NewzIntel.com

Category: China

  • MIL-OSI: Nano Labs Announces Strategic Partnership with Orbiter Finance to Launch Compliant Stablecoin Cross-Chain Solution NBNB.io

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nano Labs Ltd (Nasdaq: NA) (“we,” the “Company” or “Nano Labs”), a leading Web 3.0 infrastructure and product solution provider in China, today announced a strategic partnership with Layer 2 cross-chain bridge protocol Orbiter Finance to jointly develop a compliant stablecoin distribution and exchange service across multiple networks. The service will support various compliant stablecoins, including those pegged to USD, HKD, offshore RMB.

    Leveraging Orbiter Finance’s multi-chain support capabilities alongside Nano Labs’ expertise in Web3.0, the new solution aims to provide users with low-cost, compliant cross-chain transfers and mainstream token exchanges. The initial product is expected to launch in Q4 2025, with the tentative domain name NBNB.io.

    Built on a secure and efficient cross-chain infrastructure for stablecoins, this collaboration is designed to promote the widespread adoption of compliant stablecoins across both DeFi and traditional finance sectors.

    Looking ahead, both parties plan to expand support for additional blockchains and drive adoption in institutional-grade applications.

    About Orbiter Finance

    Orbiter Finance is a leading Layer 2 cross-chain bridge protocol that has processed over USD 23 billion in transaction volume to date.

    About Nano Labs Ltd

    Nano Labs Ltd is a leading Web 3.0 infrastructure and product solution provider in China. Nano Labs is committed to the development of high throughput computing (“HTC”) chips and high performance computing (“HPC”) chips. Nano Labs has built a comprehensive flow processing unit (“FPU”) architecture which offers solution that integrates the features of both HTC and HPC. In addition, Nano Labs has actively positioned itself in the digital assets space, adopting BNB as its primary reserve asset. It has accumulated nearly US$160 million in mainstream digital currencies including BNB and BTC, and established an integrated platform covering multiple business verticals, including HTC solutions and HPC solutions*. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at: ir.nano.cn.

    *  According to an industry report prepared by Frost & Sullivan.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the Company’s plan to appeal the Staff’s determination, which can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. Such statements are based upon management’s current expectations and current market and operating conditions, and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control, which may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under law.

    For investor inquiries, please contact:

    Nano Labs Ltd
    ir@nano.cn

    Ascent Investor Relations LLC
    Tina Xiao
    Phone: +1-646-932-7242
    Email: investors@ascent-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Silicon Motion Announces Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAIPEI, Taiwan and MILPITAS, Calif., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silicon Motion Technology Corporation (NasdaqGS: SIMO) (“Silicon Motion” or the “Company”), a global leader in NAND flash controllers for solid state storage devices, plans to release its second quarter 2025 financial results after the market closes on July 30, 2025 and will host a conference call on July 31 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Participants must pre-register using the link below to participate in the live call.  

    CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS:

    Participants must register in advance to join the conference call using the link provided below. Conference access information (including dial-in information and a unique access PIN) will be provided in the email received upon registration.

    Participant Online Registration:
    https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI9e8eb8a4d35743cfa957757c6a1207e2

    This call will be webcast on the Company’s website at www.siliconmotion.com.

    ABOUT SILICON MOTION:

    We are the global leader in supplying NAND flash controllers for solid state storage devices. We supply more SSD controllers than any other company in the world for servers, PCs and other client devices and are the leading merchant supplier of eMMC and UFS embedded storage controllers used in smartphones, IoT devices and other applications. We also supply customized high-performance hyperscale data center and specialized industrial and automotive SSD solutions.  Our customers include most of the NAND flash vendors, storage device module makers and leading OEMs. For further information on Silicon Motion, visit us at www.siliconmotion.com.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Although such statements are based on our own information and information from other sources we believe to be reliable, you should not place undue reliance on them. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual market trends or our actual results of operations, financial condition or business prospects may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the unpredictable volume and timing of customer orders, which are not fixed by contract but vary on a purchase order basis; the loss of one or more key customers or the significant reduction, postponement, rescheduling or cancellation of orders from one or more customers; general economic conditions or conditions in the semiconductor or consumer electronics markets; the impact of inflation on our business and customer’s businesses and any effect this has on economic activity in the markets in which we operate; the functionalities and performance of our information technology (“IT”) systems, which are subject to cybersecurity threats and which support our critical operational activities, and any breaches of our IT systems or those of our customers, suppliers, partners and providers of third-party licensed technology; the effects on our business and our customer’s business taking into account the ongoing U.S.-China tariffs and trade disputes; the uncertainties associated with any future global or regional pandemic; the continuing tensions between Taiwan and China, including enhanced military activities; decreases in the overall average selling prices of our products; changes in the relative sales mix of our products; changes in our cost of finished goods; supply chain disruptions that have affected us and our industry as well as other industries on a global basis; the payment, or non-payment, of cash dividends in the future at the discretion of our board of directors and any announced planned increases in such dividends; changes in our cost of finished goods; the availability, pricing, and timeliness of delivery of other components and raw materials used in the products we sell given the current raw material supply shortages being experienced in our industry; our customers’ sales outlook, purchasing patterns, and inventory adjustments based on consumer demands and general economic conditions; any potential impairment charges that may be incurred related to businesses previously acquired or divested in the future; our ability to successfully develop, introduce, and sell new or enhanced products in a timely manner; and the timing of new product announcements or introductions by us or by our competitors. For additional discussion of these risks and uncertainties and other factors, please see the documents we file from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2025. Other than as required under the securities laws, we do not intend, and do not undertake any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release.

    Investor Contacts:        

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Tianzhou-8 cargo craft separates from space station combination

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

    BEIJING, July 8 — The Tianzhou-8 cargo craft, tasked with carrying supplies for China’s space station, separated from the station combination at 3:09 p.m. Tuesday (Beijing Time) and switched to independent flight, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

    The cargo craft will re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere in a controlled manner. Most of its components will burn up and be destroyed during the process, while a small amount of debris will fall into designated safe waters, the CMSA said.

    Tianzhou-8 was launched on Nov. 15, 2024 from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in the southern island province of Hainan, and then docked with the orbiting Tiangong space station on Nov. 16.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Tengwang Pavilion scenic area in Nanchang City, China’s Jiangxi

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

    Tengwang Pavilion scenic area in Nanchang City, China’s Jiangxi

    Updated: July 8, 2025 19:52 Xinhua
    An aerial drone photo taken on July 7, 2025 shows a view of the Tengwang Pavilion scenic area in the morning light in Nanchang City, east China’s Jiangxi Province. The Tengwang Pavilion, the 29th iteration in its 1,400-year history, features intricately carved beams and vibrantly painted rafters. It stands majestically along the banks of the Ganjiang River, which winds through eastern China’s Jiangxi Province. About 90 percent of the scenic area has been open to the public for free as of Jan. 1 this year when a northward expansion project was fully completed. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on July 7, 2025 shows a view of the Tengwang Pavilion scenic area in the morning light in Nanchang City, east China’s Jiangxi Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping stresses resource-based economy transformation, advancing China’s modernization during inspection tour of Shanxi 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

    TAIYUAN, July 8 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on north China’s Shanxi Province to further promote the transformation of resource-based economy development and write a new chapter in China’s modernization drive.

    Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (CPC Central Committee) and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection tour of Shanxi province from Monday to Tuesday. -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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan Open New Border Checkpoint

    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

    ALMATY, July 8 (Xinhua) — Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov took part in the opening ceremony of the Tojvaron-Karamik checkpoint on the border of the two countries online, the Khovar news agency reported on Tuesday.

    The opening ceremony took place as part of S. Japarov’s visit to Tajikistan to participate in high-level negotiations between the governments of the two states.

    The ceremony was held with the participation of the leadership and residents of the Lakhsh and Chon-Alai districts of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. –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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Presidents of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan held talks in Dushanbe

    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

    ALMATY, July 8 (Xinhua) — High-level talks were held in Dushanbe between Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, the Khovar news agency reported on Tuesday.

    Following the negotiations, a ceremony of signing new cooperation documents took place with the participation of the heads of the two states.

    A Joint Statement between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, an Agreement on Confidence-Building Measures, an Agreement on the Establishment of the Tajik-Kyrgyz Intergovernmental Council, etc. were signed.

    In total, the governments of the two states signed 14 documents. –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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China is ready to share its achievements in the field of military equipment development with friendly countries – Defense Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — China always takes a prudent and responsible approach to military exports and is willing to share its achievements in military technology development with friendly countries, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin said on Tuesday.

    He made the remarks while commenting on recent reports that some countries are in talks with China over plans to purchase weapons, including J-10 fighter jets.

    Jiang Bin also stressed China’s commitment to playing a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability both in the region and around the world. -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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Wang Yi to attend series of ASEAN Plus Foreign Ministers’ Meetings

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend a series of foreign ministerial meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from July 10 to 11, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday.

    Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, will attend the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the ASEAN Plus Three (China, Japan and the Republic of Korea) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said. -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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Churchill Reports High-Grade Zinc Results on Polymetallic Veins at the Black Raven Property, Central Newfoundland

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Churchill Resources Inc. (“Churchill” or the “Company”) (TSXV: CRI) is pleased to announce the final due-diligence sample results on its Black Raven property with three over-limit zinc assays of 5.25%, 11.03% and 12.11% from grab samples 305, 315 and 321 respectively. These samples returned high-grade gold, silver, lead and zinc, emphasizing the polymetallic metal assemblage of critical minerals present in the Black Raven vein system, per the summary table and figure below.

    Sample #   300   304   305   315   321
    Silver grade (g/t)   153   329   321   251   395
    Gold grade (g/t)   3.07   7.70   7.79   5.09   2.16
    Lead grade (%)   3.10   6.47   5.80   8.83   7.34
    Zinc grade (%)   2.85   4.97   5.25   11.03   12.11
    Copper grade (%)   nil   0.37   0.50   0.39   0.40
                         

    These samples exceeded the laboratory’s original upper detection limit for zinc (50,000ppm or 5% – see release of June 23 2025), and the results reported herein are from the overage assay protocols. The Black Raven vein systems have never been drilled.

    “These excellent zinc results complete all of the over-limit ore-grade analyses from our due-diligence sampling, and continue to strongly confirm our belief that the Black Raven system includes high-grade polymetallic veins, as well as the known Frost Cove Antimony and Stewart Gold past-producers,” commented Paul Sobie, President of Churchill. “Our next batch of rock samples are at SGS and will be processed much more quickly than the due-diligence set, as we’re running the appropriate ore grade analyses concurrently on suspected high-grade samples.”

    The Black Raven Property hosts two past-producing mines dating back to the late 1800’s, the Frost Cove Antimony Mine, and the Stewart Gold Mine which returned antimony grades of 35.1% and gold grades of 14.4 g/t, respectively (see release of 12th June 2025). The zinc results reported herein are from different locations on the property (see attached map). Black Raven is located approximately 60km northwest of Gander, and approximately 100km north of the Beaver Brook Antimony Mine, currently on care and maintenance.

    Antimony: A Critical Mineral in High Demand

    Antimony is a critical mineral essential for national security and modern technology, with over 90% of global production controlled by China, Russia, and other non-Western jurisdictions. The metal is a vital component in military applications, while also being crucial for certain flame retardants, strengthening alloys in batteries, and emerging energy storage technologies. Recent Chinese export restrictions have driven prices to record levels exceeding $50,000 per tonne, highlighting antimony’s strategic importance to a “Fortress North America” approach to critical mineral supply chains and making domestic North American sources increasingly important for economic and national security.

    Due-Diligence Sampling Program

    Antimony, gold, silver, lead, zinc, copper and molybdenum samples were selected by Dr. Derek Wilton, independent QP to Churchill, during field visits on April 24th and 25th. All samples were labelled and securely bound and delivered to the prep laboratory of SGS Canada Inc. in Grand Falls-Windsor, for crushing and pulverizing. Splits were couriered to Burnaby, B.C. by SGS for GE_AAS33E50 zinc assays and overlimit samples by the GO_ICP90Q100 ore-grade analytical method. All due-diligence samples described in this news release were grab samples and are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades of the property.

    Black Raven Antimony-Gold Property

    The Black Raven Property comprises nine map-staked licenses constituting a single contiguous block of 125 claims that in total cover 3,125ha or 31.25km2. Churchill and the vendors have agreed to a 4km wide area of interest around the property boundaries as part of their agreement.

    The past sampling data reported in this News Release is historic in nature and does not meet NI43-101 standards. Churchill has relied on the information supplied in the Government of Newfoundland field assessment reports and from information found in the Mineral Occurrence Database System operated by the Newfoundland Department of Industry, Energy and, Technology. Natural Resources.

    The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Derek H.C Wilton, P.Geo., FGC, who is a “qualified person” as defined under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”). Dr. Wilton is an honorary research professor of Economic Geology at Memorial University in St. John’s and is independent of the Company for the purposes of NI 43-101.

    References:

    Heyl, George R., 1936. Geology and Mineral Deposits of the Bay of Exploits Area. Newfoundland Department of Natural Resources, Geological Section, Bulletin No 3. 65 pages.

    Fogwill, W.D., 1968. Report on a copper prospect at Western Head, Moreton’s Harbour in the Notre Dame Bay Area, Newfoundland. Newfoundland and Labrador Geological Survey, Assessment File 2E/10/0350, 1968, 48 pages

    Kay, E.A. 1981. A geochemical and fluid inclusion study of the arsenopyrite-stibnite-gold mineralization, Moreton’s Harbour, Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland. Master Thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Canada, 1981. Newfoundland and Labrador Geological Survey, Assessment File 002E/10/1075, 1981, 209 pages.

    Quinlan E, 2013. First Year Assessment Report for 019872M, Ninth Year Assessment Report for 015553M, and Third Year Assessment Report for 017787M for Exploration within the Black Raven Property, NTS Map Sheet 2E/10. Newfoundland and Labrador Geological Survey Assessment Report, 69 pages

    Quinlan, E. 2025. 21st, 8th & 4th Year Assessment Report of Diamond Drilling & Prospecting On Black Raven Property, License 023212M (21st Year), License 02840m (8th Year), License 35674m (4th Year) NTS 02E/10, North-Central Newfoundland. Property centered at approximately 49°57’N, 54°87’ W. 34 pages.

    About Churchill Resources

    Churchill Resources Inc. is a Canadian exploration company focused on strategic, critical minerals in Canada, principally at its prospective Black Raven, Taylor Brook and Florence Lake properties in Newfoundland & Labrador. The Churchill management team, board, and advisors have decades of combined experience in mineral exploration and in the establishment of successful publicly listed mining companies, both in Canada and around the world. Churchill’s Newfoundland and Labrador projects have the potential to benefit from the province’s large and diversified minerals industry, which includes world class nickel mines and processing facilities, and a well-developed mineral exploration sector with locally based drilling and geological expertise.

    Churchill’s Taylor Brook Nickel-Copper-Cobalt-Vanadium-Titanium Property, and Florence Lake Nickel Property, are both in good standing for a number of years, such that further exploration and development can await improved market conditions sentiment while the Company focuses on high-grade antimony-gold and other critical minerals.

    Further Information

    For further information regarding Churchill, please contact:

    Churchill Resources Inc.
    Paul Sobie, Chief Executive Officer
    psobie@churchillresources.com
    Tel. 416.365.0930 (o)
           647.988.0930 (m)

    Alec Rowlands, Business Development & IR
    Alec.rowlands1@gmail.com
    Tel. 416.721.4732 (m)

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about Churchill’s objectives, goals and exploration activities proposed to be conducted on its properties; future growth potential of Churchill, including whether any proposed exploration programs at any of its properties will be successful; exploration results; and future exploration plans and costs. Wherever possible, words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the Company’s goals and objectives, and future exploration work to be conducted on the Company’s Black Raven Antimony Property. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.

    Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: exploration results on the Black Raven Antimony Property; the expected benefits to Churchill relating to the exploration proposed to be conducted on its properties; receipt of all regulatory approvals in connection with the transaction contemplated herein; failure to identify any additional mineral resources or significant mineralization; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on the Churchill’s properties, if required; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining and mineral exploration; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); the unlikelihood that properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated; soil sampling results being preliminary in nature and are not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of a mineral deposit; and title to properties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Churchill cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Churchill assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7bb07e79-51ac-4671-b042-3607a1200922

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE’s Project Management Course Receives International Accreditation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University “Higher School of Economics” –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Higher School of Business of the National Research University Higher School of Economics has received accreditation for teaching the discipline “Project Management” according to the international standard IPMA ICB 4.0.

    Accreditation confirms that the Project Management course at the HSB complies with international standards: from the content of the course and the qualifications of teachers to the teaching materials. These requirements are recognized in more than 70 countries, including the USA, China, India, Germany, Great Britain and France.

    The Project Management course is implemented as part of various educational programs of the Higher School of Business of the National Research University Higher School of Economics – from bachelor’s and master’s degrees to professional retraining programs and MBA. Particular attention is paid to unified international approaches so that graduates can work in the global market and “speak” with colleagues in the same professional language.

    Project management has long gone beyond the scope of narrow professional tools. Today, it is the key to implementing changes and the basis for sustainable growth of companies in an unstable and rapidly changing environment. Modern project management requires specialists to be flexible, able to work with a high degree of uncertainty, think strategically, and have a wide range of methodological approaches – from classical to Agile and hybrid. All this forms the basis for teaching the Project Management discipline at the Higher School of Business of the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

    The certificate was issued for two years by the Russian Project Management Association SOVNET, the representative of the International Project Management Association (IPMA) in Russia since 1991. To obtain accreditation, the HSE provided a full set of training materials, and the teachers confirmed their qualifications by undergoing certification according to the IPMA system. The assessment was carried out by a commission of national experts authorized by IPMA.

    Ilyina Olga Nikolaevna

    Associate Professor of the Higher School of Business, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Director of the Project Management Center of the Higher School of Business, National Research University Higher School of Economics

    “Accreditation according to the international IPMA standard is a significant step for the HSB. It confirms that our approach to teaching project management meets the high requirements of the global professional community. For us, this is not only an assessment of quality, but also confirmation that we are developing education in accordance with global trends and preparing specialists who are able to work effectively in an international environment.”

    International accreditation confirms HSE’s commitment to high educational standards and strengthens its reputation as a first-choice business school.

    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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Opening remarks by Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services) at Deloitte’s Digital Asset Forum (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Opening remarks by Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services) at Deloitte’s Digital Asset Forum (English only)  
    Eliza (Senior Advisor of Deloitte China Dr Eliza Chan), Duncan (Legislative Council member (Technology and Innovation) Mr Duncan Chiu), Robert (Hong Kong Digital Asset leader of Deloitte China, Mr Robert Lui), friends from the digital asset sector, ladies and gentlemen,
     
         The Forum today is very timely, as we are standing at a pivotal moment when economies worldwide are striving to chart the course for digital assets and oversight of their use. Hong Kong has been working diligently to stay ahead of the curve in building an ecosystem for the healthy development of the digital asset sector.
     
         As you know, back in 2022, we announced our first policy statement on digital assets, or virtual assets at the time, setting out our vision to create that comprehensive ecosystem under the principle of “same activity, same risks, same regulation”. Then in June 2023, we put in place a licensing regime for digital asset trading platforms. Now we have a total of 11 licensees with local and international backgrounds. Nine exchange-traded funds with digital underlying assets have also been listed. In May this year, with the support of the Legislative Council, we enacted the Stablecoins Ordinance, making Hong Kong one of the few economies in the world to have a comprehensive law in place on stablecoin issuance. The Ordinance is scheduled to come into effect on August 1, and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority will begin to accept licence applications.
     
         This solid groundwork serves as a springboard for the next phase of digital asset development in Hong Kong. The “LEAP” framework or metaphor embodied in the second policy statement issued on June 26 conveys a proactive and forward-looking approach. To recap, “L” stands for legal and regulatory streamlining, “E” for expanding the suite of tokenised products, “A” for advancing use cases and cross-sectoral collaboration, and “P” is people and partnership development. These are linked to Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an international financial centre, including our comprehensive legal system, sophisticated financial market and infrastructure, close connection with the international markets, and a wealth of professional talents.
     
         A lot of you are interested in the application scenarios or the “E” and “A” in the statement. A lot can be said on this. For now, I believe that as a well-developed financial market with a wide range of financial instruments and assets available for trading, Hong Kong has great potential to promote tokenisation of RWA (Real-World Assets). For example, Hong Kong is in a very good position to develop tokenised government bonds, building on our two landmark tokenised government green bond issuances in the past two years and Hong Kong’s status as a leading bond issuance hub in Asia. The first batch totalling HK$800 million issued in 2023 was the first tokenised green bond issued by a government entity. The second batch, issued in 2024 denominated in Renminbi, Hong Kong dollars, Euro and US dollars and totalling close to HK$6 billion equivalent, was the world’s first multi-currency digitally native green bonds. As announced in the 2025-26 Budget, the Government will regularise the issuance of tokenised bonds.
     
         I am sure that there are many good ideas about RWA out there in the marketplace. To encourage market participation in developing use cases, thanks to Cyberport, a funding scheme has been launched to support the development of high-impact applications with potential to serve as future use case benchmark.
     
         On the legal regulatory front or “L”, right on the next day following the promulgation of the second policy statement, we launched a public consultation on the licensing regimes for digital asset dealing and custodian service providers. This is another big step in making the regulatory regime comprehensive, thus enabling us to manage the risks and harness the potential in different activities along the digital asset value chain, from issuance, trading and dealing, to post-trade custodian service. The two-month consultation period will end in late August. Do let us have your views.
     
         On the people and partnership front or “P”, we value stakeholder engagement, and we walk the talk. At the policy level, the Financial Secretary is chairing the Task Force on Promoting Web3 Development. At the regulator level, the Securities and Futures Commission has established a consultative panel focusing on market and regulatory issues. The panel just held its second meeting yesterday. Fora like the one today will certainly provide useful feedback for our work.
     
         Our policy stance on digital assets is clear. We strive to embrace financial innovations so as to capture their potential benefits, but at the same time we need to put in risk management guardrails with emphasis on investor protection and user education. With this, we look forward to hearing your feedback, and I wish you fruitful discussions. Thank you.
    Issued at HKT 18:40

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Innovations in Materials Science. International Conference Held at Polytechnic University

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    From July 4 to 6, the Polytechnic University hosted the international scientific conference “Implementation of Innovations. New Materials and Additive Technologies” (VINMiAT-25). Scientists and experts in the field of materials science discussed the latest achievements in the creation of new materials and equipment design.

    The organizers were the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Russian Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, PJSC Gazprom and SPbPU.

    The conference considered modern achievements of science and technology in the field of physical and chemical processes for obtaining new materials and designing technological equipment, problems of implementation and commercialization of innovative technologies of the country’s fuel and energy complex, as well as new approaches to solving urgent problems in modern materials science.

    The plenary session was held in the research building of Technopolis Polytech. It was opened by the rector of SPbPU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy.

    I am pleased to welcome you to the international scientific conference “Implementation of Innovations. New Materials and Additive Technologies”. This significant event brought together leading representatives of the scientific community, experts in the field of materials science, as well as students and postgraduates. I am confident that the results of our joint work will find practical application in various industries, contributing to the technological development of our country,” noted Andrey Rudskoy.

    The Deputy Head of Department of PJSC Gazprom, Maxim Nedzvetsky, gave a welcoming speech, expressing gratitude to the Polytechnic University for the excellent organization and emphasizing the relevance of the issues discussed.

    At the plenary session, Director of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of SPbPU Anatoly Popovich made a report on the experience and prospects for the development of additive and laser technologies. As the chief designer of the Scientific and Technical Complex “New Materials, Technologies, Production” within the framework of the project “Strategic Technological Leadership”, Anatoly Popovich paid special attention to the manufacture, repair and restoration of components of power engineering in various ways. He also assessed the prospects for the development of the additive technology industry.

    Head of the Department of PJSC Gazprom Viktor Seredenok spoke about the implementation of innovative projects in the company. Associate Professor of the Higher School of Physics and Technology of Materials of the Institute of Metallurgical Engineering and Technology Oleg Panchenko gave a report “New Technological Approaches in Welding”. He presented a number of technologies that are being implemented at the Polytechnic University. These are electric arc welding with a consumable electrode with cold metal transfer and a non-consumable electrode with a focused arc, manual laser welding, friction stir welding of steels, as well as process automation technologies.

    Head of the structural division of the Russian Quantum Center (International Center for Quantum Optics and Quantum Technologies) Anton Guglya devoted his speech to quantum and related technologies in the oil and gas sector. Deputy Chief Engineer for Additive Technologies at UEC Aviadvigatel Alexander Aksenov shared his experience of using additive technologies in the company.

    Representatives from Russia, Uzbekistan, Belarus and China participated in the conference. Their work was organized into several sections:

    nature-like materials and additive technologies for their production; welding and related technologies; technology for producing powder, composite materials and coatings; equipment, automation and robotics of innovative technologies; physical and chemical processes and innovative technologies in modern materials science; implementation of innovations in high-tech products at PJSC Gazprom.

    Specialists from the research laboratory “LiAT” of IMMiT SPbPU presented three reports. The research group analyzed residual deformations of a welded joint using different welding methods. The report presented the results of the influence of the welding method on the level of residual deformations, energy input and the width of the heat-affected zone, as well as on technical and economic characteristics.

    A separate presentation was devoted to the restoration of nozzle blades made of cobalt and nickel alloy using laser cladding. SPbPU scientists created a laser cladding technology and developed measures to prevent cracks. The cladding blades successfully passed operational tests.

    Mikhail Kuznetsov, Head of the Research Laboratory “LiAT” of IMMiT, presented a series of robotic systems for the implementation of laser welding, laser cladding and direct laser deposition processes in industrial production conditions. Among the developments are the mobile laser cladding system “Nomad”, direct laser deposition systems, as well as laser and hybrid laser-arc welding. Special attention was paid to the laser foil welding system and the system for applying a porous coating to hip joint cups. The participants’ attention was drawn to examples of the systems’ application for solving industrial partners’ production problems.

    Participation in VINMiAT-2025 is very important for understanding the development trend of industry and science in the field of additive technologies, as well as identifying points of contact for further interaction with industry, commented Mikhail Kuznetsov.

    At the sections, experts considered various issues: research into the mechanical properties of continuously reinforced nature-like polymer composites, development of biocompatible titanium-tantalum composites using selective laser melting, 3D printing of metal products using melt extrusion technology, implementation of innovations at Gazprom Transgaz Saratov, the procedure for admitting MTRs for use at Gazprom facilities, modern solutions in instrument making using machine vision and FDM technology, and much more.

    A cruise on a motor ship with an excursion program was organized for the conference participants. A meeting was held on board the motor ship, where reports were presented by representatives of PAO Gazprom and its subsidiaries, scientific and educational institutions and enterprises.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ministry of Economic Development: SEZ residents almost doubled investments in 2024

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia sent to the Government report on the results of the work of special economic zones for 2024. Such analysis is carried out annually in accordance with the rules for assessing the effectiveness of the functioning of the SEZ, approved by the Government.

    The overall efficiency indicator was 90% (the functioning of the SEZ is considered effective if the overall calculated indicator is 80%).

    “In recent years, the number of SEZs in the country has increased significantly. New territories with a preferential regime have already been included in the rating, but have not yet reached full capacity. At the same time, residents are actively entering the “young” SEZs, expanding production and investing, creating highly paid jobs. Thus, the lion’s share of all investments in the SEZ in 2024 were provided by territories created in 2020-2022. It is important that businesses are increasing investments in the development of new technologies – R&D costs have grown by almost 60% and exceeded 35 billion rubles. This means that even in difficult conditions, companies continue to search for and implement innovative solutions, update products and develop new markets,” said Deputy Minister of Economic Development Svyatoslav Sorokin.

    According to the assessment results, the leaders in terms of efficiency for 2024 were industrial production zones in the Samara Region (Tolyatti), the Republic of Tatarstan (Alabuga), Moscow Region (Stupino Kvadrat), Ivanovo Region (Ivanovo), Lipetsk Region (Lipetsk), and Kaluga Region (Kaluga).

    “Special economic zones remain one of the most effective instruments of state support for investors. Last year, residents invested more than 1.2 trillion rubles in projects, which is twice as much as the year before. Over 25 thousand new jobs were created, which is 40% more than in 2023. These results confirm that businesses are comfortable working in SEZ conditions: these are tax and customs preferences, ready-made infrastructure, administrative support and reduced costs for connecting to resources. All this makes SEZ sites growth points and attractive for long-term investments,” Svyatoslav Sorokin emphasized.

    “Business investments are new high-tech production facilities, jobs, and taxes that we direct to the development of the social sphere and improving the quality of life of our citizens. And the special economic zone “Togliatti” with its opportunities and preferences is an effective tool for attracting private investment, a key growth point. The development of the capacities of the SEZ “Togliatti” will contribute to the development of the regional economy and increase the competitiveness of the region in the investment arena,” said the Governor of the Samara Region Vyacheslav Fedorishchev.

    “Of course, the preferences of the special economic zone play an important role when an investor chooses a location – these are both tax benefits and ready-made infrastructure. For us, the SEZ in Baikalsk has become part of the important work to create a new environmentally friendly business format on the former industrial site,” said Igor Kobzev, Governor of the Irkutsk Region. He also noted that there is currently a high interest from investors in the SEZ, in connection with which the regional authorities are preparing documents for the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation to expand the preferential regime zone.

    “The Saint Petersburg Special Economic Zone annually confirms its effectiveness, taking places in the top three special economic zones of the technology implementation type. We are the leader in the volume of tax deductions from our residents to the country’s budget system. This makes a significant contribution to the high assessment of our work. Over 19 years of operation, two operating sites of the SEZ have already brought Saint Petersburg 135 billion rubles in investments, almost 8 thousand jobs and about 29 billion rubles in tax deductions. The city sees the effect for Saint Petersburg and is interested in scaling up the project,” said Tamara Rondaleva, General Director of JSC Saint Petersburg Special Economic Zone.

    The efficiency assessment was carried out based on 25 quantitative indicators, as well as six calculated metrics, including: the performance of residents, the profitability of investments from budgets at all levels in the infrastructure of the zones, the efficiency of management bodies, the quality of planning during the creation of the SEZ, and the contribution to the achievement of national development goals defined by the May decree of the President of the Russian Federation.

    Every year new production facilities are opened in the territory of special economic zones. In 2024 alone, several socially significant and high-tech projects began operating at once.

    The production of televisions under the GigaFactory brand has started in the Novgorodskaya SEZ — this is the first and only enterprise of its kind in the region. The plant produces “smart” televisions based on a domestic operating system, which makes the project an important element of import substitution.

    On the territory of the SEZ “Lotus”, the company “Rybnye Korma” launched the first stage of the plant for the production of feed for industrial aquaculture – sturgeon, catfish, trout, salmon, sea bass and dorado. The production is focused on domestic raw materials, and the volume of feed production today is up to 25 thousand tons per year.

    The Krasnogorsky dairy plant has started operating in the Orenburg SEZ. The processing capacity is up to 150 tons of milk per day, the range is more than 50 types of dairy and fermented milk products. The products are supplied not only to retail chains in the Orenburg Region and neighboring regions, but also to Kazakhstan and China.

    The Petexpert plant, specializing in the production of high-quality pet food from natural raw materials, has opened in the Lipetsk SEZ. The enterprise produces up to 20 thousand tons of dry food per year and is developing regional exports.

    On the territory of the SEZ PPT “Alga” in Bashkortostan, the company “Azimut” launched an innovative plant for the production of road paint and cold plastic for marking. The production is located in the industrial park “Ufimsky” and is equipped with a modern laboratory and lines. The products are used in the implementation of federal and regional programs for the construction of transport infrastructure.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: InvestHK signs MOU with Xi’an Hi-Tech Zone to foster Shaanxi-Hong Kong partnership in empowering enterprises’ global expansion (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (July 8) cohosted the “Shaanxi-Hong Kong Collaboration: Leveraging Hong Kong Strengths to Support Shaanxi Tech Companies in Going Global” seminar in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, in collaboration with the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Shaanxi Provincial People’s Government and the Shaanxi Association for Science and Technology. The event was also co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Chengdu (CDETO), the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s Shaanxi Liaison Unit, Shaanxi Province Xixian New Area Development and Construction Management Committee, and the Xi’an High-Tech Industries Development Zone Management Committee.
          
         The Director of the CDETO, Mr Enoch Yuen; the Director-General of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, Shaanxi Provincial Government, Ms Yao Hongjuan; and Vice President of the Shaanxi Association for Science and Technology Mr Lv Jianjun delivered welcome remarks to guests and the media. Mr Yuen said, “The National 14th Five-Year Plan explicitly designates Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology hub, while Shaanxi serves as a key national base for technology and industry, with strong capabilities in energy and chemical engineering, equipment manufacturing, and aerospace, among others. Both Hong Kong and Shaanxi place great importance on the development of the innovation and technology industry, and frequent high-level exchanges between the two places have continued to deepen in recent years. We look forward to deeper collaboration, leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths in taxation, finance, and global connectivity, while combining them with Shaanxi’s strong industrial foundation and innovative vitality, to achieve a mutually beneficial partnership.”
          
         Ms Yao stated that efforts will be made to actively promote and deepen economic, trade, and investment co-operation between Shaanxi and Hong Kong, particularly in the fields of innovation and technology, as well as new quality productive forces. These efforts aim to help enterprises in both regions seize development opportunities and achieve complementary advantages. Mr Lv also delivered remarks at the event.
          
         One of the key highlights of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between InvestHK and the Xi’an High-Tech Industries Development Zone Management Committee, marking a solid step forward for Shaanxi and Hong Kong in promoting the international development of enterprises in the central and western regions.
          
         Xi’an High-tech Zone is one of the first national high-tech zones approved by the State Council. In 2024, Xi’an High-tech Zone ranked fifth in the country and first in the central and western regions in the comprehensive evaluation of national high-tech zones. The zone focuses on developing innovative industries such as optoelectronic information, smart manufacturing, biomedicine, automobiles, new materials and energy. It has successfully built two “hundred-billion-level industrial clusters” in the automobile industry and electronic information. At present, the zone has become the world’s largest production base for flash memory chips and new energy vehicles.
          
         Under the MOU, the Xi’an High-Tech Industries Development Zone Management Committee will encourage enterprises in the zone to utilise Hong Kong as a base for expanding overseas business. InvestHK will provide enterprises with information on the business environment and policies in Hong Kong, as well as support services for companies investing and operating in Hong Kong. The signing of this MOU establishes a structured collaboration framework, combining Hong Kong’s unique strengths as an international financial centre and Xi’an High-Tech Zone’s innovation capabilities to empower enterprises in accessing global resources efficiently and seizing early opportunities in international markets.
          
         The Head of the Go Global Unit/Business and Talent Attraction/Investment Promotion of Western China of InvestHK, Mr Jason Gan, and the Director of the Science and Technology Innovation Bureau of the Xi’an High-Tech Industries Development Zone, Mr Gao Yuntian, signed the memorandum of co-operation on behalf of their respective sides. Mr Gan said after the signing, “There are tremendous opportunities for co-operation between Shaanxi and Hong Kong in developing new quality productive forces and contributing to China’s high-quality development. As a vital bridge between the Mainland and international markets, Hong Kong has long been committed to providing comprehensive support for Mainland innovation-driven enterprises. We hope to further leverage the complementary advantages of the two places to assist high-quality enterprises in the zone to go global via Hong Kong, and work together to explore new innovative co-operation.”
          
         The Head of Innovation & Technology of InvestHK, Mr Andy Wong, delivered a keynote speech and highlighted Hong Kong’s competitive edge in the I&T sector. “We possess a number of competitive advantages in developing innovation and technology, including world-class academic research and talent, cutting-edge R&D infrastructure, robust intellectual property protection, and the strong support of the HKSAR Government. In 2024, InvestHK supported 120 innovation and technology companies to set up or expand in Hong Kong, making it the top sector among those we assisted. This reflects the international community’s confidence in and recognition of Hong Kong’s I&T development, and further affirms the city’s strategic role as a two-way platform between the Mainland and global markets. Hong Kong’s innovation and technology sector has recently made remarkable progress in several areas. For example, the first batch of regulatory sandbox pilot projects for the low-altitude economy has been launched, serving as a new engine for Hong Kong’s future development. In addition, the city’s new drug approval mechanism has been updated to accelerate the market entry of new pharmaceuticals. I sincerely hope that I&T enterprises in Shaanxi will seize the diverse opportunities offered by Hong Kong to expand into international markets,” he said.

         Senior Manager of the Leasing and Operations Department of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited Mr Tandy Tan and Associate Director of the Research and Innovation Office of Hong Kong Polytechnic University Mr Victor Zhao also shared the opportunities of the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Center and highlighted Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities in empowering new quality productive forces raised from Hong Kong universities. Deputy Director of the Science, Technology Innovation and New Economy Bureau, Shaanxi Province Xixian New Area Ms Han Ping also shared the latest developments on Shaanxi’s I&T industry construction centre.
          
         This event featured a panel discussion with industry leaders from professional services in Hong Kong, especially in financial professional services. Guest speakers from Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, HSBC and Deloitte Tax shared insights on how Hong Kong’s financial and professional services can accelerate Mainland firms’ global expansion.
          
         The seminar included a dedicated exchange session to provide on-site consulting services for corporate representatives interested in expanding to Hong Kong. The event attracted 190 representatives from Shaanxi enterprises, institutions and local media.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by CE at South China Morning Post China Conference 2025 (English only) (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the South China Morning Post China Conference 2025 today (July 8):

    Ms Catherine So (Chief Executive Officer of the South China Morning Post), Ms Tammy Tam (Editor-in-Chief of the South China Morning Post), Mr Steve Finch (President and Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Asia), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

    Good morning. It’s a pleasure to join you here, once again, at the South China Morning Post’s annual China Conference – the 11th edition.

    More than 700 of you are here for this year’s gathering. Some 300s are joining us, virtually, at this forum for business, trade, finance, investment and technology. All of you keen on getting the latest intelligence and insights, developments and business opportunities – in Hong Kong, throughout China and beyond. 

    The theme of this China Conference is “Where Capital Meets Innovation” – an apt description of the strengths of China, our country, and how Hong Kong contributes to its rise. That provides the world with much-needed certainty, especially in this difficult time.

    This year’s international trade uncertainties, and chaos, may well continue amidst the rise of protectionism and unilateralism. The global economy is grappling with profound instability, escalating geopolitical risks and the wholesale reshaping of long-existing trading systems.

    In spite of a damaged global trade order, the expanding trade and capital flows of China, our country, help buoy the economy of the region and the world.

    The Mainland economy has sound fundamentals, a vast domestic market and the robust policies in place to withstand external challenges. In the first quarter of this year, the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) grew by 5.4 per cent, and key economic indicators have kept improving since the beginning of the second quarter – simply said, China, our country, is well on its way to achieving the official growth target of around 5 per cent for 2025.

    As for Hong Kong, our economy expanded solidly by 3.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, supported by visible increases in exports and the resumption of moderate growth in overall investment expenditure. We forecast real GDP growth of 2 per cent to 3 per cent in this year.

    Last week, we celebrated the 28th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s establishment. That happy occasion was a welcome opportunity to thank our country for championing Hong Kong through the “one country, two systems” principle, as well as the national strategies and made-for-Hong Kong initiatives it supports us with.

    Last month, the World Competitiveness Yearbook ranked Hong Kong third in the world in global competitiveness, up two places from the previous year, and up four places from 2023.

    It marks Hong Kong’s return to the global top three for the first time since 2019, reflecting our commitment to change in face of today’s rising challenges.

    There’s a lot more to be grateful for. In April and May, Hong Kong’s merchandise exports showed double-digit, year-on-year growth, while visitor arrivals also brought double-digit, year-on-year increases in the second quarter.  

    And Hong Kong, in the first half of this year, has been the world’s largest IPO (initial public offering) fundraising market, raising over US$13 billion. That’s up a whopping 22 per cent, compared with the full-year figure last year.

    It speaks of Hong Kong’s long-standing appeal as a safe haven for Chinese and international capital and a bridge for global investors. 

    Hong Kong is, after all, the most internationalised city in the country. We offer the world a market-friendly business environment underpinned by the rule of law. We are the only common law jurisdiction in our country, with a legal system and regulatory regime similar to most global financial hubs. And we present business and investment advantages unmatched by any other city in the world.

    Last year, the total number of local registered companies reached its record high, surpassing 1.46 million. And the total number of non-local companies registered here also reached a record high, and was over 15 000. Both figures continue to show encouraging growth this year. 

    Since January 2023, Invest Hong Kong, our dedicated investment promotion agency, has assisted more than 1 300 Mainland and overseas companies in setting up or expanding their business in Hong Kong. These companies bring in foreign direct investment of over US$21 billion to our economy, creating over 19 000 jobs.

    When I assumed office as Chief Executive three years ago, I established the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises. My aim is to offer, through this Office, one-stop facilitation services and  tailor-made incentives to attract strategic enterprises to our city and foster innovation and economic growth. 

    The Office has brought in 84 strategic companies, from such high-tech industries as advanced manufacturing and new energy technology, AI and data science, fintech and life and health technology. The strategic companies will invest about US$6.4 billion in the next few years, creating over 20 000 jobs. 

    We also launched a new scheme in May this year to create a company re-domiciliation regime to attract companies to Hong Kong. It provides a convenient, safe and secure pathway for companies to re-domicile to Hong Kong. Different companies have already expressed their interest to the regime and two international insurance giants – as Mr Finch is surely aware – have announced they will officially re-domicile to Hong Kong. Good business always makes right decisions.

    These companies all gave their strong vote of confidence in the development of Hong Kong and the country, and will help attract a wealth of partners and related companies to this part of the globe.

    Another strong advantage Hong Kong offers to overseas companies here, old or new, is our easy access to the Mainland market. We are certainly a front runner in this regard. 

    That’s in no small part thanks to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, or CEPA, our de facto free trade agreement with the Mainland that provides preferential treatment to Hong Kong companies, facilitating smoother access to the Mainland’s vast market.

    A new amendment agreement under the CEPA Agreement on Trade in Services entered into force this March. It includes the removal of the qualifying period requirement on Hong Kong service suppliers in most sectors, meaning our many new companies can also benefit from the arrangement’s facilitation measures in accessing the Mainland market.

    Together with new initiatives that allow Hong Kong-invested enterprises to adopt Hong Kong law and choose Hong Kong as the seat for arbitration in their operation in a range of Mainland cities, CEPA provides a wide range of innovative enhancements that help a world of investors better capitalise on China’s growth opportunities, with the help of Hong Kong’s world-class professional services.

    Then there’s technological innovation, including artificial intelligence. AI advancements are transforming production, business and consumption patterns. They are redefining the core competitiveness of economies.

    These trends create new opportunities for Hong Kong, particularly in our deepening integration with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a cluster city development that brings together Hong Kong, Macao, and nine southern cities on the Mainland.

    With a population exceeding 87 million and a GDP of more than US$2 trillion last year, similar to the size of the 10th largest economy in the world, the Greater Bay Area is among the most open and economically vibrant regions in the country. 

    The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou science and technology cluster, which includes three of the Greater Bay Area’s core cities, has been ranked second, globally, for five consecutive years in the Global Innovation Index, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization. 

    Drawing together Hong Kong’s research capabilities and business competitiveness, as well as the Mainland’s innovation and advanced manufacturing prowess, the Greater Bay Area endeavours to become a world-leading I&T (innovation and technology) hub.

    One spectacular example is the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, an area that straddles our boundary with Shenzhen. It will develop into a cutting-edge advanced technology centre that converges the strengths of Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Last November, the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government published the Development Outline for the Hong Kong Park in the co-operation zone.

    The Park’s first three buildings have been completed, and the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute opened last November at Hong Kong Park.

    That’s just the beginning. Artificial intelligence, new energy vehicles, the low-altitude economy, fintech, and more, are thriving in the Greater Bay Area. And as the Park enters into the operational phase this year, more of these companies will be joining us.

    Beyond I&T, we have seen the successful introduction of a wide variety of policy initiatives with the Greater Bay Area, including measures for the two-way flow of talent, schemes for supporting youth innovation, entrepreneurship and employment, and policies to facilitate mutual travel.

    And the promise of further co-operation between Hong Kong and the rest of the Greater Bay Area and the Mainland is boundless.

    Ladies and gentlemen, when we talk of China’s might, many of us immediately look to the maiden visit to Hong Kong over the past weekend of the first domestically built aircraft carrier of China, our country, the Shandong. Although the fleet has just bid us farewell yesterday, the awe and pride it drew among the people of Hong Kong over its five-day visit will be long-lasting.

    More than a display of maritime strength, the fleet showcases our country’s commitment to peacekeeping and regional stability. And much like how the Shandong docked in our safe harbour, Hong Kong is where the country anchors its trust.

    In this era of fogged horizons, China does not just project power – it radiates investible stability. And Hong Kong is the “super connector” and “super value-adder” that links the world with opportunities from China’s growth and certainties. A link you can always bank on.

    Amid an ever changing geopolitical landscape and constantly escalating uncertainties, Hong Kong is the place that promises security and development. This certainty of security and development is precisely what a world of investors need and thirst for. 

    Together, we will fully seize development opportunities, keep boosting our competitiveness, undertake reforms for progress, and foster innovation. The wisdom and wealth of experience of the people of Hong Kong will help the Pearl of the Orient shine brighter than ever on the world stage.

    My thanks to the South China Morning Post for organising this essential, always eventful, annual gathering. 

    I wish you all a rewarding conference. And the best of business in the second half of 2025, a year that will surely be full of opportunities and rewards. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SJ commences European visit in Netherlands (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, began his European visit in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on July 6 (Amsterdam time). He met with international organisations, judges from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), government officials and the local business community to promote Hong Kong’s legal system and services, and its development as an international legal and dispute resolution centre in the Asia-Pacific region.
     
         Upon his arrival, Mr Lam met with Hong Kong people and overseas Chinese organisation representatives living in the Netherlands and Luxembourg to learn about their work and life, and shared with them the latest developments of Hong Kong in various areas.
     
         After arriving at The Hague on July 7, Mr Lam visited the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) and met with the Secretary General of the HCCH, Dr Christophe Bernasconi. Mr Lam thanked the HCCH for its support for the secondment programme of legal professionals of the Department of Justice (DoJ) and exchanged views on further strengthening the co-operation between the DoJ and the HCCH, including hosting an international conference about the Hague Conventions during the DoJ’s flagship event – Hong Kong Legal Week in December this year.
     
         Mr Lam then met with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice and Security of the Netherlands, Ms Anneke Van Dijk, and officials to introduce the latest developments of Hong Kong and discuss issues such as the development and direction of international legal co-operation.
     
         Afterwards, Mr Lam had a lunch meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr Tan Jian. Mr Lam thanked the Central Government for supporting the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to actively participate in meetings of international organisations as part of the Chinese delegation, providing opportunities for Hong Kong legal talent from the public and private sectors to take part in various projects of the HCCH. He said that the DoJ will continue to strengthen international legal talent training, as well as exchanges and co-operation with international organisations to contribute to the promotion of the country’s contribution to the development of international rule of law.
     
         In the afternoon, Mr Lam visited the ICJ of the United Nations and met with the President of the ICJ, Mr Yuji Iwasawa, to exchange views on the latest developments in international dispute resolution, including the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation with its headquarters in Hong Kong. They also shared views on the training of international legal experts and professionals. Mr Lam then visited the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) and met with the Secretary-General of the PCA, Dr Marcin Czepelak, to discuss the co-operation between the DoJ and the PCA in the fields of capacity building and international law.
     
         In the evening, Mr Lam attended a business seminar and dinner organised by the Netherlands Hong Kong Business Association with the support of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels and Invest Hong Kong. Speaking at the seminar, Mr Lam shared with about 100 participants Hong Kong’s distinctive advantage of enjoying the strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle. He stressed that Hong Kong’s legal system is credible and reputable, user-friendly, and closely tied with Mainland China and other parts of the world. These elements make Hong Kong’s legal system exceptional among other common law peers.
     
         Mr Lam will go to Paris for the second leg of his European visit today (July 8, Amsterdam time).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: First Digital Education Week by Education Bureau concludes

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The first Digital Education Week (DEW) organised by the Education Bureau (EDB) concluded yesterday (July 7). The two flagship events of the DEW, including the Learning and Teaching Expo 2025 (LTE 2025) and the International Summit on the Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects and Post-Summit Workshop Series, attracted over 24 000 participants altogether, providing opportunities for education professionals to gain further insights into the latest developments in educational technology and inspiring them to apply emerging technologies to enhance learning and teaching effectiveness.

    The Summit, jointly organised by the EDB, the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and the Hong Kong Education City (EdCity), was held from July 4 to 7, attracting over 4 500 participants. The LTE 2025, was held from July 2 to 4, supported by the EDB, presented by EdCity and organised by the Smart City Consortium, attracted over 20 000 participants, setting a new record for attendance. Themed “Education: A Shared Future for All”, the LTE 2025 convened global educators, education leaders and innovators. Through keynote speeches, seminars, workshops and product showcases, participants explored innovative pedagogies and educational technology applications while shaping future educational directions.

    The LTE 2025 featured over 600 exhibition booths and introduced the Mainland and International Pavilions (including Singapore and Korea) to foster cross-regional collaborative exchanges. The Principals’ Conference, for the first time, brought together over 200 Hong Kong school principals for a 1.5-day “VASK” immersive experience, comprising seminars and expert discussions focused on “Values, Attitudes, Skills, and Knowledge”. A newly introduced Kids’ AI Summit engaged approximately 100 Hong Kong primary and secondary school students in a three-minute speech session, where they shared insights on AI in education, child well-being, and future careers. Additionally, over 270 keynote speeches, seminars, and demonstration classes showcased innovative teaching solutions and trends in technology applications, with more than 300 experts sharing their experiences in integrating AI and educational technology into teaching.

    The Summit included three main components: the Summit itself, a series of workshops, and the technology showcase. Participants engaged in different segments based on their backgrounds, needs, and interests. The first two days of the Summit featured keynote speeches from five top experts in AI education, namely Associate Professor of the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University, the United States, Professor Victor Lee; the Director of the Artificial Intelligence and Digital Competency Education Centre at the Education University of Hong Kong, Professor Kong Siu-cheung; Professor of the School of Animation and Digital Arts at the Communication University of China Professor Lyu Xin; Professor of Sociolinguistics at the University of Reading, the United Kingdom, Professor Rodney Jones; and the Director for Education and Skills at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Mr Andreas Schleicher. In addition to keynote speeches, the Summit arranged for scholars from around the world to present 83 papers and conducted seven teaching demonstrations by frontline teachers from Hong Kong and the Mainland.

    In the following two days, 11 workshops were held in Cantonese, Putonghua, or English, allowing participants to experience various AI educational tools and engage in in-depth discussions on ethical issues related to AI literacy and applications. Additionally, 20 exhibiting organisations and technology companies participated in the technology showcase, displaying cutting-edge tools and software to demonstrate the potential of AI in the teaching and learning of languages and other subjects.

    The first DEW has made a positive impact on the education sector, enhancing teachers’ and students’ understanding of digital education and the application of related educational technologies. The rich activities provided during the DEW comprehensively showcased the latest educational technologies, resources, and teaching methods from around the world, inspiring innovative thinking among educators. Through various rich interactive sessions, participants not only had the opportunities to engage with a wide range of effective innovative technology solutions to enhance learning and teaching, but the public awareness of future educational trends has also been strengthened.

    The series of activities during this year’s DEW was well received by various sectors, with total participation exceeding 24 000 visitors. Despite teachers and students being busy with post-examination activities, they actively supported the events, fully demonstrating the appeal and foresight of the themes of the two flagship events of this year’s DEW. It also reflected the intensive attention and support from the academic community and relevant stakeholders for the development of digital education in Hong Kong.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Growing displacement of EU exports in Latin America due to China’s trade expansion – E-002636/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002636/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Markus Buchheit (ESN)

    China is rapidly strengthening its presence as a trading partner in Latin America through bilateral agreements and strategic investments[1]. As a result, European industrial products, particularly those from Germany, are losing market share to Chinese alternatives. This shift threatens long-standing EU-Latin America economic ties and undermines the EU’s ability to defend its strategic industries in global markets.

    • 1.What concrete actions is the Commission taking to safeguard the competitiveness of European industrial exports in Latin America amid China’s growing presence?
    • 2.Has the Commission assessed the impact of Chinese trade agreements on the ability of EU companies to access and maintain key markets in the region?
    • 3.Will the Commission adapt its trade strategy to counterbalance China’s influence and better protect the strategic interests of Member States like Germany?

    Submitted: 30.6.2025

    • [1] Some experts first predicted the potential displacement of EU exports in 2018 and over the past eight years China’s market presence has clearly expanded. (https://www.giga-hamburg.de/en/publications/giga-focus/china-is-challenging-but-still-not-displacing-europe-in-latin-america?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions – B10-0329/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    B10‑0329/2025

    European Parliament resolution on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions

    (2025/2800(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on EU-China relations,

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020[1] (Critical Raw Materials Act),

    – having regard to the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the principles of free, fair, and rules-based trade,

    – having regard to WTO dispute settlement rulings DS431, DS432 and DS433 on China’s rare earth export restrictions,

    – having regard to the G7 critical minerals action plan,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas on 4 April 2025, China’s Ministry of Commerce imposed export restrictions on magnets and seven rare earth elements (REEs): samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium;

    B. whereas China’s new export licensing process for rare earth elements results in significant delays, has negative impacts on supply chains and threatens imminent stoppages for production in certain sectors; whereas it is also forcing industry to disclose sensitive information reaching beyond standard licensing processes;

    C. whereas China’s new export restrictions further undermine its reliability as a supplier for EU industry; whereas delays and difficulties in obtaining customs clearance arise even when licences are granted;

    D. whereas China’s decision to start issuing export licences for rare earth elements and magnets to some European companies represents only temporary relief and falls significantly short of a systemic solution;

    E. whereas these new export restrictions represent just the latest development in China’s increased use of unilateral controls on exports that are broader in scope than the multilateral export controls and do not have a clear security rationale;

    F. whereas China introduced export restrictions on gallium and germanium in August 2023, and further export restrictions on graphite in December 2023;

    G. whereas China has, in the past, already been found in breach of its WTO Accession Protocol commitments and Article XI(1) of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade for introducing unjustified export restrictions on REEs; whereas this demonstrates a clear pattern of action;

    H. whereas China’s use of export restrictions is a clear example of its exploitation of its dominance of the global critical raw materials market and economic blackmail, resulting in supply chain disruptions;

    I. whereas 100 % of the EU’s supply of heavy REEs comes from China; whereas the EU’s general dependency on critical raw materials from China remains a major threat to the EU’s economy and resilience and a cause for concern;

    J. whereas the EU faces the complex challenge of securing a sustainable supply of critical raw materials while adhering to its environmental and societal commitments;

    K. whereas the EU’s demand for critical raw materials is surging and is projected to rise further, due among other things to developments in the defence sector, as well as the digital and energy transitions;

    L. whereas the shift in energy policy has increased demand for previously underutilised resources, including REEs, as well as ‘conventional’ commodities such as copper, nickel, cobalt and lithium; whereas, additionally, the shift has heightened the need for metals and metalloids, including gallium, germanium, selenium, indium and tellurium, which are often only obtained as by-products during the extraction of primary commodities and have low recycling rates, further complicating their supply chain and availability;

    M. whereas apart from raw material extraction, China is also increasing its dominance of critical raw materials markets through refining and processing; whereas 94 % of the Australian production of lithium minerals and 99 % of the Congolese production of cobalt goes to China for refining; whereas China imports 67 % of the world’s supply of manganese ore, and exports 70 % of the world’s refined manganese;

    N. whereas China’s political objective is to secure access to raw materials in other countries and strengthen its dominance in global markets; whereas China has been accused of demanding exclusive access to resources as a condition for investment through its Belt and Road Initiative, which invests heavily in resource-rich countries; whereas such conditions reinforce monopsony power and accentuate concentration, thus making critical raw materials markets less resilient;

    1. Expresses serious concern about the People’s Republic of China’s unjustified use of unilateral export controls on critical raw materials, including its latest measures targeting seven rare earth materials and magnets; deplores China’s weaponisation of critical raw materials and its use of market dominance for geopolitical leverage;

    2. Calls on the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to immediately remove these rare earths and related products from its control list, thereby restoring a stable, predictable and sufficient supply;

    3. Condemns the PRC’s coercive economic and trade practices and calls for swift, coordinated and proportionate responses to its systematic use of trade dependencies as a tool of influence; emphasises that such practices extend beyond critical raw materials, affecting a wide range of strategic sectors;

    4. Notes with concern that for a large number of raw materials, the supply risk for Europe has gone up significantly[2]; believes that an increasing supply risk over time is symptomatic of Europe’s growing reliance on raw materials from a limited number of suppliers located in countries with governance and/or trade risks, its lack of progress in research and development targeting substitute materials, and the inability of current recycling practices to meet growing demand;

    5. Recognises the need to diversify supply chains for raw materials as a critical measure to enhance economic resilience, reduce strategic dependencies and ensure stable access to essential inputs in the face of geopolitical and market disruptions; calls strongly for the EU and its Member States to closely cooperate with global allies and like-minded partners in order to counteract abusive and distortive practices in the critical minerals sector; welcomes, in that respect, the G7 critical minerals action plan, announced following the 50th G7 summit that took place in June 2025;

    6. Recalls that the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act will establish a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials, for example by identifying critical and strategic raw materials, setting benchmarks for domestic production and promoting improved circularity; Calls, in this respect, for the provisions of the Act to be implemented in full;

    7. Emphasises the need to step up domestic extraction of raw materials in the EU; notes that mineral extraction within the EU operates under stricter regulation than in most other countries globally; stresses that this, coupled with shorter and more secure supply lines to EU customers, offers distinct advantages, including enhanced economic resilience and a reduced carbon footprint associated with raw material sourcing;

    8. Expresses concern about the negative public perception of extraction projects in Europe; stresses that this demonstrates a clear disconnect between EU policymakers and local populations, as well as other stakeholders, regarding the implementation of energy and climate policies, as the green transition and the move away from fossil fuels require increased production of many raw materials and the establishment of secure supply chains; regrets that a number of mining projects in Europe, for example for lithium, have been significantly delayed or entirely cancelled due to public opposition; notes that while all human activities, mining included, have some degree of impact on the environment, the European mining sector has made substantial progress in developing methods and implementing strategies to mitigate its environmental footprint, balancing the need for resource extraction with responsible stewardship of the natural environment;

    9. Notes that the complexity of the EU’s mineral raw materials legislation is additionally exacerbated by the requirements of EU nature protection regulations, such as the Nature Restoration Regulation[3], which also limit the availability of land for mining activities, as extractive projects will likely face stricter environmental assessments, and areas designated for restoration may be off-limits to mining projects;

    10. Draws attention to the fact that China not only produces the vast majority of critical raw materials, but also controls a significant portion of global processing capacity; notes, in this regard, that in order to resolve its supply problem, the EU, apart from gaining access to resources from a wider variety of countries and developing its own EU domestic resources, needs to (re-)establish processing capacity within Europe;

    11. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council and the Commission.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions – B10-0332/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    B10‑0332/2025

    European Parliament resolution on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions

    (2025/2800(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of 11 April 2024 on establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials (the Critical Raw Materials Act)[1],

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of 13 June 2024 on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724[2] ,

    – having regard to the upcoming EU-China summit on 24-25 July 2025,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas China dominates in rare earth refining, especially in heavy rare earth elements; whereas China accounts for roughly 70 % of global rare earth mining and over 90 % of the world’s refining capacity; whereas China holds a near monopoly over the global supply chain of several critical minerals, particularly rare earth elements (REEs) and other minerals that are vital for high-tech applications like powerful magnets;

    B. whereas critical minerals and REEs are crucial for both the green and digital transitions, owing to their essential role in enabling technologies in areas including renewable energy, electric vehicles, advanced electronics and defence;

    C. whereas the global demand for REEs, which are critical materials for various technologies including clean energy, is surging, with a significant increase projected for the coming years;

    D. whereas on 4 April 2025, in response to US President Donald Trump’s tariff increases on Chinese products, China imposed export restrictions on 7 of the 17 REEs: samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium;

    E. whereas on 27 June 2025, Washington and Beijing announced a new trade framework, under which China would resume approving export licences for REEs over the following six months;

    F. whereas the new rare earth restrictions are already causing export delays (of up to 45 days for processing a licence application, with additional time needed if the state council or military has to be consulted) as the Chinese Government establishes the licensing system;

    1. Expresses deep concern about and strongly criticises China’s recent and unjustified export restrictions on rare earth materials and magnets, which are crucial for European industries such as automotive manufacturing, renewable energy and defence;

    2. Notes with concern that the EU, which is not responsible for starting the ongoing trade dispute between the United States and China, is nonetheless bearing its economic consequences and should not become collateral damage in this conflict;

    3. Recalls that conservation policies do not allow members of the World Trade Organization to adopt measures to control the international market for a natural resource, which is what the export restrictions do; expresses the view that China’s export restrictions are designed to achieve industrial policy goals rather than conservation; underlines that the export quotas do not work together with measures restricting domestic Chinese use of rare earths, as required by the second part of Article XX of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994, and are therefore intended to secure preferential use of those materials for Chinese manufacturers;

    4. Calls on China to lift the restrictions and urges both the Commission and the Member States to take a firm and unified stance and engage with the Chinese authorities to seek a structural solution for these unjustified restrictions, which are undermining the global green and digital transitions; calls on the Commission and the Council to address the issue with the Chinese authorities in the upcoming EU-China summit on 24-25 July 2025, with a view to restoring a level playing field as well as securing the lifting of Chinese sanctions against former MEPs and think tanks;

    5. Stresses, however, that the EU must firmly reject any attempts by the Chinese authorities to use these restrictions as a tool of coercion to force concessions in ongoing disputes on other unfair practices, such as the anti-dumping duties on battery electric vehicles;

    6. Is concerned that this may lead to an unfair trade-off between export restrictions and access to European technological know-how, undermining our industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy;

    7. Urges the Commission to mitigate the risks of the EU’s overdependence on China for critical REEs and regrets that, despite the good intentions and policy initiatives of the Critical Raw Materials Act, the EU’s dependence on China for critical raw materials has continued to grow or, at best, remains stubbornly high;

    8. Underlines the need for a clear strategy to ensure the long-term security of supply by focusing on diversification, increased domestic production and the circular economy, with robust recycling infrastructure at its core for the recovery of critical minerals from end-of-life products;

    9. Calls on the Commission to make full use of the Clean Industrial Deal to build strategic partnerships with resource-rich countries, strengthen domestic capabilities in extraction, processing and recycling, and reduce reliance on single suppliers;

    10. Emphasises the need to secure access to critical raw materials; stresses that the upcoming circular economy act should improve resource efficiency, including through better waste management of products containing critical raw materials, as well as fostering the demand and availability of secondary raw materials; stresses the need to define those secondary raw materials that are strategic and that should be subject to export monitoring, such as steel and metal scrap, and to tackle any imbalance in their supply and demand, including by exploring export restrictions; insists on the effective enforcement of the Waste Shipment Regulation[3];

    11. Welcomes the critical minerals action plan agreed at the G7 leaders’ summit in June 2025;

    12. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Italy: EIB Grants €150 Million Loan to Alfasigma to Accelerate Innovation in Rare Diseases and Specialty Care

    Source: European Investment Bank

    Alfasigma

    • The EIB financing will support Alfasigma’s R&D investments for the three-year period from 2025 to 2027.
    • The funds will help develop and market new medicines in Alfasigma’s main therapeutic areas.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €150 million loan agreement with Alfasigma, a global pharmaceutical company founded in Italy, whose products are present in more than 100 markets worldwide.

    The agreement, announced today by EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti and Alfasigma’s Chief Financial Officer Tatiana Simonelli, will support the development of breakthrough therapies in the areas of rare diseases and specialty care. The EIB financing aims to support Alfasigma’s R&D activities over the three-year period from 2025 to 2027, focusing on new treatments in gastroenterology and hepatology, vascular medicine, and rheumatology. It will help accelerate the translation of scientific advances into patient-centred solutions, aiming to address unmet needs and deliver high-impact health outcomes.

    The operation is part of the EIB’s strategy to bolster competitiveness and innovation in the European healthcare sector and to create highly skilled jobs.

    “This financing confirms the EIB’s commitment to promoting scientific innovation and supporting European biopharmaceutical research,” said EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti. “Investing in research, development and innovation is key to strengthening Europe’s industrial competitiveness and to offering new therapeutic solutions to those currently without alternatives.”

    “We are grateful to the EIB for this agreement, which will help us to fast-track our ambitious growth strategy, particularly in expanding our footprint in rare diseases and specialty care innovations to better address the unmet needs of the patients and communities we serve”, said Alfasigma Chief Financial Officer Tatiana Simonelli.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight key priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.  The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed over 900 projects worth nearly €89 billion in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security. The EIB Group signed 99 operations totalling €10.98 billion in Italy in 2024, helping to unlock almost €37 billion of investment in the real economy. All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment. Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the funds made available by the Group unlocked over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised a further €110 billion for startups and scale-ups. Around half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

    Alfasigma is a global pharmaceutical company founded over 75 years ago in Italy, where it is headquartered (in Bologna and Milan). The group operates in over 100 markets spanning Europe, North and South America, Asia and Africa. It has offices in many countries, including Italy, the United States, Spain, Germany, Mexico and China; production sites in Italy (Pomezia, Rome; Alanno, Pescara; Sermoneta, Latina; and Trezzano Rosa, Milan), Spain (Tortosa, Baix Ebre) and the United States (Shreveport, Louisiana); and research and development labs in Italy (Pomezia and Bergamo). Alfasigma employs approximately 4 000 people dedicated to research, development, production and distribution of medicinal products, contributing to its mission to provide better health and a better quality of life for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers. It focuses on three main therapeutic areas: gastroenterology, vascular and rheumatology. Its portfolio ranges from speciality care to rare disease medications and consumer health products, including nutraceuticals.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – EP TODAY

    Source: European Parliament

    Danish Presidency

    At 10:30, Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark, will present her country’s priorities for its six-month Council presidency, which began on 1 July. Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner responsible for interinstitutional relations will also attend. Parliament President Roberta Metsola will hold a press conference with Prime Minister Frederiksen in the Daphné Caruana Galizia press room from 12:15.
    Thomas HAAHR
    (+32) 470 88 09 87
    presse-DK@europarl.europa.eu

    EU-China relations

    Earlier, at 9:00, the day will begin with a joint debate on EU China relations. MEPs will first prepare for the 2025 EU-China summit, to take place later in July. Plenary will then move on to discuss the issue of China’s export restrictions on critical raw materials. A vote on a resolution on the latter is scheduled for Thursday. The debate will include statements by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Danish European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre, for the Council.
    Viktor ALMQVIST
    (+32) 470 88 29 42
    Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS
    (+32) 470 96 08 19
    @EP_ForeignAff

    Situation in the Middle East

    In a mid-afternoon debate with Danish European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre and Commissioner Jessika Roswall, MEPs will review the latest events in the Middle East and what the EU can do to help restore peace.
    Viktor ALMQVIST
    (+32) 470 88 29 42
    Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS
    (+32) 470 96 08 19
    @EP_ForeignAff

    European Climate Law

    A new 2040 greenhouse gas reduction target of 90% compared with 1990 levels, to be included in the EU Climate Law, is one of a new set of proposals adopted by the Commission on 2 July. Members will vote at noon on whether to fast-track Parliament’s work on the file. A debate with Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra on the proposals will start at about 15:30.
    Thomas HAAHR
    (+32) 470 88 09 87
    @EP_Environment

    In brief

    Gas storage. Members will vote at noon on a draft law to address gas market speculation and reduce prices by introducing greater flexibility in gas refilling rules ahead of the winter season. Parliament and Council have already reached an informal agreement on the file.

    Chemicals package. An action plan to boost the EU’s chemicals industry and measures to simplify EU chemicals laws are part of a new package Commission Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and Commissioner Jessika Roswall will present to Parliament at 15:00.

    Media freedom. The implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) will be the subject of a debate with Danish European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre and Commissioner Michael McGrath starting after the votes. A seminar on the EMFA for journalists, with key MEPs and experts, will take place at 15:00 in room De Madariaga S5. Journalists can follow it in person or via Interactio.

    Enlargement. In the evening, Parliament and Commission Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and Commissioner Jessika Roswall will debate the Commission’s 2023 and 2024 reports on progress made by Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Georgia towards EU accession. The votes will take place on Wednesday.

    Votes

    At noon, MEPs will vote, among others, on:

    • whether to endorse Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro;
    • security of energy supply in the EU;
    • the EU-Greenland and Denmark Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement;
    • the progressive start of operations of the Entry/Exit System;
    • the European Investment Bank’s 2024 annual report;
    • preserving the memory of victims of Slovenia’s post-war communist period.

    Live coverage of the plenary session can be found on Parliament’s webstreaming site and on EbS+.

    For detailed information on the session, please also see our newsletter.

    Find more information regarding plenary.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Uzbekistan’s external debt in the first quarter amounted to $68.4 billion

    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

    Tashkent, July 8 (Xinhua) — Uzbekistan’s total external debt amounted to $68.4 billion in January-March 2025, local media reported on Monday, citing the Central Bank of the republic.

    According to the report, the country’s external debt increased by US$4.3 billion in the first quarter. US$35.8 billion is external government debt, while US$32.6 billion is corporate debt.

    Let us recall that in 2024, Uzbekistan’s total external debt amounted to 64.1 billion US dollars. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Japanese PM calls Trump’s new tariff decision regrettable

    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

    TOKYO, July 8 (Xinhua) — Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Tuesday called U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25 percent tariffs on Japan “truly regrettable,” saying bilateral talks will continue to reach a mutually beneficial deal.

    He said the government would continue to steadfastly defend national interests in future rounds of trade talks and pledged to do its utmost to soften the impact of upcoming tariff increases on Japan’s export-oriented economy.

    “We will continue to negotiate with the United States to explore the possibility of reaching a mutually beneficial deal while protecting our national interests,” the prime minister said. He attributed the lack of progress to “the government avoiding hasty compromises, demanding and defending what is necessary.”

    D. Trump said Monday that a 25 percent tariff on imported goods from Japan would be imposed starting Aug. 1. The U.S. president also warned that any tariff increases on American goods would be met with equivalent measures from his administration. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Films from China and Russia recognized as the best at the 2025 SCO Film Festival in China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — The Chinese film “Endless Journey” and the Russian film “Air” won the Golden Camellia award at the recently closed SCO Film Festival 2025, which was held in the Chinese city of Chongqing (southwest China), the mobile multimedia platform “Russia-China: Main Things” reported.

    This year, 20 selected films from 10 countries, including China, Russia and Kazakhstan, reportedly took part in the main competition. The Chinese film “Endless Journey” and the Russian drama “Air” won the “Best Film” awards at the closing ceremony of the film festival.

    The Golden Camellia Award, named after the flower that is the symbol of Chongqing, symbolizes the flower of civilization that is watered jointly by the SCO member states. Actors and singers from the SCO member states performed on the same stage at the closing ceremony, which also reflected the principles of respect for the diversity of civilizations and the desire for common development that are embedded in the “Shanghai Spirit”.

    The red carpet featured special curved screens for virtual and augmented reality. This solution was in line with the main theme of the film festival, which sounds like “Technology Film”.

    Let us recall that the 2025 SCO Film Festival was held in the Yongchuan district of the Chinese metropolis of Chongqing. In recent years, Yongchuan, located in the western part of Chongqing, has become a dynamically developing center of innovation in the field of film technology. Currently, more than 100 film and television enterprises operate in Yongchuan. -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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: China to train public servants on city governance

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Tuesday, July 8, 2025

    The National School of Government (NSG) has organised a learning exchange visit to China on city governance for public officials.

    Hosted by the Beijing Jiaotong University and supported by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the programme seeks to promote knowledge exchanges on enhancing local government performance as municipalities face growing complexity and public expectations that they must respond to. 

    “The programme explores the Chinese advancement in local government innovation in service delivery, modernisation of governance, construction of smart cities, participatory governance, poverty alleviation and development,” the NSG said in a statement. 

    “Local government is an important sphere of government for implementation of national policy and China’s successes in the performance of this sphere of government has contributed to the abolition of absolute poverty in 2020, ten years before the 2030 deadline which the world set in the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. 

    “This is the same deadline that South Africa has set in the National Development Plan to eliminate poverty and inequality by the year 2030,” the NSG said.

    The South African government, in the 7th Administration, has committed itself to drive inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living with a developmental and capable state playing a central role. 

    “Municipalities therefore have a critical role in the achievement of this commitment. The exchange programme on city governance is part of the NSG’s international exchanges that are aimed at facilitating public servants’ access to specialist knowledge and skills needed to enhance public sector performance and development among others and learning from the development trajectory of other countries in the global South and North,” said NSG Principal, Professor Busani Ngcaweni. 

    Ngcaweni added that partnerships were a key focus for the NSG “as they enable us to expand the depth of training delivery, diversity and allow access to expertise that we do not have.” 

    The programme will run from 7 to 27 July. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi stresses transforming resource-based economy, advancing Chinese modernization during Shanxi inspection tour

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

    Xi stresses transforming resource-based economy, advancing Chinese modernization during Shanxi inspection tour

    TAIYUAN, July 8 — President Xi Jinping has called on north China’s Shanxi Province to further promote the transformation and development of the resource-based economy and strive to write its own chapter in advancing Chinese modernization.

    Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection tour in Shanxi from Monday to Tuesday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China puts rookies to test at World Universiade in Germany

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

    China unveiled its 220-member delegation for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games in Germany on Tuesday with most of the athletes making their debuts at the global university students gala.

    The 120 athletes will compete in 14 sports across more than 90 disciplines. However, the team will not participate in wheelchair basketball – making its debut as an official Universiade sport – nor in fencing, water polo, or rowing.

    Among the standout athletes are 24-year-old Liang Yushuai, the men’s 68kg taekwondo bronze medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and 21-year-old Shu Heng, who won the men’s long jump gold medal at the Asian Athletics Championships in May.

    Just about 30 athletes competed in the previous edition of the Universiade, held in Chengdu in 2023. The squad has an average age of 21.9, with athletes ranging from 18 to 25 years old.

    All athletes are undergoing a 15-day training camp in preparation for the Games, which will be held from July 16 to 27 across six cities: Berlin, Hagen, Bochum, Duisburg, Essen, and Mulheim an der Ruhr.

    According to Liu Lixin, president of the China Student Sports Federation, Team China sees the event as a platform for promoting friendship and cultural exchange between Chinese youth and their peers from around the world.

    Germany, the host nation, has announced its largest-ever team for what will be the country’s most significant multi-sport event in over half a century.

    Team Germany will aim for medals in all 18 sports. Among its top athletes is 24-year-old Antonia Kinzel, a student at HS Mannheim and the defending FISU Games champion in the women’s discus.

    Also headlining the squad is Elisa Mevius, a rising star from the University of Oregon’s 3×3 basketball team. A gold medalist at the Paris 2024 Games with the German women’s squad, the 21-year-old is now eager to repeat her success on home soil.

    Russian and Belarusian students will compete as neutral athletes in line with FISU guidelines.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Han Kuang exercise is nothing but a bluffing and self-deceiving trick: Defense Spokesperson 2025-07-08 17:01:06 Whatever weapons the DPP authorities use, the overwhelming and irresistible trend of China’s national reunification will not be stopped, said Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, at a press briefing on Tuesday.

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

      BEIJING, July 8 — Whatever weapons the DPP authorities use, the overwhelming and irresistible trend of China’s national reunification will not be stopped, said Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, at a press briefing on Tuesday. 

      Jiang made those remarks when asked to comment on the Han Kuang-41 live-troop exercise to be conducted by Taiwan’s military from July 9. It is learnt the exercise will focus on such subjects as the so-called “response to gray-zone harassment”, “joint anti-landing operations” and “resilient defense on the island”. Meanwhile, many US weapons will make their debut during the exercise. 

      The spokesperson slammed that Han Kuang exercise is nothing but a bluffing and self-deceiving trick played by the DPP authorities to hijack Taiwan compatriots on-board its “Taiwan Independence” war chariot, and the DPP authorities are harming Taiwan out of its selfish interests. 

      “We solemnly warn the DPP authorities that seeking ‘independence by force’ is a dead end. Whatever subjects they drill and whatever weapons they use, the PLA’s resolute countermeasures against ‘Taiwan Independence’ will not be deterred, nor will the overwhelming and irresistible trend of China’s national reunification be stopped.” Jiang stressed.

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    MIL OSI China News –