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Category: Aviation

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic at INNOPROM-2025: Technologies of the Future Are Already Here

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On July 7, the INNOPROM-2025 exhibition opened in Yekaterinburg. This is the main industrial exhibition of Russia and one of the key platforms in Eurasia for presenting high-tech solutions, concluding international contracts and exchanging experience between industry leaders. INNOPROM-2025 will cover key industries, including automation, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, materials production, urban technologies and the IT sector.

    More than 1,000 companies from Russia, the Middle East, Europe and Asia will present their products on an exhibition area of 50 thousand square meters. In total, over 47 thousand participants from 60 countries are expected at INNOPROM-2025, including representatives of 11 thousand organizations and companies.

    “I am glad to welcome you to the anniversary XV International Industrial Exhibition INNOPROM! The main theme of INNOPROM-2025 — “Technological Leadership: Industrial Breakthrough” — is fully revealed in the business and exhibition program of the exhibition. And almost every thematic track of the exhibition — be it the development and application of advanced digital and production technologies or effective educational solutions for training a new generation of engineering personnel — corresponds to one or another scientific and technological or practice-oriented educational area of activity of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, — says Rector of SPbPU, Chairman of the SPbB RAS Andrey Rudskoy. — I am convinced that INNOPROM-2025 will become an effective platform for uniting sites for demonstration, interaction, as well as effective business communications with potential customers and investors. The stand of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University is open for constructive dialogue and interaction with all interested participants and partners who are ready, like our university, to actively participate in the implementation of the action program to achieve technological leadership in Russia.”

    Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University presents more than ten advanced developments at the exhibition, which not only demonstrate the level of the engineering school of Russia, but are also ready for implementation in key areas of industry. These are not prototypes “for the future”, but ready-made solutions for the present.

    “Zhuchok” – a transport platform for wheelchairs

    A distinctive feature is that any wheelchair can enter the platform: both electric and mechanical. This allows the platform to be rented on popular tourist routes or beaches, increasing their accessibility for people with disabilities. Equipped with a unique rubber track, which has no analogues in Russia.

    Industrial cartridge – an effective barrier for protecting urban waters

    FOPS filters purify wastewater, turning sewer manholes into eco-stations. The development is entirely Russian and has already been tested in megacities. The solution is scalable and relevant for all urbanized areas. FOPS filters are not thrown away after cleaning, but are included in the composition of nutrient substrates. The new technology closes the ecological cycle, reduces waste and makes agriculture “greener”. The key idea: to use what others throw away.

    Lithium-ion module with smart balancing

    Module for electric vehicles and new generation equipment. Up to 1500 W/kg of power in a compact case. Most of the components are domestically produced, the rest can be replaced in the near future.

    “Nomad” – mobile laser welder

    Mobile laser cladding complex created in the Research Laboratory “LiAT” of the Institute of Metallurgy and Metallurgy of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The Nomad is designed to restore and modify the surfaces of large-sized and special products using laser cladding. After transportation, the start-up and adjustment time is up to 30 minutes. The laboratory specialists designed the complex to carry out projects to repair components of domestic and imported gas turbine engines. This technology allows applying layers of material to a substrate or a finished product. Metal powders and wires can be used as raw materials. The main feature of the MK is its compactness and the ability to move to the work site, which is convenient for repairing large-sized products.

    Also on the stand you can see nozzle assemblies after restoration repairs using the laser gas-powder surfacing method, working and nozzle blades, welded joints formed using the laser and hybrid laser-arc welding method, and much more.

    New generation unmanned aerial vehicle “Snegir-2”

    The Snegir electric UAV family is a line of multifunctional unmanned vehicles developed by specialists from the Experimental Design Bureau of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering”. In 2023, the Snegir-1 UAV was created on an initiative basis in just five months, and in 2024–2025, the Snegir-1.5 and Snegir-2 modifications with increased take-off weight and flight range were developed on its basis.

    The new generation UAV Snegir-2 presented at the Polytechnic stand has increased stability due to an improved control system, and is also equipped with an innovative modular system of interchangeable components, which allows the device to be quickly adapted to perform various tasks.

    The SPbPU stand showcased developments of the Polymer Composite Materials laboratory of the SPbPU Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering”, including demonstrators of overprinting and induction welding technologies for thermoplastic composite materials, as well as automated laying out of thermoplastic unidirectional prepregs. These solutions were highly praised by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko at the XI International Forum of Technological Development “Technoprom” in 2024.

    Innovative materials and products are presented for the first time: ASM PEEK C140UD toupreg for automated production of highly loaded composite structures, a bracket made of ASM PEEK-C285S-P based on a thermoplastic consolidated plate made of superstructural polyetheretherketone, as well as ASM PEEK-3K filament for 3D printing based on continuous carbon fiber. The production technologies of the materials were developed by engineers of the Polymer Composite Materials laboratory of the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering” of SPbPU in the interests of JSC Prepreg-SKM (part of Rosatom Composite Technologies), and samples of the materials were manufactured by an enterprise of the composite division of the State Corporation specifically for the INNOPROM-2025 exhibition.

    Oil products in water sensor

    The use of the sensor allows determining the concentration of impurities in real time. Analogues allow determining the presence and concentration of impurities only in samples taken at specified time intervals. When creating the sensor, digital design technologies, additive technologies, development of proprietary image processing algorithms, and microcontroller programming were used.

    “ARCitech” – industrial 3D metal printing

    An open-type installation designed for electric arc growing of large-sized metal products. The technological process allows achieving record high speeds of product production (for aluminum alloys (Al) — 2.2 kg/hour, for Fe — 6 kg/hour).

    “The Cable of Life” is a story that has become a symbol of heroism

    An exhibit from the SPbPU History Museum is an engineering solution that saved Leningrad during the siege. A fragment of a high-voltage cable that was laid along the bottom of Lake Ladoga to provide Leningrad during the siege with electricity from the restored Volkhov Hydroelectric Power Station. It is named by analogy with the “Road of Life”.

    There is also an active business program at the Polytechnic stand. On the first day of the exhibition, negotiations were held with representatives of the Industrial Cluster of the Republic of Tatarstan. They were attended by the Scientific Secretary of SPbPU Dmitry Karpov, Chairman of the Board of the Cluster Sergey Mayorov, Member of the Board Aidar Gimadeev, Member of the Board Pavel Loginov, Member of the Board Ilnar Zakirov.

    The Tatarstan Industrial Cluster is an association of enterprises and organizations created to develop industrial production and increase its competitiveness. Founded in 2010, the cluster today includes more than 1,000 enterprises operating in various industries. The goal of the cluster is to develop the republic’s economy through the development of production and increasing the competitiveness of industrial enterprises. The partners discussed promising options for cooperation that can be implemented in joint educational projects. They are aimed at improving production technologies, creating new products and services, and improving the qualifications of personnel.

    Another delegation represented the Moscow Government. The prospects for cooperation and interaction with the Polytechnic were discussed by the Scientific Secretary of SPbPU Dmitry Karpov, the Head of the Department for the Development of International Cooperation of the Department of Foreign Economic and International Relations of the City of Moscow Elena Tikhonova and the Head of the Department of International Relations Anastasia Sibileva. The discussion focused on joint events within the framework of the upcoming BRICS municipal forum.

    Ilya Kobykhno, Head of the Laboratory of Polymer Composite Materials of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering”, spoke at the session “Thermoplasts – New Materials for Industry”, during which the participants discussed the prospects for the development of the thermoplastic composites market in key areas of industry, as well as the impact of new materials on the competitiveness of the final product.

    The speaker presented advanced developments created for the Rosatom State Corporation and Rostec enterprises, including demonstrators of overprinting and induction welding technologies for thermoplastic composite materials, as well as automated laying of thermoplastic unidirectional prepregs. Let us recall that these solutions were highly praised by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko at the XI International Technological Development Forum Technoprom in 2024.

    Ilya Kobykhno also spoke about the creation of innovative materials and products jointly with Prepreg-SKM JSC (part of Rosatom Composite Technologies) and BI PITRON LLC: ASM REEK C140UD toupreg for automated production of highly loaded structures, a bracket made of ASM REEK-C285S-P based on a thermoplastic consolidated plate made of superstructural polyetheretherketone, as well as ASM REEK-3K filament for 3D printing based on continuous carbon fiber. These exhibits are presented at the SPbPU stand as part of the INNOPROM exhibition program.

    In conclusion of his speech, the speaker emphasized that further development and application of the integrated technology for producing composite structures using the overprinting method for manufacturing products, including aviation equipment, will be carried out within the framework of the key scientific and technological development area of SPbPU “System Digital Engineering”.

    This was the first day of the Polytechnic University at the INNOPROM-2025 exhibition. Follow the work of SPbPU in Yekaterinburg on our website.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Introduces Future-Ready Mobile Security for Personalised AI Experiences

    Source: Samsung

     
     
    Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced a new set of security and privacy updates rolling out with its upcoming Samsung Galaxy smartphones with One UI 8. These updates reinforce Samsung’s commitment to delivering powerful, trusted mobile technology in a rapidly evolving digital world by introducing new protections for on-device AI, expanding cross-device threat detection and enhancing network security with quantum-resistant encryption.
     
    Next -Generation Mobile Security For AI Personalisation
    Samsung is introducing Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection, [1] a new architecture designed to safeguard the next generation of personalised, AI-powered features, as its latest innovation in mobile security. KEEP creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments within the device’s secure storage area, ensuring that each app can access only its own sensitive information and nothing more.
     
    Supporting Galaxy’s Personal Data Engine (PDE),[2] KEEP helps secure a user’s deeply personal insights – such as routines and preferences – that enable features like Now Brief and Smart Gallery search. These insights stay entirely on-device, protected by KEEP and further secured by Knox Vault, Samsung’s tamper-resistant hardware security environment. The result is a seamless foundation for Galaxy AI that delivers personalised intelligence while keeping data tightly contained and under the user’s control.
     
    KEEP’s system-level structure allows it to scale across Galaxy AI innovations. In addition to PDE, it now protects Now Brief, Smart Suggestions and other on-device features that rely on user-specific inputs – enabling more advanced AI experiences without compromising privacy. With KEEP, Samsung is redefining how mobile devices safeguard data in the background to elevate privacy from a setting to an embedded design principle.
     
    Smarter, More Connected Threat Response with Knox Matrix
    As AI becomes more integrated across the ecosystem, Samsung is advancing protections that offer not just stronger security, but greater transparency and control for users, with Knox Matrix leading the way. Through One UI 8, Samsung is evolving Knox Matrix to deliver more proactive and user-friendly protection for connected Galaxy devices. When a device is flagged for serious risk – such as system manipulation or identity forgery – it is designed to automatically sign out of the Samsung Account, cutting off access to cloud-connected services to prevent threats from spreading.[3]
     
    Users are notified across their connected Galaxy devices and guided to the ‘Security status of your devices’ page, where they can review the issue and take action. Even devices without the latest security status updates trigger a yellow-level warning, helping users respond before vulnerabilities grow.
     
    Together, these updates make Samsung Galaxy’s ecosystem-level protection more dynamic, intuitive and visible, empowering users to maintain trust across all their devices with more confidence and clarity.
     
    Secure Wi-Fi Strengthened with Quantum-Resistant Encryption
    In continuation of its commitment to quantum-safe security, Samsung is bringing post-quantum cryptography to Secure Wi-Fi,[4]extending the trusted approach first introduced on the Galaxy S25 series through Post-Quantum Enhanced Data Protection (EDP). Secure Wi-Fi is now being upgraded with a new cryptographic framework[5] designed to strengthen network protection against emerging threats, particularly those anticipated in the era of quantum computing. This enhancement secures the key exchange process at the core of encrypted connections, helping ensure robust privacy even over public networks.
     
    Quantum computing, once fully realised, could undermine many of today’s data protection methods. By integrating post-quantum cryptography, Secure Wi-Fi is built to withstand future attacks that capture encrypted data with the intent to break it once quantum technology matures – a tactic known as “harvest now, decrypt later.” This upgrade fortifies the secure tunnel between Galaxy devices and Samsung servers, reinforcing the integrity of data transmissions in high-risk environments like public Wi-Fi.
     
    In addition to this future-ready foundation, Secure Wi-Fi offers a suite of advanced privacy features:
     

    Auto Protect: Automatically activates in public places like cafés, airports or hotels, securing Wi-Fi connections without requiring user action.
    Enhanced Privacy Protection (EPP): Encrypts internet traffic and routes it through multiple layers, combining packet encryption and relay to anonymise device information and help prevent tracking.
    Protection Activity: Provides visibility into protection history by showing which apps and networks were secured and how much data was encrypted over time.

     
    A Trusted Platform with Built-In Safeguards
    In addition to its latest innovations, Samsung continues to strengthen the core protections that underpin the Galaxy experience. These features reflect a multi-layered security approach that protects across hardware and software, while giving users greater visibility and control:
     

    Knox Vault secures sensitive credentials such as passwords, PINs and biometrics in a physically isolated environment, helping to keep them protected even if the main operating system is compromised.
    Auto Blocker helps provide defense by default, blocking unauthorised app installs, restricting command-based attacks and mitigating risks from potential zero-click threats.
    Advanced Intelligence Settings gives users the option to turn off online data processing for AI features, so personal information can stay on-device, fully under their control.
    Enhanced Theft Protection helps protect personal data even in high-risk situations such as robbery, using safeguards like Identity Check and Security Delay to prevent unauthorised access.

     
    This latest set of updates reinforces Samsung’s long-standing commitment to mobile security that evolves with innovation. It strengthens on-device privacy for personalised AI with KEEP, expands transparency and user control through Knox Matrix, and introduces quantum-resistant protection to Secure Wi-Fi for a more future-ready Galaxy experience. As new security challenges emerge, Samsung remains focused on delivering safeguards that are built in, always on and ready for what’s next.
     
    [1]Available on Galaxy smartphones and tablets with One UI 8 or later.
    [2]The Personal Data Engine functions when the Personal Data Intelligence menu is on. Analysed data will be deleted once the Personal Data Intelligence menu is turned off.
    [3]Available on Galaxy smartphones and tablets with One UI 8 or later. Availability may vary by model and/or market.
    [4]Secure Wi-Fi offers free protection of up to 1024MB per month for Android OS 13 or later, and 250MB per month for Android OS 12 or earlier versions. Availability details may vary by market or network provider and connectivity is subject to applicable network environments.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Introduces Future-Ready Mobile Security for Personalized AI Experiences

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics today announced a new set of security and privacy updates rolling out with its upcoming Samsung Galaxy smartphones with One UI 8. These updates reinforce Samsung’s commitment to delivering powerful, trusted mobile technology in a rapidly evolving digital world by introducing new protections for on-device AI, expanding cross-device threat detection and enhancing network security with quantum-resistant encryption.
     
     
    Next-Generation Mobile Security for AI Personalization
    Samsung is introducing Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP),1 a new architecture designed to safeguard the next generation of personalized, AI-powered features, as its latest innovation in mobile security. KEEP creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments within the device’s secure storage area, ensuring that each app can access only its own sensitive information and nothing more.
     
    Supporting Galaxy’s Personal Data Engine (PDE),2 KEEP helps secure a user’s deeply personal insights — such as routines and preferences — that enable features like Now Brief and Smart Gallery search. These insights stay entirely on-device, protected by KEEP and further secured by Knox Vault, Samsung’s tamper-resistant hardware security environment. The result is a seamless foundation for Galaxy AI that delivers personalized intelligence while keeping data tightly contained and under the user’s control.
     
    KEEP’s system-level structure allows it to scale across Galaxy AI innovations. In addition to PDE, it now protects Now Brief, Smart Suggestions and other on-device features that rely on user-specific inputs — enabling more advanced AI experiences without compromising privacy. With KEEP, Samsung is redefining how mobile devices safeguard data in the background to elevate privacy from a setting to an embedded design principle.
     
     
    Smarter, More Connected Threat Response With Knox Matrix
    As AI becomes more integrated across the ecosystem, Samsung is advancing protections that offer not just stronger security, but greater transparency and control for users, with Knox Matrix leading the way. Through One UI 8, Samsung is evolving Knox Matrix to deliver more proactive and user-friendly protection for connected Galaxy devices. When a device is flagged for serious risk — such as system manipulation or identity forgery — it is designed to automatically sign out of the Samsung Account, cutting off access to cloud-connected services to prevent threats from spreading.3
     
    Users are notified across their connected Galaxy devices and guided to the ‘Security status of your devices’ page, where they can review the issue and take action. Even devices without the latest security status updates trigger a yellow-level warning, helping users respond before vulnerabilities grow.
     
    Together, these updates make Samsung Galaxy’s ecosystem-level protection more dynamic, intuitive and visible, empowering users to maintain trust across all their devices with more confidence and clarity.
     
     
    Secure Wi-Fi Strengthened With Quantum-Resistant Encryption
    In continuation of its commitment to quantum-safe security, Samsung is bringing post-quantum cryptography to Secure Wi-Fi,4 extending the trusted approach first introduced on the Galaxy S25 series through Post-Quantum Enhanced Data Protection (EDP). Secure Wi-Fi is now being upgraded with a new cryptographic framework5 designed to strengthen network protection against emerging threats, particularly those anticipated in the era of quantum computing. This enhancement secures the key exchange process at the core of encrypted connections, helping ensure robust privacy even over public networks.

     
    Quantum computing, once fully realized, could undermine many of today’s data protection methods. By integrating post-quantum cryptography, Secure Wi-Fi is built to withstand future attacks that capture encrypted data with the intent to break it once quantum technology matures — a tactic known as “harvest now, decrypt later.” This upgrade fortifies the secure tunnel between Galaxy devices and Samsung servers, reinforcing the integrity of data transmissions in high-risk environments like public Wi-Fi.
     
    In addition to this future-ready foundation, Secure Wi-Fi offers a suite of advanced privacy features:
     

    Auto Protect: Automatically activates in public places like cafés, airports or hotels, securing Wi-Fi connections without requiring user action.
    Enhanced Privacy Protection (EPP): Encrypts internet traffic and routes it through multiple layers, combining packet encryption and relay to anonymize device information and help prevent tracking.
    Protection Activity: Provides visibility into protection history by showing which apps and networks were secured and how much data was encrypted over time.

     
     
    A Trusted Platform With Built-In Safeguards
    In addition to its latest innovations, Samsung continues to strengthen the core protections that underpin the Galaxy experience. These features reflect a multi-layered security approach that protects across hardware and software, while giving users greater visibility and control:
     

    Knox Vault secures sensitive credentials such as passwords, PINs and biometrics in a physically isolated environment, helping to keep them protected even if the main operating system is compromised.
    Auto Blocker helps provide defense by default, blocking unauthorized app installs, restricting command-based attacks and mitigating risks from potential zero-click threats.
    Advanced Intelligence Settings gives users the option to turn off online data processing for AI features, so personal information can stay on-device, fully under their control.
    Enhanced Theft Protection helps protect personal data even in high-risk situations such as robbery, using safeguards like Identity Check and Security Delay to prevent unauthorized access.

     
    This latest set of updates reinforces Samsung’s long-standing commitment to mobile security that evolves with innovation. It strengthens on-device privacy for personalized AI with KEEP, expands transparency and user control through Knox Matrix, and introduces quantum-resistant protection to Secure Wi-Fi for a more future-ready Galaxy experience. As new security challenges emerge, Samsung remains focused on delivering safeguards that are built in, always on and ready for what’s next.
     
     
    1 Available on Galaxy smartphones and tablets with One UI 8 or later.
    2 The Personal Data Engine functions when the Personal Data Intelligence menu is on. Analyzed data will be deleted once the Personal Data Intelligence menu is turned off.
    3 Available on Galaxy smartphones and tablets with One UI 8 or later. Availability may vary by model and/or market.
    4 Secure Wi-Fi offers free protection of up to 1024MB per month for Android OS 13 or later, and 250MB per month for Android OS 12 or earlier versions. Availability details may vary by market or network provider and connectivity is subject to applicable network environments.
    5 This upgrade applies a post-quantum cryptographic algorithm certified under NIST FIPS 203 (ML-KEM). Availability may vary by market, model and OS version.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Noem Commends President Trump and One Big Beautiful Bill Signing into Law: Historic Win for the American People and the Rule of Law

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Secretary Noem Commends President Trump and One Big Beautiful Bill Signing into Law: Historic Win for the American People and the Rule of Law

    lass=”text-align-center”>This historic legislation will help deliver on President’s Trump’s mandate to arrest and deport criminal illegal aliens
    WASHINGTON – Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem today released the following statement on President Donald J

    Trump’s historic signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) Act into law

    The BBB secures a historic $165 billion in appropriations for DHS, which will help deliver on the President’s mandate to arrest and deport criminal illegal aliens and make America safe again

      
    “President Trump’s signing the One Big Beautiful Bill is a win for law and order and the safety and security of the American people,” said Secretary Kristi Noem

    “This $165 billion in funding will help the Department of Homeland Security and our brave law enforcement further deliver on President Trump’s mandate to arrest and deport criminal illegal aliens and MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN!”  
    In June, Secretary Noem laid out the national security wins that the BBB secures for the American people

    The highlights include:  

    $46

    5 billion to complete construction of the border wall

    $14

    4 billion for removal transportation

    $12 billion in state reimbursements for states that fought against the Biden administration’s open border

    $4

    1 billion to hire additional CBP personnel, including 3,000 more customs officers and 3,000 new Border Patrol agents

    $3

    2 billion for new technology and $2

    7 billion for new cutting-edge border surveillance

    $855 million to expand Customs and Border Protection’s vehicle fleet

    The law will also provide ICE with the funding to hire 10,000 new agents, which would allow the rate of deportations to reach as high as 1 million per year

    ICE currently has 20,000 law enforcement and support personnel across 400 offices

    The BBB provides ICE with enough detention capacity to maintain an average daily population of 100,000 illegal aliens and secures 80,000 new ICE beds

    The Big Beautiful Bill will also fully fund ICE’s 287(g) program, which empowers state and local law enforcement to assist federal immigration officers

    Under the law, ICE and Border Patrol agents will also receive a $10,000 bonus for the next four years

    The BBB also bolsters the U

    S

    Coast Guard (USCG) with the following:  

    $14

    1 billion for USCG cutters

    $3

    7 billion for USCG aircraft

    $6 billion for USCG infrastructure

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Naval fleet led by Shandong aircraft carrier visit wins praise in Hong Kong 2025-07-06 17:43:03 A fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong made its first visit to Hong Kong, a move widely seen as not only a demonstration of military strength but also a step toward deepening ties between Hong Kong and the mainland.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

    People visit the Yuncheng missile frigate in Hong Kong, south China, July 5, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit. The aircraft carrier and the Yan’an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison’s naval base in Stonecutters Island. This is the Shandong’s first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Photo by Huang Qiantian/Xinhua)

    HONG KONG, July 5 (Xinhua) — A fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong made its first visit to Hong Kong, a move widely seen as not only a demonstration of military strength but also a step toward deepening ties between Hong Kong and the mainland.

    The naval fleet, comprising the aircraft carrier Shandong, the Yan’an missile destroyer, the Zhanjiang missile destroyer, and the Yuncheng missile frigate, arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday to begin a five-day visit.

    On the day the naval fleet arrived, hundreds — if not thousands — of Hong Kong residents gathered along the shore to watch. Local media rushed to cover the story.

    Chief executive of China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee said that both the steadfast presence of the PLA garrison in Hong Kong and the cordial visit by the modernized naval fleet have made the “Pearl of the Orient” shine brighter, reflecting the country’s ability and determination in safeguarding peace, while allowing Hong Kong, under “one country, two systems,” to continue to play its part in the nation’s development.

    Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR government Chan Kwok-ki attended the deck reception on the Shandong aircraft carrier. He believed the visit by the naval fleet allowed the wider public in Hong Kong to witness the strength of the country’s military and would help enhance students’ sense of national identity and pride.

    Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR government Cheuk Wing-hing shared on social media that he toured the ski-jump flight deck, arresting cables, carrier-based fighter jets, and helicopters aboard the Shandong.

    “The rapid progress of our country’s national defense is truly remarkable,” Cheuk said. “I am deeply moved and feel proud of our nation.”

    The Shandong aircraft carrier was open to the public for visits. Starry Lee, a member of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, said that this allowed people to experience firsthand the remarkable achievements of the country’s naval modernization, and held significant meaning in fostering a stronger sense of patriotism in Hong Kong society.

    Friday was the first open day of the fleet’s visit to Hong Kong, with a focus on student visitors. More than 10,000 visits were made aboard the Shandong, Zhanjiang, and Yuncheng ships.

    “My ancestral home is Shandong. When I first stepped onto the deck, I couldn’t help but cry. Our country has truly become strong!” a lecturer at Hong Kong Metropolitan University surnamed Wong said.

    Some secondary school students from Macao were organized by their schools to travel to Hong Kong for the visit. They happily toured the ships while taking photos with their smartphones to share with classmates who missed the visit. They said that boarding the warships was more than just a visit; it allowed them to witness the long history of China and the country’s remarkable progress.

    Seeing the modern carrier-based fighter jets and the spirited, high-morale crew aboard the vessels left a deep impression on Paul Chan, financial secretary of the HKSAR government.

    Chan said that the visit by the naval fleet fully reflected the country’s deep affection for Hong Kong. “A strong nation must have a strong military, and our country’s navy will only grow stronger,” he remarked.

    “Stepping aboard the domestically built aircraft carrier Shandong and standing on the deck of this steel giant filled me with excitement,” Jeffrey Lam, a member of the Executive Council of the HKSAR, said.

    Just as the Shandong sailed forward with strength and determination, Hong Kong, with the support of the country, will surely overcome all challenges and continue to enjoy prosperity and stability, Lam added.

    People visit the Zhanjiang missile destroyer in Hong Kong, south China, July 5, 2025.

    A fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

    The aircraft carrier and the Yan’an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison’s naval base in Stonecutters Island.

    This is the Shandong’s first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Photo by Huang Qiantian/Xinhua)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Customs YES organises summer cultural and historical study tour to Beijing (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

        To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, Customs YES organised a summer cultural and historical study tour to Beijing from July 2 to 6. Fifty members of the Foot Drill and Flag Party of the Customs Youth Leader Corps joined the tour to explore the country’s history, culture, development, and achievements.
     
        In the early morning of July 3, the Deputy Commissioner (Control and Enforcement) of Customs and Excise, Mr Mark Woo, along with members of the Executive Committee and the Honorary Presidents’ Association of Customs YES, led the delegation to witness the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square. They later interacted with the National Flag Guard Unit of People’s Liberation Army Ceremonial Escort Battalion to learn about professional ceremonial standards and flag-guarding etiquette.
     
        On the same day, the delegation visited the Museum of the Communist Party of China to understand the history of martyrs uniting against the enemy to protect the country. Afterwards, the members visited the Beijing Shichahai Sports School, where they interacted with national badminton athletes, Ms Huang Yaqiong and Mr Liu Yuchen.
     
        On July 4 and 5, the delegation visited the China Academy of Aerospace Electronics Technology to learn about the Beidou Navigation Satellite System, and to discover the country’s achievements in fields such as manned spaceflight, lunar and mars exploration and unmanned aircraft system. In addition, they visited the Juyongguan Great Wall to learn about its significant military and historical value. At the Palace Museum and the China Customs Museum, the participants had the opportunity to study the country’s history and culture, as well as the development of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China.
     
        On the last day of the trip (July 6), the delegation toured POP Land to gain insights into successful experiences in cultural and creative industries and the importance of protecting intellectual property rights.
     
        During the tour, the delegation explored several Beijing landmarks, including Qianmen Street, and the scenic avenue outside the Water Cube and the National Stadium.
     
        This study tour received partial funding from the Home Affairs and Youth Affairs Bureau and the Youth Development Commission. It is also one of the annual activities of the Tour to the Motherland for a Hundred Youth organised by Hong Kong Customs during the summer holiday. Looking ahead, Customs YES will organise more exchange activities to promote youth development and nurture a new generation with a sense of national identity and national pride.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: BSTDB Backs AEGEAN’s Bond Issue with EUR 15 million Investment

    Source: Black Sea Trade and Development Bank

    Press Release | 07-Jul-2025

    Supporting fleet renewal and tourism sector growth in Greece

    The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) subscribed EUR 15 million in the second bond issued by Aegean Airlines S.A. (AEGEAN), Greece’s national flag carrier. The EUR 250 million bond issue is earmarked towards the financing of the airlines’ fleet renewal program, including the acquisition of new, energy-efficient aircraft equipped with extended range capabilities and high-comfort configurations and also working capital requirements.

    The BSTDB funding aims to strengthen AEGEAN’s competitive position in the region, enhance Greece’s connectivity, and generate broad economic benefits across the tourism and infrastructure sectors—two of the most dynamic pillars of the Greek economy.

    This marks BSTDB’s second investment in AEGEAN, following its participation in the company’s debut bond issue in 2019. The continued partnership underscores BSTDB’s commitment to supporting Greece’s strategic enterprises and sustainable development objectives.

    “Our investment in AEGEAN reflects our confidence in the company’s vision and the vital role it plays in strengthening regional connectivity and economic resilience,” said Dr. Serhat Köksal, President of BSTDB. “By supporting fleet modernisation and energy efficiency, we are contributing to both climate goals and long-term growth in a sector central to Greece’s economy.”

    “We are grateful to BSTDB support and participation in our recent bond issuance, and we remain committed to honoring that trust as we continue to execute our strategy,” said Mr. Dimitris Gerogiannis, CEO of AEGEAN. “Our second bond issuance marks an important milestone for AEGEAN, not only purely on the grounds of the financial success of the transaction but primarily because it comes at a time when our Company is much stronger than our debut issue in 2019 in all aspects of network coverage, financial performance and overall contribution to the Greek economy, after being able to navigate one of the most severe crisis in our industry. We welcome BSTDB participation to this important milestone and we look forward to further strengthening our relationship”.

     

    AEGEAN operates a fleet of 85 aircraft and provides scheduled, chartered, and cargo services across 158 short and medium haul destinations. Listed on the Athens Stock Exchange since 2007 with a market capitalisation of EUR 1.18 billion, AEGEAN is considered one of Greece’s blue chip corporates. It has been a member of Star Alliance since 2010 and has been consistently recognised as Europe’s Best Regional Airline by Skytrax, receiving the distinction 14 years in a row. For more details: www.aegeanair.com

    The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is an international financial institution established by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. The BSTDB headquarters are in Thessaloniki, Greece. BSTDB supports economic development and regional cooperation by providing loans, credit lines, equity and guarantees for projects and trade financing in the public and private sectors in its member countries. The authorized capital of the Bank is EUR 3.45 billion. For information on BSTDB, visit www.bstdb.org.

     

    Contact: Haroula Christodoulou

    : @BSTDB

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: BSTDB Backs AEGEAN’s Bond Issue with EUR 15 million Investment

    Source: Black Sea Trade and Development Bank

    Press Release | 07-Jul-2025

    Supporting fleet renewal and tourism sector growth in Greece

    The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) subscribed EUR 15 million in the second bond issued by Aegean Airlines S.A. (AEGEAN), Greece’s national flag carrier. The EUR 250 million bond issue is earmarked towards the financing of the airlines’ fleet renewal program, including the acquisition of new, energy-efficient aircraft equipped with extended range capabilities and high-comfort configurations and also working capital requirements.

    The BSTDB funding aims to strengthen AEGEAN’s competitive position in the region, enhance Greece’s connectivity, and generate broad economic benefits across the tourism and infrastructure sectors—two of the most dynamic pillars of the Greek economy.

    This marks BSTDB’s second investment in AEGEAN, following its participation in the company’s debut bond issue in 2019. The continued partnership underscores BSTDB’s commitment to supporting Greece’s strategic enterprises and sustainable development objectives.

    “Our investment in AEGEAN reflects our confidence in the company’s vision and the vital role it plays in strengthening regional connectivity and economic resilience,” said Dr. Serhat Köksal, President of BSTDB. “By supporting fleet modernisation and energy efficiency, we are contributing to both climate goals and long-term growth in a sector central to Greece’s economy.”

    “We are grateful to BSTDB support and participation in our recent bond issuance, and we remain committed to honoring that trust as we continue to execute our strategy,” said Mr. Dimitris Gerogiannis, CEO of AEGEAN. “Our second bond issuance marks an important milestone for AEGEAN, not only purely on the grounds of the financial success of the transaction but primarily because it comes at a time when our Company is much stronger than our debut issue in 2019 in all aspects of network coverage, financial performance and overall contribution to the Greek economy, after being able to navigate one of the most severe crisis in our industry. We welcome BSTDB participation to this important milestone and we look forward to further strengthening our relationship”.

     

    AEGEAN operates a fleet of 85 aircraft and provides scheduled, chartered, and cargo services across 158 short and medium haul destinations. Listed on the Athens Stock Exchange since 2007 with a market capitalisation of EUR 1.18 billion, AEGEAN is considered one of Greece’s blue chip corporates. It has been a member of Star Alliance since 2010 and has been consistently recognised as Europe’s Best Regional Airline by Skytrax, receiving the distinction 14 years in a row. For more details: www.aegeanair.com

    The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is an international financial institution established by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. The BSTDB headquarters are in Thessaloniki, Greece. BSTDB supports economic development and regional cooperation by providing loans, credit lines, equity and guarantees for projects and trade financing in the public and private sectors in its member countries. The authorized capital of the Bank is EUR 3.45 billion. For information on BSTDB, visit www.bstdb.org.

     

    Contact: Haroula Christodoulou

    : @BSTDB

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Naval fleet led by aircraft carrier Shandong concludes Hong Kong visit

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

    An aerial drone photo taken on July 4, 2025 shows visitors on-board the aircraft carrier Shandong anchored in Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong, south China. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, led by the aircraft carrier Shandong, departed south China’s Hong Kong on Monday morning, wrapping up a five-day visit.

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government organized a farewell ceremony at the Stonecutters Island Naval Base.

    Early that morning, locals and student representatives gathered at the dock of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison’s naval base in Stonecutters Island, where the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate were prepared for departure. In the vibrant waters of Victoria Harbor, the aircraft carrier Shandong and the Yan’an missile destroyer displayed signal flags stating “Thanks for your support” and “Serving the people.”

    Around 10 a.m., the farewell ceremony began, during which the fleet’s commander expressed sincere gratitude to the HKSAR government and the public for their warm welcome. Guests of honor took part in a memorable photo session, capturing the moment.

    After the ceremony, the Zhanjiang and Yuncheng sounded their naval whistles, and the crew lined the sides to wave goodbye to the crowd on the dock. The two vessels then departed to join the Shandong and Yan’an in a designated sea area, escorted by HKSAR helicopters and vessels.

    Throughout their visit, the naval fleet engaged in a variety of activities, including a deck reception, ship tours, training demonstrations, national defense lectures, and cultural exchanges. These events ignited enthusiasm and patriotism among Hong Kong residents.

    Young students proudly unfurled a large national flag on the deck of Shandong, while the elderly moved to tears stood aboard the ships. Residents joined the officers in singing songs, and the dock’s message wall was filled with blessings for the nation and expressions of gratitude for the PLA.

    Statistics indicate that over 30,000 people visited the naval vessels during the fleet’s stay, creating cherished memories for both the naval personnel and their Hong Kong compatriots.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Second direct international air route between Shanxi Province and Moscow officially launched

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) — A direct international air route between Datong City in North China’s Shanxi Province and Moscow was officially launched on Sunday, marking the opening of a second tourist air route between the Russian capital and China’s Shanxi Province, Zhongxinshe News Agency reported.

    Flights Y7535/Y7536 on this route will be operated once a week. According to the schedule, the aircraft departs Moscow on Saturdays at 18:45 Moscow time and arrives in Datong at 08:50 the next day Beijing time. The return flight is operated on Sundays at 10:30 Beijing time from Datong, landing at Moscow airport at 15:35 local time.

    Let us recall that in April of this year, a charter flight Taiyuan-Moscow was opened. From the 17th to the beginning of the 20th century, the famous Great Tea Road connected the modern province of Shanxi and Russia. And the opening of flights Taiyuan-Moscow and Datong-Moscow will allow the two sides to deepen their friendship and intensify interactions.

    According to Li Zhiwei, CEO of Baohua Travel, Moscow and St. Petersburg are very attractive to Chinese travelers. Shanxi Province, where many attractions have been preserved, is also an interesting destination for Russian tourists. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Mastercard collaborates with Eastern Bank PLC and IDEX Biometrics to launch its global first biometric metal credit card in Bangladesh

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The new card combines cutting-edge biometric authentication with the sophistication of a metal design, offering both enhanced security and premium user experience for cardholders.

    Dhaka, Bangladesh, 7th July 2025: Mastercard has collaborated with Eastern Bank PLC to introduce its first biometric metal credit card, marking a significant leap forward in Bangladesh’s payment technology landscape. As part of the ultra-premium World Elite Mastercard portfolio, this innovative card combines cutting-edge biometric authentication with the sophistication of a metal design, offering both enhanced security and premium user experience. Co-powered by IDEX Biometrics, Kona I, and Infineon Technologies, the launch reflects a shared commitment to driving secure, seamless, and future-ready payment experiences in the country.

    The new card will empower Mastercard cardholders to authenticate in-store purchases effortlessly using just their fingerprint—eliminating the need for PINs or signatures. Leveraging advanced biometric technology, it’ll ensure that only the authorized user can complete the transaction, safeguarding sensitive financial data and setting a new benchmark for secure, premium payment experiences.

    With cardholder data securely stored directly on the card, transactions will be authenticated through the user’s fingerprint—adding a powerful layer of protection against fraud. One of the most user-friendly features of the new card will be its seamless enrollment process—cardholders can conveniently register their fingerprint from the comfort of home using a kit provided by the bank.

    Enhancing its security credentials further, the card will be equipped with Mastercard Identity Theft Protection, a robust feature that continuously scans the web for signs of identity fraud, offering cardholders proactive and comprehensive protection.

    Ali Reza Iftekhar, Managing Director & CEO, Eastern Bank PLC, said, “Eastern Bank PLC is pioneering the payment landscape in Bangladesh, confirming its leadership and innovation positioning. This IDEX Biometrics solution will provide a first-class payment experience and a new payment standard, powering secure contactless transactions in the country.”

    Syed Mohammad Kamal, Country Manager, Bangladesh, Mastercard, said, “Mastercard is delighted to collaborate with Eastern Bank PLC to launch its first biometric metal card in Bangladesh. This groundbreaking innovation reaffirms Mastercard’s leadership in redefining the future of payments—where cutting-edge security meets seamless convenience. By embedding fingerprint authentication into a sleek metal card, Mastercard has set a new benchmark for premium cardholders who demand both sophistication and safety. Beyond its advanced technology, the World Elite Mastercard credit card will unlock a host of exclusive privileges, delivering an elevated experience that reflects the evolving expectations of today’s discerning consumers.”

    Anders Storbraten, CEO, IDEX Biometrics, said, “We are excited that the IDEX Biometrics technology is part of this major milestone for the industry. This is a big win for customers, who can benefit from secure, seamless and highly innovative payment solutions. The biometric metal card from EBL brings it all together.”

    Tolgahan Yildiz, Head of Trusted Mobile Connectivity and Transactions Product Line, Infineon Technologies, said, “With our ongoing commitment to the smart card market and investment in innovation, we’re proud to enable the launch of this biometric metal card solution.”

    This exclusive World Elite Mastercard credit card will also unlock a host of premium privileges through Mastercard’s Priceless Specials platform, such as:

    • A complimentary one-night stay at luxury hotels
    • A free gourmet meal at top restaurants across Asia Pacific
    • Exclusive rooftop dining at CÉ LA VI, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, plus a SG$100 voucher
    • Access to over 46 premium golf clubs, including TPC® courses operated by the PGA TOUR

    The new card will also enable additional perks for cardholders, including:

    • Global data roaming with Flexiroam
    • Discounted car rentals from Hertz
    • USD 1,000 off Uniworld river cruises
    • Fast-track elite memberships with hotel loyalty programs like GHA DISCOVERY, HoteLux, Wyndham Rewards, and I Prefer

    Further, cardholders will gain access to exclusive and specially curated experiences through Mastercard’s globally renowned Priceless platform. They will also be able to enjoy complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through Mastercard’s LoungeKey program, along with access to select domestic lounges—ensuring comfort and convenience wherever they travel.

    To elevate the experience even further, a 24/7 concierge service will be available to cardholders, ensuring seamless assistance and effortless access to the finest experiences around the globe—from last-minute reservations to curated travel recommendations.

    Enclosed: Photos of the card, the launch advertisement and the representatives of the companies collaborating to create and launch the card.

    About IDEX Biometrics

    IDEX Biometrics ASA (OSE: IDEX) is a global technology leader in fingerprint biometrics, offering authentication solutions across payments, access control, and digital identity. Our solutions bring convenience, security, peace of mind and seamless user experiences to the world. Built on patented and proprietary sensor technologies, integrated circuit designs, and software, our biometric solutions target card-based applications for payments and digital authentication. As an industry-enabler we partner with leading card manufacturers and technology companies to bring our solutions to market.

    For more information, please visit www.idexbiometrics.com or contact ir@idexbiometrics.com

    About Mastercard

    Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

    For more information, please visit www.mastercard.com

    About Eastern Bank PLC

    A game changer in Bangladesh’s fast growing financial sector, the success of EASTERN BANK PLC comes from its continuous effort to innovate products and services, its commitment to offer service excellence and passion for performance. With a sound asset quality, strong liquidity, adequate capital coverage and good corporate governance, EASTERN BANK PLC is a symbol of stability in Bangladesh Financial Market. EASTERN BANK PLC has been known for its consistent and sustainable growth over the past 30 years and is being acclaimed for its customer-focus approach. EASTERN BANK PLC is committed to remain a strong partner in accelerating Bangladesh’s journey to a trillion-dollar economy by 2040.

    For more information, please visit www.Eastern Bank PLC.com.bd

    About Infineon

    Infineon Technologies AG is a global semiconductor leader in power systems and IoT. Infineon drives decarbonization and digitalization with its products and solutions. The Company had around 58,060 employees worldwide (end of September 2024) and generated revenue of about €15 billion in the 2024 fiscal year (ending 30 September). Infineon is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX) and in the USA on the OTCQX International over-the-counter market (ticker symbol: IFNNY).

    For more information, please visit www.infineon.com

    Trademark Statement
    IDEX, IDEX Biometrics and the IDEX logo are trademarks owned by IDEX Biometrics ASA. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders.

    About this notice
    This notice was issued by Erling Svela, Vice president of finance, on 7 July 2025 at 08:00 CET on behalf of IDEX Biometrics ASA.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • Death toll from Texas floods reaches 78; Trump plans visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The death toll from catastrophic floods in Texas reached at least 78 on Sunday, including at least 28 children, as the search for girls missing from a summer camp entered a third day and fears of more flash flooding as rain fell on saturated ground prompted fresh evacuations.

    Larry Leitha, the Kerr County Sheriff in Texas Hill Country, said 68 people had died in flooding in his county, the epicenter of the flooding, among them 28 children. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, said another 10 had died elsewhere in Texas and 41 confirmed missing. The governor did not say how many of the dead outside Kerr were children.

    Among the most devastating impacts of the flooding occurred at Camp Mystic summer camp, a nearly century-old Christian girls camp. Sheriff Leitha said on Sunday that 10 Camp Mystic campers and one counselor were still missing.

    “It was nothing short of horrific to see what those young children went through,” said Abbott, who said he toured the area on Saturday and pledged to continue efforts to locate the missing.

    The flooding occurred after the nearby Guadalupe River broke its banks after torrential rain fell in the central Texas area on Friday, the U.S. Independence Day holiday.

    Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kiddsaid at the press conference on Sunday afternoon the destruction killed three people in Burnet County, one in Tom Green County, five in Travis County and one in Williamson County.

    “You will see the death toll rise today and tomorrow,” said Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, also speaking on Sunday.

    Officials said on Saturday that more than 850 people had been rescued, including some clinging to trees, after a sudden storm dumped up to 15 inches (38 cm) of rain across the region, about 85 miles (140 km) northwest of San Antonio.

    “Everyone in the community is hurting,” Leitha told reporters.

    A WALL OF WATER

    Kidd said he was receiving unconfirmed reports of “an additional wall of water” flowing down some of the creeks in the Guadalupe Rivershed, as rain continued to fall on soil in the region already saturated from Friday’s rains.

    He said aircraft were sent aloft to scout for additional floodwaters, while search-and-rescue personnel who might be in harm’s way were alerted to pull back from the river in the meantime.

    The National Weather Service issued flood warnings and advisories for central Texas that were to last until 4:15 p.m. local time (2115 GMT) as rains fell, potentially complicating rescue efforts.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency was activated on Sunday and is deploying resources to first responders in Texas after President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

    U.S. Coast Guard helicopters and planes are helping the search and rescue efforts, the department said.

    SCALING BACK FEDERAL DISASTER RESPONSE

    Trump, who said on Sunday he would visit the disaster scene, probably on Friday, has previously outlined plans to scale back the federal government’s role in responding to natural disasters, leaving states to shoulder more of the burden themselves.

    Some experts questioned whether cuts to the federal workforce by the Trump administration, including to the agency that oversees the National Weather Service, led to a failure by officials to accurately predict the severity of the floods and issue appropriate warnings ahead of the storm.

    Trump’s administration has overseen thousands of job cuts from the National Weather Service’s parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, leaving many weather offices understaffed, former NOAA director Rick Spinrad said.

    Spinrad said he did not know if those staff cuts factored into the lack of advance warning for the extreme Texas flooding, but that they would inevitably degrade the agency’s ability to deliver accurate and timely forecasts.

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees NOAA, said a “moderate” flood watch issued on Thursday by the National Weather Service had not accurately predicted the extreme rainfall and said the Trump administration was working to upgrade the system.

    Joaquin Castro, a Democratic U.S. congressman from Texas, told CNN’s “State of the Union” program that fewer personnel at the weather service could be dangerous.

    “When you have flash flooding, there’s a risk that if you don’t have the personnel … to do that analysis, do the predictions in the best way, it could lead to tragedy,” Castro said.

    ‘COMPLETE DEVASTATION’

    Camp Mystic had 700 girls in residence at the time of the flooding.

    Katharine Somerville, a counselor on the Cypress Lake side of Camp Mystic, on higher ground than the Guadalupe River side, said her 13-year-old campers were scared as their cabins sustained damage and lost power in the middle of the night.

    “Our cabins at the tippity top of hills were completely flooded with water. I mean, y’all have seen the complete devastation, we never even imagined that this could happen,” Somerville said in an interview on Fox News on Sunday.

    Somerville said the campers in her care were put on military trucks and evacuated, and that all were safe.

    The disaster unfolded rapidly on Friday morning as heavier-than-forecast rain drove river waters rapidly to as high as 29 feet (9 meters).

    A day after the disaster struck, the summer camp was a scene of devastation. Inside one cabin, mud lines indicating how high the water had risen were at least six feet (1.83 m) from the floor. Bed frames, mattresses and personal belongings caked with mud were scattered inside. Some buildings had broken windows, one had a missing wall.

    -Reuters

  • Death toll from Texas floods reaches 78; Trump plans visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The death toll from catastrophic floods in Texas reached at least 78 on Sunday, including at least 28 children, as the search for girls missing from a summer camp entered a third day and fears of more flash flooding as rain fell on saturated ground prompted fresh evacuations.

    Larry Leitha, the Kerr County Sheriff in Texas Hill Country, said 68 people had died in flooding in his county, the epicenter of the flooding, among them 28 children. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, said another 10 had died elsewhere in Texas and 41 confirmed missing. The governor did not say how many of the dead outside Kerr were children.

    Among the most devastating impacts of the flooding occurred at Camp Mystic summer camp, a nearly century-old Christian girls camp. Sheriff Leitha said on Sunday that 10 Camp Mystic campers and one counselor were still missing.

    “It was nothing short of horrific to see what those young children went through,” said Abbott, who said he toured the area on Saturday and pledged to continue efforts to locate the missing.

    The flooding occurred after the nearby Guadalupe River broke its banks after torrential rain fell in the central Texas area on Friday, the U.S. Independence Day holiday.

    Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kiddsaid at the press conference on Sunday afternoon the destruction killed three people in Burnet County, one in Tom Green County, five in Travis County and one in Williamson County.

    “You will see the death toll rise today and tomorrow,” said Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, also speaking on Sunday.

    Officials said on Saturday that more than 850 people had been rescued, including some clinging to trees, after a sudden storm dumped up to 15 inches (38 cm) of rain across the region, about 85 miles (140 km) northwest of San Antonio.

    “Everyone in the community is hurting,” Leitha told reporters.

    A WALL OF WATER

    Kidd said he was receiving unconfirmed reports of “an additional wall of water” flowing down some of the creeks in the Guadalupe Rivershed, as rain continued to fall on soil in the region already saturated from Friday’s rains.

    He said aircraft were sent aloft to scout for additional floodwaters, while search-and-rescue personnel who might be in harm’s way were alerted to pull back from the river in the meantime.

    The National Weather Service issued flood warnings and advisories for central Texas that were to last until 4:15 p.m. local time (2115 GMT) as rains fell, potentially complicating rescue efforts.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency was activated on Sunday and is deploying resources to first responders in Texas after President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

    U.S. Coast Guard helicopters and planes are helping the search and rescue efforts, the department said.

    SCALING BACK FEDERAL DISASTER RESPONSE

    Trump, who said on Sunday he would visit the disaster scene, probably on Friday, has previously outlined plans to scale back the federal government’s role in responding to natural disasters, leaving states to shoulder more of the burden themselves.

    Some experts questioned whether cuts to the federal workforce by the Trump administration, including to the agency that oversees the National Weather Service, led to a failure by officials to accurately predict the severity of the floods and issue appropriate warnings ahead of the storm.

    Trump’s administration has overseen thousands of job cuts from the National Weather Service’s parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, leaving many weather offices understaffed, former NOAA director Rick Spinrad said.

    Spinrad said he did not know if those staff cuts factored into the lack of advance warning for the extreme Texas flooding, but that they would inevitably degrade the agency’s ability to deliver accurate and timely forecasts.

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees NOAA, said a “moderate” flood watch issued on Thursday by the National Weather Service had not accurately predicted the extreme rainfall and said the Trump administration was working to upgrade the system.

    Joaquin Castro, a Democratic U.S. congressman from Texas, told CNN’s “State of the Union” program that fewer personnel at the weather service could be dangerous.

    “When you have flash flooding, there’s a risk that if you don’t have the personnel … to do that analysis, do the predictions in the best way, it could lead to tragedy,” Castro said.

    ‘COMPLETE DEVASTATION’

    Camp Mystic had 700 girls in residence at the time of the flooding.

    Katharine Somerville, a counselor on the Cypress Lake side of Camp Mystic, on higher ground than the Guadalupe River side, said her 13-year-old campers were scared as their cabins sustained damage and lost power in the middle of the night.

    “Our cabins at the tippity top of hills were completely flooded with water. I mean, y’all have seen the complete devastation, we never even imagined that this could happen,” Somerville said in an interview on Fox News on Sunday.

    Somerville said the campers in her care were put on military trucks and evacuated, and that all were safe.

    The disaster unfolded rapidly on Friday morning as heavier-than-forecast rain drove river waters rapidly to as high as 29 feet (9 meters).

    A day after the disaster struck, the summer camp was a scene of devastation. Inside one cabin, mud lines indicating how high the water had risen were at least six feet (1.83 m) from the floor. Bed frames, mattresses and personal belongings caked with mud were scattered inside. Some buildings had broken windows, one had a missing wall.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The 31st Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair attracted participants from all over the world

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    LANZHOU, July 6 (Xinhua) — The 31st China (Lanzhou) Investment and Trade Fair opened Sunday in Lanzhou, capital of northwest China’s Gansu Province, with more than 2,000 Chinese and foreign enterprises participating.

    This year, Indonesia was the guest of honor at the fair. The number of participants exceeded the figures of previous years: representatives from more than 20 countries, including Germany, Spain, Russia, Malaysia and Iran, as well as 18 Chinese provincial-level regions and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, came to the fair.

    The fair is divided into four thematic zones, focusing on international cooperation along the Silk Road, inter-regional exchanges, consumer goods and specialized industries of Gansu Province, the organizers said. The exhibition features products in such fields as equipment manufacturing, petrochemicals, biomedicine, new materials, new energy, aviation and astronautics, agriculture, information and data.

    The fair program includes more than 30 forums and trade and economic events.

    Indonesian Ambassador to China Jauhari Oratmangun noted that 16 Indonesian companies are presenting coffee, food, handicrafts and traditional batik at the fair. The diplomat expressed hope for deepening cooperation between Indonesia and China in renewable energy, modern agriculture and cultural tourism.

    As the largest international economic and trade event in Gansu Province since 1993, this year’s fair has already secured deals on 1,181 investment projects worth over 650 billion yuan (about 90.9 billion U.S. dollars) in sectors including alternative energy equipment, agricultural processing, new materials and digital technology. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Air route adjustment benefits both sides of Taiwan Strait — State Council Taiwan Affairs Office

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) — Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said Sunday that the newly launched W121 air route, which connects with the M503 route, will benefit people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

    As Chen Binhua noted in response to a reporter’s question, this measure was taken to reduce air traffic congestion, improve flight safety and reduce flight delays.

    The Civil Aviation Administration of China announced the route adjustment on Sunday.

    Chen Binhua stressed that the M503 air route is within the Shanghai flight information region, and the organization and operation of this route is a routine procedure for the airspace management of civil aviation in mainland China.

    “The previous route changes have improved the operation of flights across the Taiwan Strait and further facilitated cross-strait people-to-people exchanges,” the spokesperson added. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police search for man at Parafield Airport

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police are searching for a person who was seen running on the runways at Parafield Airport.

    About 3.25pm today (Sunday 6 July), police were called to the airport on Kings Road after reports that a man dressed in dark clothing was seen near the runways.

    No flights were affected or aircraft put in danger.

    The man ran into a stormwater drain.

    STAR group officers were called in to search the area but the man was not yet been located.

    Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • Russia downs 120 Ukrainian drones overnight, Defence Ministry says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russia’s anti-aircraft systems downed 120 Ukrainian drones overnight, mostly in regions bordering Ukraine, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Sunday, reporting no damage.

    More than three years into the war, Ukraine has increasingly been using drones to attack targets deep inside Russia.

    The Defence Ministry said the drones that were intercepted overnight included 30 over the western Bryansk region, 29 in the Kursk region and 17 in Belgorod – all of which share a border with Ukraine.

    Another 18 drones were downed over the Oryol region, which borders Kursk and has been hit by previous Ukrainian drone attacks targeting oil facilities.

    Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsiya, said it had lifted restrictions that were introduced overnight to ensure safety due to the drones at airports in St. Petersburg, Kaluga, Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod.

    (Reuters)

     

  • MIL-OSI China: Unicorns, gazelles, little giants: Tech startups thrive in ‘fund jungle’

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

    In a high-stakes race to pursue next-generation technologies, Chinese startups specializing in artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and advanced manufacturing are gaining momentum through a novel but supportive financing model called the “fund jungle.”

    This ecosystem — a dense network of government-led investment funds, venture capital and corporate backing — is accelerating the rise of so-called “gazelle” firms, unicorns and niche “little giant” enterprises across east China’s Anhui Province and beyond.

    Leading the way is HiDream.ai, which rose to the forefront of global generative AI startups in just two years. With its cinematic-quality video generation technology, the fast-growing firm has attracted 10 million individual users and 40,000 corporate clients worldwide.

    Founder Mei Tao said that starting an AI company was like “venturing into an uncharted territory” where both the technology and the market are entirely new.

    Amid shifting international dynamics that led to a withdrawal of U.S. capital and a relative shortage of RMB venture funding, the company adopted a “move fast with small steps” strategy by demonstrating its value with limited capital to attract follow-up investment.

    The turnaround came last year, when it secured a sizable Series A round, with state-owned Hefei Industry Investment Group being the lead investor, joined by the Anhui artificial intelligence fund of funds and other institutional investors.

    Beyond financing, establishing base in Hefei, provincial capital of Anhui, has helped the company expand its applications in broadcasting, film and television, and tourism, while the local government is aiming to leverage the AI technologies to empower local industries.

    HiDream.ai had good reason to choose Hefei as its base. Anhui Province has set out plans to cultivate a cohort of rapidly growing gazelle companies and a new wave of unicorns, startups valued at over 1 billion U.S. dollars. The province has also pledged support for local “little giant” enterprises, which are specialized small and medium-sized firms that excel in niche markets, drive innovation, tackle frontier technologies, and help strengthen industrial chains.

    To empower these “fantastic beast” companies, Anhui has built a “fund jungle” led by state investors and joined by social capital. The cluster of funds aims to ensure sufficient funding for a tech company at all stages of its growth.

    As of last October, a total of 124 funds with nearly 50 billion yuan (about 7 billion U.S. dollars) in committed capital had been set up in the fund complex, investing in more than 400 projects. The province is home to 2,191 private funds, including 50 angel funds, 734 venture capital funds and 1,407 industrial investment funds.

    “Different industries and different stages of growth have distinct capital needs. A ‘fund jungle’ offers specialized funds for each phase, thus forming a comprehensive matrix that nurtures an industry across its entire lifecycle,” said Tang Zhiqiang, deputy dean of Anhui institute of industry and information technology.

    “This lush ecosystem of funds fuels companies’ growth through tailored financial empowerment,” he added.

    Funds, patience and ecosystem 

    Cowa Robot, based in the city of Wuhu in Anhui, is one of the beneficiaries of this funding ecosystem. The unicorn company’s self-driving vehicles, such as street-cleaning robots, have started operation in more than 50 Chinese cities.

    Lu Wenjun, the company’s vice general manager, said the Wuhu government has deep expertise in robotics and provides clear development pathways along with strong supportive policies. From establishing initial industry frameworks to continuously building the ecosystem, many firms have reaped the benefits.

    “Autonomous driving thrives on high-quality data to refine algorithms, and that data comes from real-world scenarios. Local governments provided critical support, from pilot programs to scaled deployment,” he added.

    Home to automaker Chery and 96 little giant firms, Wuhu is known for patiently nurturing emerging industries. In 2024, the share of R&D expenditures in Wuhu’s GDP reached 4.28 percent, far exceeding the nationwide average of 2.68 percent.

    The city has also set up a fund of 3 billion yuan to spur tech innovation and to solicit participation of social capital.

    Wanzhi District in the city has created a fund jungle totaling 11.1 billion yuan, which has invested in 58 projects and attracted an additional 3.57 billion yuan in non-local capital.

    Here, an industrial park consisting of nearly 200 general aviation companies, from propeller making to pilot training, has taken shape, poised to capitalize on the country’s trillion-yuan low-altitude economy boom.

    The industry can be traced back to 2013, when CETC Wuhu Diamond Aircraft Manufacture Co., Ltd. was founded here. The company is now a little giant firm that produces both manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), after 12 years of continuous investment in R&D and government support.

    General manager Tian Manlin stressed that low-altitude manufacturing is the core of the low-altitude economy, requiring relentless R&D and industry collaboration.

    A strong focus on R&D is a shared conviction among entrepreneurs in Anhui’s emerging industries. “R&D must never stop,” emphasized Mei Tao, adding that HiDream.ai continually integrates user feedback to refine its models daily.

    “AI demands top talent and heavy funding. A healthy financial ecosystem fuels innovation, helping more tech pioneers break through,” Mei said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Anhui backs high-tech growth with push into smart mobility, space tech

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

    China’s government work report this year highlighted intelligent connected new energy vehicles and emerging industries, including commercial aerospace and the low-altitude economy, as key areas for rapid development.

    In eastern China, Anhui province is focusing on building up these new quality productive forces, aiming to promote the successful completion of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) through high-quality economic growth.

    Smart EV industry gains momentum

    Anhui has taken proactive steps to grow its smart electric vehicle industry as the automotive sector shifts toward electrification and new technology.

    In April, the province issued trial guidelines for the management of road testing and demonstration applications of intelligent connected vehicles. Last year, Hefei, the provincial capital, was named one of China’s first pilot cities for vehicle-road-cloud integration.

    Robotic arms conduct an AI-powered quality inspection on a vehicle at the Maextro Super Factory in Hefei, Anhui province, China. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

    A standout example is the Maextro Super Factory, a smart manufacturing plant in Hefei jointly developed by Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group and Huawei. The facility integrates digital research and development with green, low-carbon manufacturing. 

    The Maextro S800 flagship sedan debuted on May 30, with more than 500 ultra-luxury vehicles pre-ordered within 19 days, helping to fill a gap in China’s domestic high-end car market.

    Wei Dawei, director of the Maextro Super Factory, said the S800 features the industry’s first independently developed intelligent digital chassis platform, enabling predictive control for bumpy roads and curves. It also uses Huawei’s ADS 4 intelligent assisted driving system, which the company says cuts end-to-end latency by 50% and boosts traffic efficiency by 20%.

    Expanding the low-altitude economy

    Hefei is also moving quickly to grow its low-altitude economy. In June 2024, city officials rolled out a policy package to support the sector, offering up to 20 million yuan ($2.79 million) in annual funding and up to 100 million yuan in total for newly established low-altitude economy research institutions.

    Today, more than 300 companies in Hefei are working in the low-altitude sector, building a complete industrial chain for drone R&D, testing, production and operations. The city has built China’s first urban air mobility hub and launched more than 200 drone flight routes, providing services such as medical supply delivery, rail inspection and food delivery.

    Hefei-based Hey Airlines became the first company in China to receive an operation certificate for autonomous passenger drones from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on March 28, marking the start of the country’s first nationwide passenger drone service.

    A pilotless EH216-S electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is seen on a helipad in Hefei, Anhui province, China. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

    To ensure safety, Hey Airlines’ pilotless EH216-S electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is equipped with backup systems for all key flight components. Each unit is fitted with its own security key and strong data encryption to prevent unauthorized access. The flight control system has a fail-safe feature that monitors the aircraft’s health in real time and can trigger an emergency landing if needed.

    Peng Sixuan, marketing director at Hey Airlines, said the company currently offers sightseeing services but plans to expand with options such as aerial weddings and hotel transfers, aiming to make air taxis a reality.

    He said a cargo version of the eVTOL, which can carry up to 250 kilograms, is well suited for delivering supplies to remote or mountainous areas. The company also has a firefighting model designed for rapid response to high-rise urban fires.

    Commercial space industry takes off

    Anhui is also moving into the commercial space industry, with Bengbu city emerging as a key hub. Bengbu has signed agreements with 16 commercial space companies, with total planned investment reaching 5.52 billion yuan. The city is home to three major enterprises and two nationally recognized high-tech firms in the sector.

    A view of the China Bengbu Commercial Aerospace Industrial Park in Anhui province, China. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

    The China Bengbu Commercial Aerospace Industrial Park, Anhui’s first dedicated platform for the commercial space industry, opened on May 10.

    The 0.43-square-kilometer park includes a center for space technology innovation, four production bases for rocket engines, satellite manufacturing, reusable spacecraft assembly and new material production, as well as multiple platforms for industry integration and applications. The project aims to build a major commercial aerospace manufacturing hub in the Yangtze River Delta region.

    One of the companies operating in the new park is Lingkong Technology Co. Ltd. which provides design services for rockets and high-speed aircraft.

    “Our company is focused on cultivating new quality productive forces. In 2024, our output value reached 45 million yuan, and we expect that figure to double this year,” said Yang Wei, general manager of Lingkong Technology. “Our new plant in the industrial park has been completed and will be ready for move-in after final inspections and interior work.”

    Bengbu has established a comprehensive funding system to support commercial space companies at every stage of development, from seed and early growth to maturity. The total value of the fund cluster is expected to exceed 40 billion yuan this year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • F-16 escorts plane out of area after airspace incursion near Trump’s golf course

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An F-16 U.S. fighter jet on Saturday intercepted a general aviation aircraft that violated a temporary restriction of the airspace over U.S. President Donald Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, the U.S military said in a statement.

    The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said the incident, which occurred around 2:39 p.m. (1839 GMT), marked the fifth unauthorized incursion of the restricted airspace on Saturday. A spokesperson confirmed the jet was an F-16.

    NORAD aircraft conducted a so-called headbutt maneuver to get the civilian pilot’s attention and the aircraft was safely escorted out of the area, NORAD said in a statement.

    The White House had no immediate comment on the incident. NORAD has reported multiple similar incidents in recent weeks, and is urging general aviation pilots to check all notifications before taking off in the area.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: An-2 plane made a hard landing in the Chita region of Transbaikalia of the Russian Federation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, July 6 /Xinhua/ — An Antonov An-2 plane with 11 passengers on board made a hard landing in the Chita region of Russia. According to preliminary data, six people were injured, no one was killed, TASS reported, citing the Main Directorate of the Russian Emergencies Ministry for the Trans-Baikal Territory.

    The department’s Telegram channel reported that the DOSAAF light aircraft landed in the area of the Topographer gardening community 16 minutes after takeoff. There were 10 parachutists and one crew member on board. According to preliminary data, six people were injured, no one was killed. There was no fire. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Naval fleet led by Shandong aircraft carrier visit wins praise in Hong Kong

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

    A visitor poses for photos on the aircraft carrier Shandong in Hong Kong, south China, July 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong made its first visit to Hong Kong, a move widely seen as not only a demonstration of military strength but also a step toward deepening ties between Hong Kong and the mainland.

    The naval fleet, comprising the aircraft carrier Shandong, the Yan’an missile destroyer, the Zhanjiang missile destroyer, and the Yuncheng missile frigate, arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday to begin a five-day visit.

    On the day the naval fleet arrived, hundreds — if not thousands — of Hong Kong residents gathered along the shore to watch. Local media rushed to cover the story.

    Chief executive of China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee said that both the steadfast presence of the PLA garrison in Hong Kong and the cordial visit by the modernized naval fleet have made the “Pearl of the Orient” shine brighter, reflecting the country’s ability and determination in safeguarding peace, while allowing Hong Kong, under “one country, two systems,” to continue to play its part in the nation’s development.

    Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR government Chan Kwok-ki attended the deck reception on the Shandong aircraft carrier. He believed the visit by the naval fleet allowed the wider public in Hong Kong to witness the strength of the country’s military and would help enhance students’ sense of national identity and pride.

    Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR government Cheuk Wing-hing shared on social media that he toured the ski-jump flight deck, arresting cables, carrier-based fighter jets, and helicopters aboard the Shandong.

    “The rapid progress of our country’s national defense is truly remarkable,” Cheuk said. “I am deeply moved and feel proud of our nation.”

    The Shandong aircraft carrier was open to the public for visits. Starry Lee, a member of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, said that this allowed people to experience firsthand the remarkable achievements of the country’s naval modernization, and held significant meaning in fostering a stronger sense of patriotism in Hong Kong society.

    Friday was the first open day of the fleet’s visit to Hong Kong, with a focus on student visitors. More than 10,000 visits were made aboard the Shandong, Zhanjiang, and Yuncheng ships.

    “My ancestral home is Shandong. When I first stepped onto the deck, I couldn’t help but cry. Our country has truly become strong!” a lecturer at Hong Kong Metropolitan University surnamed Wong said.

    Some secondary school students from Macao were organized by their schools to travel to Hong Kong for the visit. They happily toured the ships while taking photos with their smartphones to share with classmates who missed the visit. They said that boarding the warships was more than just a visit; it allowed them to witness the long history of China and the country’s remarkable progress.

    Seeing the modern carrier-based fighter jets and the spirited, high-morale crew aboard the vessels left a deep impression on Paul Chan, financial secretary of the HKSAR government.

    Chan said that the visit by the naval fleet fully reflected the country’s deep affection for Hong Kong. “A strong nation must have a strong military, and our country’s navy will only grow stronger,” he remarked.

    “Stepping aboard the domestically built aircraft carrier Shandong and standing on the deck of this steel giant filled me with excitement,” Jeffrey Lam, a member of the Executive Council of the HKSAR, said.

    Just as the Shandong sailed forward with strength and determination, Hong Kong, with the support of the country, will surely overcome all challenges and continue to enjoy prosperity and stability, Lam added. 

    People visit the Zhanjiang missile destroyer in Hong Kong, south China, July 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Light aircraft makes hard landing in Omsk region

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, July 5 /Xinhua/ — A light aircraft made a hard landing near the Popovka landing site in the Azov district of Omsk Oblast, the press service of the West Siberian Transport Prosecutor’s Office reported on Saturday.

    “According to preliminary data, today, while performing a private flight in the area of the Popovka landing site, a Cessna light aircraft made a hard landing in an open area outside the runway,” the statement said.

    As noted, the plane was damaged, but the pilot survived.

    The circumstances and causes of the aviation incident are being established. The Omsk transport prosecutor’s office is conducting an inspection of compliance with flight safety legislation. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Trump says tariff letters to 12 countries signed, going out Monday

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump said he had signed letters to 12 countries outlining the various tariff levels they would face on goods they export to the United States, with the “take it or leave it” offers to be sent out on Monday.

    Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he traveled to New Jersey, declined to name the countries involved, saying that would be made public on Monday.

    In a global trade war that has upended financial markets and set off a scramble among policymakers to guard their economies, Trump in April announced a 10% base tariff rate and additional amounts for most countries, some ranging as high as 50%.

    However, all but the 10% base rate were subsequently suspended for 90 days to allow more time for negotiations to secure deals.

    That period ends on July 9, although Trump early on Friday said the tariffs could be even higher – ranging up to 70% – with most set to go into effect August 1.

    “I signed some letters and they’ll go out on Monday, probably twelve,” Trump said, when asked about his plans on the tariff front. “Different amounts of money, different amounts of tariffs.”

    Trump and his top aides initially said they would launch negotiations with scores of countries on tariff rates, but the U.S. president has soured on that process after repeated setbacks with major trading partners, including Japan and the European Union.

    He touched on that briefly late on Friday, telling reporters: “The letters are better … much easier to send a letter.”

    He did not address his prediction that some broader trade agreements could be reached before the July 9 deadline.

    The shift in the White House’s strategy reflects the challenges of completing trade agreements on everything from tariffs to non-tariff barriers such as bans on agricultural imports, and especially on an accelerated timeline.

    Most past trade agreements have taken years of negotiations to complete.

    The only trade agreements reached to date are with Britain, which reached a deal in May to keep a 10% rate and won preferential treatment for some sectors including autos and aircraft engines, and with Vietnam, cutting tariffs on many Vietnamese goods to 20% from his previously threatened 46%. Many U.S. products would be allowed to enter Vietnam duty free.

    A deal expected with India has failed to materialize, and EU diplomats on Friday said they have failed to achieve a breakthrough in trade negotiations with the Trump administration, and may now seek to extend the status quo to avoid tariff hikes.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ukraine Attacks Russian Military Airfield Borisoglebsk

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Kyiv/Moscow, July 5 /Xinhua/ — Ukraine attacked the Borisoglebsk military airfield in the Voronezh region in western Russia on Saturday, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) reported on Telegram.

    The General Staff noted that the special operation was carried out to reduce the Russian Federation’s ability to carry out air strikes on Ukrainian territory, since Borisoglebsk is the base for Su-34, Su-35S and Su-30SM fighters.

    The attack hit a warehouse containing guided bombs, a training aircraft and probably other aircraft, the report said.

    The Russian Telegram channel Shot reports that the city of Borisoglebsk in the Voronezh region was subjected to an attempted attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to local residents, eight to ten powerful explosions thundered around two o’clock in the morning. According to preliminary data, air defense forces shot down several air targets over the city.

    There is no information about the consequences on the ground or about victims, Shot reports. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Direct flight connects China’s Urumqi with Kazakhstan’s Shymkent

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    URUMQI, July 5 (Xinhua) — A direct flight service was launched Saturday between Urumqi, capital of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Shymkent in Kazakhstan.

    The first flight, which was operated by Kazakhstan’s Scat Airlines, departed on the same day from Urumqi’s Tianshan International Airport. Flights on the new route are operated twice a week – on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

    Upon arrival from Urumqi to Shymkent, one of the transport hubs in the southern part of Kazakhstan, passengers can travel to Cairo, Istanbul, Moscow and others on the planes of the above-mentioned air carrier.

    According to the Tianshan Airport Administration, the opening of this air route will further promote exchanges between the two regions in trade, economy, tourism and culture. Meanwhile, the transfer service in Shymkent will make travel from Xinjiang to the Middle East and Europe more convenient, promoting the development of people-to-people exchanges and trade ties.

    In the first half of this year, 27 civil aviation airports in Xinjiang served 579 routes, including 26 passenger routes to Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas, including 21 cities in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, West Asia and Southeast Asia. Currently, air traffic connects Urumqi with 10 cities in five Central Asian countries. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese FM calls on China, France to uphold multilateralism and free trade rules

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    PARIS, July 5 (Xinhua) — China and France should uphold multilateralism and defend free trade rules in the face of unilateral bullying that undermines the international order, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said here on Friday during talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.

    He noted that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China and France have maintained high-level exchanges, strengthened strategic coordination, and deepened mutual understanding and trust.

    Beijing and Paris successfully held meetings of the China-France high-level people-to-people exchange mechanism and called for using both civilizations to promote mutual learning and remove artificial barriers, Wang said.

    This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the UN, the minister noted. Over the past 80 years, China and France have made the right strategic choices at key historical moments, and have jointly influenced and shaped global development, demonstrating the strategic and forward-looking nature of interstate relations, he added.

    In the face of the negative impact of unilateral bullying on the international order, China and France, as permanent members of the UN Security Council and large independent countries, should shoulder the mission of the times, uphold the practice of multilateralism, defend the rules of free trade, and work together to shoulder the responsibility for world peace, contribute to global development and promote the progress of mankind, Wang Yi said.

    He also expressed confidence that the French side will continue to adhere to the one-China principle and protect the political foundation of bilateral relations.

    Wang Yi called on the two sides to continue to deepen cooperation in traditional key areas such as nuclear energy, aviation and astronautics, and expand cooperation in new areas such as artificial intelligence, green energy, biotechnology and the silver economy.

    According to him, China encourages its competitive companies to invest in the French economy and hopes that the French side will provide them with a fair, transparent, non-discriminatory and predictable business environment.

    In turn, Jean-Néon Barrot said that in today’s complex international situation, Franco-Chinese and European-Chinese relations should provide the world with more energy of stability and rationality. Paris and Beijing maintain close high-level exchanges, have achieved positive results in practical cooperation and humanitarian exchanges, the head of the Foreign Ministry added.

    According to him, both France and China adhere to multilateralism. Paris hopes to strengthen ties and cooperation with Beijing to jointly solve global problems, the minister emphasized.

    The French government has a one-China policy and this position remains unchanged, said Jean-Nicolas Barrot. France attaches great importance to the partnership between the EU and China and hopes to take advantage of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the EU and China as an opportunity to deepen cooperation, he added.

    The parties also exchanged views on the Ukrainian crisis and the Iranian nuclear issue. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Anhui accelerates layout of aerospace information industry

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

    A worker assembles a general aviation aircraft at the workshop of CETC Wuhu Diamond Aircraft Manufacture Co., Ltd. in Wuhu City, east China’s Anhui Province, July 3, 2025. In recent years, Anhui Province has accelerated the layout of its aerospace information industry, which encompasses low-altitude economy, commercial space, satellite applications, and deep space exploration. From booming “low altitude economy” such as drone delivery and low-altitude tourism, to the aggregation of enterprises into a commercial space industry chain, and the accelerating development of deep space exploration, Anhui further enhanced its independent innovation capabilities, and elevated aerospace information industry into a new growth pole for its economic development. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Escalating violence drives food crisis across eastern DR Congo, warns WFP

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    Conflict has plagued the DRC for decades, particularly in the east. Armed clashes escalated sharply this year as M23 rebels wrested control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu, in January, followed by Bukavu in South Kivu a month later.

    The security and humanitarian situation further deteriorated with recent outbreaks of anthrax and mpox in April and May, fuelled by overcrowded conditions and poor sanitation.

    Deepening food insecurity

    WFP’s latest report estimates that 7.9 million people are food insecure in the conflict-affected eastern provinces, with 28 million in need across the country.

    Food production in Grand Nord, an important agricultural hub in eastern DRC, has been slashed due to recent conflict and displacement. In addition, the closure of Goma’s airport – critical for aid delivery – continues to disrupt operations.

    Despite these challenges, WFP reached 1.1 million people in the east between January and March, providing school meals and take-home rations for 100,000 children, nutrition supplements for 340,000 children and pregnant or breastfeeding women – along with logistics and supply chain assistance.

    Regional turbulence

    The 140,000 Congolese who have fled to neighbouring countries since January – mainly Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania – have turned a national emergency into a regional crisis.

    Refugee camps in these countries, already under strain from refugees from other countries, are struggling to absorb the new arrivals.

    WFP warned that the surge in need is outpacing available resources. Budget constraints have forced the agency to make sharp cuts: food rations have been halved in Burundi, while cash support has also been halved in Rwanda.

    In Uganda, the number of refugees receiving assistance has dropped from 1.6 million to 630,000. In Tanzania, food rations have been reduced from 82 to 65 per cent.

    To sustain its emergency operations, WFP is appealing for $433 million to support its work inside the DRC through October.

    Additional funding needs include $16.6 million to provide full food assistance in Burundi through 2025, $12 million to maintain full rations for refugees in Rwanda through 2025, $26 million to sustain operations in Uganda through 2025, and $18 million to provide just 75 per cent of full rations in Tanzania through April 2026.

    © WFP/Michael Castofas

    Displaced families in the Bulengo camp on the outskirts of Goma face a dire and uncertain future as M23 authorities instruct them to dismantle their makeshift shelters.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Air route links Xinjiang’s Urumqi, Osaka

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

    URUMQI, July 5 — Tianjin Airlines inaugurated a new air route on Saturday, linking Urumqi, the capital city of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with Osaka, Japan.

    This newly opened route marks the region’s first and only air link to Japan.

    The daily service, operated by an Airbus A320, will depart Urumqi at 7:30 a.m. and arrive in Osaka at 4:45 p.m. local time after a stop in north China’s Tianjin. The return flight leaves Osaka at 6 p.m. local time and arrives in Urumqi at 1:55 a.m. the next day.

    The airlines said that the route not only expands Xinjiang’s international aviation network, providing enhanced travel convenience for both leisure and business passengers, but also promotes China-Japan economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and tourism development.

    MIL OSI China News –