Category: Asia

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 2025 Asian Winter Games

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

International Events

2025 Asian Winter Games

The ninth Asian Winter Games runs from Feb. 7-14 in Harbin, China. Last held in 2017 in Sapporo, Japan, the competition has returned this year with about 1,300 competitors from 34 countries.

Korea’s 222-member national team has 148 athletes and 74 coaches and staff in six events: those on ice (figure, short track and speed skating), skiing (alpine, cross country, freestyle and snowboard), biathlon, curling, ice hockey and mountain skiing.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: Nokia to modernize Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation’s communication network for improved safety
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press Release

Nokia to modernize Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation’s communication network for improved safety
- Vietnam’s Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) will use Nokia’s multi-service network solution to upgrade its legacy network systems to enhance the performance and flexibility of its air traffic network.
- Nokia’s trusted mission-critical Internet Protocol Multi-Protocol Label Switching (IP/MPLS) networking solution will make air traffic management more robust, and Vietnam’s airways safer.
- Nokia Quantum-Safe Network (QSN)-ready network will provide unparalleled security and reliability to VATM.
6 February 2025
Hanoi, Vietnam – Nokia today announced that Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) will use Nokia’s networking solution to replace the legacy Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) transport system with IP/MPLS technology to improve security and reliability in the South region of Vietnam. The new advanced transport network will support new-age applications required for operating highly reliable services to serve rapidly growing air traffic in Vietnam.

The initiative will provide an advanced transmission system to Ho Chi Minh City’s Air Traffic Control Center (ATCC), which will deliver mission critical applications to enhance Air Traffic Control (ATC). The newly upgraded transport network, compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s standard will be operational in the second quarter of 2025.

Nokia’s solution will provide VATM with advanced network capabilities such as advanced analytics, simplifying operations and improving network performance. The IP/MPLS network also offers increased flexibility and programmability, supporting critical applications that enhance overall air traffic management efficiency and safety. The network will equip VATM with robust security features and the ability to evolve to defend against quantum threats.

Ho Sy Tung, Deputy General Director at VATM, said: “Air traffic networks need to be exceptionally secure and reliable at all times to ensure the highest standards of safety are met. Nokia comes with extensive experience in air navigation with 20 air traffic control networks deployed worldwide. We are impressed by the quality and performance of Nokia’s IP/MPLS networking solution and are looking forward to the successful completion of this crucial initiative in the coming year.”

Nguyen Van Nam, General Director at ANSV – Advanced Network System Vietnam, said: “ANSV is proud to be selected as prime contractor for tender package CP-17. Together with other critical systems, we will provide a new Nokia IP/MPLS network replacing the existing SDH networks for air navigation systems.”

Jonathan Goh, Head of Enterprise Business, Network Infrastructure, Southeast Asia North at Nokia, said: “Our mission-critical network solutions are trusted worldwide, delivering exceptional performance and reliability. With embedded QSN capabilities, Nokia’s IP/MPLS technology will enhance the safety and operational efficiency of Vietnam’s air traffic network. We are honored that VATM has chosen Nokia for this pivotal network transformation, paving the way for safer, more advanced and reliable air traffic management across Vietnam.”

Resources and additional information
Product page: 7705 Service Aggregation Router
Product page: 7750 Service Router
Product page: 7250 Interconnect Routers
Product page: Network Services Platform
Product page: Converged IP/MPLS for Aviation

About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

Media inquiries
Nokia Communications, Southeast Asia North
Email: takayuki.omino@nokia.com

Nokia Press Office
Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

Follow us on social media
LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

The MIL Network –
February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Experts: US curb against China to disrupt intl trade order

Source: China State Council Information Office

The United States government’s latest move to eliminate a “de minimis” tariff exemption for small packages and low-value items imported from China will disrupt the normal international trade order, wreak havoc in the fast-growing cross-border e-commerce industry, and ultimately hurt the interests of US consumers, said experts and industry insiders on Wednesday.

They added that in order to mitigate the negative impacts of escalating trade protectionism, China’s cross-border online retailers should strengthen the establishment of overseas warehouses, accelerate the localization of supply chains and operations, and diversify their business layouts in emerging markets.

Their comments came on the heels of the US decision to halt a trade exemption, known as “de minimis”, that allows exporters to ship packages worth less than $800 into the US duty-free. The decision came as part of the announcement of the imposition of an additional 10 percent tariff on goods from China.

The US Postal Service said on Tuesday that it had temporarily stopped accepting packages from the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, a move that may block or delay parcels from Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms including Shein and PDD Holdings’ Temu, as well as some from Amazon, from entering the US.

However, the agency said later in a notice that it will resume accepting packages from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong starting on Wednesday.

Hong Yong, an associate research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said the US protectionist measures against China will not only increase the costs of cross-border transactions and hinder technological advancement and innovation in the global e-commerce landscape, but will also damage the interests of US consumers, especially low-income groups.

“The elimination of a small-package tax exemption will pose challenges to Chinese cross-border online marketplaces, and force these platforms to adjust pricing strategies and establish more local warehousing and logistics facilities in overseas markets, in order to reduce dependence on cross-border transportation and lower international logistics costs,” Hong said.

In response to the US Postal Service’s temporary suspension of the acceptance of incoming international parcels from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a news conference on Wednesday that the US should stop politicizing and instrumentalizing trade and cracking down on Chinese companies.

Lin said China will continue to take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate interests of Chinese enterprises.

Both Shein and Temu have gained popularity among US consumers, as they offer a wide selection of merchandise, including apparel, consumer electronics, jewelry, shoes, bags and accessories at competitive prices. Most of the products are shipped directly from factories or warehouses in China.

Zhu Keli, founding director of the China Institute of New Economy, said the US move to contain the rise of Chinese cross-border online retailers will have an adverse impact on the healthy development of the global e-commerce industry, create barriers to the free flow of commodities and services, and violate the basic principles of the market economy, thus “impeding technological progress and industrial upgrading and stunting global economic growth”.

The “de minimis” provision has existed since the 1930s in the US, but the threshold has increased and its use has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years. The number of shipments entering the US under the exemption has surged more than 600 percent in the past 10 years, according to US Customs and Border Protection.

Moreover, media reports said that the European Union will increase customs checks on goods shipped directly by e-commerce retailers like Temu and Shein to EU consumers. The new customs guidelines would require these online marketplaces to disclose more information on EU-bound packages in order to track and inspect them more efficiently.

Zhu said it is of great importance for Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms to accelerate steps to expand their presence in more diverse markets, while improving the added value of products and the service level, as well as enhancing brand competitiveness globally, amid increasing cost pressures caused by tariff hikes in the US and mounting regulatory challenges in Europe.

MIL OSI China News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Civil aviation industry transports 18.24M passengers

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

This photo taken on May 5, 2023 shows a view of the Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, which is undergoing reconstruction and expansion, in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

China’s civil aviation industry transported 18.24 million passengers during the eight-day Spring Festival holiday that ended on Tuesday, an increase of 2.9 percent compared to the same period in 2024, the Civil Aviation Administration of China said on Wednesday.

Some 145,000 flights were operated during the holiday, with a flight punctuality rate of 96 percent, up 3.4 percentage points compared with the flight punctuality rate achieved in the same period last year.

During the 2025 holiday, the average number of international passenger flights per day reached 1,888 — an increase of 24.6 percent compared to the same period in 2024. This figure is 86.6 percent of the daily average level recorded in 2019.

The most popular international routes during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday were those connecting China with Japan, Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.

MIL OSI China News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Action plan 8.0 to inject more vitality into Shanghai

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

This aerial photo taken on Sept. 10, 2023 shows a view of Zhangjiang area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone in east China’s Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua]

The latest business environment improvement action plan released in Shanghai on Wednesday will help the city better address market entities’ needs and inject more vitality into the city’s economic growth, said officials and market experts.

Their comments were made on Wednesday when the Shanghai municipal government held the business environment improvement work conference for the eighth consecutive year. The latest action plan, which is now in its eighth edition, was released during the conference.

The plan aims to enhance the sense of gain among enterprises by coming up with 58 detailed measures which are more substantial and down-to-earth, according to Lu Aiguo, head of the business environment construction division at the Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform Commission.

One focus of the new plan is deepening the reform by aligning with the standards specified in World Bank’s Business Ready evaluation system, said Lu. Ten related reform measures have been rolled out, covering market entry, operational venues, infrastructure, utilities, international trade and market competition, among others.

As to international trade, Shanghai will expand the benefit scope for controlled and inspected high-tech goods. The import pilot program for research and development as well as testing items should be further optimized. Customs clearance facilitation services will be improved by better implementing reform measures such as multi-modal transport and the application of electronic certificates, according to the new action plan.

Another 24 measures have been included in action plan 8.0 to optimize the all-round services rendered to companies. On the one hand, more innovative financing products should be introduced, providing continued financing support to small and medium-sized enterprises.

On the other, more efforts should be made to facilitate the outbound reaches of domestic companies while further opening up the local market. Professional service providers will be supported to set up branches in the markets involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Meanwhile, visas as well as entry and exit services for foreign talent will be more convenient. More foreign-invested projects should be introduced in the city and major foreign-invested projects should be settled at a faster pace, according to the new action plan.

Japanese carmaker Toyota announced on Wednesday that it has entered into an agreement with the Shanghai government to establish a new wholly-owned company in Jinshan district of Shanghai for the development and production of Lexus electric vehicles and batteries.

The advanced and mature industrial chains, logistics networks, talent supply and market size in Shanghai and the neighboring cities are the major reasons to land this new project, according to Toyota.

To improve services provided to companies, efforts will be made to promulgate a negative list for cross-border data flow within the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, according to the new action plan.

Companies will be better guided to conduct data export activities in accordance with laws and regulations. This is conducive to companies’ international competitiveness, said Huang Lina, an official from the internet security division at Shanghai Cyberspace Administration.

The new action plan also includes 14 measures to optimize supervision over companies.

According to Wu Beibei, deputy director of the laws and regulations division at Shanghai Administration for Market Regulation, the targets, frequency and content of on-site inspections will be reduced to lower the impact on companies. The goal is to lower the number of planned administrative on-site inspections in the next two to three years, she said.

MIL OSI China News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Policy on incorporation of mediation clauses in government contracts takes effect today

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Policy on incorporation of mediation clauses in government contracts takes effect today
Policy on incorporation of mediation clauses in government contracts takes effect today
***************************************************************************************

The Department of Justice (DoJ) announced that the policy on the incorporation of mediation clauses in government contracts takes effect today (February 6). The mediation clause signifies the parties’ agreement to use mediation to resolve disputes first before resorting to arbitration or litigation. The Government issued the Policy Statement on the Incorporation of Mediation Clauses in Government Contracts on November 6, 2024. By virtue of the policy statement, the Government will, as a matter of general policy, incorporate a mediation clause in government contracts. To complement the implementation of the policy, the DoJ today also promulgated “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mediation Rules (2025 Edition)”, which may be referred to as the “HKSARG Mediation Rules (2025)”. These Rules provide for a set of procedural rules for the conduct of mediation proceedings and are intended to operate together with the mediation clause in government contracts. These Rules shall not affect the operation of “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Construction Mediation Rules (1999 Edition)” promulgated by the then Works Bureau in 1999, as amended by the then Environment, Transport and Works Bureau in 2003. Further information about the policy, including a sample mediation clause for incorporation in government contracts, is available on the webpage of the DoJ. A spokesman for the DoJ said, “By taking the lead to incorporate mediation clauses in government contracts, it is hoped that private organisations would be encouraged to make reference to and adopt similar mediation clauses in their contracts, thereby deepening our ‘mediate first’ culture.”

Ends/Thursday, February 6, 2025Issued at HKT 11:05

NNNN

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 6, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on February 05, 2025

Source: Reserve Bank of India


(Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)

	Volume (One Leg)	Weighted Average Rate	Range
A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV)	5,53,069.97	6.28	3.35-6.75
I. Call Money	11,104.02	6.46	5.15-6.60
II. Triparty Repo	3,71,578.05	6.25	6.10-6.40
III. Market Repo	1,68,446.60	6.34	3.35-6.75
IV. Repo in Corporate Bond	1,941.30	6.59	6.54-6.70
B. Term Segment
I. Notice Money**	23.00	6.35	6.20-6.40
II. Term Money^@@	153.30	–	6.45-7.25
III. Triparty Repo	2,605.50	6.38	6.35-6.40
IV. Market Repo	709.42	6.63	6.60-6.65
V. Repo in Corporate Bond	0.00	–	–

	Auction Date	Tenor (Days)	Maturity Date	Amount	Current Rate / Cut off Rate
C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
I. Today’s Operations
1. Fixed Rate
2. Variable Rate^&
(I) Main Operation
(a) Repo
(b) Reverse Repo
(II) Fine Tuning Operations
(a) Repo	Wed, 05/02/2025	1	Thu, 06/02/2025	21,180.00	6.51
(b) Reverse Repo
3. MSF^#	Wed, 05/02/2025	1	Thu, 06/02/2025	408.00	6.75
4. SDF^Δ#	Wed, 05/02/2025	1	Thu, 06/02/2025	1,47,577.00	6.25
5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*				-1,25,989.00
II. Outstanding Operations
1. Fixed Rate
2. Variable Rate^&
(I) Main Operation
(a) Repo	Fri, 24/01/2025	14	Fri, 07/02/2025	1,62,096.00	6.51
(b) Reverse Repo
(II) Fine Tuning Operations
(a) Repo
(b) Reverse Repo
3. MSF^#
4. SDF^Δ#
D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI^$				8,898.65
E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*				1,70,994.65
F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*				45,005.65
G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
(i) Cash balances with RBI as on		February 05, 2025		8,73,788.42
(ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending		February 07, 2025		9,12,544.00
H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on^¥		February 05, 2025		21,180.00
I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on		January 10, 2025		-40,102.00
^@ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
– Not Applicable / No Transaction.
** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
^@@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
^$ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
^& As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
^Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
* Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
^¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
# As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
Ajit Prasad Deputy General Manager (Communications)
Press Release: 2024-2025/2083

MIL OSI Economics –

February 6, 2025

MIL-OSI United Nations: Reusable rockets, air taxis and ‘autonomous autos’ are the future: WIPO

Source: United Nations 4

6 February 2025 Economic Development

Air taxis, “autonomous autos” and reusable rockets are just some of the future transport solutions that inventors all over the world are striving to make a reality, while patents for combustion engines are “flatlining”, the UN intellectual property agency (WIPO) said on Thursday.

Latest information gleaned from patent filings featuring in WIPO’s Technology Trends report on the Future of Transportation, offers a tempting glimpse of a not-so distant and enticing future where there’s less traffic pollution, fewer snarl-ups and air travel to the other side of the world – made possible in just a few hours.

“Analysis of patents shows that inventors are working hard to ensure that how we get around tomorrow is cleaner and better than today,” maintained WIPO, which said that patent filings for future transportation solutions have grown by 700 per cent over the last two decades, from 15,000 inventions in 2003 to 120,000 in 2023.

“Autonomous ships and smart ports are revolutionizing transportation at sea; electric vehicles, high-speed trains and smart traffic management systems are driving change on land,” WIPO insisted.

“Vertical take-off and landing aircraft are offering new ways to travel by air, while reusable rockets and satellite technology are pushing what is possible beyond the earth’s atmosphere.”

Driving this trend is the recognition that transportation accounts for more than one-third of CO2 emissions globally, which has encouraged the development of sustainable technologies that reduce the environmental impact of transportation.

These include the adoption of electrified propulsion, the shift to renewable energy sources and the promotion of public and shared transport options.

Digitalization is also revolutionizing the transportation sector, WIPO insists, pointing to the rise of autonomous driving, “which is projected to generate from $300 billion to $400 billion in revenue by 2035”.

Patently true

According to the Geneva-based UN agency, intellectual property supports this kind of groundbreaking innovation – such as wireless charging for electric vehicles – by encouraging investment in research and development.

Competition is fierce as firms jostle for access to rare earth minerals, while AI is also taking centre stage, WIPO says.

“The report also shows flatlining growth in patenting activity for legacy products like the internal combustion engine and other fossil fuel-based systems” such as catalytic converters, the UN agency noted.

Its data indicated that more than 1.1 million inventions have reshaped transportation since 2000, introducing the prospect of sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based systems such as renewable energy cells, air taxis and self-piloting cargo ships.

In the driver’s seat of this travel transformation are China, Japan, the US, South Korea and Germany, which represent the world’s top inventors. Land transportation patents dominate global filings, at 3.5 times more than for air, sea and space combined. The US, meanwhile, has filed the most international patents.

The largest area of growth in patenting is related to sustainable propulsion – such as batteries for electric vehicles or hydrogen fuel cells – which represent efforts to ensure that people and goods are moved around in a “cleaner, more climate-friendly fashion”.

Experts with an eye on imaginative transport solutions for the future say that AI is also poised to play a key role. They point to the rise of autonomous driving, although infrastructure has not adapted swiftly enough for such vehicles to take over, the WIPO report notes.

Drone dilemma

The scarcity of minerals, meanwhile, will determine whether the world can massively adopt electric cars – vehicles that report co-author Christopher Harrison says may not be miracle solutions for private owners.

“Having these rare and limited raw earth minerals in an electric vehicle for personal use that’s been utilized only a few per cent of the day is not an effective use of those tools,” he told journalists.

In the air sector, drones will continue their sky-high ascension.

“I would not like to look up at a sky full of drones delivering pizzas or a pair of gloves to my house and causing visual and noise pollution,” said Robert Garbett, the founder of Drone Major Group, cited in the WIPO report.

“If a delivery is to a remote location that is really hard to get to, people will be more likely to accept it as a beneficial solution,” he added, citing emergency medicine as an example.

According to WIPO, transport patent growth in China has been strong given its recent dominance of the electric vehicle market. But other countries have also contributed with strong patent filings activity including Sweden, Italy, India and Canada.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Domestic tourist attractions big draw during 8-day break

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

Tourists are seen on the Duanqiao Bridge, or the Broken Bridge in the West Lake scenic area during the Spring Festival holiday in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
China’s domestic tourist attractions recorded more than 500 million visits during the just-concluded Spring Festival holiday, demonstrating the strong consumption power of the Chinese people at home and abroad.
Destinations featuring snowy views or Chinese cultural vibes proved to be especially popular during the holiday period, which was the first Spring Festival celebrated after the event was added to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in December.
Figures released on Wednesday by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism show that during the eight-day break from Jan 28 to Tuesday, trips to domestic tourist attractions increased 5.9 percent year-on-year to around 501 million visits.
Tourism-related expenditures during the holiday reached more than 677 billion yuan ($93.1 billion), up 7 percent year-on-year, according to the ministry’s statistics.
Spring Festival, the first day of the first month of the Chinese calendar, fell on Jan 29 this year and marked the beginning of the Year of the Snake.
The ministry said that destinations highlighting folk performances or nighttime amusement events, including lantern shows in the provinces of Anhui and Sichuan, and fireworks shows in Hunan province, were favored by travelers seeking an immersive Chinese cultural experience and a festive atmosphere. Museums were also popular during the holiday.
Li Jianhua, a 50-year-old resident of Hebei province, spent the holiday in Datong, Shanxi province. The city is known for its historical architecture, well-preserved ancient towns and Buddhist grottoes.
“I went to the city in October for the first time and went again for Spring Festival,” Li said. “I’ve watched many creative or classic lanterns from the well-protected city walls, which were breathtaking. The traditional cultural vibes hit me. I also bought some cultural and creative products as souvenirs.”
According to the ministry, destinations with snow views or winter sports activities in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and in northeastern provinces such as Heilongjiang and Jilin were also top choices for holiday travelers.
Figures from travel agencies showed the popularity of winter tourism during the holiday.
Travel portal Tuniu said domestic winter tourism was at its peak from early January to the Spring Festival holiday, and travelers living in southern or eastern provinces with milder climates such as Guangdong and Fujian have stronger interest in experiencing “freezing trips”.
Tuniu said that destinations in northeastern provinces, including Heilongjiang’s Harbin — recognized as China’s winter fairyland — and Mohe, China’s northernmost city, and Changchun in Jilin were among the top destinations for winter attraction enthusiasts over the holiday.
For overseas traveling, Japan, Thailand, the Maldives and Indonesia remained popular for Chinese people during the long holiday because of their relatively close proximities, friendlier visa policies and lower travel costs, according to Tuniu.
In addition, both the culture and tourism ministry and travel agencies noticed that the traditional celebrations and cultural vibes of Spring Festival have increased China’s attractiveness to international travelers over the holiday who were interested in experiencing intangible cultural events such as temple fairs, lantern shows and operas.
Online travel agency Trip.com Group said that most of the inbound international travelers during Spring Festival were from South Korea, the United States, Malaysia and Singapore. They chose Shenzhen and Guangzhou in Guangdong province, as well as Shanghai and Beijing, to experience the bustling holiday.
It added that ticket bookings for events focusing on intangible cultural programs surged more than sevenfold on the overseas version of its platform during the holiday.

MIL OSI China News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI China: PLA wary of ‘joint patrols’ in South China Sea

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

The People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theater Command conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea on Wednesday, a day after the Philippines and United States militaries conducted a joint exercise in the region.
Tian Junli, spokesperson for the Southern Theater Command, announced the operation on Wednesday evening, accusing the Philippines of colluding with outside countries to organize “so-called joint patrols”, which Tian claimed destabilize the region.
The Philippines’ actions, Tian said, were an attempt to endorse its “illegal claims” in the South China Sea and undermine China’s maritime rights and interests. “The theater command forces remain on high alert, resolutely defending national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. Any military activities that disrupt the South China Sea are fully under control,” the spokesperson said.
On Tuesday, the air forces of the Philippines and the US held “joint patrols” over the South China Sea, according to the Philippines Air Force.
The same day, the PLA’s Southern Theater Command’s Air Force conducted a routine patrol over Huangyan Island in the South China Sea. Li Jianjian, a spokesperson for the theater command’s Air Force, said the Philippines had worked with outside countries to organize “joint patrols”, further undermining peace and stability in the region.
On Monday, Tian addressed the passage of a Chinese naval fleet through the Basilan Strait near the Philippines. Tian said the theater command had organized naval and air forces for far-sea exercises via the Basilan Strait. “The relevant operations were conducted in a safe, standardized and professional manner, fully in accordance with international law and international practice,” Tian said.
Tian criticized the Philippines for “slandering and hyping up” the normal passage of the Chinese naval fleet, adding that such actions violated the normal navigation rights of other countries, including China.

MIL OSI China News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China to further crack down on online gambling, telecom fraud with relevant countries

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

China will beef up law enforcement cooperation with relevant countries to crack down on online gambling and telecom fraud, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday.

On the recent string of cross-border telecom fraud and other vicious cases along the Thailand-Myanmar border, China attaches great importance to it and made persistent effort to ask relevant countries to jointly find solutions through consultation, Lin made the remarks at a regular news briefing in response to a related query.

“China welcomes the robust measures by relevant country. We stand ready to work with Thailand and other countries to beef up law enforcement cooperation, crack down on online gambling and telecom fraud, protect the safety of Chinese citizens overseas and their lawful rights and interests, and keep normal cross-border exchanges between China and relevant countries in order,” said the spokesperson.

MIL OSI China News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s Call With Singapore Minister of Defense Ng Eng Hen

Source: United States Department of Defense

Pentagon Spokesman John Ullyot provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Singapore Minister of Defense Ng Eng Hen held an introductory call today to discuss key initiatives across the extensive bilateral defense partnership.

The leaders exchanged views on the strategic environment in the region and reaffirmed the importance of working together to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The Secretary conveyed his appreciation for Singapore’s support for U.S. presence in the region and reaffirmed U.S. commitment for Singapore’s continued military training in the United States.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s Call With Philippines Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, Jr.

Source: United States Department of Defense

Pentagon Spokesman John Ullyot provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. held an introductory call today to discuss defense cooperation in the U.S.-Philippines Alliance. The leaders discussed the importance of reestablishing deterrence in the South China Sea, including by working with allies and partners. They also discussed enhancing the capability and capacity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Secretary reaffirmed the ironclad U.S. commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and its importance for maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. He pledged to remain in close coordination with Secretary Teodoro.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Markey, Hirono, Duckworth, Rep. Fletcher Reintroduce Right to Contraception Act

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

Bill Text (PDF) | Watch: Senator Markey’s Remarks

Washington (February 5, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pension (HELP) Committee’s Subcommittee on Primary Health & Retirement Security, along with Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), today reintroduced the Right to Contraception Act, legislation that would create a statutory right to obtain and use contraceptives and ensure health care providers have a right to provide contraceptives, contraception, and share information about this essential care. The legislation is led by Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) in the House.

In July 2022, the Right to Contraception Act passed the House (220-195). That same month, Republicans blocked an attempt in the U.S. Senate to pass the bill by unanimous consent. They did the same in June 2023. In June 2024, Republicans blocked Senate Democrats’ attempt to pass the bill on the floor.

“The right to contraception is essential for people’s freedom to make decisions about their lives and their health without politicians getting in the way,” said Senator Markey. “Contraception is essential not only for sexual and reproductive health, but also to treat a wide array of medical conditions and decrease the risk of certain cancers. The Right to Contraception Act will protect the right for people to get contraception and for providers to give it in the face of President Trump and Republicans’ relentless attacks on reproductive justice.”

“I am proud to introduce the Right to Contraception Act in the 119th Congress in response to the real threats to accessing birth control in Texas and across our country,” said Congresswoman Fletcher. “With 200 original co-sponsors in the House, the Right to Contraception Act reflects the position of the vast majority of Americans who rely on contraception of all kinds to plan their families and their lives. Efforts to restrict access to birth control are not about reflecting the will of the people, they are about taking away the freedom, dignity, and autonomy of all Americans. As a representative from a state intent on taking our reproductive rights away, I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress and do everything I can to protect and restore the health, privacy, dignity, and autonomy of women and families across our country. We will not give up.”

“Contraception is essential health care that millions of people across the country rely on,” said Senator Hirono. “The Right to Contraception Act simply protects patients’ right to access contraception, as well as providers’ right to provide it. I’m proud to join Senator Markey and Representative Fletcher in reintroducing this important bill. The right to control your own body, free from government interference, is as fundamental as it gets, and we’ll continue doing everything we can to protect the reproductive rights of all Americans.”

“Ever since the Supreme Court threw out Roe v. Wade, we’ve seen extreme MAGA Republicans across the country work to roll back health care and tear reproductive freedom away from Americans—which has cruelly threatened birth control, plan B, IUDs and other forms of contraception,” said Senator Duckworth. “I refuse to let my daughters grow up in a world with fewer rights than I had. As MAGA Republicans continue their anti-choice, anti-science crusade, it is as important as ever that the Senate acts to codify the right to contraception into law so that every American in every state—regardless of their skin color, zip code or income—has equal access to basic, necessary health care. I’m proud to join Senators Markey and Hirono in reintroducing our Right to Contraception Act to do just that.”

“Nobody wants Donald Trump rifling through their medicine cabinet,” said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05). “Democrats’ Right to Contraception Act is as clear-cut as it gets. This is about the health, freedom, and dignity. Republicans once again have a chance to show us where they stand: on the side of health care bans or on the side of the American people.”

“Affordable, accessible contraception is one of the building blocks for people to be able to make ends meet and get what they want out of life. And now that the Supreme Court has eliminated the constitutional right to abortion, Republicans at every level of government are targeting contraception access – including by threatening to gut Medicaid, the country’s biggest payer of reproductive health care coverage like contraception. We will keep fighting to pass the Right to Contraception Act to keep the government out of our business and out of our exam rooms,” said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51).

“It feels like every day we wake up to someone trying to take away another fundamental right. We have an extremist president, a submissive Republican Congress, and a radical Supreme Court that wants to undo decades of progress. That means it is up to us to protect the rights we once believed were secure—including access to contraception,” said Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05). “I am co-leading the Right to Contraception Act to protect the millions of people who use contraception every day to safeguard their health, the health of others, or manage medical conditions. We must continue to protect the freedom to make personal healthcare decisions.”

“Access to birth control should be a given, but with extreme Republicans chipping away at women’s reproductive rights by the day, we have no choice but to enshrine this protection into law,” said Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02). “I will always stand up for our fundamental rights and freedoms, and that’s why I’m proud to be co-leading the Right to Contraception Act.”

“Everyone, no matter their ZIP code, should be able to get the birth control they need, when they need it. At a time when reproductive freedom is under attack across the country, this bill will help people make their own health care decisions and get birth control without government interference. We’re grateful to Sens. Markey, Hirono, and Duckworth and Reps. Fletcher, Jacobs, Craig, and Williams for reintroducing the Right to Contraception Act and for their continued leadership in the fight to make sexual and reproductive health care more accessible. Now is the time to safeguard birth control for our freedom and well-being,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

“Republicans promised on the campaign trail that they wanted to protect contraception, but there isn’t a single Congressional Republican who has signed on to the Right to Contraception Act. Actions speak louder than words and refusing to back this commonsense bill is a refusal to listen to what voters overwhelmingly support across party lines. No matter what they say, Republicans never had any intention of protecting the fundamental right to contraception. Thank you to Senators Markey, Duckworth, and Hirono and Representatives Fletcher, Craig, Williams, and Jacobs for introducing this essential legislation, and to all of our champions in Congress for reaffirming their commitment to protecting reproductive freedom,” said Mini Timmaraju, President and CEO of Reproductive Freedom for All.

“The Right to Contraception Act is a vital safeguard for the fundamental freedom to make personal health decisions. As a physician, I see daily how contraception empowers patients to protect their health, plan their families, and shape their futures. Rep. Fletcher’s leadership in advancing this legislation is critical to securing this essential right for all Americans,” said Dr. Dara Kass, Emergency Medicine Physician and Board Member for Americans for Contraception.

“As an OB-GYN, I’ve seen firsthand that the right to birth control is essential for the well-being of my patients, their families and their communities. For nearly six decades, birth control has allowed millions of people to manage health conditions, plan if and when to have children and achieve their career and educational aspirations. Not surprisingly, birth control is incredibly popular and those who attack it are spreading misinformation and disinformation in order to justify their attacks. If policymakers truly mean what they say regarding support for contraception, there is no clearer way to meaningfully demonstrate that support than by co-sponsoring and passing the Right to Contraception Act,” said Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, MD, MPH, CEO of Power to Decide.

“Threats to contraceptive access are on the rise—misinformation, distortion of science, funding cuts, restrictions on young peoples’ access, and more. Plus, the network of family planning providers who deliver reproductive health care to thousands is facing unprecedented attacks. Contraception helps people who want to have a baby have well-timed, healthier pregnancies, and more agency in their relationships, education, work life, and finances. That’s why Americans overwhelmingly support contraceptive access. Congress must meet the moment and enshrine the right to contraception into law,” said Clare Coleman, President and CEO of the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association.

“The Right to Contraception Act is needed now more than ever as an essential safeguard to protect birth control rights and access. President Trump and extremist members of Congress, state legislators, and judges have all made it clear — they are intent on going after contraception. In just the last two weeks, President Trump unraveled efforts to expand access to birth control, and critical guidance on prescribing contraception has vanished from federal websites. And we are seeing more targeted efforts against birth control in state legislatures, the courts, and on social media. This legislation is critical to push back against these attacks and ensure everyone maintains the right to access the birth control they need, when they need it,” said Gretchen Borchelt, Vice President for Reproductive Rights and Health at the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC).

The Right to Contraception Act is endorsed by Power to Decide, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, National Women’s Law Center, Guttmacher Institute, Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America), Population Connection Action Fund, Americans for Contraception, Advocates for Youth, National Partnership for Women & Families, American Public Health Association, American Humanist Association, National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health , Center for Biological Diversity, Ibis Reproductive Health, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Upstream USA, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, National Health Law Program, SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, Reproductive Health Access Project, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Upstream USA, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, Center for American Progress, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, All* Above All, and Center for Reproductive Rights.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Wollongong businesses encouraged to pursue growth opportunities in South East Asia

Source: New South Wales Government 2

Headline: Wollongong businesses encouraged to pursue growth opportunities in South East Asia

Published: 6 February 2025

Released by: Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Minister for Industry and Trade

The huge trade potential of Wollongong and the wider Illawarra area will be the focus of the latest NSW Government ASEAN Market Update for NSW Businesses series being held in Wollongong today.

The updates provide local businesses with information about trends and export opportunities across Southeast Asian markets.

The ASEAN bloc is NSW’s second-largest trading partner, with two-way trade in goods growing by more than nine per cent in the past year. Continued rapid growth is expected in sectors where NSW businesses excel, such as food and beverage, health, and the digital economy.

Held in partnership with Asialink Business, today’s session will bring together around 80 participants, including Wollongong businesses, industry groups, and diplomatic representatives from Southeast Asian nations, at iAccelerate within the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus.

Speakers at the forum include NSW exporters who have already utilised Investment NSW’s export support services to build connections and drive export sales across Southeast Asia.

The NSW Government is focussed on promoting ASEAN market opportunities to NSW businesses, with the region expected to become the world’s fourth largest economy by 2040.

The ASEAN Market Updates series, is supported by other initiatives led by Investment NSW to help small and medium businesses pursue international growth objectives in Southeast Asia and other important export markets around the globe.

In 2024/25, these include supporting cleantech companies to export to Malaysia and Singapore, and wine to be exported to Vietnam.

The ASEAN Market Updates series began with a session in Western Sydney last October and will continue in the coming months with events in the Northern Rivers, the Hunter and Wagga Wagga.

For more information on how the NSW Government supports business to export, visit Investment NSW: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/export/

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The ASEAN region is entering a golden age, propelled by a young population, industrialisation and technological advances, which present significant opportunities for NSW exporters.

“ASEAN nations are actively pursuing economic growth, with an increasing focus on sustainable development, food and health resilience, the digital economy and skills.

“My ASEAN Market Updates series is all about unlocking the potential of NSW businesses to export and partner with Southeast Asia, where our two-way trade is worth $33.6 billion and continuing to grow.

“The attendance of so many senior ranking diplomats, including Ambassadors and Consuls General shows the international attractiveness of the NSW economy and is a big vote of confidence in the Illawarra region.”

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“The Illawarra is home to innovative businesses with enormous export potential, and Southeast Asia presents a golden opportunity for growth.

“The NSW Government is here to support Wollongong businesses every step of the way to ensure they can compete and thrive on the global stage.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“I’m more than willing to take any opportunity to help sell Wollongong to the world.

“Wollongong has strong connections with the ASEAN region, but there remains enormous potential to take our trade and investment relationship to the next level.

“The University of Wollongong has opened three campuses across Malaysia and has several research partnerships, which is just one example of how we’re cultivating deeper connections with the ASEAN region.

“Today’s ASEAN Market Updates series is an important opportunity for our local businesses to learn more about this dynamic region and how exporting their products and services could turbocharge their growth.”

MIL OSI News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command and Japan launch First Bilateral Space Effort

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

KAGOSHIMA, Japan –

A U.S. space domain awareness payload hosted on Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite 6 (QZS-6) successfully launched on a Japanese H-3 launch vehicle from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) in Japan on February 2, 2025. This is the first bilateral U.S. Japan cooperative space effort focused on national security, and the first of two launches as part of the JAXA Quasi-Zenith Satellite System Hosted Payload (QZSS-HP) program.

The satellite will be operated by Space Operations Command’s (SpOC) Mission Delta 2 (MD 2), which conducts Space Domain Awareness operations to identify, characterize, and exploit opportunities and mitigate vulnerabilities in the national security space terrain on behalf of the U.S. Space Force (USSF) and U.S. Space Command. The satellite will deliver near real time data to the Space Surveillance Network bolstering the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) understanding of the Geosynchronous Orbit regime above the Indo-Pacific region.

“This launch is a historic milestone for the U.S.-Japan alliance,” said USSF Col. Bryon McClain, program executive officer for Space Systems Command’s (SSC) Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power. “In an increasingly contested space domain, Japan’s contribution to the U.S. DoD’s deterrence strategy has been, and will continue to be, key to INDOPACOM awareness and operations. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Japan on space modernization, data sharing, satellite communications, and more.”

“Congratulations to both nations on this achievement. Mission Delta 2 is honored to operate these payloads as they get on orbit on behalf of the USSF. These sensors will support the fusion of space- and ground-based Space Domain Awareness to further reinforce all-domain collective defense with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific,” explained USSF Col. Raj Agrawal, commander or SpOC’s Mission Delta 2.

“I’m proud of the team for this achievement as the first launch in this first-ever bilateral collaboration,” said CMSgt. Jacqueline Sauve,’ SSC’s senior enlisted leader, who was on-site at TNSC for the launch. “This mission is just the beginning of what we can accomplish together with allies and partners.”

The QZSS-HP program encompasses the integration, launch, and operations of two U.S. payloads hosted on Japanese satellites. In preparation for launch, USSF and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory (MIT/LL) teams have worked side-by-side with the NSPS and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) teams in Japan over the past two years to integrate and test the first hosted payload alongside its Japanese QZS-6 host.

Both U.S. payloads for this mission were designed and built by MIT/LL in Lexington, MA. The Japanese host Quasi-Zenith Satellites were designed and built by MELCO in Kamakura, Japan to augment the U.S. global positioning system (GPS) capabilities in the region. QZSS-HP utilizes the Multi-Mission Space Operations Center/Enterprise Command and Control – Schriever (MMSOC/EC2-S) enclave located in Colorado.

“A key component to ensuring the success of the QZSS-HP mission is the ground infrastructure,” said USSF Col. Joe Roth, director of SSC’s Innovation and Prototyping Acquisition Delta. “Ensuring the ground piece exceeds expectation paves the way for continued successful partnership opportunities with our Asia-Pacific allies.”

The strategic partnership between the USSF and Japan’s National Space Policy Secretariat (NSPS) originated through a December 2020 international agreement to jointly execute the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System-Hosted Payload (QZSS-HP) program. The mission’s second payload aboard QZS-7 is on track for launch in early FY2026.

Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force field command responsible for acquiring, developing, and delivering resilient capabilities to protect our nation’s strategic advantage in, from, and to space. SSC manages a $15.6 billion space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense and works in partnership with joint forces, industry, government agencies, academic and allied organizations to outpace emerging threats. Our actions today are making the world a better space for tomorrow.

Space Operations Command is the service force provider, focused on generating combat-ready Space forces, sourcing and providing forces for service and combatant commands, and advocating for combat-ready space power from future force to fielded force.

Mission Delta 2 is the Space Force’s lead Delta for application of Space Domain Awareness to achieve our Nation’s interests in, from, and to space.

Media representatives can submit questions for response regarding SSC by sending an e-mail to sscpa.media@spaceforce.mil

Media representatives can submit questions for response regarding SpOC and MD 2 by sending an e-mail to spoc.pa.media@spaceforce.mil

MIL Security OSI –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Safe Access for Urban Mobility: Community-Led Approaches

Source: Asia Development Bank

The brief identifies challenges in urban mobility, including universal access, road safety, personal safety, and quality of service. Using community-led approaches, such as journey mapping, establishment of a community council, and dedicated focus groups, it shows that early and effective engagement throughout implementation helps identify potential issues and solutions, minimizing the need for major changes, complaints, or delays.

MIL OSI Economics –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Dynamic Impact of Foreign Exchange Trading Volume on Foreign Exchange Volatility

Source: Asia Development Bank

FX trading volume is a key factor in volatility. Estimation results from econometric models reveal a significant impact of third-party trade volumes on the volatilities of original currency pairs. Though the United States dollar (USD) exerts sizeable effect through third-party channels, currency pairs without USD linkages also have impact, calling renewed attention to using regional cooperation in mitigating volatility as compared with major FX trading partners.

MIL OSI Economics –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese scientist awarded for excellence in clinical stroke

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

Chinese clinical scientist Wang Yongjun has been granted the William M. Feinberg Award for Excellence in Clinical Stroke at the 2025 International Stroke Conference (ISC) held in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
The Feinberg Award, founded by the American Stroke Association, is named after the late William M. Feinberg, a prominent stroke clinician and researcher who contributed to a more comprehensive understanding to the causes of stroke.
Wang, president of the Beijing Tiantan Hospital of the Capital Medical University, and president of the Chinese Stroke Association, is the first Asian scientist to receive this award, in recognition of his significant contributions to the investigation and management of clinical research in stroke.
Addressing the conference, Wang said that over the past 30 years, his team of clinical scientists has produced 12 key pieces of evidence that have changed clinical guidelines and clinical practice. It has brought intravenous thrombolysis into the era of multiple agent options and opportunities of thrombolysis at late time windows.
“It is very fortunate that our team has been a major force in providing evidence of intravenous thrombolytic therapy for ischemic stroke,” he said.
“The story continues and our mission is not fully accomplished. Several clinical trials are still ongoing, including thrombolysis with Tenecteplase for minor ischemic strokes, basilar artery occlusion, and thrombolysis for ischemic stroke at very late time windows. We’re looking forward to the results of TRACE-4, TRACE-5 and TRACE-Beyond,” Wang said.
“Professor Wang has been an inspiration not just to Asia, but to the entire stroke world for the seminal work that he has done both on the prevention side with stroke and with acute stroke. His trials have influenced practice the world over, and have been an inspiration for many of us stroke trialists on how to do large clinical trials,” Bijou Menon, professor of neurology at the University of Calgary, and ISC vice-chair, told Xinhua.
Tudor G. Jovin, professor of neurology and neurological surgery at the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, said that Dr. Wang’s exemplary career has had a profound impact on the field of vascular neurology, highlighted through his groundbreaking research, his accomplishments in organization of stroke care, and his commitment to teaching.
“His highly impactful work has not been confined to only one area of stroke care but spans various domains including acute care, (intravenous and endovascular reperfusion) imaging, stroke prevention and organization of stroke care,” Jovin said.
ISC is the world’s premier conference dedicated to the science of stroke and brain health. Eleven scientists were individually recognized for their exceptional achievements and contributions toward stroke care and research.
The three-day conference, running from Wednesday to Friday, features a wide range of topics that cover the latest advances in stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, offering an opportunity to stay updated on cutting-edge research and advancements in the field of stroke for professionals around the world.
About 4,000 professionals from worldwide participated in the annual conference.

MIL OSI China News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China to further crack down on online gambling, telecom fraud with relevant countries: FM spokesperson

Source: China State Council Information Office

China will beef up law enforcement cooperation with relevant countries to crack down on online gambling and telecom fraud, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday.

On the recent string of cross-border telecom fraud and other vicious cases along the Thailand-Myanmar border, China attaches great importance to it and made persistent effort to ask relevant countries to jointly find solutions through consultation, Lin made the remarks at a regular news briefing in response to a related query.

“China welcomes the robust measures by relevant country. We stand ready to work with Thailand and other countries to beef up law enforcement cooperation, crack down on online gambling and telecom fraud, protect the safety of Chinese citizens overseas and their lawful rights and interests, and keep normal cross-border exchanges between China and relevant countries in order,” said the spokesperson.

MIL OSI China News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China’s top legislator holds talks with ROK official

Source: China State Council Information Office

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, holds talks with Woo Won-shik, National Assembly Speaker of the Republic of Korea (ROK), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

China’s top legislator Zhao Leji held talks with Woo Won-shik, National Assembly Speaker of the Republic of Korea (ROK), in Beijing on Wednesday.

Zhao, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said China and the ROK are close in geography and culture, and enjoy convenient conditions for exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China-ROK relations have developed rapidly and achieved fruitful results, which has brought benefits to both sides and their peoples and also promoted regional stability and development, he said.

China is willing to work with the ROK to strengthen high-level exchanges and strategic communication, make good use of the dialogue and communication mechanisms between government and political parties of the two countries, and enhance mutual understanding and trust, Zhao added.

“Taking the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as an opportunity, the two countries will speed up the second phase of negotiations on the FTA and strive to reach an agreement at an early date,” Zhao said.

Zhao noted that the legislative bodies of China and the ROK have maintained close exchanges and cooperation for a long time, playing an important role in promoting the development of bilateral relations.

He said the NPC of China is willing to work with the ROK National Assembly to uphold the tradition of friendship and make good use of regular exchange mechanisms and other platforms to enhance communication and exchanges between high-level legislative bodies, special committees, friendship groups, NPC deputies and parliamentarians, so as to create a sound policy and legal environment for bilateral cooperation in various fields.

“We will encourage more young people to participate in bilateral exchanges and build strength for China-ROK friendship from generation to generation,” Zhao added.

Woo Won-shik said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have made remarkable cooperative achievements in political, economic, cultural and other fields. The ROK and China will host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting this year and next year respectively. He expressed hope that the two sides will support each other and further deepen bilateral cooperation.

Adhering to the one-China principle, the ROK hopes to expand bilateral cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, enterprise investment, biomedicine and artificial intelligence, maintain the stability of industrial and supply chains, expand cultural exchanges and continuously enhance the friendly feelings between the two peoples, Woo Won-shik added.

MIL OSI China News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Highlights Trump’s Illegal Spending Freeze on Billions via Day One Executive Orders, Putting Economies and Jobs at Risk

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
***VIDEO HERE***
Trump Administration is still blocking hundreds of billions of dollars passed by Congress
ICYMI: Murray Hold Press Call With WA State Orgs About Jobs at Risk Due to Funding Freeze
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, is helping lead Senate Democrats in holding the Senate floor for a full 30 hours ahead of a final confirmation vote on Russell Vought to serve as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Senator Murray delivered an hour-long floor speech and her remarks below touch specifically on how the Trump Administration is still blocking hundreds of billions of dollars of approved funding under Trump’s executive orders, and what sort of pain this illegal funding freeze could mean for Washington state and the country:
On infrastructure:
“All of these projects, and many more have been thrown into complete uncertainty because of President Trump’s Executive Orders. It is just completely unclear when, or if these projects are going to get the funds they are counting on and owed—from the bills Congress passed.
“And that is not just causing chaos, it is not just causing delays, it is causing harm and alarm—because it could mean construction grinds to a halt, and workers lose jobs. It could mean the work will go un-started—or perhaps in some cases—unfinished.
“Plus, it will mean increasing costs for cities, counties, states, and Tribes for those projects that somehow make it through this. And while there are many more infrastructure projects in my state I still haven’t even touched on, not to mention the other projects across the country. There are so many other projects, organizations, and people who are being harmed right now by President Trump’s reckless funding freeze. “
On foreign assistance:
“When people are starving, you cannot just feed them money—you need to have already made the investments to grow food. When democracies are in crisis, you can’t just cut them a check—you need to have helped them build strong institutions. When a deadly disease outbreak strikes—you are going to learn very quickly that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
“Freezing foreign assistance is not putting America first—it is guaranteeing America comes in last. Because every funding gap we leave is an opportunity for our adversaries to step in, fill the gap, and play the hero while casting us as the villain.”
[…]
“And let’s be clear—it is not just U.S. leadership on the line here. There are U.S. jobs at stake here. That reality is hitting home hard this week. Back in Washington state, there are some world class organizations that I know may have to lay people off this week—hundreds of people—all because of President Trump’s funding freeze.
“International aid organizations may make a difference around the world—but they support American jobs too. People who have a paycheck and family. People who work incredibly hard—and who are incredibly proud of the work they do to make the world a better place and reaffirm U.S. global leadership…
“But they are being sent packing—not because they’ve done anything wrong, not because this work isn’t important. But because President Trump and Elon Musk are listening to whacko conspiracists and ultra-isolationists—while ignoring the experts, ignoring the obvious realities, and again ignoring the law. We should all stand against this”
The full text of Senator Murray’s remarks on the funding still being frozen by President Trump can be found below, and video can be found HERE.
“And let me make one thing perfectly clear—even before this latest whirl of chaos, President Trump was already illegally blocking billions of dollars. And even after the OMB guidance was reversed, he is still holding back all of those funds through his illegal executive orders.
“You don’t have to take it from me. You can take it directly from the White House Press Secretary, quote: ‘This is not a rescission of the federal funding freeze… The President’s [Executive Orders] on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented’
“So, now that was the chaos of last week, I want to talk about the chaos that remains—what we are still seeing this week, and what it means for folks back home, and across the country. Because there is still significant confusion, and the remaining freezes are still causing significant pain.
“For example, I’ve heard from cities in my state, and from the Washington State Department of Transportation. Now, it is still hard to get a clear picture, given the chaotic roll out, roll back, and more. But they are telling me they are concerned about infrastructure projects all over my state that are already getting delayed now—and could get derailed entirely because President Trump is still illegally blocking funding we passed with his executive orders.
“If this illegal freeze continues, people will lose jobs and communities will lose out on projects that have been in the works for years.
“Trump is blocking money to repair electric chargers, to install heavy duty chargers for trucks, to make critical repairs to bridges in order to protect the safety of millions of drivers, and to install new chargers along major roads in my state like I-90, US-97, US-2, US-195, and US-395. Stopping these projects is just pointlessly hurting commuters and businesses, it is costing construction workers, it is killing jobs.
“Trump is holding up road projects that make streets safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers, like a safer streets project in Richland, Washington, and critical safety barriers in Spokane—not to mention the Liberty Park Land Bridge in Spokane, which would reconnect communities, and provide more green space for families to enjoy.
“Or funds for the city of Lakewood’s plans to revitalize its downtown and bring in more retail space, and restaurants, and health care services, and financial services, make upgrades to roads, and provide a new festival area, park areas, and more.
“Trump’s freeze is also a concern for the Samish Indian Nation as it works to improve safety and access to their land at the Campbell Lake Road intersection—which has seen growing traffic in recent years—and for a project led by the Tulalip Tribe to improve the interchanges along I-5 exits. The congestion on these ramps can get so bad it backs up to the main highway!
“We want to get these projects done, we want to get them done—and the last thing we need is uncertainty about these stalled funds.
“There’s also a project underway to upgrade the technology at our border with Canada—replacing and improving the outdated wait time system to improve accuracy and help our inspection and transportation agencies. This will help travelers headed to Canada avoid long wait times at the border and help fans from around the world, by the way, who are travelling between Seattle and Vancouver for next year’s World Cup move quickly—but not if Trump’s executive orders stop all of this funding!
“Same for the efforts to update our state-wide planning with a new electronic system that would make the process for planning, and specifications, and estimates more efficient.
“And, of course, in Washington state—we can never forget about fish, which are crucial to our culture, and our economy, in many ways. Trump’s ongoing funding freeze is putting projects to improve fish habitats on ice—replacing the culvert at Thornton Creek, replacing the failing culvert at Wapato Creek, which is right underneath the Pierce County Terminal at the Port of Tacoma, or removing the fish barrier culverts at Johnson Creek which will open up nearly 3,000 meters of upstream habitat.
“Not to mention other wildlife preservation work, like an undercrossing structure and wildlife barriers east of Winthrop. And work on our waterways. Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is still not restored today for some projects on the Lower Columbia River, projects like stormwater infrastructure that will help keep toxins out of water and restore wetlands and protect the ecosystems.
“Our ports, our ports—so critical for not only Washington state’s economy, but for the whole country—are caught up in this too. There are port projects now on hold across my state, including for electrical infrastructure and shore power for vessels. These impacts are being felt from Anacortes to Port Angeles to Vancouver. Frozen funding is hurting working families in Washington and across the country, and it is making our economy less competitive.
“And, we cannot forget our ferries—which are so crucial to many commuters in my state. Washington state ferries are looking to improve their data with a better system for collecting, analyzing, and reporting wait times at all of our terminals. This would give them useful information to improve efficiency and make life better for the people they serve. Losing that funding means more people will miss ferries and long waits in line for Washington state commuters crossing the water to work, to school, to medical appointments.
“We also have absolutely essential electric transmission and distribution projects that are on hold now and in jeopardy. These are projects that are necessary, helping reduce our wildfire risks, ensure grid reliability, improve resilience to natural disasters, and lower costs for ratepayers across my state of Washington.
“And these are funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—that is a law that Republicans and Democrats worked together to pass–it’s a program that Republicans thought was important enough to provide $10.5 billion. After what we have seen in recent months and years, I don’t know how you can say with a straight face that modernizing our grid isn’t absolutely vital to the future of our country. You don’t have to listen to me—Secretary Burgum and Secretary Wright said as much in their confirmation hearings.
“But this project—all of these projects, and many more have been thrown into complete uncertainty because of President Trump’s Executive Orders. It is completely unclear when, or if these projects are going to get the funds they were counting on and they were owed—from bills Congress passed and were signed into law.
“And that is not just causing chaos, it is not just causing delays, it is causing harm and alarm—because it could mean construction grinds to a halt, and workers lose jobs. It means the work will go un-started—or perhaps in some cases—unfinished.
“Plus, it will mean increasing costs for cities, counties, states, and Tribes for those projects that somehow make it through all of this. And while there are many more infrastructure projects in my state I still haven’t even touched on, not to mention the other projects across the country. There are so many other projects, and organizations, and people who are being harmed right now by President Trump’s reckless funding freeze.
“I know there are medical researchers, still worried their work will be considered ‘woke’ when in reality, it is actually pretty darn important we understand the roots of health disparities—things like why the maternal death rate is so much higher for Black or Native American women.
“Yet, researchers are being told that their research is at risk of being defunded if they are examining issues of ‘equity,’ or ‘barriers to care,’ or even if they are specifically studying ‘females.’
“And, there are hospitals in my state, and across the country, worried that some of these programs—which are appropriately focused on someone’s gender or race—are in jeopardy.
“For example, we know pulse oximeters are less accurate for people with darker skin tones—making sure these clinical measurements are accurate will save lives, and can have life and death consequences for patients. And we know women have much higher rates of autoimmune disorders than men—we need to take a look at why that is.
“We also need to invest in training the next generation of scientists, including from diverse backgrounds. Studies show that diversity in the scientific workforce leads to greater innovation and productivity. But there is a serious concern that lifesaving work is going to get caught up in President Trump’s sweeping illegal executive orders.
“Another impact of Trump’s actions? The National Park Service has rescinded all of its employment offers for summer seasonal staff. Now that doesn’t just mean people will be facing longer wait lines and dirtier bathrooms—though they will. It could mean park closures throughout this entire summer, and it will mean delayed responses to emergencies—making people less safe.
“And outside our national parks, Trump is also freezing regional clean up efforts. Things like stopping illegal dumping and improving air quality in our communities.
“And M. President, let’s talk about foreign assistance, because, for decades now—there has been widespread, bipartisan understanding that promoting stability abroad, promoting democracy, improving health, strengthening trade, and building partnerships is crucial to US leadership.
“But Trump’s executive orders put all of that at risk by illegally freezing funds. I have heard from organizations that operate all over the world about how they were unable to deliver the life-saving aid that millions of people rely on due to these stop-work orders. That meant millions of doses of lifesaving drugs sat un-used on shelves. Time-sensitive prevention methods against diseases like malaria were not carried out, putting millions at risk. Training for more than 64,000 health care workers were put on hold. Hundreds of millions of metric tons of U.S.-grown commodities sitting—and at the risk of spoiling—in transport, instead of reaching their final destinations across the world to feed people in need.
“And despite a so-called ‘waiver’ from the U.S. State Department to resume work, much of this life-saving aid is still today on hold. Without a start-work order, those organizations fear they are taking on significant risk in continuing operations. Put simply: this was already unacceptable.
“And now, over the weekend—President Trump and Elon Musk have decided against all reason, against all evidence, and against the law, mind you, to completely dismantle USAID. And that is on top of the illegal funding freeze that has already been pushing U.S. businesses, nonprofits, and international aid groups to make tough choices, for truly pointless reasons.
“It should be obvious that these cuts will hurt people across the world. These cuts will mean people starve. These cuts will mean people don’t get clean water. These cuts will mean more disease outbreaks with higher death counts. These cuts will mean less help for victims of violence, and higher death rates for pregnant women.
“And anyone with an ounce of humanity can see this freeze will get devastating, fast. And—it is important to note—it will get devastating in ways you cannot just make up for with more money later once the damage is done. That is just not how it works.
“When people are starving, you cannot just feed them money—you need to have already made the investments to grow food.
“When democracies are in crisis, you can’t just cut them a check—you need to have helped them build strong institutions.
“When a deadly disease outbreak strikes—you are going to learn very quickly that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
“These are not lessons we need to learn the hard way—by letting people die. We know it all, painfully well, right now. And so, to freeze this funding, is asking for disaster—and not just for other countries across the world, but for us, for the U.S. and for our families here at home.
“Freezing foreign assistance is not putting America first—it is guaranteeing America comes in last.
“Because every funding gap we leave is an opportunity for our adversaries to step in, fill that gap, and play the hero while casting us as the villain. How are we supposed to lead the world if we are unwilling to invest in it?
“I will tell you right now—China is not holding back. They are investing constantly—because they know they aren’t just building infrastructure across the world, they are building stronger partnerships. And we just counted ourselves out of that competition.
“You want to end U.S. global dominance? You want to tell the world the U.S. is done being a leader? You want to tell other countries—we cannot be trusted to keep our word?
“Because that is exactly what we are doing if we let Trump get away with illegally cutting off global aid—with the stroke of a pen—and letting the richest man in the world cut off help for some of the poorest people in the world.
“And let’s be clear—it is not just U.S. leadership on the line here. There are U.S. jobs at stake here. That reality is hitting home hard this week. Back in Washington state, there are some world class organizations that I know may have to lay people off this week—hundreds of people—all because of President Trump’s funding freeze.
“It is a scene that is not isolated to Washington state—I know it is playing out across the country as well, with thousands of layoffs across 38 states and counting. And I know, so long as President Trump’s lawless war on foreign aid continues—so will these layoffs. We will see hundreds, if not thousands more every week.
“International aid organizations may make a difference around the world—but they support American jobs, too. People who have a paycheck and family. People who work incredibly hard—and who are incredibly proud of the work they do to make the world a better place and reaffirm U.S. global leadership.
“But they are being sent packing—not because they have done anything wrong, not because this work is not important. But because President Trump and Elon Musk are listening to whacko conspiracists and ultra isolationists—while ignoring the experts, ignoring the obvious realities, and again ignoring the law. We should all stand against this.”

MIL OSI USA News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand, Schumer, Tenney Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill To Establish The Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

During WWII, Fort Ontario Was The Only Shelter In The United States for Jewish Refugees Fleeing The Holocaust;

Legislation Would Keep Their Stories Alive For Generations To Come

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand are reintroducing the bipartisan Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park Establishment Act. The Fort Ontario military complex dates back to the early 1840s, and during World War II, it was the only emergency refugee camp in the country for those fleeing the Holocaust. From August 1944 until February 1946, Fort Ontario housed 982 mostly Jewish refugees from Europe, most of whom went on to become American citizens. Designating the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter as a National Historic Park would give this important historical site permanent protection and help ensure that it is preserved for generations to come. Representative Claudia Tenney (R-NY) leads companion legislation in the House.

“The Holocaust Refugee Shelter at Fort Ontario was a place of safety and hope during a dark moment in history, and it deserves recognition in the National Park System,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am proud to once again be introducing this legislation to achieve this goal and am determined to work across the aisle to get it done.”

“It’s only fitting to preserve the rich history of the Safe Haven Holocaust Refuge Shelter Museum and Fort Ontario by officially designating Safe Haven as a National Historical Park. Together, Safe Haven and Fort Ontario tell the powerful history of Central New York and Oswego County dating back to the earliest days of our nation, standing proudly as a beacon of hope for hundreds of Jewish and European refugees forced to flee their homes to escape the horrors of the Holocaust and World War II,” said Senator Schumer. “I’ve been advocating for this designation in Congress for years and was proud to lead this legislation to passage in the Senate last year. Today, we’re taking a step closer to giving Americans from across the country the opportunity to learn about Safe Haven and the role it played in shaping Central New York. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to once again support this bill, and implore the House of Representatives to join us, so we can preserve the rich history of the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum, Fort Ontario and Oswego County for years to come.”

“We must ensure that the historic importance of Fort Ontario is properly honored and preserved for future generations. Once an important site in the battles of the French and Indian War and the War of 1812, as well as a refugee camp for Holocaust survivors, it is crucial that we secure the recognition this significant historic site truly deserves. The Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park Establishment Act aims to safeguard this monument’s profound legacy for years to come and solidify its status as a National Monument,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

Senator Gillibrand has been advocating for Fort Ontario for many years. In 2018, she passed a bill to require the National Park Service to conduct a special resource study (SRS) – the first step in the process to designate a site as a unit of the National Park System – of the Fort Ontario site. In 2024, the SRS was finalized and concluded that the two-acre portion of Fort Ontario representing the fort’s use as a World-War II European refugee shelter meets all necessary criteria. Last year, the bill passed the Senate but failed to become law.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

“We are honored to have the federal government recognize this important chapter, not only of our heritage, but in the pages of American history,” said Oswego County Legislature Chairman James Weatherup, District 9. “This shelter was the only one of its kind in the U.S. The nearly 1,000 refugees who came to Oswego became part of the fabric of our community, and we are privileged to help share their stories.”

“I want to thank Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and Representative Tenney for their unwavering efforts to reintroduce the “Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park Establishment Act”. I strongly believe that the prominence and history that our fort holds are remarkably significant to the story of our country and deserves a national designation. Fort Ontario took in 982 refugees; men, women, and children, who were allowed into the United States during the Holocaust. These refugees were housed in Oswego, NY from August of 1944 until February of 1946. With Fort Ontario being the only refugee shelter for Holocaust victims in all of the United States during World War II, I think that speaks to the gravity and deservedness of this designation,” said Mayor Robert Corradino, City of Oswego. “Thank you again to our representatives working to achieve this legislation. I have great hope to see it be awarded and keep the story of these men, women, and children alive for years to come, with a reach far greater than the Oswego community.”

“The NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and Fort Ontario State Historic Site look forward to this potential partnership. The story of the 982 refugees who called Fort Ontario home from 1944-46 is indeed a national story and one we would be happy to assist the NPS, Safe Haven Museum and the City of Oswego to bring to greater national attention.” said Matthew Macvittie, Historic Site Manager Fort Ontario NYS Historic Site.

“I am thrilled that this long, bi-partisan effort to bring proper recognition to the truly unique and historically significant Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter is coming to fruition. I want to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and Congresswoman Tenney for sponsoring this truly worthwhile bill and for working with me throughout the years to make this happen,” said Former Congressman John Katko.

“The Jewish Federation of Central New York, strongly urges that Fort Ontario be established as a unit of the National Park System. As the only refugee camp in the United States during the Holocaust, the Fort represents a moment of national commitment to justice and freedom. It would be a worthy addition to the United States’ National Park System. Thank you, Senator Gillibrand, for continuing to push this legislation forward,” said Barbara Davis, Interim President/CEO, Jewish Federation of CNY

“We are all excited about the re-introduction of the bill to honor the memory of the 982 refugees from the Holocaust who were housed at Fort Ontario during WWII. I want to thank former Congressman John Katko, Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney for their dedication to preserve this unique period in American history,” said Judy Coe Rapaport, Acting President, Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum.

“We are very excited to hear the news that Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and Congresswoman Tenney will be reintroducing to Congress the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park Establishment Act,” said Daniel Laird, President of Friends of Fort Ontario. “Fort Ontario is singularly unique in that it served as the only refugee camp or shelter for mostly Jewish Holocaust refugees in the United States during WWII. It is where the Holocaust came to America; where every day Americans first met the victims of Nazi persecution and heard their personal stories of survival first-hand. It is where the press finally found a Holocaust story they deemed worthy of feature coverage, and it resulted in the Holocaust moving from the back to the front pages of American newspapers after over eleven years of Hitler’s reign of terror. Furthermore, Fort Ontario is where the first group of refugees entered the United States outside the immigration quota system and were granted asylum. It is, therefore, the birthplace of American Refugee Policy. For these reasons and a list of many more too long to go into, Fort Ontario is well worthy of becoming a National Historical Park.”

“After touring Ohrdurf Concentration Camp in Germany, Lt. General Dwight D. Eisenhower warned that someday some may deny that the Holocaust ever happened. In order for them to bear witness to Nazi atrocities, Eisenhower ordered troops in theatre including my father to tour Nazi concentration camps. With the last of the greatest generation and Holocaust survivors and Shelter Refugees passing on, and with Anti-Semitism and Holocaust denials on the rise, Eisenhower’s dire prediction has come true. As a National Historical Park, dedicated to interpreting the unique history and significance of the WWII Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter, Fort Ontario will forever prove to Americans and others that the Holocaust actually happened. I am deeply grateful to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and Congresswoman Tenney for making this great effort to establish the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park,” said Paul Lear, Historian, Member of the Board of the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum.

“I am deeply grateful to the Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer and Representative Tenny for their unwavering advocacy in ensuring that the stories of refugees are never forgotten. These stories serve as a powerful reminder of how a single, symbolic gesture by the United States not only saved countless lives but also demonstrated the resilience and strength of the human spirit, inspiring us all to work towards a better, more compassionate world,” said Treasurer- Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum and Friends of Fort Ontario.

“One of my proudest accomplishments during my tenure as President of the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum, was developing a 2022 Grand Reopening that introduced the public to our 32 new exhibits! Each exhibit celebrates the 987 survivors who were able to flee from the genocide and inhumane madness that was the Holocaust and be sheltered by the United States at Fort Ontario from 1944-1946. This small group of Holocaust survivors’ harrowing stories of suffering, loss and resilience are the narratives of the Museum’s exhibits. And with the support of the bipartisan Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park Establishment Act, we will be able to ensure our beloved refugees and their descendants that the Museum’s precious historical artifacts and narratives will be nationally preserved, protected and administered on the same grounds where the echoes of hope and healing can still be heard!” said Audrey S. Hurley, Emeriti President, Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum.

“The Fort Ontario Refugee Shelter holds an indelible place in our nation’s history and is part of the fabric of this region. I appreciate the work of our federal representatives to help ensure this sacred place earns its rightful designation as a National Historic Park,” said Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Allens’ trusted expertise recognised in 2024 banking and finance rankings
Source: Allens Insights
Allens secured top rankings in the 2024 syndicated loans and project finance league tables, reflecting a strong year of activity driven by complex cross-border financings, infrastructure investment, and evolving lender dynamics.

The firm maintained its market-leading position in syndicated loans, with standout rankings across multiple league tables:

Bloomberg
- First in APAC (ex Japan) – borrower lead counsel by deal count
- First in APAC (ex Japan) – lender lead legal adviser by value
- Second in APAC (ex Japan) – borrower legal adviser by value
Debtwire
- First in APAC (ex Japan) – lead bank legal counsel
- First in Australia – lead bank legal counsel
- Second in APAC (ex Japan) – borrower legal counsel
- Second in Australia – borrower legal counsel
Infralogic
- First in APAC – project finance legal adviser by value and deal count
- First in Australia and New Zealand – project finance legal adviser by value and deal count
LSEG (formally Refinitiv)
- Second in APAC (inc Japan) – borrower legal adviser by value and deal count
- Second in Australia – borrower legal adviser by value and deal count
‘These results reflect the trust our clients place in us to advise on their most strategic and high-value financings. We are fortunate to work with market-leading lenders, sponsors, and borrowers across the region, supporting them on complex transactions that drive investment and growth,’ said Partner and Head of Banking & Finance Tim Stewart.

‘The market remains highly active, particularly in project finance and structured lending, and we expect this momentum to continue into 2025 as borrowers and lenders adapt to evolving regulatory and economic conditions.’

Highlights in 2024 included advising:

Contact for further information

Senior Communications & Corporate Affairs Manager

MIL OSI News –
February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts, Foreign Relations Committee Republicans Call for Sanctions on Communist China for Transferring Missile Propellants to Iran

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

February 5, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, and six other Senators sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio encouraging the sanctioning of Chinese entities involved in transferring missile propellant ingredients to Iran. The letter comes in response to multiple reports that two Iranian cargo ships are set to deliver 1,000 tons of missile propellant ingredients from Communist China to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The critical ingredients would enable the IRGC to produce hundreds of midrange missiles.

“Reimposing maximum pressure on the Iranian regime requires imposing costs on Communist China,” the senators wrote. “We encourage the administration to identify and sanction any entities involved in transferring missile propellants to Iran, including any Chinese companies sourcing the propellants and any Chinese ports that allow sanctioned Iranian ships to dock. Additionally, if the press reports referenced above are accurate, we urge you to work with our global partners to intercept and stop the shipments currently underway. Finally, the administration should pressure Beijing to reverse its decision to green light Iran’s drawdown of stored oil or face severe consequences.”

In addition to Ricketts and Risch, other signatories include Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Curtis (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and Rick Scott (R-FL). All are members of the Foreign Relations Committee.

Read the full letter here or below:

Dear Secretary Rubio,

We write to express our growing concern over recent reports that two Iranian cargo ships are set to deliver 1,000 tons of a critical ingredient for missile propellant – sodium perchlorate – from Communist China to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This amount of sodium perchlorate would enable the IRGC to produce hundreds of midrange missiles and bolster its efforts to sow discord, promote terrorism, and even directly attack our ally, Israel, once again.

According to the Financial Times, the first Iranian vessel, the Golbon, departed from Communist China on January 21 and the second, the Jairan, is expected to leave in early February.^[1] Both of these vessels are linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line (IRISL), which is sanctioned by the U.S.

The last 15 months have clearly shown that Tehran’s missile program poses a direct threat to the United States, Israel and other allies and partners in the Middle East and Europe. Since October 7, 2023, the Houthis in Yemen have launched hundreds of missiles at Israel and at commercial cargo vessels and U.S. Navy warships in and around the Red Sea.^[2] Hezbollah has fired over 8,000 missiles at Israel.^[3] Most concerning, on April 13, Iran directly attacked Israel for the very first time firing over 120 ballistic missiles.^[4] On October 1, Iran was even more belligerent, firing 180 ballistic missiles at Israel in the largest ballistic missile attack in history.^[5]

Today, however, Iran is weakened and vulnerable. Its missile inventories are depleted from its aforementioned attacks against Israel, its shipment of ballistic missiles to Russia, and Israeli Defense Force airstrikes that have degraded its missile production facilities. As a result, Tehran has turned to the partner that it has relied on for supplying solid-propellant for its missiles for decades—Communist China.^[6]

Communist China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea continue to increase their coordination as part of a growing axis of authoritarians. Not only is Communist China propping up Iran’s missile program, it also recently gave Tehran the go-ahead to begin drawing down and selling millions of barrels of Iranian oil that have been stored in onshore facilities in Chinese ports for years. Alarmingly, the revenue from these oil sales has already been earmarked for the IRGC.^[7]

Reimposing maximum pressure on the Iranian regime requires imposing costs on Communist China. We encourage the administration to identify and sanction any entities involved in transferring missile propellants to Iran, including any Chinese companies sourcing the propellants and any Chinese ports that allow sanctioned Iranian ships to dock. Additionally, if the press reports referenced above are accurate, we urge you to work with our global partners to intercept and stop the shipments currently underway. Finally, the administration should pressure Beijing to reverse its decision to green light Iran’s drawdown of stored oil or face severe consequences.

We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. We stand ready to work with the administration to thwart Iran’s missile program and protect our allies.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Interest rate cuts, lower inflation, trade shifts – will Australia’s economy find its stride in 2025?

Source: University of South Australia

06 February 2025

UniSA’s Credit Union SA Chair of Economics Dr Susan Stone.

Australian households and businesses should benefit from lower interest rates and improved market conditions, in what a University of South Australia economist predicts will be a year of recovery for the country.

UniSA’s Credit Union SA Chair of Economics Dr Susan Stone says global economic growth is expected to improve in 2025, with G20 economies averaging growth rates of 3.35%. India and Indonesia are stand out markets and will benefit Australia as they are both major export markets.

Dr Stone says inflation is also expected to further recede, with central banks having reached their monetary policy targets in nearly half of the world’s advanced economies (US, UK, Canada, Japan etc) and close to 60% for emerging market economies (India, Brazil, South Africa etc).

“Inflation is coming down in Australia and rate cuts are expected in the first half of the year, with many economists predicting one at the February meeting. However, there are still lingering concerns about Commonwealth payments affecting the CPI (consumer price index) numbers, with rents still growing strongly, services inflation running over 4%, a continued tight housing market and low unemployment,” she says,

“All of this implies that spare capacity is limited in the economy and that any increase in demand accompanied by lowering interest rates could rekindle inflation.”

Dr Stone, a former OECD and United Nations economist, says the labour market picture is more nuanced, with growth in full-time employment post-COVID-19 slightly ahead of part-time work, but this varies significantly by sector. The strongest employment increases have been in electricity, gas and water (EGW) and construction nationally.

“EGW has more than doubled its employment growth since COVID (compared to the 10-year average) but it has come mainly through part-time work – 11% growth versus 3% growth in full-time jobs,” Dr Stone says. “The construction and health sectors were the next highest at 1.6% and 1.5% growth respectively. Both experienced stronger growth in full time workers than part-time.

“Professional, scientific and technical services employment has actually grown at a slower rate in Australia since COVID with the average annual rate of 0.8% versus the average rate of 0.9% since 2014. However, manufacturing, while small, shows much stronger employment gains since COVID then in the 10-year period overall. In this sector, part-time employment has actually fallen while full-time has increased.

“We see the construction sector really bouncing back from pre-COVID averages, with full-time job growth (at 1.7%) more than twice the rate as prior to COVID (0.7%) while part-time job growth remained the same (1%). Thus, tight conditions in the construction industry job market are likely to continue into 2025.”

As inflation comes down and real wages rise, some recovery in household finances can be expected which should increase household spending. A key to growth in Australia’s economy for 2025 and beyond is business investment, Dr Stone says.

“We saw volume measures of retail spending finish the year up, especially for household goods, which means people aren’t just spending more because of price increases. As the price index (CPI) continues to fall faster than the wage index (WPI), along with the expected cut in interest rates, household budgets should recover in 2025,” she says.

Following Donald Trump’s official inauguration as the United States’ 47th president, like many countries, Australia is adapting to his return and promise of new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China.

Dr Stone says Australians may be affected by the additional trade barriers as even though the US accounts for only 5% of Australian exports, it still ranks as Australia’s fifth-largest export market.

“We export a relatively small number of commodities to the US but it’s still an important customer for our advanced manufacturing sector. The US imports many of our high technology products such as hi-tech engines, aircraft and space parts and machine tools,” she says.

“The US is also our second largest services export market, making up more than 10% of our total services trade. Service inputs are things like software, engineering or transport services that help produce international goods such as toys, laptops and refrigerators.”

Dr Stone says overall, 2025 should be a year of recovery with Australian households and business benefitting from lower interest rates and improved market conditions.

“Overseas markets are likely to remain rocky, but a weak dollar will help exports. Structural challenges in the housing market, innovation and business investment will need to be addressed to ensure sustained growth,” she adds.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Contact for interview: Dr Susan Stone, University of South Australia Credit Union SA Chair of Economics E: Susan.Stone@unisa.edu.au

Media contact: Melissa Keogh, Communications Officer, UniSA M: +61 403 659 154 E: Melissa.Keogh@unisa.edu.au

MIL OSI News –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Steele County Man Sentenced to Over 17 Years for International Sexual Exploitation of Children

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Blooming Prairie man has been sentenced to 210 months in prison followed by ten years of supervised release, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

According to court documents, beginning in April 2022, Steven John Sokel, 61, began communicating over the internet with the mother of a pre-pubescent minor victim in Thailand. On September 1, 2022, Sokel traveled to Thailand and stayed with the victim and the mother for almost a full month. During his time abroad, Sokel produced images of the minor victim engaging in sexually explicit activity.

According to court documents, on September 29, 2022, Sokel left Thailand and had a layover in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Abu Dhabi airport has a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance facility for passengers flying to the United States. After finding items like sexual pleasure devices, handcuffs, and condoms in Sokel’s luggage, CBP officers conducted a search and found the child sexual abuse material on Sokel’s password-protected laptop.

Sokel was sentenced in U.S. District Court by Judge Eric T. Tostrud on one count of sexual exploitation of children.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Campbell Warner prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Protects Safety, Fairness, and Dignity in Women’s Sports
Source: The White House
ENDING U.S. SUPPORT FOR RADICAL ANTI-AMERICAN UN ORGANIZATIONS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order withdrawing the United States from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and prohibiting any future funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for the Near East (UNRWA).
- The Executive Order also requires the Secretary of State to review and report to the President on which international organizations, conventions, or treaties promote radical or anti-American sentiment.
  
  The UN Educational, Science, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in particular, will undergo a review under an expedited timeline due to its history of anti-Israel bias.
- The Executive Order will prohibit the United States from providing any additional funding to UNRWA, which has consistently shown itself to be anti-Semitic and anti-Israel, as evidenced by the number of its staff members who took part in the horrific October 7^th terrorist attacks against Israel.
  
  UNRWA facilities have repeatedly been used by Hamas and other terrorist groups to store weapons and build tunnels.
STANDING UP FOR HUMAN RIGHTS: The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has not fulfilled its purpose and continues to be used as a protective body for countries committing horrific human rights violations.
- The UNHRC has demonstrated consistent bias against Israel, focusing on it unfairly and disproportionately in council proceedings.
- In 2018, the year President Trump withdrew from the UNHRC in his first administration, the organization passed more resolutions condemning Israel than Syria, Iran, and North Korea combined.
BUILDING ON PAST SUCCESS: During his first administration, President Trump stopped funding the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and withdrew the United States from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the UN Educational, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
- President Trump in 2017: “The United Nations must reform if it is to be an effective partner in confronting threats to sovereignty, security, and prosperity.”
- After the U.S. withdrew from UNESCO, the organization took steps to improve its relationship with Israel.
- President Trump successfully stopped U.S. funding to UNRWA during his first administration. The Biden Administration initially resumed funding until being forced to confront UNRWA’s corruption after the October 7^th attacks, and President Trump is once again taking action to stand up for human rights by withdrawing the United States from this corrupt organization for good.
MIL OSI USA News –
February 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Chief of Naval Operations Hosts Thailand’s Head of Navy for Counterpart Visit

Source: United States Navy

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti hosted Adm. Jirapol Wongwit, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) for an official counterpart visit, Feb. 3-5.

Jirapol’s trip to Washington D.C. was part of a five-day trip to the United States, that also included stops in Annapolis, Md., and Norfolk, Va., where the delegation visited Navy commands and spoke with Navy leaders and Sailors.

“The U.S. and Thailand have enjoyed 191 years of friendly and diplomatic relations,” said Franchetti. “Thailand’s support to our Navy-Marine Corps team builds our interoperability and strengthens peace and security throughout the Indo-Pacific.”

Jirapol began his trip visiting the U.S. Naval Academy, where he met with Superintendent Vice Adm. Yvette Davids and participated in a wreath laying ceremony.

Franchetti hosted Jirapol for a full-honors welcoming ceremony and an office call, where she discussed the Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy, highlighting the value of strong cooperation with Allies and partners.

During their office call, Franchetti and Jirapol discussed the importance of strengthening the RTN, building interoperability and combined participation in exercises such as Cobra Gold and CARAT Thailand (Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training).

While in Washington D.C., Jirapol also conducted an office call with the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith, and Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. 10th Fleet, Vice Adm. Craig Clapperton.

“I greatly thank Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Gen. Eric Smith, and all the senior U.S. Navy officials for their honorable welcome with exceptional hospitality,” said Jirapol. “This is the first time in 13 years since RTN leadership has had an office call with the Chief of Naval Operations. During the visiting, we had in-depth exchange of view to understand each other’s strategic standpoint and to enhance common view on maritime domain awareness for future cooperation, as well as to validate our shared interests and challenges in order to narrow the gap between Bangkok and Washington D.C..”

He added, “Our invaluable relationship has been mindfully preserved to reach 191 years. Our engagement transmits common intent to prolong and strengthen lasting friendship.”

Jirapol and the RTN representatives traveled to Norfolk to visit with leadership from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, tour USS New Mexico (SSN 779) and Norfolk’s Submarine Learning Facility.

Thailand is a major non-NATO ally, one of five U.S. treaty allies in the Indo-Pacific, and a leader within the Association of Southern Asian Nations (ASEAN).

MIL Security OSI –

February 6, 2025

MIL-OSI: Weatherford Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Fourth quarter revenue of $1,341 million decreased 5% sequentially and 2% year-over-year; full year revenue of $5,513 million increased 7% from prior year, driven by international revenue growth of 10%
Fourth quarter operating income of $198 million decreased 19% sequentially and 8% year-over-year; full year operating income of $938 million increased 14% from prior year
Fourth quarter net income of $112 million, an 8.4% margin, decreased 29% sequentially and 20% year-over-year; full year net income of $506 million, a 9.2% margin, increased by 21% from prior year
Fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA* of $326 million, a 24.3% margin, decreased 8%, or 88 basis points, sequentially and increased 2%, or 74 basis points, year-over-year; full year adjusted EBITDA* of $1,382 million, a 25.1% margin, increased 17%, or 197 basis points, from prior year
Fourth quarter cash provided by operating activities of $249 million and adjusted free cash flow* of $162 million; full year cash provided by operating activities of $792 million and adjusted free cash flow* of $524 million
Shareholder return of $67 million for the quarter, which included dividend payments of $18 million and share repurchases of $49 million
Board approved quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share, payable on March 19, 2025, to shareholders of record as of February 21, 2025

^{*Non-GAAP – refer to the section titled Non-GAAP Financial Measures Defined and GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciled}

HOUSTON, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Weatherford International plc (NASDAQ: WFRD) (“Weatherford” or the “Company”) announced today its results for the fourth quarter of 2024 and full year 2024.

Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $1,341 million, a decrease of 5% sequentially and 2% year-over-year. Operating income was $198 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $243 million in the third quarter of 2024 and $216 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Net income in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $112 million, with an 8.4% margin, a decrease of 29%, or 279 basis points, sequentially, and a decrease of 20%, or 193 basis points, year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA* was $326 million, a 24.3% margin, a decrease of 8%, or 88 basis points, sequentially, and an increase of 2%, or 74 basis points, year-over-year. Basic income per share in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $1.54 compared to $2.14 in the third quarter of 2024 and $1.94 in the fourth quarter of 2023. Diluted income per share in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $1.50 compared to $2.06 in the third quarter of 2024 and $1.90 in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Fourth quarter 2024 cash flows provided by operating activities were $249 million, compared to $262 million in the third quarter of 2024, and $375 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Adjusted free cash flow* was $162 million, a decrease of $22 million sequentially, and $153 million year-over-year. Capital expenditures were $100 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $78 million in the third quarter of 2024, and $67 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Revenue for the full year 2024 was $5,513 million, compared to revenues of $5,135 million in 2023. Operating income for the full year was $938 million, compared to $820 million in 2023. The Company’s full year 2024 net income was $506 million, compared to $417 million in 2023. Full year cash flows provided by operations were $792 million, compared to $832 million in 2023. Adjusted free cash flow* for the full year was $524 million compared to $651 million in 2023. Capital expenditures for the full year 2024 were $299 million, compared to $209 million in 2023.

Girish Saligram, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “The fourth quarter witnessed a significant drop in activity levels in Latin America and a more cautious tone in a few key geographies. Despite a challenging environment in the fourth quarter, the overall full year 2024 was another one of setting new operational highs, and I would like to express my gratitude to the One Weatherford team for that. We ended the year with the best safety record we have ever had, strong margin expansion and solid cash generation.

While the activity outlook continues to evolve, margins and cash flow performance continue to be the cornerstone of our financial and strategic objectives. We are well-positioned to deliver another year of strong cash flow generation in 2025. While there is some temporary activity reduction, we continue to believe in the industry’s mid to long-term resilience and remain committed to our goal of achieving EBITDA margins in the high 20’s over the next few years.”

*Non-GAAP – refer to the section titled Non-GAAP Financial Measures Defined and GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciled

Operational & Commercial Highlights

ADNOC awarded Weatherford a three-year contract for the provision of rigless services as part of the reactivation of ADNOC’s onshore strings.
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) awarded Weatherford a Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) services contract focused on improving operational efficiency, enhancing safety, accelerating well-delivery timelines, and reducing costs by deploying Weatherford’s innovative Victus^TM Intelligent MPD system.
KOC awarded Weatherford a one-year contract to provide and operate two onshore Real Time Decision Centers.
A National Oil Company (NOC) in Qatar awarded Weatherford a five-year contract to provide fishing and drilling tools, with a five-year extension option.
An NOC in Asia awarded Weatherford a three-year contract for the provision of Wireline conveyance and tooling services and a three-year contract for Tubular Running Services (TRS) in onshore India.
OMV Petrom awarded Weatherford a two-year contract for openhole and cased-hole logging services in Romania.
A major operator in Asia awarded Weatherford a three-year contract for providing Modus^TM MPD services for two zones in North and South Sumatra, and awarded a five-year contract to provide openhole and cased-hole Wireline in onshore Indonesia.
Khalda awarded Weatherford a three-year contract to deploy up to 300 wells in Egypt using CygNet^® SCADA and ForeSite^® platform.
Azule Energy awarded Weatherford a three-year contract to provide TRS for the NGC Project in offshore Angola. This is in addition to the recently awarded TRS contract in block 15/06 in the deepwater block.
PTTEP awarded Weatherford a 24-month contract to provide openhole Wireline Services in onshore Thailand.
A major operator in Asia awarded Weatherford with a four-year contract to provide Rotating Control Devices to enable MPD in offshore Indonesia.
Shell Petroleum Development Company awarded Weatherford a three-year contract to provide Well Completions and other related specialized services in onshore Nigeria.

Technology Highlights
On January 14, 2025, at the annual IKTVA forum held at Dahan Dharan Expo, Weatherford signed an agreement with SPARK, a fully integrated industrial ecosystem aimed at making Saudi Arabia a global energy hub. This strategic partnership, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, enhances Weatherford’s local presence, boosts production capabilities, and supports the region’s energy goals. By advancing local content, fostering talent, and driving innovation, Weatherford demonstrates its commitment to economic growth and to supporting Saudi Arabia’s leadership in energy innovation.

Drilling & Evaluation (“DRE”)
- In the North Sea, Weatherford successfully deployed the world’s first Dual Advanced Kickover Tool for Equinor. The unique solution enables gas lift valve replacements in just a single run, which significantly increases efficiency and reduces cost of conventional systems.
- In Saudi Arabia, Weatherford deployed its compact wireline logging tools with shuttle technology to achieve a record total depth for Aramco. This extended reach well features the longest horizontal section, measuring 23,000 feet.
Well Construction and Completions (“WCC”)
- In deepwater Brazil, Weatherford successfully installed the first OptiRoss^® RFID Multi-Cycle Sliding Sleeve Valve for a major operator. The system enhances acid stimulation efficiency, improving production and boosting the reservoir’s oil recovery factor.
- In the Middle East, Weatherford successfully deployed its market-leading Optimax Tubing Retrievable Safety Valve for an NOC. This deployment enabled gas lift valve replacements in a single run, significantly increasing efficiency and reducing costs compared to conventional systems.
Production and Intervention (“PRI”)
- In the Middle East, Weatherford’s Alpha1Go remote re-entry system was deployed for an NOC, optimizing rig site operations by significantly reducing whipstock preparation time and minimizing red-zone exposure. This deployment improved both efficiency and safety, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness in facilitating well re-entry operations and real-time team collaboration in various rig environments.
- In US land operations, Weatherford successfully deployed its first Reclaim Dual Barrier Plug and Abandon (P&A) system for a major operator. This innovative dual barrier P&A system safely and reliably abandons wells without the need to pull tubing. By eliminating the requirement for conventional drilling rigs, it significantly reduces costs and minimizes the carbon footprint.

Shareholder Return

During the fourth quarter of 2024, Weatherford repurchased shares for approximately $49 million and paid dividends of $18 million, resulting in total shareholder return of $67 million. Since the inception of the shareholder return program introduced earlier in 2024, the Company repurchased shares for approximately $99 million and paid dividends of $36 million, resulting in total shareholder return of $135 million.

On January 29, 2025, our Board declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per share of the Company’s ordinary shares, payable on March 19, 2025, to shareholders of record as of February 21, 2025.

Results by Reportable Segment

Drilling and Evaluation (“DRE”)

	Three Months Ended									Variance				Twelve Months Ended						Variance
($ in Millions)	Dec 31, 2024			Sep 30, 2024			Dec 31, 2023			Seq.		YoY		Dec 31, 2024			Dec 31, 2023			YoY
Revenue	$	398		$	435		$	382		(9	)%	4	%	$	1,682		$	1,536		10	%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA	$	96		$	111		$	97		(14	)%	(1	)%	$	467		$	422		11	%
Segment Adj EBITDA Margin		24.1	%		25.5	%		25.4	%	(140)	bps	(127)	bps		27.8	%		27.5	%	29	bps

Fourth quarter 2024 DRE revenue of $398 million decreased by $37 million, or 9% sequentially, primarily from lower activity in Latin America, partly offset by higher international Wireline activity. Year-over-year DRE revenues increased by $16 million, or 4%, primarily from higher activity in North America and higher international Wireline activity, partly offset by lower activity in Latin America.

Fourth quarter 2024 DRE segment adjusted EBITDA of $96 million decreased by $15 million, or 14% sequentially, primarily driven by lower activity in Latin America, partly offset by higher international Wireline activity. Year-over-year DRE segment adjusted EBITDA decreased by $1 million, or 1%, primarily due to lower activity in Latin America, partly offset by improved performance in Middle East/North Africa/Asia.

Full year 2024 DRE revenues of $1,682 million increased by $146 million, or 10% compared to 2023, as higher Wireline and Drilling-related services activity were partly offset by lower Drilling Services in Latin America.

Full year 2024 DRE segment adjusted EBITDA of $467 million increased by $45 million, or 11% compared to 2023, as higher MPD and Wireline activity were partly offset by lower activity in Latin America.

Well Construction and Completions (“WCC”)

	Three Months Ended									Variance				Twelve Months Ended						Variance
($ in Millions)	Dec 31, 2024			Sep 30, 2024			Dec 31, 2023			Seq.		YoY		Dec 31, 2024			Dec 31, 2023			YoY
Revenue	$	505		$	509		$	480		(1	)%	5	%	$	1,976		$	1,800		10	%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA	$	148		$	151		$	131		(2	)%	13	%	$	564		$	455		24	%
Segment Adj EBITDA Margin		29.3	%		29.7	%		27.3	%	(36)	bps	202	bps		28.5	%		25.3	%	326	bps

Fourth quarter 2024 WCC revenue of $505 million decreased by $4 million, or 1% sequentially, primarily due to lower activity in Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia, partly offset by higher Completions and TRS activity in Middle East/North Africa/Asia. Year-over-year WCC revenues increased by $25 million, or 5%, primarily due to higher activity in Middle East/North Africa/Asia and higher Liner Hangers and Well Services activity in Latin America, partly offset by lower activity in North America.

Fourth quarter 2024 WCC segment adjusted EBITDA of $148 million decreased by $3 million, or 2% sequentially, primarily due to lower activity in Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia, partly offset by higher Completions and TRS activity in Middle East/North Africa/Asia. Year-over-year WCC segment adjusted EBITDA increased by $17 million, or 13%, primarily due to higher activity in Middle East/North Africa/Asia, partly offset by lower activity in Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia.

Full year 2024 WCC revenues of $1,976 million increased by $176 million, or 10% compared to 2023, primarily from higher activity in Middle East/North Africa/Asia and Latin America, partly offset by lower activity in North America.

Full year 2024 WCC segment adjusted EBITDA of $564 million increased by $109 million, or 24% compared to 2023, primarily due to improved fall through in major product lines across all geographies.

Production and Intervention (“PRI”)

	Three Months Ended									Variance				Twelve Months Ended						Variance
($ in Millions)	Dec 31, 2024			Sep 30, 2024			Dec 31, 2023			Seq.		YoY		Dec 31, 2024			Dec 31, 2023			YoY
Revenue	$	364		$	371		$	386		(2	)%	(6	)%	$	1,452		$	1,472		(1	)%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA	$	78		$	83		$	88		(6	)%	(11	)%	$	319		$	323		(1	)%
Segment Adj EBITDA Margin		21.4	%		22.4	%		22.8	%	(94)	bps	(137)	bps		22.0	%		21.9	%	3	bps

Fourth quarter 2024 PRI revenue of $364 million decreased by $7 million, or 2% sequentially, primarily due to lower activity in Latin America and lower Intervention Services and Drilling Tools (ISDT) activity in Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia and North America. Year-over-year PRI revenue decreased by $22 million, or 6%, as lower activity in Middle East/North Africa/Asia and Latin America was partly offset by higher Artificial Lift activity in North America.

Fourth quarter 2024 PRI segment adjusted EBITDA of $78 million, decreased by $5 million, or 6% sequentially, primarily from lower activity in Latin America and lower ISDT activity in Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia and North America, partly offset by higher Artificial Lift activity in Middle East/North Africa/Asia. Year-over-year PRI segment adjusted EBITDA decreased by $10 million, or 11% year-over-year, primarily due to lower activity in Latin America and Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia, partly offset by better ISDT and Artificial Lift fall through in North America.

Full year 2024 PRI revenues of $1,452 million decreased by $20 million, or 1% compared to 2023, primarily due to lower international Pressure Pumping and Digital Solutions activity, partly offset by higher ISDT activity in Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia and Middle East/North Africa/Asia.

Full year 2024 PRI segment adjusted EBITDA of $319 million decreased by $4 million, or 1% compared to 2023, as lower activity in international Pressure Pumping and Digital Solutions was partly offset by improved performance in Artificial Lift.

Revenue by Geography

	Three Months Ended								Variance		Twelve Months Ended				Variance
*($ in Millions)*	Dec 31, 2024		Sep 30, 2024		Dec 31, 2023		Seq.		YoY		Dec 31, 2024		Dec 31, 2023		YoY
North America	$	261	$	266	$	248	(2	)%	5	%	$	1,046	$	1,068	(2	)%

International	$	1,080	$	1,143	$	1,114	(6	)%	(3	)%	$	4,467	$	4,067	10	%
Latin America		312		358		342	(13	)%	(9	)%		1,393		1,387	—	%
Middle East/North Africa/Asia		542		542		547	—	%	(1	)%		2,123		1,815	17	%
Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia		226		243		225	(7	)%	—	%		951		865	10	%
Total Revenue	$	1,341	$	1,409	$	1,362	(5	)%	(2	)%	$	5,513	$	5,135	7	%

North America

Fourth quarter 2024 North America revenue of $261 million decreased by $5 million, or 2% sequentially, primarily due to activity decreases in the North and South regions, partly offset by activity increase offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Year-over-year, North America increased by $13 million, or 5%, primarily from higher Artificial Lift and Wireline activity, partly offset by a decrease in activity across the WCC segment.

Full year 2024 North America revenue of $1,046 million decreased by $22 million, or 2%, compared to 2023, primarily due to lower activity in the WCC and PRI segments, partly offset by higher Wireline activity.

International

Fourth quarter 2024 international revenue of $1,080 million decreased 6% sequentially and decreased 3% year-over-year, and full year 2024 international revenue of $4,467 million increased 10%, compared to 2023.

Fourth quarter 2024 Latin America revenue of $312 million decreased by $46 million, or 13% sequentially, primarily due to lower Drilling-related Services, partly offset by higher Liner Hangers activity. Year-over-year, Latin America revenue decreased by $30 million, primarily due to lower activity in the DRE and PRI segments, partly offset by higher activity in Liner Hangers and Well Services.

Full year 2024 Latin America revenue of $1,393 million was largely flat, compared to 2023.

Fourth quarter 2024 revenue of $542 million in Middle East/North Africa/Asia was flat sequentially, as higher activity from Completions and Artificial Lift were largely offset by lower MPD and Integrated Services & Projects. Year-over-year, the Middle East/North Africa/Asia revenue decreased by $5 million, or 1%, primarily due to lower activity in the PRI segment, partly offset by higher Drilling-related services and Completions activity.

Full year 2024 revenue of $2,123 million in Middle East/North Africa/Asia increased by $308 million, or 17%, compared to 2023, mainly due to increased activity in the DRE and WCC segments, partly offset by lower activity in Digital Solutions, Artificial Lift and Pressure Pumping.

Fourth quarter 2024 Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia revenue of $226 million decreased by $17 million, or 7%, sequentially, mainly driven by lower Completions and ISDT activity, partly offset by higher Wireline activity. Year-over-year Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia revenue was largely flat due to increased activity in the DRE segment, largely offset by lower activity in the WCC and PRI segments.

Full year 2024 Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia revenue of $951 million increased by $86 million, or 10% compared to 2023, due to increased activity in the DRE and WCC segments, partly offset by lower Pressure Pumping and Artificial Lift activity.

About Weatherford
Weatherford delivers innovative energy services that integrate proven technologies with advanced digitalization to create sustainable offerings for maximized value and return on investment. Our world-class experts partner with customers to optimize their resources and realize the full potential of their assets. Operators choose us for strategic solutions that add efficiency, flexibility, and responsibility to any energy operation. The Company conducts business in approximately 75 countries and has approximately 19,000 team members representing more than 110 nationalities and 330 operating locations. Visit weatherford.com for more information and connect with us on social media.

Conference Call Details

Weatherford will host a conference call on Thursday, February 6, 2025, to discuss the Company’s results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024. The conference call will begin at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (7:30 a.m. Central Time).

Listeners are encouraged to download the accompanying presentation slides which will be available in the investor relations section of the Company’s website.

Listeners can participate in the conference call via a live webcast at https://www.weatherford.com/investor-relations/investor-news-and-events/events/ or by dialing +1 877-328-5344 (within the U.S.) or +1 412-902-6762 (outside of the U.S.) and asking for the Weatherford conference call. Participants should log in or dial in approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call.

A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available until February 20, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. To access the replay, please dial +1 877-344-7529 (within the U.S.) or +1 412-317-0088 (outside of the U.S.) and reference conference number 9530137. A replay and transcript of the earnings call will also be available in the investor relations section of the Company’s website.

Contacts
For Investors:
Luke Lemoine
Senior Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations
+1 713-836-7777
investor.relations@weatherford.com

For Media:
Kelley Hughes
Senior Director, Communications & Employee Engagement
media@weatherford.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains projections and forward-looking statements concerning, among other things, the Company’s quarterly and full-year revenues, adjusted EBITDA*, adjusted EBITDA margin*, adjusted free cash flow*, net leverage*, shareholder return program, forecasts or expectations regarding business outlook, prospects for its operations, capital expenditures, expectations regarding future financial results, and are also generally identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “outlook,” “budget,” “intend,” “strategy,” “plan,” “guidance,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs of Weatherford’s management and are subject to significant risks, assumptions, and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future events or results, based on factors including but not limited to: global political disturbances, war, terrorist attacks, changes in global trade policies and tariffs, weak local economic conditions and international currency fluctuations; general global economic repercussions related to U.S. and global inflationary pressures and potential recessionary concerns; various effects from conflicts in the Middle East and the Russia Ukraine conflict, including, but not limited to, nationalization of assets, extended business interruptions, sanctions, treaties and regulations imposed by various countries, associated operational and logistical challenges, and impacts to the overall global energy supply; cybersecurity issues; our ability to comply with, and respond to, climate change, environmental, social and governance and other sustainability initiatives and future legislative and regulatory measures both globally and in specific geographic regions; the potential for a resurgence of a pandemic in a given geographic area and related disruptions to our business, employees, customers, suppliers and other partners; the price and price volatility of, and demand for, oil and natural gas; the macroeconomic outlook for the oil and gas industry; our ability to generate cash flow from operations to fund our operations; our ability to effectively and timely adapt our technology portfolio, products and services to remain competitive, and to address and participate in changes to the market demands, including for the transition to alternate sources of energy such as geothermal, carbon capture and responsible abandonment, including our digitalization efforts; our ability to effectively execute our capital allocation framework; our ability to return capital to shareholders, including those related to the timing and amounts (including any plans or commitments in respect thereof) of any dividends and share repurchases; and the realization of additional cost savings and operational efficiencies.

These risks and uncertainties are more fully described in Weatherford’s reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any of the Company’s forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law, and we caution you not to rely on them unduly.

*Non-GAAP – refer to the section titled Non-GAAP Financial Measures Defined and GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciled

Weatherford International plc
Selected Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended									Year Ended
*($ in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)*	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023			December 31, 2024				December 31, 2023
Revenues:
DRE Revenues	$	398		$	435		$	382		$	1,682			$	1,536
WCC Revenues		505			509			480			1,976				1,800
PRI Revenues		364			371			386			1,452				1,472
All Other		74			94			114			403				327
Total Revenues		1,341			1,409			1,362			5,513				5,135

Operating Income:
DRE Segment Adjusted EBITDA^[1]	$	96		$	111		$	97		$	467			$	422
WCC Segment Adjusted EBITDA^[1]		148			151			131			564				455
PRI Segment Adjusted EBITDA^[1]		78			83			88			319				323
All Other^[2]		11			23			13			84				38
Corporate^[2]		(7	)		(13	)		(8	)		(52	)			(52	)
Depreciation and Amortization		(83	)		(89	)		(83	)		(343	)			(327	)
Share-based Compensation		(10	)		(10	)		(9	)		(45	)			(35	)
Other Charges		(35	)		(13	)		(13	)		(56	)			(4	)
Operating Income		198			243			216			938				820

Other Expense:
Interest Expense, Net of Interest Income of $12, $13, $12, $56 and $59		(25	)		(24	)		(31	)		(102	)			(123	)
Loss on Blue Chip Swap Securities		—			—			—			(10	)			(57	)
Other Expense, Net		(4	)		(41	)		(36	)		(87	)	—		(134	)
Income Before Income Taxes		169			178			149			739				506
Income Tax Provision		(45	)		(12	)		(2	)		(189	)			(57	)
Net Income		124			166			147			550				449
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests		12			9			7			44				32
Net Income Attributable to Weatherford	$	112		$	157		$	140		$	506			$	417

Basic Income Per Share	$	1.54		$	2.14		$	1.94		$	6.93			$	5.79
Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding		72.6			73.2			72.1			73.0				71.9

Diluted Income Per Share^[3]	$	1.50		$	2.06		$	1.90		$	6.75			$	5.66
Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding		74.5			75.2			73.9			74.9				73.7

^[1]		^{Segment adjusted EBITDA is our primary measure of segment profitability under U.S. GAAP ASC 280 “Segment Reporting” and represents segment earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, share-based compensation and other adjustments. Research and development expenses are included in segment adjusted EBITDA.}
^[2]		^{All Other includes results from non-core business activities (including integrated services and projects), and Corporate includes overhead support and centrally managed or shared facilities costs. All Other and Corporate do not individually meet the criteria for segment reporting.}
^[3]		^{Included the maximum potentially dilutive shares contingently issuable for an acquisition consideration during the three months ended September 30, 2024, the value of which was adjusted out of Net Income Attributable to Weatherford in calculating diluted income per share.}

Weatherford International plc
Selected Balance Sheet Data (Unaudited)

*($ in Millions)*	December 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	916	$	958
Restricted Cash		59		105
Accounts Receivable, Net		1,261		1,216
Inventories, Net		880		788
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net		1,061		957
Intangibles, Net		325		370

Liabilities:
Accounts Payable		792		679
Accrued Salaries and Benefits		302		387
Current Portion of Long-term Debt		17		168
Long-term Debt		1,617		1,715

Shareholders’ Equity:
Total Shareholders’ Equity		1,283		922

Weatherford International plc
Selected Cash Flows Information (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended									Year Ended
*($ in Millions)*	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023			December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net Income	$	124		$	166		$	147		$	550		$	449
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization		83			89			83			343			327
Foreign Exchange Losses (Gain)		(2	)		35			43			56			116
Loss on Blue Chip Swap Securities		—			—			—			10			57
Gain on Disposition of Assets		(2	)		(1	)		—			(35	)		(11	)
Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit)		—			(19	)		(19	)		8			(86	)
Share-Based Compensation		10			10			9			45			35
Changes in Accounts Receivable, Inventory, Accounts Payable and Accrued Salaries and Benefits		24			30			151			(120	)		(84	)
Other Changes, Net		12			(48	)		(39	)		(65	)		29
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities		249			262			375			792			832

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment		(100	)		(78	)		(67	)		(299	)		(209	)
Proceeds from Disposition of Assets		13			—			7			31			28
Purchases of Blue Chip Swap Securities		—			—			—			(50	)		(110	)
Proceeds from Sales of Blue Chip Swap Securities		—			—			—			40			53
Business Acquisitions, Net of Cash Acquired		—			(15	)		—			(51	)		(4	)
Other Investing Activities		1			1			(71	)		36			(47	)
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities		(86	)		(92	)		(131	)		(293	)		(289	)

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Repayments of Long-term Debt		(23	)		(5	)		(80	)		(287	)		(386	)
Distributions to Noncontrolling Interests		(20	)		(10	)		(31	)		(39	)		(52	)
Tax Remittance on Equity Awards		(22	)		—			(2	)		(31	)		(56	)
Share Repurchases		(49	)		(50	)		—			(99	)		—
Dividends Paid		(18	)		(18	)		—			(36	)		—
Other Financing Activities		(1	)		(6	)		(13	)		(19	)		(20	)
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities	$	(133	)	$	(89	)	$	(126	)	$	(511	)	$	(514	)

Weatherford International plc

Non-GAAP Financial Measures Defined (Unaudited)

We report our financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, Weatherford’s management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures (as defined under the SEC’s Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K) may provide users of this financial information additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results of prior periods and comparisons with peer companies. The non-GAAP amounts shown in the following tables should not be considered as substitutes for results reported in accordance with GAAP but should be viewed in addition to the Company’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Adjusted EBITDA* – Adjusted EBITDA* is a non-GAAP measure and represents consolidated income before interest expense, net, income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense, and excludes, among other items, restructuring charges, share-based compensation expense, as well as other charges and credits. Management believes adjusted EBITDA* is useful to assess and understand normalized operating performance and trends. Adjusted EBITDA* should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for consolidated net income and should be viewed in addition to the Company’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Adjusted EBITDA Margin* – Adjusted EBITDA margin* is a non-GAAP measure which is calculated by dividing consolidated adjusted EBITDA* by consolidated revenues. Management believes adjusted EBITDA margin* is useful to assess and understand normalized operating performance and trends. Adjusted EBITDA margin* should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for consolidated net income margin and should be viewed in addition to the Company’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Adjusted Free Cash Flow* – Adjusted Free Cash Flow* is a non-GAAP measure and represents cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities, less capital expenditures plus proceeds from the disposition of assets. Management believes adjusted free cash flow* is useful to understand our performance at generating cash and demonstrates our discipline around the use of cash. Adjusted free cash flow* should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for cash flows provided by operating activities and should be viewed in addition to the Company’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Net Debt* – Net Debt* is a non-GAAP measure that is calculated taking short and long-term debt less cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash. Management believes the net debt* is useful to assess the level of debt in excess of cash and cash and equivalents as we monitor our ability to repay and service our debt. Net debt* should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for overall debt and total cash and should be viewed in addition to the Company’s results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Net Leverage* – Net Leverage* is a non-GAAP measure which is calculated by dividing by taking net debt* divided by adjusted EBITDA* for the trailing 12 months. Management believes the net leverage* is useful to understand our ability to repay and service our debt. Net leverage* should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for the individual components of above defined net debt* divided by consolidated net income attributable to Weatherford and should be viewed in addition to the Company’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

*Non-GAAP – as defined above and reconciled to the GAAP measures in the section titled GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciled

Weatherford International plc
GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciled (Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended									Year Ended
*($ in Millions, Except Margin in Percentages)*	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023			December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Revenues	$	1,341		$	1,409		$	1,362		$	5,513		$	5,135
Net Income Attributable to Weatherford	$	112		$	157		$	140		$	506		$	417
Net Income Margin		8.4	%		11.1	%		10.3	%		9.2	%		8.1	%
Adjusted EBITDA*	$	326		$	355		$	321		$	1,382		$	1,186
Adjusted EBITDA Margin*		24.3	%		25.2	%		23.6	%		25.1	%		23.1	%

Net Income Attributable to Weatherford	$	112		$	157		$	140		$	506		$	417
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests		12			9			7			44			32
Income Tax Provision		45			12			2			189			57
Interest Expense, Net of Interest Income of $12, $13, $12, $56 and $59		25			24			31			102			123
Loss on Blue Chip Swap Securities		—			—			—			10			57
Other Expense, Net		4			41			36			87			134
Operating Income		198			243			216			938			820
Depreciation and Amortization		83			89			83			343			327
Other Charges^[1]		35			13			13			56			4
Share-Based Compensation		10			10			9			45			35
Adjusted EBITDA*	$	326		$	355		$	321		$	1,382		$	1,186

Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	$	249		$	262		$	375		$	792		$	832
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment		(100	)		(78	)		(67	)		(299	)		(209	)
Proceeds from Disposition of Assets		13			—			7			31			28
Adjusted Free Cash Flow*	$	162		$	184		$	315		$	524		$	651

^[1]		^{Other charges in the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, primarily included severance and restructuring costs and fees to third-party financial institutions related to collections of certain receivables from our largest customer in Mexico.}

^{*Non-GAAP – as reconciled to the GAAP measures above and defined in the section titled Non-GAAP Financial Measures Defined}

Weatherford International plc
GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciled Continued (Unaudited)



*($ in Millions)*	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023
Current Portion of Long-term Debt	$	17		$	21		$	168
Long-term Debt		1,617			1,627			1,715
Total Debt	$	1,634		$	1,648		$	1,883

Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	916		$	920		$	958
Restricted Cash		59			58			105
Total Cash	$	975		$	978		$	1,063

Components of Net Debt
Current Portion of Long-term Debt	$	17		$	21		$	168
Long-term Debt		1,617			1,627			1,715
Less: Cash and Cash Equivalents		916			920			958
Less: Restricted Cash		59			58			105
Net Debt*	$	659		$	670		$	820

Net Income for trailing 12 months	$	506		$	534		$	417
*Adjusted EBITDA for trailing 12 months**	$	1,382		$	1,377		$	1,186

*Net Leverage (Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA)**		0.48	x		0.49	x		0.69	x

^{*Non-GAAP – as reconciled to the GAAP measures above and defined in the section titled Non-GAAP Financial Measures Defined}

The MIL Network –

February 6, 2025

Category: Asia

2025 Asian Winter Games

Patently true

Drone dilemma