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  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to inaugurate Controllers’ Conference 2025 on July 7

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Controllers’ Conference 2025, hosted by the Defence Accounts Department (DAD), on July 7 at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi. The three-day conference, from July 7 to 9, will bring together India’s top defence and financial leadership to chart the future of defence financial governance.

    This year’s theme, “Transforming Financial Advice, Payment, Audit and Accounting through Defence Finance and Economics”, marks a strategic shift positioning DAD as a future-ready institution focused on national defence and economic resilience. The department’s new Mission Statement and Motto – ‘Alert, Agile, Adaptive’ – will also be unveiled during the event, said the Defence Ministry.

    Eight high-level business sessions or Manan Satras will address key areas including budget reform, audit restructuring, pricing innovation, and capacity building. These discussions aim to redefine the role of Integrated Financial Advisors (IFAs) in fostering fiscal discipline while supporting a competitive and self-reliant defence industry.

    Managing a defence budget of Rs 26.8 lakh crore – including Rs 1.7 lakh crore for pensions – DAD plays a vital role in disbursements, procurement pricing, auditing, and strategic advisory. Recent digital reforms such as SAMPURNA, SPARSH, e-Raksha Awaas, and AI-based procurement systems have enhanced transparency and service delivery across the defence finance ecosystem.

    With 206 outreach programs and over 200 service centres established in the past year, DAD is strengthening last-mile connectivity and stakeholder engagement. Training institutions like NADFM Pune and CENTRAD Delhi are also pioneering officer education in defence economics and data analytics.

    Aligned with the Ministry of Defence’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Reform, the Controllers’ Conference is expected to yield actionable outcomes aimed at building a smarter, more agile defence financial architecture – one that aligns with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and strengthens India’s long-term national security.

    Key dignitaries attending the event include Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Financial Adviser (Defence Services) S G Dastidar, and Controller General of Defence Accounts Dr Mayank Sharma.

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to inaugurate Controllers’ Conference 2025 on July 7

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Controllers’ Conference 2025, hosted by the Defence Accounts Department (DAD), on July 7 at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi. The three-day conference, from July 7 to 9, will bring together India’s top defence and financial leadership to chart the future of defence financial governance.

    This year’s theme, “Transforming Financial Advice, Payment, Audit and Accounting through Defence Finance and Economics”, marks a strategic shift positioning DAD as a future-ready institution focused on national defence and economic resilience. The department’s new Mission Statement and Motto – ‘Alert, Agile, Adaptive’ – will also be unveiled during the event, said the Defence Ministry.

    Eight high-level business sessions or Manan Satras will address key areas including budget reform, audit restructuring, pricing innovation, and capacity building. These discussions aim to redefine the role of Integrated Financial Advisors (IFAs) in fostering fiscal discipline while supporting a competitive and self-reliant defence industry.

    Managing a defence budget of Rs 26.8 lakh crore – including Rs 1.7 lakh crore for pensions – DAD plays a vital role in disbursements, procurement pricing, auditing, and strategic advisory. Recent digital reforms such as SAMPURNA, SPARSH, e-Raksha Awaas, and AI-based procurement systems have enhanced transparency and service delivery across the defence finance ecosystem.

    With 206 outreach programs and over 200 service centres established in the past year, DAD is strengthening last-mile connectivity and stakeholder engagement. Training institutions like NADFM Pune and CENTRAD Delhi are also pioneering officer education in defence economics and data analytics.

    Aligned with the Ministry of Defence’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Reform, the Controllers’ Conference is expected to yield actionable outcomes aimed at building a smarter, more agile defence financial architecture – one that aligns with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and strengthens India’s long-term national security.

    Key dignitaries attending the event include Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Financial Adviser (Defence Services) S G Dastidar, and Controller General of Defence Accounts Dr Mayank Sharma.

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to inaugurate Controllers’ Conference 2025 on July 7

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Controllers’ Conference 2025, hosted by the Defence Accounts Department (DAD), on July 7 at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi. The three-day conference, from July 7 to 9, will bring together India’s top defence and financial leadership to chart the future of defence financial governance.

    This year’s theme, “Transforming Financial Advice, Payment, Audit and Accounting through Defence Finance and Economics”, marks a strategic shift positioning DAD as a future-ready institution focused on national defence and economic resilience. The department’s new Mission Statement and Motto – ‘Alert, Agile, Adaptive’ – will also be unveiled during the event, said the Defence Ministry.

    Eight high-level business sessions or Manan Satras will address key areas including budget reform, audit restructuring, pricing innovation, and capacity building. These discussions aim to redefine the role of Integrated Financial Advisors (IFAs) in fostering fiscal discipline while supporting a competitive and self-reliant defence industry.

    Managing a defence budget of Rs 26.8 lakh crore – including Rs 1.7 lakh crore for pensions – DAD plays a vital role in disbursements, procurement pricing, auditing, and strategic advisory. Recent digital reforms such as SAMPURNA, SPARSH, e-Raksha Awaas, and AI-based procurement systems have enhanced transparency and service delivery across the defence finance ecosystem.

    With 206 outreach programs and over 200 service centres established in the past year, DAD is strengthening last-mile connectivity and stakeholder engagement. Training institutions like NADFM Pune and CENTRAD Delhi are also pioneering officer education in defence economics and data analytics.

    Aligned with the Ministry of Defence’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Reform, the Controllers’ Conference is expected to yield actionable outcomes aimed at building a smarter, more agile defence financial architecture – one that aligns with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and strengthens India’s long-term national security.

    Key dignitaries attending the event include Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Financial Adviser (Defence Services) S G Dastidar, and Controller General of Defence Accounts Dr Mayank Sharma.

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to inaugurate Controllers’ Conference 2025 on July 7

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Controllers’ Conference 2025, hosted by the Defence Accounts Department (DAD), on July 7 at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi. The three-day conference, from July 7 to 9, will bring together India’s top defence and financial leadership to chart the future of defence financial governance.

    This year’s theme, “Transforming Financial Advice, Payment, Audit and Accounting through Defence Finance and Economics”, marks a strategic shift positioning DAD as a future-ready institution focused on national defence and economic resilience. The department’s new Mission Statement and Motto – ‘Alert, Agile, Adaptive’ – will also be unveiled during the event, said the Defence Ministry.

    Eight high-level business sessions or Manan Satras will address key areas including budget reform, audit restructuring, pricing innovation, and capacity building. These discussions aim to redefine the role of Integrated Financial Advisors (IFAs) in fostering fiscal discipline while supporting a competitive and self-reliant defence industry.

    Managing a defence budget of Rs 26.8 lakh crore – including Rs 1.7 lakh crore for pensions – DAD plays a vital role in disbursements, procurement pricing, auditing, and strategic advisory. Recent digital reforms such as SAMPURNA, SPARSH, e-Raksha Awaas, and AI-based procurement systems have enhanced transparency and service delivery across the defence finance ecosystem.

    With 206 outreach programs and over 200 service centres established in the past year, DAD is strengthening last-mile connectivity and stakeholder engagement. Training institutions like NADFM Pune and CENTRAD Delhi are also pioneering officer education in defence economics and data analytics.

    Aligned with the Ministry of Defence’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Reform, the Controllers’ Conference is expected to yield actionable outcomes aimed at building a smarter, more agile defence financial architecture – one that aligns with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and strengthens India’s long-term national security.

    Key dignitaries attending the event include Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Financial Adviser (Defence Services) S G Dastidar, and Controller General of Defence Accounts Dr Mayank Sharma.

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Solaris Enters Final Phase of Presale Ahead of Mobile Mining App Launch

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLINN, Estonia, July 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — When you hear “Bitcoin 2.0,” your first instinct might be to roll your eyes and think, “Here we go again.” But once you dig past the noise, Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S) emerges with something most imitators lack: a powerful technical backbone, a wealth-building strategy for the everyday user, and a clear roadmap to actual utility. As altcoin chatter and speculative memecoins begin to fade, the spotlight is shifting toward something with more meat on the bone. That something is Bitcoin Solaris.

    The Next Generation of Wealth Creation

    What’s fueling the hype around Bitcoin Solaris is more than a name. This project is designed from the ground up to empower individuals to build real financial momentum. Instead of betting on token prices alone, BTC-S is offering an ecosystem where users can earn, transact, and contribute meaningfully.

    Its mobile-first mining solution is already getting crypto circles buzzing. Through the exciting release of the upcoming Solaris Nova app, users will be able to mine BTC-S directly from their smartphones, bringing decentralized rewards into the palms of over 6 billion mobile users worldwide. Whether you’re in a coffee shop or on a bus, your device could be earning for you.

    But mining is only part of the equation. Bitcoin Solaris doesn’t just reward presence, it rewards performance. The rewards distribution system accounts for:

    • Contribution score based on device type and workload.
    • Time-weighted bonuses that increase as users stay longer.
    • Task complexity and overall network demand.

    This isn’t just mining, it’s intelligent participation. The kind that turns casual users into long-term holders.

    The Tech That Powers the Surge

    Let’s talk power. Bitcoin Solaris runs on a unique hybrid consensus model that combines Proof-of-Work (PoW) with Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS), operating across a dual-layer architecture. It’s a bit like driving a racecar and piloting a drone at the same time.

    • The base layer uses SHA-256 for PoW mining, ensuring security and compatibility with existing hardware.
    • The Solaris Layer introduces DPoS with 21 rotating validators, providing scalability with 15-second blocks and dynamic block sizes.
    • Cross-layer synchronization ensures that state changes and validator sets remain aligned.
    • This dual system enables BTC-S to hit up to 100,000 transactions per second on the Solaris Layer with 2-second finality.

    In short, this thing flies. And it does so without sacrificing decentralization or security. It even implements zero-knowledge proofs for added privacy, and a multi-layered defense against both 51% and long-range attacks.

    It’s no surprise then that many crypto veterans are calling it one of the most technically complete projects of the year.

    Audited and Backed by the Community

    Bitcoin Solaris has passed two comprehensive smart contract audits. The first by Cyberscope and the second by Freshcoins, both of which confirmed the strength and integrity of BTC-S’s core codebase.

    Community conversations on Telegram and X continue to grow daily. With over 13,650 unique users already onboarded and more pouring in, this is no quiet presale.

    Crypto Show recently released a detailed review covering why so many enthusiasts are paying attention. From mobile mining to on-chain scalability, the breakdown highlights just how massive the upside potential really is.

    Presale Momentum Builds Toward a $20 Launch

    We’re now entering the final sprint. Bitcoin Solaris is in the last few hours of Phase 10 of its limited 90-day presale. Here’s what you need to know:

    • Current price: $10
    • Next phase: $11
    • Launch price: $20
    • Bonus: 6%
    • Expected launch date: July 31, 2025
    • Funds raised: Over $6 million
    • User base: More than 13,650 participants

    This is shaping up to be one of the fastest-growing and most explosive presales of 2025. With only around 4 weeks left, the clock is ticking. Investors are eyeing a 150% return right at launch, with many seeing this as a chance to ride the next big Bitcoin-like wave.

    This Is the Mobile-First Wealth Engine Crypto Promised You

    To receive your tokens on launch day, Bitcoin Solaris recommends using Trust Wallet or Metamask for seamless token delivery.

    Real-World Utility Across Every Sector

    BTC-S isn’t just fast, it’s functional. The ecosystem supports a wide range of smart contract applications written in Rust and built initially using Solana’s programming tools. These include:

    • DeFi tools like lending, borrowing, and DEXs
    • Enterprise utilities, including supply chain and tokenized real estate
    • Gaming, NFTs, and play-to-earn environments
    • IoT applications with secure micropayments
    • Governance platforms with DAOs and on-chain voting

    And that’s only scratching the surface. The infrastructure is built to scale across industries, use cases, and devices without bottlenecks.

    If you’re curious about mining potential, check the estimated earnings through the Bitcoin Solaris mining calculator.

    Final Verdict

    Bitcoin Solaris is designed to deliver a scalable, accessible, and rewarding blockchain experience for real users. With strong technical foundations and a focus on usability, it offers a comprehensive solution for long-term participation and growth.

    As the presale enters its final phases, early supporters have a unique opportunity to join a rapidly growing ecosystem before launch. The momentum is building—and this could be a defining moment for those seeking meaningful involvement in the next wave of blockchain innovation.

    For more information on Bitcoin Solaris:
    Website: https://www.bitcoinsolaris.com/
     Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris
     X: https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris

    Media Contact:
    Xander Levine
    press@bitcoinsolaris.com
    Press Kit: Available upon request

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

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7a7fda6d-3390-48a3-907c-0f47677e4285
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7ca4bd08-4817-4810-ab31-c6cf3d4aa4d5
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/90c62a77-5223-4de0-a16b-e754a14c71c8
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b2fd1e48-8f94-4c3d-98b6-acda689a2cf4

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Solaris Enters Final Phase of Presale Ahead of Mobile Mining App Launch

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLINN, Estonia, July 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — When you hear “Bitcoin 2.0,” your first instinct might be to roll your eyes and think, “Here we go again.” But once you dig past the noise, Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S) emerges with something most imitators lack: a powerful technical backbone, a wealth-building strategy for the everyday user, and a clear roadmap to actual utility. As altcoin chatter and speculative memecoins begin to fade, the spotlight is shifting toward something with more meat on the bone. That something is Bitcoin Solaris.

    The Next Generation of Wealth Creation

    What’s fueling the hype around Bitcoin Solaris is more than a name. This project is designed from the ground up to empower individuals to build real financial momentum. Instead of betting on token prices alone, BTC-S is offering an ecosystem where users can earn, transact, and contribute meaningfully.

    Its mobile-first mining solution is already getting crypto circles buzzing. Through the exciting release of the upcoming Solaris Nova app, users will be able to mine BTC-S directly from their smartphones, bringing decentralized rewards into the palms of over 6 billion mobile users worldwide. Whether you’re in a coffee shop or on a bus, your device could be earning for you.

    But mining is only part of the equation. Bitcoin Solaris doesn’t just reward presence, it rewards performance. The rewards distribution system accounts for:

    • Contribution score based on device type and workload.
    • Time-weighted bonuses that increase as users stay longer.
    • Task complexity and overall network demand.

    This isn’t just mining, it’s intelligent participation. The kind that turns casual users into long-term holders.

    The Tech That Powers the Surge

    Let’s talk power. Bitcoin Solaris runs on a unique hybrid consensus model that combines Proof-of-Work (PoW) with Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS), operating across a dual-layer architecture. It’s a bit like driving a racecar and piloting a drone at the same time.

    • The base layer uses SHA-256 for PoW mining, ensuring security and compatibility with existing hardware.
    • The Solaris Layer introduces DPoS with 21 rotating validators, providing scalability with 15-second blocks and dynamic block sizes.
    • Cross-layer synchronization ensures that state changes and validator sets remain aligned.
    • This dual system enables BTC-S to hit up to 100,000 transactions per second on the Solaris Layer with 2-second finality.

    In short, this thing flies. And it does so without sacrificing decentralization or security. It even implements zero-knowledge proofs for added privacy, and a multi-layered defense against both 51% and long-range attacks.

    It’s no surprise then that many crypto veterans are calling it one of the most technically complete projects of the year.

    Audited and Backed by the Community

    Bitcoin Solaris has passed two comprehensive smart contract audits. The first by Cyberscope and the second by Freshcoins, both of which confirmed the strength and integrity of BTC-S’s core codebase.

    Community conversations on Telegram and X continue to grow daily. With over 13,650 unique users already onboarded and more pouring in, this is no quiet presale.

    Crypto Show recently released a detailed review covering why so many enthusiasts are paying attention. From mobile mining to on-chain scalability, the breakdown highlights just how massive the upside potential really is.

    Presale Momentum Builds Toward a $20 Launch

    We’re now entering the final sprint. Bitcoin Solaris is in the last few hours of Phase 10 of its limited 90-day presale. Here’s what you need to know:

    • Current price: $10
    • Next phase: $11
    • Launch price: $20
    • Bonus: 6%
    • Expected launch date: July 31, 2025
    • Funds raised: Over $6 million
    • User base: More than 13,650 participants

    This is shaping up to be one of the fastest-growing and most explosive presales of 2025. With only around 4 weeks left, the clock is ticking. Investors are eyeing a 150% return right at launch, with many seeing this as a chance to ride the next big Bitcoin-like wave.

    This Is the Mobile-First Wealth Engine Crypto Promised You

    To receive your tokens on launch day, Bitcoin Solaris recommends using Trust Wallet or Metamask for seamless token delivery.

    Real-World Utility Across Every Sector

    BTC-S isn’t just fast, it’s functional. The ecosystem supports a wide range of smart contract applications written in Rust and built initially using Solana’s programming tools. These include:

    • DeFi tools like lending, borrowing, and DEXs
    • Enterprise utilities, including supply chain and tokenized real estate
    • Gaming, NFTs, and play-to-earn environments
    • IoT applications with secure micropayments
    • Governance platforms with DAOs and on-chain voting

    And that’s only scratching the surface. The infrastructure is built to scale across industries, use cases, and devices without bottlenecks.

    If you’re curious about mining potential, check the estimated earnings through the Bitcoin Solaris mining calculator.

    Final Verdict

    Bitcoin Solaris is designed to deliver a scalable, accessible, and rewarding blockchain experience for real users. With strong technical foundations and a focus on usability, it offers a comprehensive solution for long-term participation and growth.

    As the presale enters its final phases, early supporters have a unique opportunity to join a rapidly growing ecosystem before launch. The momentum is building—and this could be a defining moment for those seeking meaningful involvement in the next wave of blockchain innovation.

    For more information on Bitcoin Solaris:
    Website: https://www.bitcoinsolaris.com/
     Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris
     X: https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris

    Media Contact:
    Xander Levine
    press@bitcoinsolaris.com
    Press Kit: Available upon request

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

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7a7fda6d-3390-48a3-907c-0f47677e4285
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7ca4bd08-4817-4810-ab31-c6cf3d4aa4d5
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/90c62a77-5223-4de0-a16b-e754a14c71c8
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b2fd1e48-8f94-4c3d-98b6-acda689a2cf4

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Coups in west Africa have five things in common: knowing what they are is key to defending democracy

    Source: The Conversation – Africa (2) – By Salah Ben Hammou, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Rice University

    August 2025 makes it five years since Malian soldiers ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta in a coup d’état. While the event reshaped Mali’s domestic politics, it also marked the beginning of a broader wave of military takeovers that swept parts of Africa between 2020 and 2023.

    Soldiers have toppled governments in Niger, Burkina Faso (twice), Sudan, Chad, Guinea and Gabon.

    The return of military coups shocked many observers. Once thought to be relics of the cold war, an “extinct” form of regime change, coups appeared to be making a comeback.

    No new coups have taken place since Gabon’s in 2023, but the ripple effects are far from over. Gabon’s coup leader, Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema, formally assumed the presidency in May 2025. In doing so he broke promises that the military would step aside from politics. In Mali, the ruling junta dissolved all political parties to tighten its grip on power.

    Across the affected countries, military rulers remain entrenched. Sudan, for its part, has descended into a devastating civil war following its coup in 2021.

    Analysts often cite weak institutions, rising insecurity, and popular frustration with civilian governments to explain coups. While these factors play a role, they don’t capture the patterns we have observed.

    I have studied and written on military coups for nearly a decade, especially this coup wave.

    After a close analysis of the coup cascade, I conclude that the international community must move beyond the view of coups as isolated events.

    Patterns suggest that the Sahelian coups are not isolated. Coup leaders are not only seizing power, they are learning from one another how to entrench authority, sidestep international pressure and craft narratives that legitimise their rule.

    To help preserve democratic rule, the international community must confront five lessons revealed by the recent military takeovers.

    Key lessons

    Contagion: Just a month after Guinea’s military ousted President Alpha Condé, Sudan’s army disrupted its democratic transition. Three months later, Burkina Faso’s officers toppled President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré amid rising insecurity.

    Each case had unique triggers, but the timing suggests more than coincidence.

    Potential coup leaders watch closely, not just to see if a coup succeeds but what kinds of challenges arise as the event unfolds. When coups fail and plotters face harsh consequences, others are less likely to follow.

    Whether coups spread depends on the perceived risks as much as on opportunity. But when coups succeed – especially if new leaders quickly take control and avoid immediate instability – they send a signal that can encourage others to act.

    Civilian support matters: Civilian support for coups is real and observed.

    Since the start of Africa’s recent coup wave, many commentators have highlighted the cheering crowds that often welcome soldiers, celebrating the fall of unpopular regimes. Civilian support is a common and often underestimated aspect of coup politics. It signals to potential coup plotters that military rule can win legitimacy and public backing.

    This popular support also helps coup leaders strengthen their grip on power, shielding their regimes from both domestic opposition and international pressure. For example, following Niger’s 2023 coup, the putschists faced international condemnation and the threat of military intervention. In response, thousands of supporters gathered in the capital, Niamey, to rally around the coup leaders.

    In Mali, protesters flooded the streets in 2020 to welcome the military’s ousting of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. In Guinea, crowds rallied behind the junta after Alpha Condé was removed in 2021. And in Burkina Faso, both 2022 coups were met with widespread approval.

    International responses: The international community’s response sends equally powerful signals. When those responses are weak, delayed, or inconsistent – such as the absence of meaningful sanctions, token aid suspensions, or symbolic suspensions from regional bodies – they can send the message that the illegal seizure of power carries few legitimate consequences.

    International responses to recent coups have been mixed. Some, like Niger’s, triggered strong initial reactions, including sanctions and threats of military intervention.

    But in Chad, Mahamat Déby’s 2021 takeover was effectively legitimised by key international actors, which portrayed it as a necessary step for stability following the battlefield death of his father, President Idriss Déby, at the hands of rebel forces.

    In Guinea and Gabon, regional suspensions were largely symbolic, with little pressure to restore civilian rule. In Mali and Burkina Faso, transitional timelines have been extended repeatedly without much pushback.

    The inconsistency signals to coup leaders that seizing power may provoke outrage, but rarely lasting consequences.

    Coup leaders learn from one another: Contagion isn’t limited to the moment of takeover. Coup leaders also draw lessons from how others entrench themselves afterwards. They watch to see which tactics succeed in defusing opposition and extending their grip on power.

    Entrenched military rule has become the norm across recent coup countries. On average, military rulers have remained in power for nearly 1,000 days since the start of the current wave. Before this wave, military leaders had retained power on average for 22 days since the year 2000.

    In Chad, Mahamat Déby secured his grip through a contested 2024 election. Gabon’s Nguema followed in 2025, winning nearly 90% of the vote after constitutional changes cleared the path. In both cases, elections were used to re-brand military regimes as democratic, even as the role of the armed forces remains unchanged.

    Connecting the dots

    Coup governments across Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have shifted away from western alliances and towards Russia, deepening military and economic ties. All three exited the Economic Community of West African States and formed the Alliance of Sahel States, denouncing regional pressure.

    Aligning with Russia offers these regimes external support and a veneer of sovereignty, while legitimising authoritarianism as independence.

    The final lesson is clear: when coups are treated as isolated rather than interconnected, it’s likely that more will follow. Would-be plotters are watching how citizens react, how the world responds, and how other coup leaders consolidate power.

    When the message they receive is that coups are tolerable, survivable and even rewarded, the deterrent effect weakens.

    Poema Sumrow, a Baker Institute researcher, contributed to this article

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

    – ref. Coups in west Africa have five things in common: knowing what they are is key to defending democracy – https://theconversation.com/coups-in-west-africa-have-five-things-in-common-knowing-what-they-are-is-key-to-defending-democracy-258890

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Child labour numbers rise in homes where adults are jobless – South African study

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Derek Yu, Professor, Economics, University of the Western Cape

    Child labour is a big concern across the world. It is particularly acute in countries in the global south, where it is estimated that about 160 million children are engaged in child labour, about 87 million of them in sub-Saharan Africa.

    A range of countries have sought to outlaw child labour because it denies children their childhood as well as physical and mental development.

    In South Africa data on the work activities of children aged between 7 and 17 years are collected in the Survey of Activities of Young People, conducted by Statistics South Africa. Despite the survey having taken place four times (1999, 2010, 2015 and 2019), the dataset has been seriously under-used. There has hardly been any comprehensive research done on the state of South Africa’s child labour and child work activities.

    In a recently published study we looked at child labour activities in the country. We compared the 2010, 2015 and 2019 Survey of Activities of Young People.

    We first looked at personal and geographical characteristics of children, such as their gender, ethnic group and province of residence. We went on to look at their work activities, as well as the relationship (if any) between adults’ employment status and the probability of children from the same households having to work.

    The reason we chose to look at the relationship between child labour and work activities of adults is that South Africa has an extremely high level of unemployment. At the end of 2024 the unemployment rate was 31.8%.

    The Basic Conditions of Employment Act, which was passed in 1997, bans the employment of children until the last school day of the year when they turn 15 years old. Nonetheless, as some adult household members struggle to find work successfully, it is possible that child members of households are exploited to help the households survive financially.

    Two striking and alarming findings stand out from the study.

    First, the fewer adults were employed in a household, the more likely it was that children in the household were working. Secondly, the presence of child labour in the household had a discouraging impact on the adult members’ job-seeking action.

    The first key finding implies that if adults were employed, children might not be working. The second implies that jobless adult members most likely relied on the (illegal) income earned by the child labour, discouraging the adults from seeking work actively.

    The number of children working in South Africa has dropped from 778,000 in 2010 to 577,000 in 2019. This downward trend implies the success of South African legislation in prohibiting child labour over the years. But, we conclude, laws and regulations are not enough. In South Africa, the enforcement as well as the public awareness and understanding of the child labour related legislation must be improved to safeguard children.

    Thus, a coordinated programme of action by the government is important to bring all stakeholders into the fight against child labour and unemployment of the working-age population.

    About the survey

    The Survey of Activities of Young People was first introduced in 1999 by Statistics South Africa, two years after the 1997 legislation that banned child labour. However, since the 1999 survey was not linked to the Labour Force Survey and the 1999 survey questions were asked very differently from the 2010, 2015 and 2019 waves, we decided to exclude the 1999 survey wave from the analysis. Hence, we focus on examining the 2010, 2015 and 2019 results, notably because these three waves of data about young people are linked to the Labour Force Survey data taking place in the same year.

    This makes it possible to investigate the relationship between the employment status of child and adult household members.

    The 2019 survey findings show that, if a household had no employed adult members, the probability of the child from the same household ending up as child labour was 6.5%.

    If the household had one employed adult member, child labour probability dropped to 4.7%. Lastly, if the household had at least two employed adult members, child labour likelihood decreased further to 2.7%.

    Using the same 2019 data, we found that if a household had no child involved in labour, the probability of an adult member from the same household seeking work in the labour market was 60%. Adult members’ labour force participation rate from households where at least once child worked as child labour was much lower at 44%.

    Looking at other child labour statistics, we found that the majority (90%) of working children were Africans; above 60% were in the illegal age cohort of 7-14 years; and most were living in the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Eastern Cape.

    In addition, 98% of them were still attending school while working as child labour.

    Lastly, most child labour worked 1-5 hours per week in elementary occupations in the wholesale and retail industry. The top three reasons for children working were “to obtain pocket money”, “to assist family with money” and “duty to help family”.

    The road ahead

    Some children spent many hours on household chores (which is not classified as child labour, strictly speaking). Parents, employers and the community must be educated about the dangers of long hours on domestic chores and even child labour.

    The government should consolidate its infrastructure development programmes, especially the delivery of electricity, water and sanitation in areas where children spend time on domestic chores. These actions will shorten the duration of child household chores and allow children more time for school activities. The surveys used for the study did not include questions about specific activities children were involved in. They only asked if the child was involved in chores such as cleaning, cooking and looking after elderly members.

    It is also worthwhile if questions relating to child labour are included in the child questionnaire of the National Income Dynamics Study (the only national panel data survey in South Africa) to more thoroughly investigate whether child labour is a short-term or long-term phenomenon, and whether there is any relationship between poverty (and receipt of social grants) and child labour incidence.

    Lastly, it has been six years since the Survey of Activities of Young People was last conducted. It is time for Statistics South Africa to collect the latest data on the state of child labour in the country.

    This article is based on a journal article which the writers co-authored with Clinton Herwel (Economics Masters student at the University of the Western Cape).

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

    – ref. Child labour numbers rise in homes where adults are jobless – South African study – https://theconversation.com/child-labour-numbers-rise-in-homes-where-adults-are-jobless-south-african-study-259398

    MIL OSI –

  • 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: Shavez Ahmed Siddiqui Sets Global Benchmark with LQUIDPAY Deobank, Wins Top Fintech Honors in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Shavez Ahmed Siddiqui, the visionary fintech entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of LQUIDPAY Deobank, is making waves across the global fintech and Web3 ecosystems. With two major accolades in 2025 — one from Entrepreneur Middle East in Dubai and another from Times of India Group in Lucknow — Siddiqui’s impact is now being recognized on both the international and domestic stage.

    His rise reflects a larger movement: the transformation of traditional banking into decentralized, borderless, and user-owned financial systems.

    From Global Acclaim to National Spotlight: 2025 Awards That Defined a Movement

    In May 2025, LQUIDPAY Deobank was awarded “Fintech Company of the Year” at the Leaders in E-Business Awards in Dubai. Just weeks later, Shavez Ahmed Siddiqui received the “Times Leadership Award 2025” in his hometown, Lucknow — solidifying his growing stature in India’s fintech landscape.

    These awards highlight Siddiqui’s transformative work in building digital financial infrastructure that is self-sovereign, compliant, and globally accessible.

    Award-Winning Innovation: What Makes LQUIDPAY Deobank a Game Changer

    LQUIDPAY Deobank is the world’s first decentralized on-chain bank, created to offer secure, borderless, and transparent financial services. With a strong emphasis on user sovereignty, it removes intermediaries and empowers users to manage their money freely, anywhere in the world.

    Key Innovations:

    • Self-Custodial Vaults for total asset control
    • Visa-Enabled Virtual & Physical Cards for global crypto spending
    • On-Chain Yield Savings (6–14% APY) backed by smart contracts
    • Crypto On/Off-Ramp for instant fiat access
    • ATM Withdrawals via PIN + NFC Cards (launching globally in 2025)
    • Enterprise API Access for Web3 fintech infrastructure

    These innovations are already unlocking access for users in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

    Global Recognition: Fintech Company of the Year – Entrepreneur Middle East

    At the Leaders in E-Business Awards held in Dubai, LQUIDPAY Deobank was honored for creating decentralized financial tools that serve both individuals and enterprises. The award celebrates the company’s ability to merge compliance, speed, and decentralization under a single ecosystem.

    This positioned Shavez Ahmed Siddiqui as a global Web3 leader driving the evolution of finance.

    National Impact: Times Leadership Award 2025 – Lucknow, India

    On June 28, 2025, Siddiqui was awarded the Times Leadership Award 2025 in Lucknow by the Times of India Group — a powerful moment of homegrown recognition. This award not only honored his technological contributions but celebrated his commitment to India’s digital future.

    Official Publication: (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68625b36e0d38c65cf43de77/)

    “Receiving this award in Lucknow, the heart of India, reaffirms our mission to empower 1.4 billion people with financial freedom,” said Siddiqui on stage.

    The Vision and Mission Behind Siddiqui’s Fintech Movement

    At the core of Shavez Ahmed Siddiqui’s journey is a bold, human-centered vision.

    Vision

    To build a decentralized, borderless financial ecosystem where every individual — regardless of geography — can access, grow, and control their own financial future without reliance on centralized institutions.

    Mission

    To empower the world’s 1.4 billion unbanked through accessible, self-custodial, and blockchain-powered banking systems. Through platforms like LQUIDPAY Deobank, Siddiqui is enabling secure savings, global payments, and decentralized wealth creation for all.

    “Financial sovereignty should not be a privilege. It should be a default,” he often emphasizes.

    About Shavez Ahmed Siddiqui: Building the Future of Finance

    A self-taught technologist with 10+ years of blockchain expertise, Siddiqui is the mind behind several disruptive ventures:

    • LQUIDPAY Deobank (2024) – A decentralized bank offering crypto savings, Visa card payments, and DeFi-powered finance
    • Protocol Yield (2025) – A DeFi platform with daily profit sharing, AI-powered risk scoring (PY Score), and broker partners including Binance and Bybit
    • DODO (2023) – A gasless, index-based crypto trading platform
    • BTC20 Smart Chain (2022) – A high-speed blockchain with 65,000 TPS and over 17 million wallets

    Each initiative supports his broader goal of making finance secure, user-owned, and built for a decentralized future.

    Awards Timeline

    Date Award Title Presented By Location
    May 27, 2025 Fintech Company of the Year 2025 Entrepreneur Middle East Dubai
    June 28, 2025 Times Leadership Award 2025 Times of India Group Lucknow

    What’s Next: Scaling Financial Access for the World

    Looking ahead, Siddiqui and LQUIDPAY Deobank are focused on:

    • ATM withdrawals with crypto cards
    • Global market activation in Africa, LATAM, Asia and USA
    • Financial education for the underserved
    • Enterprise-grade DeFi tools for fintech partners
    • Mobile-first apps for next-gen banking

    Siddiqui’s next chapter is all about scaling secure, sovereign, and accessible finance for everyone, everywhere.

    Follow the Journey

    Website: www.lquidpay.finance
     Media Inquiries: admin@lquidpay.finance
    Learn More: www.shavezahmedsiddiqui.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by LQUIDPAY Deobank. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9fb3bcec-f682-4e36-8746-a86f16c06fc7

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1a66a0d9-a1ad-4084-a880-9d25e782ac65

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/153d222c-7a60-4167-b472-88f14c960b64

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Ramaphosa arrives in Brazil ahead of Rio Summit

    Source: Government of South Africa

    By Gabi Khumalo

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for his working visit to attend the 17th BRICS Summit, which kicks off today.

    The President, who arrived on Saturday evening, will attend the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) Summit at the invitation of President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

    Ahead of the high-level engagements, officials and delegations could be seen entering and exiting the summit venue making final preparations, while tight security measures were in place. 

    The objectives for this year’s summit include highlighting the ongoing humanitarian impact of Israeli military action in Gaza and in conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine and Iran; and advocating for the sustainable resolution of conflicts through diplomacy, inclusive dialogue, and a commitment to the United Nations Charter.

    The summit, taking place from 6 to 7 July 2025, will also explore ways of expanding tangible trade, tourism, investment, and financial cooperation within BRICS and with BRICS partner countries.

    “For South Africa, these deliberations will enhance our efforts to further diversify trade and enhance resilience, growth and development. The summit will look into synergies between BRICS, COP30 (Conference of the Parties) and G20 (Group of Twenty) outcomes, including in global governance of artificial intelligence and prioritising climate finance that is just, accessible, and transformational.

    “BRICS leaders will continue advocating for the reform of global governance systems to be more inclusive and representative of contemporary realities. This includes the goal of countries of the South for more meaningful participation of the global South in global decision-making processes and structures, including in the United Nations Security Council,” the Presidency said.

    The specific objectives of South Africa’s engagement in BRICS are:
    • To enhance the future growth and development of South Africa through its BRICS membership.
    • To strengthen intra-BRICS relations and develop mutually beneficial cooperation across the three pillars of cooperation, political and security, financial and economic, and cultural and people-to-people cooperation.
    • To shape global governance reform to be more equitable, balanced and representative.

    South Africa has emphasised concrete cooperation that contributes both directly and indirectly to the priorities of a better South Africa, a better Africa, and a better world through its partnership in BRICS.

    During the 17th BRICS Summit, session leaders are expected to deliberate on topics, including global governance reform, peace, and security, including a report by National Security Advisors.

    “Heads of State and government will discuss a BRICS Leaders Statement on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence. This will be followed by the adoption of a BRICS Leaders Framework Declaration on Climate Finance and the launch of the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases.”

    The summit will conclude with the adoption of the Rio de Janeiro Declaration.

    The summit will be attended by leaders of the BRICS member states, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.

    Member states participate in all BRICS meetings, while partner states participate principally in summits. Partner states may be invited to other meetings of the association if members agree on this.

    Leaders of BRICS partner countries will come from Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan.

    The Rio Summit will also be attended by leaders of outreach countries, which in the BRICS system are countries from the region, where the rotational Presidency is located.

    In this context, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay have also been invited by the Government of Brazil to participate in the Rio gathering. 

    The United Nations, the African Union (AU) and International Organisations will also participate.

    Leaders of all BRICS members are confirmed for the Rio Summit with President Putin participating virtually and China represented by Premier Li Qiang.

    President Ramaphosa is supported by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola; Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; Deputy Minister of Finance Dr David Masondo and Deputy Minister of Trade Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Rain lashes several parts of Delhi, IMD predicts more showers in next two days

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Rain lashed several parts of Delhi on Sunday morning, offering some relief from the heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms for the national capital over the next two days.

    In its latest update, IMD Delhi said, “The sky will remain generally cloudy. Light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, is likely to occur over Delhi during the next two days.”

    According to the IMD, there has been no significant change in the maximum and minimum temperatures over the past 24 hours.

    “Maximum temperatures remained in the range of 36–37°C, while minimum temperatures were between 25–29°C. Both minimum and maximum temperatures are near normal for this time of year,” the IMD said.

    It also noted that south-westerly winds with speeds up to 15 kmph prevailed over Delhi.

    On the broader weather pattern, IMD said the monsoon trough at mean sea level now extends through Suratgarh, Sirsa, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Daltonganj, Bankura, Digha, and then southeastwards into the northeast Bay of Bengal.

    Additionally, an upper air cyclonic circulation lies over Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Punjab at about 1.5 km above mean sea level.

    (With inputs from ANI)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Serbia completes key section of highway with China’s help

    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

    LUCANIA /Serbia/, July 6 /Xinhua/ — Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Saturday attended a ceremony to mark the opening of the last section of the E-763 “Milos Veliki” highway from Pakovrača to Požega.

    The opening ceremony took place at the entrance to the Mugnino Brdo tunnel in the municipality of Lucani in southwestern Serbia. It was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming, senior Serbian government officials, representatives of Chinese and Serbian infrastructure companies, and hundreds of local residents.

    “This is one of the most important infrastructure projects in our country. Together with our Chinese friends, using their technology and our determination, we overcame all the difficulties,” A. Vucic said at the event, noting the contribution of China Communications Construction Group /CCCC/.

    The opened 19.56-kilometer section includes two of the longest automobile tunnels in Serbia – Laz /2858 m/ and Muninino Brdo /2861 m/. According to A. Vucic, the project reflects the transformation of Serbia into a strong and modern state with safe and high-quality highways.

    Li Ming called the E-763 highway the most important transport artery connecting Belgrade with the Montenegrin port of Bar, as well as with the western and northern regions of Serbia.

    The successful completion of the project reflects the experience and dedication of all participants and is evidence of the “iron friendship” between China and Serbia, he added.

    Passenger traffic on the new section of the highway will open at noon on Sunday. –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 –

  • Nearly 48,000 devotees undertake Amarnath Yatra in first three days

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nearly 48,000 devotees have participated in the ongoing Amarnath Yatra over the past three days, amid tight security arrangements.

    According to officials, over 21,000 Yatris had darshan inside the holy cave shrine on Saturday. On Sunday morning, another group of 7,208 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in two escorted convoys bound for the Kashmir Valley.

    “The first convoy is heading to the Baltal base camp in North Kashmir, while the second is en route to the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp in South Kashmir,” officials said.

    The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which oversees the annual pilgrimage, noted that in addition to the pilgrims arriving at the Jammu base camp, many devotees are reporting directly to the Baltal and Nunwan base camps for on-spot registration.

    Meanwhile, 36 pilgrims sustained minor injuries on Saturday when five vehicles in a Valley-bound convoy collided near Chandrakote in Jammu’s Ramban district.

    In the wake of the horrific April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, security for this year’s Yatra has been significantly ramped up.

    An additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed to augment the presence of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police. All transit camps along the route and the entire stretch from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar to the cave shrine are under tight security cover.

    Locals have extended full cooperation to the Amarnath Yatra, as they have consistently done in the past. In a heartwarming gesture that sent a strong message against terrorism, residents of Kashmir welcomed the first batch of Yatris with garlands and placards at Qazigund, near the Navyug Tunnel, as they entered the Valley.

    This year’s Amarnath Yatra began on July 3 and will conclude after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and the Raksha Bandhan festival.

    (IANS)

  • Nearly 48,000 devotees undertake Amarnath Yatra in first three days

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nearly 48,000 devotees have participated in the ongoing Amarnath Yatra over the past three days, amid tight security arrangements.

    According to officials, over 21,000 Yatris had darshan inside the holy cave shrine on Saturday. On Sunday morning, another group of 7,208 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in two escorted convoys bound for the Kashmir Valley.

    “The first convoy is heading to the Baltal base camp in North Kashmir, while the second is en route to the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp in South Kashmir,” officials said.

    The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which oversees the annual pilgrimage, noted that in addition to the pilgrims arriving at the Jammu base camp, many devotees are reporting directly to the Baltal and Nunwan base camps for on-spot registration.

    Meanwhile, 36 pilgrims sustained minor injuries on Saturday when five vehicles in a Valley-bound convoy collided near Chandrakote in Jammu’s Ramban district.

    In the wake of the horrific April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, security for this year’s Yatra has been significantly ramped up.

    An additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed to augment the presence of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police. All transit camps along the route and the entire stretch from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar to the cave shrine are under tight security cover.

    Locals have extended full cooperation to the Amarnath Yatra, as they have consistently done in the past. In a heartwarming gesture that sent a strong message against terrorism, residents of Kashmir welcomed the first batch of Yatris with garlands and placards at Qazigund, near the Navyug Tunnel, as they entered the Valley.

    This year’s Amarnath Yatra began on July 3 and will conclude after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and the Raksha Bandhan festival.

    (IANS)

  • 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 –

  • Wimbledon: Djokovic hits century to lead veterans into last 16, Krejcikova crashes

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Seven-times champion Novak Djokovic scored his 100th match win at Wimbledon and led the march of the old guard into the last 16 on Saturday while an ailing Barbora Krejcikova’s title defence ended in defeat and tears.

    World number one Jannik Sinner was at his ruthless best yet again as the Italian gathered momentum in his quest for a maiden All England Club title while American Ben Shelton and Australian Alex de Minaur announced themselves as dark horses.

    Djokovic is on an altogether different plane as he looks to capture his eighth title to match Roger Federer’s record on the pristine lawns of London and his 25th major overall to surpass Margaret Court on the all-time list of champions.

    The 38-year-old showed exactly why Wimbledon could be his best chance of achieving the elusive targets when the 2023 and 2024 runner-up dismantled Davis Cup teammate Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3 6-0 6-4 in a little under two hours.

    A ton of victories put him among elite company as the sixth seed became only the third player to achieve that feat at the tournament after nine-times champion Martina Navratilova and Swiss great Federer.

    “Wimbledon is a favourite and a dream tournament for not just myself, but probably the majority of players. Growing up, most of the kids dream of playing here and winning here,” Djokovic said.

    “I’ve been blessed to do it multiple times. Any history that I make in my favourite tournament, I’m blessed.”

    Grigor Dimitrov, the Bulgarian 34-year-old, also scored his 100th match win across the four Grand Slams when he quelled the challenge of Austrian Sebastian Ofner 6-3 6-4 7-6(0).

    Joining him was fellow veteran Marin Cilic, the Croatian 36-year-old getting past spirited Spaniard Jaume Munar 6-3 3-6 6-2 6-4 to book a meeting with Italian 22nd seed Flavio Cobolli who took apart big-serving Czech teenager Jakub Mensik 6-2 6-4 6-2.

    While Cobolli may not be relishing a meeting with the tricky Cilic, his compatriot Sinner will welcome the chance to test his metronomic hitting against Dimitrov’s elegant approach in what promises to be a classic.

    SUBLIME SINNER

    A sublime Sinner booked that clash with a 6-1 6-3 6-1 hammering of Pedro Martinez. The top seed, who has lost just 17 games in his first three matches, equalled the professional era record for fewest games dropped to make the Wimbledon fourth round along the way.

    “About the games lost, this is whatever,” Sinner said, his grounded nature coming into sharp focus.

    “I’m not looking on these kind of records. I know everything can change very quickly from one round to the other.”

    After the unexpected high of last year’s title triumph, Krejcikova came crashing down when she was beaten 2-6 6-3 6-4 by American 10th seed Emma Navarro in a disjointed Court One contest.

    The distressed 29-year-old Czech, who has endured her share of injuries this season, was in tears as she prepared to serve to stay in the tournament at 3-5 in the deciding set before eventually crashing out.

    “It was tough, neither of us played our best tennis, she was dealing with some injuries and I was dealing with whatever I was dealing with,” Navarro said, adding that it was difficult to focus when her opponent was struggling.

    “It’s not easy to be composed. Part of you is saying just put a bunch of balls in the court and that’s all you need to do. But then you trick yourself into not playing the way that you want to play.”

    Krejcikova’s exit and 2022 champion Elena Rybakina’s 7-6(6) 6-3 defeat by Danish powerhouse Clara Tauson means a first-time women’s champion will be crowned at the Grand Slam for the eighth consecutive year.

    Iga Swiatek will hope she can be the one after the five-times major champion secured a 6-2 6-3 victory over American Danielle Collins, whose compatriot Hailey Baptiste crashed to 18-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva 6-1 6-3.

    Shelton gave Americans something to smile about when the powerful left-hander made quick work of Hungarian lucky loser Marton Fucsovics 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2 while De Minaur swatted aside Dane August Holmgren 6-4 7-6(5) 6-3 to go through.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SCO media representatives visit China’s Liaoning province

    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

    SHENYANG, July 6 (Xinhua) — From July 1 to 5, 20 media representatives from 13 countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) visited the cities of Dalian and Shenyang in northeast China’s Liaoning Province to learn about local historical traditions and innovative development.

    Employees of news agencies, TV channels, newspapers and news websites from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Cambodia and other countries took part in the event at the invitation of the SCO China Committee on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation and the China International Media Exchange Center /CIPCC/.

    The journalists visited a port hub, a refrigeration equipment development and manufacturing enterprise, and an urban planning exhibition center in Dalian, and an automobile plant, a robotics company, and the Palace Complex in Shenyang.

    The foreign guests visited the abovementioned places with undisguised curiosity. They were interested in, among other things, ways to preserve the freshness of fruits throughout the entire process of cross-border transportation, measures to save energy and reduce emissions from cars using new energy sources, and the duration of continuous operation of a mobile robot on a single charge.

    They produced videos and also posted on social media to immediately share their impressions of the visit, praising China’s achievements in the development of intelligent technologies and green transformation, as well as the country’s excellent combination of history and modernity. -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 –

  • ‘Prince’ Shubman Gill joins elite with 430-run haul at Edgbaston

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Shubman Gill joined elite company when he followed up his captain’s knock of 269 in the first innings with 161 in the second as England struggled to find a chink in the armour of the man nicknamed “The Prince” at Edgbaston on Saturday.

    As India piled on the runs to set the hosts a mammoth target of 608, Gill became only the fifth man to score 400 runs in a test, joining an illustrious list including England’s Graham Gooch, Australian Mark Taylor, Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara and West Indian Brian Lara.

    Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad took 604 test wickets but struggled to find a weakness in Gill’s batting.

    “As a bowler, I’ll be looking for technical things so I could expose him, but he’s not shown any obvious signs of dismissal and he’s played stylishly,” Broad told Sky Sports.

    “He’s played with huge responsibility, under big pressure. It’s breathtaking and deserves all the applause he is going to get.”

    India have never won a test match at Edgbaston but the venue will go down in history as the first ground where they registered more than 1,000 runs in a test match (1,011).

    In his second match as captain and under fire from day one after resting Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s number one ranked test bowler, Gill took on the England attack and plundered 430 runs in two innings.

    He became only the second batter in history to score 200 and 150 in the same test match after Australian great Allan Border, 45 years ago, while he is behind only Gooch (456) for most runs by a batter in a test.

    He surpassed Sunil Gavaskar’s long-standing record of 344 runs in a single test for India, which came against the West Indies 54 years ago.

    Indian batters have often struggled in seaming conditions in England but Gill mixed elegance and explosiveness to torment the bowlers.

    Having also scored a century in the first test, Gill took his run tally to 585 in two matches.

    The Indian record for most runs in a test series in England belongs to Rahul Dravid (602) while Virat Kohli scored 593.

    Gill could easily break that record at Lord’s in the next match and the sky is the limit with three matches left.

    He also set the record for the most sixes by an Indian captain when he cleared the rope eight times in the second innings as India set England a massive target of 608 to win the match.

    “Well played, Star Boy. Rewriting history,” Kohli wrote on Instagram. “Onwards and upwards from here. You deserve all of this.”

    (Reuters)

  • ‘Prince’ Shubman Gill joins elite with 430-run haul at Edgbaston

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Shubman Gill joined elite company when he followed up his captain’s knock of 269 in the first innings with 161 in the second as England struggled to find a chink in the armour of the man nicknamed “The Prince” at Edgbaston on Saturday.

    As India piled on the runs to set the hosts a mammoth target of 608, Gill became only the fifth man to score 400 runs in a test, joining an illustrious list including England’s Graham Gooch, Australian Mark Taylor, Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara and West Indian Brian Lara.

    Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad took 604 test wickets but struggled to find a weakness in Gill’s batting.

    “As a bowler, I’ll be looking for technical things so I could expose him, but he’s not shown any obvious signs of dismissal and he’s played stylishly,” Broad told Sky Sports.

    “He’s played with huge responsibility, under big pressure. It’s breathtaking and deserves all the applause he is going to get.”

    India have never won a test match at Edgbaston but the venue will go down in history as the first ground where they registered more than 1,000 runs in a test match (1,011).

    In his second match as captain and under fire from day one after resting Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s number one ranked test bowler, Gill took on the England attack and plundered 430 runs in two innings.

    He became only the second batter in history to score 200 and 150 in the same test match after Australian great Allan Border, 45 years ago, while he is behind only Gooch (456) for most runs by a batter in a test.

    He surpassed Sunil Gavaskar’s long-standing record of 344 runs in a single test for India, which came against the West Indies 54 years ago.

    Indian batters have often struggled in seaming conditions in England but Gill mixed elegance and explosiveness to torment the bowlers.

    Having also scored a century in the first test, Gill took his run tally to 585 in two matches.

    The Indian record for most runs in a test series in England belongs to Rahul Dravid (602) while Virat Kohli scored 593.

    Gill could easily break that record at Lord’s in the next match and the sky is the limit with three matches left.

    He also set the record for the most sixes by an Indian captain when he cleared the rope eight times in the second innings as India set England a massive target of 608 to win the match.

    “Well played, Star Boy. Rewriting history,” Kohli wrote on Instagram. “Onwards and upwards from here. You deserve all of this.”

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by DSJ at International Symposium on Global Corporate Restructuring Center (English only) (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following are the opening remarks by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung kwok-kwan, at the International Symposium on Global Corporate Restructuring Center today (July 6):

    The Honourable Professor Leung (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Deputy to the National People’s Congress, Member of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and Member of the Legislative Council, Professor Priscilla Leung) , Dr Sun Jin (Director-General of the International Organization for Mediation Preparatory Office), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

    Good morning. It is my honour to join this International Symposium on Global Corporate Restructuring Centre. We all know that today’s global economy is interconnected yet volatile. In order to maintain financial stability and investor confidence, we must keep abreast with market changes and cope with the need of cross-border businesses.
     
    Corporate restructuring is inherently a crucial strategic tool wielded in financial distress, which is vital for survival, renewal and resilience of the businesses. Indeed, successful restructuring preserves value of the businesses. Successful restructuring protects jobs of the employees. Successful restructuring instills confidence of the creditors. In short, successful corporate restructuring allows businesses to navigate adversity and becomes stronger for sustainable growth.

    Hong Kong is unique in the sense that it is the only common law jurisdiction in China and is deeply integrated with the Mainland market. It is therefore ideally positioned as a global centre for corporate restructuring. Now, I would like to outline how Hong Kong’s legal system delivers unparalleled advantages for business and investment, corporate restructuring and dispute resolution across Asia and beyond.

    The Foundation: “one country, two systems” and Common Law

    Hong Kong’s distinctiveness lies in the framework of “one country, two systems”, which preserves the common law system which is highly regarded by international community and reinforce our unique position to bridge the East and the West. This is not just theoretical – it translates into tangible expertise through our 13 000 solicitors and barristers, 560 Hong Kong lawyers licensed to practice in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), as well as 1 500 registered foreign lawyers, many of whom are multilingual and qualified in multiple jurisdictions. The accounting profession also plays a crucial role in corporate restructuring. We currently have over 6 500 establishments providing accounting, auditing and tax consultancy services. The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants boasts a membership of over 47 000, who are recognised globally in such diverse places as Australia, Canada, England and Wales, South Africa etc. 

    What does this mean? When international investors face cross-border restructuring or insolvency, they can count on our professionals who master common law principles and international standard as well as the complexities of the Mainland market.

    Connectivity: Mutual Legal Assistance

    Such expertise is amplified by Hong Kong’s unmatched connectivity with the Mainland, offering effective pathways through nine mutual legal assistance arrangements in civil and commercial matters.

    Consider this: a European investor restructuring a Mainland-based joint venture could gain critical tools simply by choosing Hong Kong.

    Firstly, in assets preservation, businesses may obtain Mainland court orders to freeze assets or preserve evidence — a relief which is not available for arbitration seated in common law jurisdiction other than Hong Kong.

    Secondly, in direct enforcement: Businesses may enforce Hong Kong arbitral awards and court judgments in the Mainland, the coverage of which is the widest globally, including judgments on intellectual property rights which are not covered in international conventions. 

    Thirdly, streamlined restructuring and liquidation: A Hong Kong-appointed liquidator can access Mainland courts in Shenzhen, Shanghai and Xiamen to take control of the company’s assets and records in the Mainland, facilitating an effective corporate restructuring or at times, winding up.

    This seamless integration makes Hong Kong the optimal choice for business and investment and also cross-border restructuring with Mainland elements.

    Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and the New Era of Mediation

    Our advantages also extend to dispute resolution. The evidence is compelling — Hong Kong ranked globally number two as an arbitration seat under the 2025 Queen Mary University of London and White & Case International Arbitration Survey; last year, over 76 per cent of the cases handled by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre were international, with claims averaging HK$375 million, reflecting international trust in Hong Kong’s role in high-stakes cases.

    We recognise that modern challenges require diverse solutions, which is why we are promoting mediation in the Greater Bay Area. The recent establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong highlights this commitment, as the city positions itself as the capital of mediation.
     
    In terms of local capacity building, we have generally mandated mediation clauses in government contracts and have been enhancing training of mediators. 

    For regional integration, we are closely collaborating with our GBA partners to deploy Hong Kong mediation organisations to handle commercial mediation cases as referred to by the GBA courts; export Hong Kong’s best practice to develop GBA standard, including specialised mediation rules; and establish a unified GBA Mediators Panel for cross-border expertise. 

    The Greater Bay Area: Where Policies Meet Practice

    These initiatives reflect Hong Kong’s strategic role in the GBA. Innovative policies have created unprecedented opportunities. 

    For example, a Shenzhen company with Hong Kong shareholders of any investment ratio can now choose Hong Kong law to govern contracts, and choose Hong Kong as the arbitration seat. And the impact is visible: international investors can benefit from comprehensive legal protection under Hong Kong’s common law regime while navigating in Mainland’s dynamic markets with certainty and efficiency.

    In an era of growing complexity, businesses need to anchor in a jurisdiction that offers stability and connectivity. Hong Kong delivers precisely this – a common law system integrated with the world’s second largest economy, powered by world-class professionals conversant in global commerce and a robust and reliable dispute resolution mechanism.

    Ladies and gentlemen, I am sure you would fully explore the China advantages and the international advantages offered by Hong Kong in today’s Symposium. The Government will continue to solidify Hong Kong’s role as the premier global hub for business and investment. We support business ventures at every stage – from set-up, financing, management and operation to disputes resolution and restructuring.

    On this note, I wish this Symposium every success. Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by DSJ at International Symposium on Global Corporate Restructuring Center (English only) (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following are the opening remarks by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung kwok-kwan, at the International Symposium on Global Corporate Restructuring Center today (July 6):

    The Honourable Professor Leung (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Deputy to the National People’s Congress, Member of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and Member of the Legislative Council, Professor Priscilla Leung) , Dr Sun Jin (Director-General of the International Organization for Mediation Preparatory Office), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

    Good morning. It is my honour to join this International Symposium on Global Corporate Restructuring Centre. We all know that today’s global economy is interconnected yet volatile. In order to maintain financial stability and investor confidence, we must keep abreast with market changes and cope with the need of cross-border businesses.
     
    Corporate restructuring is inherently a crucial strategic tool wielded in financial distress, which is vital for survival, renewal and resilience of the businesses. Indeed, successful restructuring preserves value of the businesses. Successful restructuring protects jobs of the employees. Successful restructuring instills confidence of the creditors. In short, successful corporate restructuring allows businesses to navigate adversity and becomes stronger for sustainable growth.

    Hong Kong is unique in the sense that it is the only common law jurisdiction in China and is deeply integrated with the Mainland market. It is therefore ideally positioned as a global centre for corporate restructuring. Now, I would like to outline how Hong Kong’s legal system delivers unparalleled advantages for business and investment, corporate restructuring and dispute resolution across Asia and beyond.

    The Foundation: “one country, two systems” and Common Law

    Hong Kong’s distinctiveness lies in the framework of “one country, two systems”, which preserves the common law system which is highly regarded by international community and reinforce our unique position to bridge the East and the West. This is not just theoretical – it translates into tangible expertise through our 13 000 solicitors and barristers, 560 Hong Kong lawyers licensed to practice in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), as well as 1 500 registered foreign lawyers, many of whom are multilingual and qualified in multiple jurisdictions. The accounting profession also plays a crucial role in corporate restructuring. We currently have over 6 500 establishments providing accounting, auditing and tax consultancy services. The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants boasts a membership of over 47 000, who are recognised globally in such diverse places as Australia, Canada, England and Wales, South Africa etc. 

    What does this mean? When international investors face cross-border restructuring or insolvency, they can count on our professionals who master common law principles and international standard as well as the complexities of the Mainland market.

    Connectivity: Mutual Legal Assistance

    Such expertise is amplified by Hong Kong’s unmatched connectivity with the Mainland, offering effective pathways through nine mutual legal assistance arrangements in civil and commercial matters.

    Consider this: a European investor restructuring a Mainland-based joint venture could gain critical tools simply by choosing Hong Kong.

    Firstly, in assets preservation, businesses may obtain Mainland court orders to freeze assets or preserve evidence — a relief which is not available for arbitration seated in common law jurisdiction other than Hong Kong.

    Secondly, in direct enforcement: Businesses may enforce Hong Kong arbitral awards and court judgments in the Mainland, the coverage of which is the widest globally, including judgments on intellectual property rights which are not covered in international conventions. 

    Thirdly, streamlined restructuring and liquidation: A Hong Kong-appointed liquidator can access Mainland courts in Shenzhen, Shanghai and Xiamen to take control of the company’s assets and records in the Mainland, facilitating an effective corporate restructuring or at times, winding up.

    This seamless integration makes Hong Kong the optimal choice for business and investment and also cross-border restructuring with Mainland elements.

    Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and the New Era of Mediation

    Our advantages also extend to dispute resolution. The evidence is compelling — Hong Kong ranked globally number two as an arbitration seat under the 2025 Queen Mary University of London and White & Case International Arbitration Survey; last year, over 76 per cent of the cases handled by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre were international, with claims averaging HK$375 million, reflecting international trust in Hong Kong’s role in high-stakes cases.

    We recognise that modern challenges require diverse solutions, which is why we are promoting mediation in the Greater Bay Area. The recent establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong highlights this commitment, as the city positions itself as the capital of mediation.
     
    In terms of local capacity building, we have generally mandated mediation clauses in government contracts and have been enhancing training of mediators. 

    For regional integration, we are closely collaborating with our GBA partners to deploy Hong Kong mediation organisations to handle commercial mediation cases as referred to by the GBA courts; export Hong Kong’s best practice to develop GBA standard, including specialised mediation rules; and establish a unified GBA Mediators Panel for cross-border expertise. 

    The Greater Bay Area: Where Policies Meet Practice

    These initiatives reflect Hong Kong’s strategic role in the GBA. Innovative policies have created unprecedented opportunities. 

    For example, a Shenzhen company with Hong Kong shareholders of any investment ratio can now choose Hong Kong law to govern contracts, and choose Hong Kong as the arbitration seat. And the impact is visible: international investors can benefit from comprehensive legal protection under Hong Kong’s common law regime while navigating in Mainland’s dynamic markets with certainty and efficiency.

    In an era of growing complexity, businesses need to anchor in a jurisdiction that offers stability and connectivity. Hong Kong delivers precisely this – a common law system integrated with the world’s second largest economy, powered by world-class professionals conversant in global commerce and a robust and reliable dispute resolution mechanism.

    Ladies and gentlemen, I am sure you would fully explore the China advantages and the international advantages offered by Hong Kong in today’s Symposium. The Government will continue to solidify Hong Kong’s role as the premier global hub for business and investment. We support business ventures at every stage – from set-up, financing, management and operation to disputes resolution and restructuring.

    On this note, I wish this Symposium every success. Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Musk announces forming of ‘America Party’ in further break from Trump

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The tattered bromance between Republican President Donald Trump and his main campaign financier Elon Musk took another fractious turn on Saturday when the space and automotive billionaire announced the formation of a new political party, saying Trump’s “big, beautiful” tax bill would bankrupt America.

    A day after asking his followers on his X platform whether a new U.S. political party should be created, Musk declared in a post on Saturday that “Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.”

    “By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!” he wrote.

    The announcement from Musk comes after Trump signed his self-styled “big, beautiful” tax-cut and spending bill into law on Friday, which Musk fiercely opposed.

    Musk, who became the word’s richest man thanks to his Tesla car company and his SpaceX satellite firm, spent hundreds of millions on Trump’s re-election and led the Department of Government Efficiency from the start of the president’s second term aimed at slashing government spending.

    The two have since fallen out spectacularly over disagreements about the bill.

    Musk said previously that he would start a new political party and spend money to unseat lawmakers who supported the bill.

    Trump earlier this week threatened to cut off the billions of dollars in subsidies that Musk’s companies receive from the federal government.

    Republicans have expressed concern that Musk’s on-again, off-again feud with Trump could hurt their chances to protect their majority in the 2026 midterm congressional elections.

    Asked on X what was the one thing that made him go from loving Trump to attacking him, Musk said: “Increasing the deficit from an already insane $2T under Biden to $2.5T. This will bankrupt the country.”

    He referenced the growth of Greece from subjugation to preeminence in the ancient world in another tweet, saying: “The way we’re going to crack the uniparty system is by using a variant of how Epaminondas shattered the myth of Spartan invincibility at Leuctra: Extremely concentrated force at a precise location on the battlefield.”

    There was no immediate comment from Trump or the White House on Musk’s announcement.

    The feud with Trump, often described as one between the world’s richest man and the world’s most powerful, has led to several precipitous falls in Tesla’s share price.

    The stock soared after Trump’s November reelection and hit a high of more than $488 in December, before losing more than half of its value in April and closing last week out at $315.35.

    Despite Musk’s deep pockets, breaking the Republican-Democratic duopoly will be a tall order, given that it has dominated American political life for more than 160 years, while Trump’s approval ratings in polls in his second term have generally held firm above 40 percent, despite often divisive policies.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI China: Major shipyards power ahead with green, high-tech vessels amid order surge

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

    People watch a model of electricity-powered container ship during the Tianjin International Shipping Industry Expo 2024 in Tianjin, north China, July 11, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Shipyards in south China’s Guangzhou, one of the country’s top shipbuilding bases, are operating at full capacity this summer as they secure surging orders for high-tech, low-carbon vessels aimed at meeting global green shipping targets.

    Last month, Guangzhou Shipyard International Company Limited began constructing a 230-meter-long LNG dual-fuel car carrier for a client in the Republic of Korea. The vessel will rank among the world’s largest of its type, and will be powered by both fuel oil and natural gas.

    General manager Zhou Xuhui said the company has more than 90 ships on order, 80 percent of which are designed as high-tech, high-value-added green vessels. Deliveries are scheduled through 2028.

    Also in June, CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company Limited started building China’s first LPG/liquid ammonia carrier powered by ammonia and another fuel.

    Ammonia, a major chemical industry feedstock, has a high energy density and due to its carbon-free nature, produces only water and nitrogen when fully combusted. This makes it a highly promising fuel for decarbonizing shipping.

    A company executive told Xinhua that Huangpu Wenchong currently holds orders for 16 such gas carriers, and has made independent breakthroughs in small and medium-sized gas ship technology, while expanding into new-energy ship markets to support low-carbon growth.

    In the first four months of 2025, the company secured over 13.7 billion yuan (about 1.92 billion U.S. dollars) in new contracts, up 111 percent year on year.

    Also in June, the world’s first pure ammonia-powered demonstration vessel, the Anhui, successfully completed its maiden voyage in Hefei, east China’s Anhui Province, marking a major step forward for green shipping.

    Guangdong Province, a major shipbuilding base in China, has maintained growth momentum despite a slowdown in global orders. From January to May, Guangdong’s output of completed ships rose 2.5 percent year on year, and its order backlog increased 29.3 percent, according to the provincial shipbuilding industry association.

    Guangzhou, which is Guangdong’s capital city, has developed a complete shipbuilding supply chain, said Chen Jianrong, secretary-general of the association.

    Local authorities have pledged to continue building Guangzhou into a hub for marine innovation, targeting cutting-edge sectors such as the deep sea, green and smart marine industries.

    “Guangzhou was born by the sea and thrives because of the sea,” said Guo Yonghang, Party chief of the city. “We must accelerate the cultivation of new quality productive forces in the marine sector and strengthen breakthroughs in key core technologies.”

    After over a decade of research, Guangzhou HG Marine Co., Ltd. has developed a globally leading rim-driven electric propulsion system for ships.

    According to Qiu Xiangyao, head of HG Marine, traditional ship propellers generate significant underwater noise that can scare away fish, and their mechanical drives can also cause oil pollution in the sea. That is why many countries are turning to rim-driven electric thrusters, which feature zero pollution, low noise, and high efficiency.

    “The company has maintained strong growth this year, with orders surging and production scheduled more than a year ahead,” said Qiu, who added that the export of the megawatt-class rim thrusters has opened up broader international markets for the company and secured stable orders for future ocean-going fishery processing vessels.

    As Guangzhou ramps up its shipbuilding innovation and green technology, this momentum reflects a broader push across China and the global shipping industry to cut carbon emissions.

    Following years of intense negotiations, nations reached a landmark agreement in April to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from global shipping by setting mandatory fuel standards and introducing an industry-wide carbon pricing mechanism.

    The framework, approved by the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization, is the first to combine mandatory emissions limits and greenhouse gas pricing across an entire industry sector.

    Scheduled for formal adoption in October 2025 and implementation by 2027, the measures will apply to large ocean-going vessels exceeding 5,000 gross tonnage, which are responsible for approximately 85 percent of carbon dioxide emissions from the global shipping fleet.

    Countries around the world are advancing green shipping through the adoption of clean energy and technology upgrades. China, positioning itself as a strong advocate of sustainable shipping, rolled out an action plan at the end of 2023 to build a preliminary green shipbuilding development system by 2025.

    Several breakthroughs have already emerged. In March, the world’s first floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel with a carbon capture and storage facility was delivered in Shanghai.

    By capturing the carbon dioxide generated during sailing and oil production and using the exhaust heat energy to generate electricity, the AGOGO FPSO, measuring 333 meters in length and 60 meters in width, can achieve both environmental protection and energy savings. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s first Legoland officially opens, stacking up fun for families

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

    The wait is over! Large crowds flocked to Legoland Shanghai Resort on July 5 as China’s first and the world’s largest Legoland theme park officially opened to the public. The grand opening welcomed children and families into a colorful world of creativity and adventure.

    Crowds flock to the gate of Legoland Shanghai Resort as it opens in Jinshan district, Shanghai, July 5, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Legoland Shanghai Resort]

    Nestled in Fengjing town, Jinshan district, the long-awaited resort aims to deliver the ultimate Lego adventure, designed for children ages 2 to 12 and their families.

    “Our purpose at Merlin Entertainments is to bring people together to create memorable experiences for families around the world,” Merlin Entertainments CEO Fiona Eastwood said at the opening ceremony.

    “Today, we are taking that to the next level with the opening of Legoland Shanghai Resort, our first Legoland resort in China and in the second biggest theme park market in the world,” she said. “This milestone represents a major step toward our ambition to be the global leader in branded entertainment destinations.”

    Eastwood said the Merlin team drew on nearly 20 years of experience in China to create Legoland Shanghai, blending the brand’s global appeal with authentic Chinese cultural elements.

    The resort is “both globally familiar and uniquely local,” she said. “It’s a place where kids can be their true selves and where parents can discover the magic of playing.”

    The new theme park and hotel cover 318,000 square meters and feature eight themed lands with 75 interactive rides, shows and attractions, along with thousands of Lego models built from more than 85 million bricks.

    From thrilling adventures to hands-on activities, every part of the resort is designed to create lasting memories. About 10,000 workers and 300 teams from 15 countries contributed their creativity and expertise to bring the project to life.

    Leaders, executives and partners attend the grand opening ceremony of Legoland Shanghai Resort in Jinshan district, Shanghai, July 5, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Legoland Shanghai Resort]

    Highlights at the new park include the world premiere of the Lego Monkie Kid live show and a boat tour through a miniature Lego Chinese water town. The Creative World area features Dada, a 26-meter-tall figure that is the largest Lego model ever built, as well as Miniland, which showcases detailed recreations of Chinese landmarks. Guests can also stay at the Legoland Hotel, which offers a range of activities to extend the park experience.

    “Legoland Shanghai will be an integral part of the Lego ecosystem in China and a great addition to our retail network and brand events, enhancing the immersive and interactive Lego play experiences for our customers,” Lego Group President and CEO Niels B. Christiansen said. “I look forward to Legoland Shanghai becoming a new cultural landmark for family interaction and bringing unique joy to all Lego fans in China and beyond.”

    Christiansen said the Legoland project also strengthens Shanghai’s economic vitality and supports China’s national strategy to boost domestic demand and promote high-quality growth in the tourism and cultural industries.

    The opening also coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Denmark, highlighting the strong partnership between the two countries.

    Zhuang Jian, chairman of Shanghai New Jinshan Investment Share Holding Group Co. Ltd., said Legoland Shanghai brings advanced international theme park management and rich cultural elements to the region. He said the park will inject new vitality into the tourism market in Jinshan and Shanghai and attract more visitors from both China and abroad.

    Visitors flood the theme park on opening day at Legoland Shanghai Resort in Jinshan district, Shanghai, July 5, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Legoland Shanghai Resort]

    The grand opening featured music, dancing and appearances by popular Legoland characters Mike and Amy. Performers in colorful costumes joined representatives from the Shanghai municipal and Jinshan district governments, including Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng, as well as investors and development partners.

    The resort will host special events from July 5 to 13 to celebrate the opening, offering guests festive decorations, immersive experiences and exclusive offers — including daily shows, character meet-and-greets, limited-time minifigure swaps, special merchandise, discounts and Lego-themed treats.

    The 36th Shanghai Tourism Festival Vacation Summer also kicked off on the same day, featuring more than 300 cultural events spread across six themed weeks. The launch highlights Shanghai’s innovative approach to integrating cultural tourism by combining international brands with local festivals.

    The resort aims to become a premier summer destination with its Lego-themed adventures, while working with nearby coastal areas, ancient towns and rural attractions to boost the region’s overall appeal.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Musk announces new political party in US

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

    Tech billionaire Elon Musk announced Saturday that “the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom,” following an online poll he launched earlier in the week that showed strong support for a new political force.

    “Independence Day is the perfect time to ask if you want independence from the two-party (some would say uniparty) system,” Musk wrote in Friday’s post announcing the poll. More than 65 percent of the 1.2 million respondents backed the idea.

    Responding to the results on Saturday, Musk wrote, “By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it! When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy.”

    Musk said the America Party will laser-focus on two or three Senate seats and eight to 10 House districts, a strategy he believes could tip control in a narrowly divided Congress.

    But election-law experts note the high barriers to entry for new parties. In California, organizers must either register about 75,000 members or collect 1.1 million signatures to appear on ballots.

    Political strategists suggest Musk’s announcement may be aimed more at pressuring lawmakers than building a durable third party. The move follows the passage of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, which cut electric vehicle incentives and increased federal spending — measures that Musk, whose company Tesla benefits from EV subsidies, has opposed.

    Musk has threatened to fund challengers to lawmakers who supported the bill. Trump, in turn, has hinted at reassessing what he called “billions in subsidies” tied to Musk-linked ventures.

    Analysts say Musk’s move appears more like a high-profile bargaining tactic than the beginning of a major shake-up of the U.S. political system.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Commerce ministry: China accepts price undertakings from 34 EU firms in final brandy anti-dumping probe ruling

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

    These companies will not be subject to anti-dumping duties when exporting to China, provided they meet the agreed terms, an official with the ministry said in responding to a media query about Friday’s final ruling, which exempted certain EU brandy exporters from anti-dumping duties, if they meet the agreed terms.

    “The investigating authority’s acceptance of price undertakings in this case once again demonstrates China’s willingness to resolve trade frictions through dialogue and consultation,” the official noted.

    The official also explained that in anti-dumping practices, when exporters agree not to sell their products below a certain price threshold, and these undertakings are accepted by the investigating authority, such exports are exempt from anti-dumping duties.

    The EU industry associations and companies involved in the case submitted applications for price undertakings within the required time frame. After a legal review, the investigating authority determined that 34 of these companies met the necessary conditions under Chinese law and therefore approved their undertakings, the official said.

    Consequently, these companies will not be subject to anti-dumping duties on their exports to China — provided they adhere to the agreed terms, the official added.

    However, the official noted that if evidence emerges showing that a company has violated its price undertaking, and this is confirmed through investigation, China may revoke the undertaking arrangement and resume imposition of duties.

    When asked about the rationale for accepting the price undertakings in this case, the official said that China has consistently advocated a prudent approach to the use of trade remedy measures, noting that the investigating authority has conducted a detailed review in accordance with the law and took into full account the state of the domestic industry.

    The official said the final ruling adopting the price undertaking arrangement complies with Chinese laws and regulations, and helps uphold fair market competition.

    The decision has received support from domestic producers and was also welcomed by the EU industry, the official revealed. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China solicits public opinion on rules for Cross-Border Interbank Payment System

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

    The People’s Bank of China (PBOC), the country’s central bank, on Friday began to solicit public opinions on a set of draft rules for the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) as part of efforts to regulate related business activities.

    The rules, consisting of six chapters and 31 articles, aim to prevent payment risks, protect the legitimate rights and interests of the CIPS operator and participants, and clarify the responsibilities of all parties, according to the central bank.

    The rules apply to the CIPS operator, as well as direct and indirect participants. The operator refers to a corporate legal entity approved by the central bank to provide cross-border renminbi clearing and settlement services for domestic and overseas participants and is subject to the supervision and guidance of the PBOC in accordance with the law.

    The rules specify the scope of business covered, including clearing and settlement services for participants’ cross-border renminbi payment transactions and financial market activities, as well as other businesses approved by the central bank.

    The rules also cover areas such as account management, settlement mechanisms, risk management, and emergency response.

    The central bank said the rules are designed to meet CIPS participants’ expansion needs and support CIPS’s business development and functional upgrades. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing conference spotlights esports as new engine of digital economy

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

    Team China prepares before DOTA2 Final Match of Esports at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Oct. 2, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

    No dull rows of chairs and tables, no endless slides of charts and numbers — instead, a gleaming statue of Hermes, the Olympian god of competition and the “god of esports,” took center stage, while a virtual concert “on Mars” blazed across a giant screen in the background.

    Standing out among the meeting venues at the 2025 Global Digital Economy Conference, this hall hosted one of its headline events, the International Esports Development Forum, where industry leaders and players gathered to explore how esports is transforming entertainment and fueling growth in the global digital economy.

    Industry observers believe that esports has grown into an emerging industry that can no longer be ignored, with more and more traditional sports events now including esports competitions.

    At the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, for example, esports made its debut as an official medal event, where the Chinese team took home four gold medals across seven categories.

    The 20th Asian Games in Japan’s Aichi-Nagoya in 2026, will expand esports events even further, featuring 11 disciplines including Pro Evolution Soccer and League of Legends. Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee has announced that the first Olympic Esports Games will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2027.

    The intensity, the focus, and the sheer will to win that esports players exhibit are no different from other athletes, according to Nicholas Khoo, advisor to the Board of Directors of the Global Esports Federation.

    Khoo called the rise of esports “unstoppable,” with growing public attention and an expanding global market adding fresh momentum to the development. At the same time, the inclusion of esports in the event systems of the International Olympic Committee is further promoting the sport’s healthy growth.

    “Esports today is driving the digital economy, which stays as a primary engine of global growth,” said Irina Bokova, former director-general of UNESCO, at the forum. “Within this ecosystem, esports is rapidly emerging as a transformative force. It is redefining the boundaries between entertainment sports and technology while forging connections that transcend international borders and linguistic barriers.”

    Participants noted that China boasts the world’s largest esports market, leading globally in both player base and industry growth potential.

    According to the 2024 China esports industry report released by China Audio-video and Digital Publishing Association, the number of esports users in China reached 490 million in 2024, up 0.42 percent year on year, marking the largest esports user base in the world. Meanwhile, the industry’s actual sales revenue stood at 27.57 billion yuan (about 3.85 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024, an increase of 4.62 percent from the previous year.

    That scale is powered by new technology. According to Li Ji, an industry analyst, today’s esports industry is built on a fully digital foundation, seamlessly integrating frontier technologies, from computing power to algorithms and artificial intelligence, and stands as a model of cross-sector innovation.

    “Esports is becoming a testing ground for cutting-edge innovations such as network communications, augmented reality and artificial intelligence,” said Li Xiaolei, vice chairman of the China Culture Administration Association. “From the perspective of culture, through innovative storytelling and character-based performances, esports is taking Chinese stories to the world in a way that resonates with young people.”

    Highlighting the great potential of the sector, Li Xiaolei said that China’s esports market size is expected to surpass 300 billion yuan in 2026, driving the scale of related industries beyond 1 trillion yuan, becoming an important growth driver of the digital economy.

    According to the global esports industry development report co-released by an institute under China Media Group (CMG) and China’s esports giant Tencent, four Chinese cities, Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu and Shenzhen, ranked among the top ten on the global esports city influence index. He Wenyi, secretary-general of the national sports industry research base at Peking University, noted that policy support will be essential to foster new business models as the industry evolves.

    China’s cities are already well-positioned to tap into this promising industry. Ranking first on the esports city influence index list, Shanghai proposed the vision of becoming a global esports capital in 2017. In 2019, the city issued 20 measures to promote the healthy development of the esports industry.

    The Chinese capital is another major player. In June this year, Beijing issued measures to support the high-quality development of its gaming and esports industry. These measures aim to support enterprises in game development and publishing within Beijing, while promoting industrial clustering domestically and encouraging companies to expand overseas.

    “Beijing will fully leverage its strengths in technological innovation and international exchange to develop the esports industry into a key engine for building itself into a benchmark city in the global digital economy,” said Xu Xinchao, deputy secretary general of the Beijing municipal government.

    While esports is booming in China, the industry faces many challenges. A report from a research institute under People.cn found that many tournaments and clubs remain heavily dependent on sponsorships and prize money, leaving them vulnerable in economic downturns. Experts also caution against blind expansion without thoughtful planning. Cities often adopt similar strategies without leveraging their unique strengths, risking repetitive and uncompetitive development. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: LEGO Group committed to continued investment in China: Company president, CEO

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

    The newly opened LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort stands as a testament to LEGO Group’s confidence in China, and the global toy giant remains committed to continued investment in the Chinese market, the company’s President and CEO Niels B. Christiansen said on Saturday.

    Hailing the project as “an important milestone for the LEGO Group,” Christiansen added that: “LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort will be an integral part of the LEGO ecosystem in China, and its opening reaffirms LEGO’s long-term commitment to China and to Chinese people.”

    “We are confident this great project will contribute to the economic vitality of Shanghai, aligning with the national strategy of expanding domestic demand through advancing high-quality development in the tourism and cultural industries,” he added.

    Christiansen emphasized that China is a strategically important market for the company — and that they are committed to continued investment in China and to attracting more Chinese consumers.

    LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort opened on Saturday morning. Spanning 318,000 square meters, this resort is the 11th LEGOLAND Resort globally and the largest LEGOLAND park at the time of its opening.

    Designed specifically for children aged 2 to 12 and their families, the resort in Shanghai features eight themed areas, including “LEGOLAND Creative World,” offering over 75 interactive rides, shows and attractions.

    Christiansen also noted that platforms such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE) demonstrate China’s determination to open up and its commitment to “putting action behind words.” Notably, thanks to previous CIIE participations, LEGO Group has managed to achieve strong market performance.

    Christiansen pointed out that significant progress has been made in China’s IP protection efforts, adding that this progress gives him confidence in choosing continued investment in China. “We truly feel our brands and intellectual property are valued and respected here,” he said.

    To date, LEGO has opened nearly 500 stores in more than 100 cities across China. 

    MIL OSI China News –