lenacapavir is already marketed across the 7MM under the brand name Sunlenca for usage in treatment-experienced patients with multidrug-resistant HIV.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Algernon Yau visits Beijing

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau began a visit to Beijing today by calling on the Ministry of Commerce.

    Mr Yau briefed a number of departments of the ministry on Hong Kong’s latest efforts in promoting trade and attracting business and investment.

    He said that even in the face of protectionism and unilateralism, in particular the unreasonable coercion arising from US tariffs, Hong Kong will continue to capitalise on its unparalleled advantages under “one country, two systems” to consolidate and enhance its status as an international trade centre, performing its dual role of helping Mainland enterprises to go global while attracting overseas investment.

    He said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will step up its efforts to attract enterprises and investment, and to explore more new markets, while at the same time better integrating into the overall national development, seizing opportunities arising from the country’s domestic circulation and giving full play to Hong Kong’s roles as a super connector and super value-adder to address changes in the global economic and trade landscape.

    Additionally, Mr Yau met representatives from Hong Kong enterprises in Beijing to hear about their experiences and exchange views on the challenges faced by enterprises in the current international environment.

    Mr Yau will proceed to Qatar tomorrow to join a Hong Kong delegation there led by Chief Executive John Lee. During Mr Yau’s absence, Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –