Category: China

  • MIL-OSI Economics: With Trump’s Signature, the One Big Beautiful Bill Will Restore Certainty for the Gulf of America

    Source: National Ocean Industries Association – NOIA

    Headline: With Trump’s Signature, the One Big Beautiful Bill Will Restore Certainty for the Gulf of America

    For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 3, 2025NOIA .org
    With Trump’s Signature, the One Big Beautiful Bill Will Restore Certainty for the Gulf of America
    Washington, D.C. – National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) President Erik Milito issued the following statement as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) heads to President Trump’s desk for signature:
    “This is a major milestone for the Gulf of America. With President Trump’s signature, OBBBA will restore certainty to the offshore oil and gas leasing process, bringing back the predictability that unlocks investment, protects affordable energy, and strengthens our national security.
    “Energy security is national security. And energy affordability impacts every American household. When Gulf of America lease sales disappear, so do the jobs, investment, and energy production that lift communities from Louisiana to Pennsylvania and across all 50 states. The Gulf of America provisions in OBBBA reverse that trend, creating the stability needed to support long-term growth.
    “These provisions reestablish a dependable offshore leasing program that drives economic activity, supports critical U.S. supply chains, sustains good-paying jobs nationwide, and delivers meaningful funding for conservation and coastal resilience. A strong Gulf of America means a stronger economy and a more secure energy future for the entire nation.
    “At the same time, work remains to ensure business certainty and predictability to power America. Recent changes to the tax code continue to create unnecessary headwinds for offshore wind and for the shipbuilders, ports, and manufacturers that support it. Offshore wind is part of the solution to surging power demand and to our global competitiveness with China. NOIA will keep working with both parties to build support for stronger tax certainty and to advance lasting, broad-based permitting reform. Tackling these issues will benefit the full breadth of the American economy.
    “With OBBBA becoming law, we have a strong foundation for continued Gulf of America energy leadership.”
    ##
    About NOIAThe National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) represents and advances a dynamic and growing offshore energy industry, providing solutions that support communities and protect our workers, the public and our environment.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A new special economic zone “Khorgos – Eastern Gate” has been created in Kazakhstan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Almaty, July 3 /Xinhua/ — The special economic zone /SEZ/ “Khorgos – Eastern Gate” was created by the decree of the government of Kazakhstan dated July 1, 2025, its regulations and target indicators were approved, the Kazinform news agency reported on Thursday.

    The SEZ is located in the Zhetysu region in the southeast of Kazakhstan. Its total area is 5431.5 hectares, including a port zone /air hub/ with an area of 840 hectares, a logistics zone with an area of 483.4 hectares and an industrial zone with an area of 230.4 hectares.

    According to target indicators, the total volume of investments in the SEZ is planned to reach 522.7 billion tenge (about 1.01 billion US dollars) by 2030, and to 715.5 billion tenge (about 1.38 billion dollars) by 2035.

    The volume of foreign investment by 2030 should amount to 10.2 billion tenge (about 19.6 million dollars), and by 2035 – 15.5 billion tenge (about 29.8 million dollars).

    The number of SEZ residents is expected to reach 85 companies in 2030 and 95 in 2035. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Direct talks between US and Iran could be held in Oslo next week – media

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    HOUSTON, July 3 (Xinhua) — U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East Steven Witkoff plans to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oslo, Norway next week to resume talks on Iran’s nuclear program, according to a report published by U.S. news portal Axios on Thursday.

    Neither country has publicly confirmed the meeting, and a final date for the talks has not yet been set. “We have no announcements regarding international travel at this time,” a White House spokesman told Axios.

    If held, the talks would be the first direct US-Iranian talks since Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia officially recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan — Russian Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, July 3 /Xinhua/ – Russia has officially recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, TASS reported on Thursday, citing the Russian Foreign Ministry.

    “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms,” the Russian diplomatic agency stated, commenting on the information about the recognition of the state.

    The Afghan Foreign Ministry earlier said that Russian Ambassador to Kabul Dmitry Zhirnov had officially announced the Russian government’s decision to recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

    On July 1, the new Ambassador of Afghanistan to Russia, Gul Hasan, arrived in Moscow; on Thursday, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Andrei Rudenko received copies of his credentials from him. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Press briefing on next week’s plenary session

    Source: European Parliament

    Spokespersons for Parliament and for the political groups will hold a briefing on the 7 – 10 July plenary session, on Friday at 11.00 in Parliament’s Anna Politkovskaya press room.

    When: Friday 4 July at 11.00

    Where: Anna Politkovskaya press room in Brussels and via Interactio

    Key topics next week include:

    • Debate on the priorities if the Danish Council Presidency with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen
    • Debate on the results of the 26 June European Council with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen
    • Debate on the upcoming EU-China summit and the need to tackle China’s export restrictions on critical raw materials, followed by a vote on a resolution
    • Debate and vote on a motion of censure against the European Commission
    • Debate on EU-US trade negotiations
    • Debate on the situation in the Middle East
    • Debate on the post-2027 EU long-term budget and Parliament’s expectations ahead of the Commission’s proposal
    • Debate on the new EU 2040 climate target
    • Vote on managing the influx of substandard goods into the EU

    Interpretation of the press briefing will be available in English and French.

    Journalists wishing to participate actively and ask questions, please connect via Interactio using this link: https://ep.interactio.eu/link/pressconfp1611820

    You can follow it live from 11.00 on Friday in Parliament’s Anna Politkovskaya press room or via Parliament’s webstreaming and EbS.

    Information for the media – Use of Interactio to ask questions

    Interactio is only supported on iPads (with the Safari browser) and Mac/Windows (with the Google Chrome browser).

    When connecting, enter your name and the media you are representing in the first name / last name fields. For better sound quality, use headphones and a microphone. Interpretation is only possible for questions asked on video.

    Journalists who have never used Interactio before are asked to connect 30 minutes before the start of the press conference to perform a connection test. IT assistance can be provided if necessary. When connected, open the chat window (upper right corner) to be able to see the service messages.

    For more details, check the connection guidelines and recommendations for remote speakers.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Huffman Statement on House Passage of Trump’s Big, Ugly Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

    July 03, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) released the following statement after the House passed President Trump’s Big, Ugly Bill:

    “Republicans just rammed through one of the most shameless betrayals in recent memory: Trump’s Big, Ugly Bill is a full-blown catastrophe for the American people. President Trump promised affordability, and now Americans will pay higher energy bills. Republicans campaigned on energy independence, but they’re giving China the deal of the century. They promised a stronger economy, yet they just kneecapped hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs. They promised to protect our public lands, and now they’ve auctioned our resources off to polluters and developers,” Rep. Huffman said

    “This unconscionable legislation is what it looks like when a government turns its back on the people it vowed to serve. Millions of Americans will have their health care and food assistance taken away. And what’s worse? Republicans are proud of this bill. They’re celebrating a scheme that steals from working families to bankroll billionaire tax breaks and handouts to fossil fuel CEOs,” Huffman said. “Once again, Republicans and President Trump have made their priorities painfully clear: when forced to choose between Americans and their billionaire donors, they’ll betray us and sell us out every time.”

    Although Republicans refused to consider any Democratic amendments to improve their partisan sweetheart deal, Rep. Huffman filed the following amendments to protect working families, safeguard our public lands, and prevent school voucher schemes:

    • Representative Huffman’s amendment #198 would require foreign adversaries, including state-owned companies, pay royalties to mine on U.S. public lands.
    • Representative Huffman’s amendment #215 would only allow coal mining provisions to take effect if federal officials confirm coal is cost-competitive with renewable energy.
    • Representative Huffman’s amendment #224 would remove royalty rate cuts for oil and gas drilling on land and offshore.
    • Representative Huffman’s amendment #230 would strike Arctic Refuge oil and gas leasing provisions and replace them with the Arctic Refuge Protection Act.
    • Representative Huffman’s amendment #244 would strike funding rescission for the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management.
    • Representative Huffman’s amendment #266 would limit increased logging until mature and old-growth forests on federal lands are conserved and protections are expanded.
    • Representative Huffman’s amendment #459 would ensure the Bureau of Reclamation does not violate or override state law. 
    • Representative Huffman’s amendment #480 would strike Sec. 70411, which provides a tax credit for wealthy donors to contribute to private and religious school voucher programs.

    In California’s Second Congressional District, this bill:

    • Increases average premiums by $3,070 per year for the 41,000 people who receive coverage under the Affordable Care Act
    • Puts 231,738 people who depend on Medicaid at risk of losing their health care
    • Threatens 28,369 households who count on SNAP to put food on the table
    • Takes away 5,130 jobs in clean energy and manufacturing

    ###



    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Huffman Statement on House Passage of Trump’s Big, Ugly Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

    July 03, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) released the following statement after the House passed President Trump’s Big, Ugly Bill:

    “Republicans just rammed through one of the most shameless betrayals in recent memory: Trump’s Big, Ugly Bill is a full-blown catastrophe for the American people. President Trump promised affordability, and now Americans will pay higher energy bills. Republicans campaigned on energy independence, but they’re giving China the deal of the century. They promised a stronger economy, yet they just kneecapped hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs. They promised to protect our public lands, and now they’ve auctioned our resources off to polluters and developers,” Rep. Huffman said

    “This unconscionable legislation is what it looks like when a government turns its back on the people it vowed to serve. Millions of Americans will have their health care and food assistance taken away. And what’s worse? Republicans are proud of this bill. They’re celebrating a scheme that steals from working families to bankroll billionaire tax breaks and handouts to fossil fuel CEOs,” Huffman said. “Once again, Republicans and President Trump have made their priorities painfully clear: when forced to choose between Americans and their billionaire donors, they’ll betray us and sell us out every time.”

    Although Republicans refused to consider any Democratic amendments to improve their partisan sweetheart deal, Rep. Huffman filed the following amendments to protect working families, safeguard our public lands, and prevent school voucher schemes:

    • Representative Huffman’s amendment #198 would require foreign adversaries, including state-owned companies, pay royalties to mine on U.S. public lands.
    • Representative Huffman’s amendment #215 would only allow coal mining provisions to take effect if federal officials confirm coal is cost-competitive with renewable energy.
    • Representative Huffman’s amendment #224 would remove royalty rate cuts for oil and gas drilling on land and offshore.
    • Representative Huffman’s amendment #230 would strike Arctic Refuge oil and gas leasing provisions and replace them with the Arctic Refuge Protection Act.
    • Representative Huffman’s amendment #244 would strike funding rescission for the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management.
    • Representative Huffman’s amendment #266 would limit increased logging until mature and old-growth forests on federal lands are conserved and protections are expanded.
    • Representative Huffman’s amendment #459 would ensure the Bureau of Reclamation does not violate or override state law. 
    • Representative Huffman’s amendment #480 would strike Sec. 70411, which provides a tax credit for wealthy donors to contribute to private and religious school voucher programs.

    In California’s Second Congressional District, this bill:

    • Increases average premiums by $3,070 per year for the 41,000 people who receive coverage under the Affordable Care Act
    • Puts 231,738 people who depend on Medicaid at risk of losing their health care
    • Threatens 28,369 households who count on SNAP to put food on the table
    • Takes away 5,130 jobs in clean energy and manufacturing

    ###



    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger: A Spectacular Airstrike on Iran — and a Sobering Warning

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    Pfluger: A Spectacular Airstrike on Iran — and a Sobering Warning

    Washington, June 27, 2025

    WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman August Pfluger(TX-11)and retired U.S.Air Force Lt. General David Deptula penned an op-ed in The Hill outlining how the spectacular airstrike we witnessed last week that successfully destroyed Iran’s nuclear facilities should be a wake-up call if we are serious about preparing for sustained conflict with adversaries like China. In the op-ed, they argue that Congress must invest in U.S.Air Power because, to put it simply, we lack the depth to conduct this kind of operation repeatedly, or at scale.

    In the op-ed, the two wrote in part, “Today, America faces the greatest set of threats it has ever faced at the same time the Air Force is at its force-structure nadir. This is why Congress must significantly increase funding for Air Force modernization and expand end-strength if we are serious about preparing for sustained conflict against peer adversaries and countering the other threats we face. President Trump deserves credit for reversing the previous administration’s shortsighted cuts to the F-47 program —a vital next-generation capability. But more must follow.”

    You can read the full op-ed here or by clicking the image below.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Pat Fallon Statement on Passage of the Big Beautiful Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pat Fallon (TX-04)

    Congressman Pat Fallon Statement on Passage of the Big Beautiful Bill

    Washington, July 3, 2025

    WASHINGTON, DC — On the final passage of the Big Beautiful Bill, Representative Pat Fallon (TX-04) commented: 

    “I’m proud to vote to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill today and advance the America First agenda that the American people chose last November. By extending President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts for working families and businesses, the American economy now has the increased certainty it needs to continue to grow.”

    Rep. Fallon continued, “With the bill’s dramatic increase in funding for Border Patrol and ICE, federal law enforcement now has the resources needed to fully secure our borders and continue to deport criminal illegal aliens. And with the bill’s huge investment in national defense, we can better deter China in the Indo-Pacific, restore our domestic defense industrial base, and move forward with President Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense plan. These are all tremendous wins for hardworking Americans, our military, and US national security.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 4 killed, 14 injured in Chicago drive-by shooting

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    CHICAGO, July 3 (Xinhua) — Four people were killed and 14 others were wounded in a drive-by shooting that occurred outside a private album release party in downtown Chicago on Wednesday evening, local police said.

    The attack occurred shortly before midnight as guests were leaving an event hosted by local rapper Mello Buckzz in the River North neighborhood. A black SUV pulled over and several shooters opened fire before fleeing the scene.

    Of the 18 victims, two men and two women died. Several people remain in critical condition. The suspects have not yet been arrested, and police are investigating possible motives for the attack. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Armenia has announced its desire to join the SCO

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Yerevan, July 3 (Xinhua) — The Armenian authorities have announced their desire to apply for the country’s accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the press service of the Armenian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

    “Sharing the fundamental principles of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, namely territorial integrity, non-use of force and inviolability of borders, the Republic of Armenia expressed its desire to become a member of the SCO,” the statement said.

    Armenia is currently a partner country of the SCO. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Delegation of the Azerbaijani military police visited Georgia on an official visit

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TBILISI, July 3 (Xinhua) — A delegation of the Military Police of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan led by Major General Elgun Aliyev paid an official visit to Georgia to discuss bilateral cooperation in the military sphere, the Georgian Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

    The members of the delegation were received by the Chief of the Military Police Department of Georgia, Major General of Defense Shalva Shengelia. During the working meeting, the parties discussed issues of bilateral cooperation and further plans to deepen relations.

    During the visit, representatives of the Azerbaijani military police inspected weapons and equipment, and observed live-fire exercises, including operations in buildings and activities to protect high-ranking officials.

    The visit took place within the framework of a bilateral agreement on cooperation in the defense sector. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Belarus celebrates Independence Day

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    MINSK, July 3 (Xinhua) — Belarus is widely celebrating its main national holiday, Independence Day, on Thursday. On this day, which is a day off for Belarusians, residents of the country visit cultural and mass events with their families, and relax at a variety of entertainment venues organized in all regions.

    On Thursday morning, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko took part in a ceremony dedicated to Independence Day. The event was attended by senior officials, labor collectives and public associations, veterans of the Great Patriotic War, and representatives of youth organizations.

    In his speech, A. Lukashenko particularly emphasized that the liberation of the capital of Belarus on July 3, 1944, during Operation Bagration brought peace back to the wounded Belarusian land and became an important stage on the path to the Great Victory. He noted that this holiday, a symbol of freedom and independence, embodies the memory of the feat of the victorious people and the eternal gratitude of descendants.

    “We are proud of our veterans and everyone who gave us the opportunity to live and work on our land. They have shown the world examples of unprecedented valor, fortitude and patriotism. We must at all costs preserve and pass on to future generations the faith in the victorious spirit of our ancestors, our own strength and the fact that together we will cope with any challenges,” the press service quotes the words of the President of Belarus. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: Wealth Megatrends Releases 2025 Forecast Update on Gold Prediction Amid Historic Surge in Central Bank Demand

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Palm Beach Gardens, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION

    The gold market has re-entered a cycle of historic attention as macroeconomic uncertainty accelerates worldwide. In early 2025, gold prices surged beyond $3,200 per ounce for the first time on record, prompting a surge in online interest, independent forecasts, and portfolio reassessments. This surge can be attributed to factors such as recent tariff escalations, currency reallocation by foreign governments, and geopolitical fragmentation, which have amplified concerns about the long-term stability of fiat systems. Simultaneously, capital outflows and bond yield distortions have complicated traditional wealth preservation strategies. Many investors, both institutional and retail, are actively revisiting gold as a potential counterbalance to portfolio risk, particularly in light of rising stagflation narratives.

    This trend is rooted in increasingly visible disruptions across both U.S. and international markets. Recent tariff escalations, currency reallocation by foreign governments, and geopolitical fragmentation have amplified concerns about the long-term stability of fiat systems. Simultaneously, capital outflows and bond yield distortions have complicated traditional wealth preservation strategies. Many investors, both institutional and retail, are actively revisiting gold as a potential counterbalance to portfolio risk, particularly in light of rising stagflation narratives.

    Gold’s long-term historical performance, a key factor in its investment potential, continues to draw analytical interest. Since 2000, the metal has averaged over 20% annualized returns in periods of monetary dislocation, with only four annual declines in the past 25 years. This statistical consistency has aligned with peak search periods around previous crises, including the 2008 financial collapse, the 2020 pandemic response, and inflation spikes of the 1970s, providing reassurance to potential investors.

    As the dollar weakens and equity markets exhibit erratic momentum, digital conversations have also expanded beyond physical gold. Investor attention is turning toward ancillary market sectors with cyclical ties to the price of gold, specifically gold mining equities, royalty streaming models, and historically correlated commodities. In response to this emerging wave of interest, financial analysts and newsletter platforms have begun re-evaluating the long-term implications of sustained gold appreciation under current monetary and geopolitical conditions.

    To explore the full gold forecast and related analysis from Sean Brodrick, visit the Wealth Megatrends research platform at: www.weissratings.com.

    SECTION 2 – COMPANY / PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT

    In its latest macroeconomic outlook, Wealth Megatrends, backed by the highly respected and seasoned precious metals researcher Sean Brodrick, has released an updated analysis. His projection of a potential rise in gold prices to $6,900 per ounce—more than double current levels-is a significant milestone in the gold market. This projection, based on more than two decades of field-based research across global mining markets, follows gold’s recent break past $3,200, a milestone Brodrick had publicly projected following key shifts in post-election market dynamics and intensifying global trade disruptions.

    Brodrick’s projections are informed by more than two decades of field-based research across global mining markets. They are developed in collaboration with Weiss Ratings, an independent financial analysis firm known for its longstanding data-driven forecasting models. Founded nearly a century ago, Weiss Ratings has established a reputation for identifying risk-adjusted investment trends early in their cycle across multiple sectors, including commodities. Wealth Megatrends, on the other hand, is a leading authority in macroeconomic trends and has a track record of accurate forecasts in the precious metals market.

    The latest gold outlook presented through Wealth Megatrends is framed within the broader thesis that structural volatility—driven by tariffs, debt accumulation, and rising capital flight—may continue to pressure fiat currencies and redirect both institutional and sovereign interest toward hard assets. Within that narrative, Brodrick identifies gold’s current trajectory as part of a long-form secular cycle, where historical comparisons to the 1970s, early 2000s, and post-2008 recovery periods offer a relevant benchmark.

    The forecast does not focus solely on bullion pricing. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of understanding how gold-related equities—specifically gold mining stocks—have historically shown outsized performance during similar macroeconomic phases. While physical gold has traditionally served as a wealth preservation tool, equities tied to its production have demonstrated the potential for amplified movement, often reflecting operational leverage and commodity price elasticity. This comprehensive view of the market, providing a holistic understanding, is crucial for investors seeking to maximize their returns and feel prepared for their investment decisions.

    Wealth Megatrends positions this update as part of its ongoing commitment to transparency in informational research within the investment landscape. All perspectives are based on publicly observable market behavior, historical analogs, and forward-looking interpretations of supply-demand dislocations currently underway in the precious metals ecosystem. This commitment ensures that our audience can trust the information we provide.

    SECTION 3 – TREND ANALYSIS / CONSUMER INTEREST

    As uncertainty continues to shape global markets, search behavior and investor sentiment have undergone a noticeable shift. Interest in “gold forecast,” “gold prediction 2025,” and “how to invest in gold mining stocks” has surged across digital platforms. Concurrently, investment forums, macroeconomic newsletters, and institutional reports have intensified their coverage of gold and related asset classes, driven by elevated concerns over inflation, currency depreciation, and geopolitical fragmentation.

    Beyond retail curiosity, sovereign actors are playing an increasingly visible role in gold market dynamics. According to international financial reporting, global central banks have significantly increased their gold reserves over the last five years, with holdings reaching multi-decade highs. Nations such as China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Hungary have expanded their stockpiles, while institutions like the IMF have noted a material decline in U.S. dollar reserve dominance. This broader pivot toward physical gold reflects a growing skepticism toward traditional currency systems, particularly after recent asset seizures and shifting global monetary policies.

    At the same time, prominent hedge fund managers and macro investors have reportedly rotated capital into precious metals and resource equities. Though motivations vary—from protection against dollar volatility to long-term diversification—the directional trend suggests a shared expectation of continued financial instability. These evolving behaviors have contributed to an ecosystem where gold-related content now performs at record engagement levels across both news outlets and investment research platforms.

    Notably, the discourse is also expanding beyond bullion. Mining stocks, streaming firms, and gold-sector ETFs have re-emerged in public conversations due to their historical pattern of outperforming the underlying metal during bull cycles. This pattern, often tied to operational leverage and production scalability, is once again being evaluated by market analysts seeking exposure to gold-aligned opportunities without the logistical or storage limitations of physical assets.

    Additional insights into long-cycle gold behavior, macro trends, and equity exposure models are available through the Wealth Megatrends monthly publication, produced by Weiss Ratings.

    SECTION 4 – TECHNOLOGY SPOTLIGHT

    Within the broader conversation about gold’s long-term role in financial strategy, renewed interest is emerging in an adjacent category: publicly traded gold mining companies. Historically, these companies have moved directionally with the price of gold but have shown the potential for outsized volatility—both upward and downward—due to the inherent operating leverage tied to commodity prices.

    Mining equities represent businesses engaged in the extraction, production, and refinement of gold, often operating across geographically diverse sites. Their revenue models are influenced not only by prevailing spot prices but also by internal efficiencies, fixed operating costs, jurisdictional stability, and resource scalability. This makes them a subject of focused interest for market analysts seeking to interpret how rising gold prices might impact corporate financial performance within the sector.

    In previous gold bull markets—such as those seen in the 1970s, early 2000s, and post-2008—specific gold mining equities exhibited exponential price action relative to the metal itself. This pattern, commonly attributed to margin expansion, arises when rising gold prices exceed fixed production costs. While the price of gold may increase incrementally, the profitability of certain miners can shift more dramatically under favorable conditions, depending on operational factors such as grade, jurisdiction, and scale of output.

    Recent digital commentary also reflects growing awareness of gold mining sub-sectors, including royalty and streaming companies. These entities do not engage directly in mining but instead finance producers in exchange for a fixed share of production, often at below-market rates. As a result, they tend to operate with reduced overhead and exposure, while still participating in the broader gold cycle.

    SECTION 5 – USER JOURNEY NARRATIVE / MARKET RECEPTION

    Public conversation around gold has shifted dramatically in recent quarters, with online forums, financial publications, and independent research platforms documenting a growing reappraisal of gold’s long-term role in diversified strategies. Once considered a niche or defensive holding, gold is increasingly being positioned by investors as a foundational asset in the face of mounting systemic uncertainty.

    The transition in tone—from peripheral interest to mainstream reconsideration—has coincided with several economic flashpoints. These include the recalibration of central bank policies, persistent inflation indicators, and pronounced volatility in both equity and fixed-income markets. As global confidence in fiat stability continues to waver, discourse around asset preservation has taken on new urgency. In this environment, physical gold is commonly cited as a symbolic safeguard, while gold-linked equities are being explored for their cyclical performance dynamics.

    This renewed attention is not limited to physical asset holders. Retail investors who previously focused on conventional equities or index strategies are now engaging with educational content around gold mining companies, royalty models, and global production footprints. Meanwhile, institutional portfolios have been observed increasing their allocations to tangible asset categories, sometimes through passive vehicles that provide exposure to diversified gold equity baskets.

    Notably, this shift in tone is not driven solely by performance metrics but by a broader cultural narrative about financial resilience, global realignment, and the search for assets that exist outside centralized systems.

    Wealth Megatrends is a subscription-based research newsletter published monthly by Weiss Ratings. It provides economic cycle analysis for informational purposes only.

    SECTION 6 – AVAILABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY

    Readers seeking additional context on gold market cycles, equity sector dynamics, or commodity-aligned investment frameworks can find expanded analysis in the Wealth Megatrends publication. The platform is designed to offer economic research and independent forecasting centered around macroeconomic cycles, resource asset classes, and long-term portfolio theory.

    All materials are presented for informational purposes only and are developed using a combination of historical market analysis, third-party data synthesis, and independent evaluation of publicly available company performance metrics. No materials constitute financial advice or investment guidance. Instead, Wealth Megatrends content is intended to support educational exploration for individuals seeking to understand the structural drivers behind evolving market behavior.

    SECTION 7 – FINAL OBSERVATIONS & INDUSTRY CONTEXT

    The renewed momentum behind gold and gold-aligned equities reflects a broader shift in investor expectations across global markets. What began as a defensive reaction to short-term economic stressors has evolved into a long-term reassessment of value preservation frameworks and asset decentralization strategies. Within this environment, commodities such as gold and, by extension, mining sector exposure have re-emerged as central discussion points in the allocation strategies of both institutional and individual investors.

    The movement is not isolated to metals alone. It parallels a growing trend toward so-called “clean-label assets”—investments perceived as tangible, auditable, and less reliant on third-party counterparty risk. This shift mirrors consumer demand in other sectors, where transparency, operational integrity, and verifiable origin are increasingly prioritized over yield projections or promotional narratives.

    As global policy tools face scrutiny and traditional diversification models come under pressure, the precious metals space may continue to serve as both a barometer and a response mechanism to macroeconomic volatility.

    SECTION 8 – PUBLIC COMMENTARY THEME SUMMARY

    Public commentary surrounding the current gold cycle reflects a diverse mix of enthusiasm, skepticism, and inquiry. A recurring theme among bullish observers is the belief that structural global instability—encompassing monetary policy and geopolitical shifts—has triggered a renewed case for gold as a long-term asset.

    At the same time, some participants express concern over the potential for near-term overvaluation. A recurring discussion point involves the pace of recent gains and whether market enthusiasm may be outpacing underlying supply-demand fundamentals.

    Discussions across digital channels also reflect an evolving understanding of how gold-related equities behave differently from physical bullion. Some have noted that while gold mining stocks can amplify exposure to the metal’s price, they may also introduce operational, jurisdictional, or liquidity risks not present in the physical commodity itself.

    Another frequently cited theme involves the role of silver and other precious metals within the current narrative. Some market observers have expressed curiosity about whether these secondary metals will follow gold’s trajectory or establish differentiated cycles based on industrial demand and production forecasts.

    ABOUT THE COMPANY

    Founded to help investors navigate complex economic cycles, Wealth Megatrends is a monthly research publication that provides independent, data-driven analysis across precious metals, energy, and global resource sectors. Veteran cycles analyst Sean Brodrick leads the newsletter and is part of the Weiss Ratings ecosystem, a firm originally established in 1971 and known for its transparent approach to financial modeling and risk assessment.

    The publication does not provide investment advice, treatment, or diagnostic services and is intended strictly for educational and informational purposes.

    Contact:

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Wealth Megatrends Releases 2025 Forecast Update on Gold Prediction Amid Historic Surge in Central Bank Demand

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Palm Beach Gardens, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION

    The gold market has re-entered a cycle of historic attention as macroeconomic uncertainty accelerates worldwide. In early 2025, gold prices surged beyond $3,200 per ounce for the first time on record, prompting a surge in online interest, independent forecasts, and portfolio reassessments. This surge can be attributed to factors such as recent tariff escalations, currency reallocation by foreign governments, and geopolitical fragmentation, which have amplified concerns about the long-term stability of fiat systems. Simultaneously, capital outflows and bond yield distortions have complicated traditional wealth preservation strategies. Many investors, both institutional and retail, are actively revisiting gold as a potential counterbalance to portfolio risk, particularly in light of rising stagflation narratives.

    This trend is rooted in increasingly visible disruptions across both U.S. and international markets. Recent tariff escalations, currency reallocation by foreign governments, and geopolitical fragmentation have amplified concerns about the long-term stability of fiat systems. Simultaneously, capital outflows and bond yield distortions have complicated traditional wealth preservation strategies. Many investors, both institutional and retail, are actively revisiting gold as a potential counterbalance to portfolio risk, particularly in light of rising stagflation narratives.

    Gold’s long-term historical performance, a key factor in its investment potential, continues to draw analytical interest. Since 2000, the metal has averaged over 20% annualized returns in periods of monetary dislocation, with only four annual declines in the past 25 years. This statistical consistency has aligned with peak search periods around previous crises, including the 2008 financial collapse, the 2020 pandemic response, and inflation spikes of the 1970s, providing reassurance to potential investors.

    As the dollar weakens and equity markets exhibit erratic momentum, digital conversations have also expanded beyond physical gold. Investor attention is turning toward ancillary market sectors with cyclical ties to the price of gold, specifically gold mining equities, royalty streaming models, and historically correlated commodities. In response to this emerging wave of interest, financial analysts and newsletter platforms have begun re-evaluating the long-term implications of sustained gold appreciation under current monetary and geopolitical conditions.

    To explore the full gold forecast and related analysis from Sean Brodrick, visit the Wealth Megatrends research platform at: www.weissratings.com.

    SECTION 2 – COMPANY / PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT

    In its latest macroeconomic outlook, Wealth Megatrends, backed by the highly respected and seasoned precious metals researcher Sean Brodrick, has released an updated analysis. His projection of a potential rise in gold prices to $6,900 per ounce—more than double current levels-is a significant milestone in the gold market. This projection, based on more than two decades of field-based research across global mining markets, follows gold’s recent break past $3,200, a milestone Brodrick had publicly projected following key shifts in post-election market dynamics and intensifying global trade disruptions.

    Brodrick’s projections are informed by more than two decades of field-based research across global mining markets. They are developed in collaboration with Weiss Ratings, an independent financial analysis firm known for its longstanding data-driven forecasting models. Founded nearly a century ago, Weiss Ratings has established a reputation for identifying risk-adjusted investment trends early in their cycle across multiple sectors, including commodities. Wealth Megatrends, on the other hand, is a leading authority in macroeconomic trends and has a track record of accurate forecasts in the precious metals market.

    The latest gold outlook presented through Wealth Megatrends is framed within the broader thesis that structural volatility—driven by tariffs, debt accumulation, and rising capital flight—may continue to pressure fiat currencies and redirect both institutional and sovereign interest toward hard assets. Within that narrative, Brodrick identifies gold’s current trajectory as part of a long-form secular cycle, where historical comparisons to the 1970s, early 2000s, and post-2008 recovery periods offer a relevant benchmark.

    The forecast does not focus solely on bullion pricing. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of understanding how gold-related equities—specifically gold mining stocks—have historically shown outsized performance during similar macroeconomic phases. While physical gold has traditionally served as a wealth preservation tool, equities tied to its production have demonstrated the potential for amplified movement, often reflecting operational leverage and commodity price elasticity. This comprehensive view of the market, providing a holistic understanding, is crucial for investors seeking to maximize their returns and feel prepared for their investment decisions.

    Wealth Megatrends positions this update as part of its ongoing commitment to transparency in informational research within the investment landscape. All perspectives are based on publicly observable market behavior, historical analogs, and forward-looking interpretations of supply-demand dislocations currently underway in the precious metals ecosystem. This commitment ensures that our audience can trust the information we provide.

    SECTION 3 – TREND ANALYSIS / CONSUMER INTEREST

    As uncertainty continues to shape global markets, search behavior and investor sentiment have undergone a noticeable shift. Interest in “gold forecast,” “gold prediction 2025,” and “how to invest in gold mining stocks” has surged across digital platforms. Concurrently, investment forums, macroeconomic newsletters, and institutional reports have intensified their coverage of gold and related asset classes, driven by elevated concerns over inflation, currency depreciation, and geopolitical fragmentation.

    Beyond retail curiosity, sovereign actors are playing an increasingly visible role in gold market dynamics. According to international financial reporting, global central banks have significantly increased their gold reserves over the last five years, with holdings reaching multi-decade highs. Nations such as China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Hungary have expanded their stockpiles, while institutions like the IMF have noted a material decline in U.S. dollar reserve dominance. This broader pivot toward physical gold reflects a growing skepticism toward traditional currency systems, particularly after recent asset seizures and shifting global monetary policies.

    At the same time, prominent hedge fund managers and macro investors have reportedly rotated capital into precious metals and resource equities. Though motivations vary—from protection against dollar volatility to long-term diversification—the directional trend suggests a shared expectation of continued financial instability. These evolving behaviors have contributed to an ecosystem where gold-related content now performs at record engagement levels across both news outlets and investment research platforms.

    Notably, the discourse is also expanding beyond bullion. Mining stocks, streaming firms, and gold-sector ETFs have re-emerged in public conversations due to their historical pattern of outperforming the underlying metal during bull cycles. This pattern, often tied to operational leverage and production scalability, is once again being evaluated by market analysts seeking exposure to gold-aligned opportunities without the logistical or storage limitations of physical assets.

    Additional insights into long-cycle gold behavior, macro trends, and equity exposure models are available through the Wealth Megatrends monthly publication, produced by Weiss Ratings.

    SECTION 4 – TECHNOLOGY SPOTLIGHT

    Within the broader conversation about gold’s long-term role in financial strategy, renewed interest is emerging in an adjacent category: publicly traded gold mining companies. Historically, these companies have moved directionally with the price of gold but have shown the potential for outsized volatility—both upward and downward—due to the inherent operating leverage tied to commodity prices.

    Mining equities represent businesses engaged in the extraction, production, and refinement of gold, often operating across geographically diverse sites. Their revenue models are influenced not only by prevailing spot prices but also by internal efficiencies, fixed operating costs, jurisdictional stability, and resource scalability. This makes them a subject of focused interest for market analysts seeking to interpret how rising gold prices might impact corporate financial performance within the sector.

    In previous gold bull markets—such as those seen in the 1970s, early 2000s, and post-2008—specific gold mining equities exhibited exponential price action relative to the metal itself. This pattern, commonly attributed to margin expansion, arises when rising gold prices exceed fixed production costs. While the price of gold may increase incrementally, the profitability of certain miners can shift more dramatically under favorable conditions, depending on operational factors such as grade, jurisdiction, and scale of output.

    Recent digital commentary also reflects growing awareness of gold mining sub-sectors, including royalty and streaming companies. These entities do not engage directly in mining but instead finance producers in exchange for a fixed share of production, often at below-market rates. As a result, they tend to operate with reduced overhead and exposure, while still participating in the broader gold cycle.

    SECTION 5 – USER JOURNEY NARRATIVE / MARKET RECEPTION

    Public conversation around gold has shifted dramatically in recent quarters, with online forums, financial publications, and independent research platforms documenting a growing reappraisal of gold’s long-term role in diversified strategies. Once considered a niche or defensive holding, gold is increasingly being positioned by investors as a foundational asset in the face of mounting systemic uncertainty.

    The transition in tone—from peripheral interest to mainstream reconsideration—has coincided with several economic flashpoints. These include the recalibration of central bank policies, persistent inflation indicators, and pronounced volatility in both equity and fixed-income markets. As global confidence in fiat stability continues to waver, discourse around asset preservation has taken on new urgency. In this environment, physical gold is commonly cited as a symbolic safeguard, while gold-linked equities are being explored for their cyclical performance dynamics.

    This renewed attention is not limited to physical asset holders. Retail investors who previously focused on conventional equities or index strategies are now engaging with educational content around gold mining companies, royalty models, and global production footprints. Meanwhile, institutional portfolios have been observed increasing their allocations to tangible asset categories, sometimes through passive vehicles that provide exposure to diversified gold equity baskets.

    Notably, this shift in tone is not driven solely by performance metrics but by a broader cultural narrative about financial resilience, global realignment, and the search for assets that exist outside centralized systems.

    Wealth Megatrends is a subscription-based research newsletter published monthly by Weiss Ratings. It provides economic cycle analysis for informational purposes only.

    SECTION 6 – AVAILABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY

    Readers seeking additional context on gold market cycles, equity sector dynamics, or commodity-aligned investment frameworks can find expanded analysis in the Wealth Megatrends publication. The platform is designed to offer economic research and independent forecasting centered around macroeconomic cycles, resource asset classes, and long-term portfolio theory.

    All materials are presented for informational purposes only and are developed using a combination of historical market analysis, third-party data synthesis, and independent evaluation of publicly available company performance metrics. No materials constitute financial advice or investment guidance. Instead, Wealth Megatrends content is intended to support educational exploration for individuals seeking to understand the structural drivers behind evolving market behavior.

    SECTION 7 – FINAL OBSERVATIONS & INDUSTRY CONTEXT

    The renewed momentum behind gold and gold-aligned equities reflects a broader shift in investor expectations across global markets. What began as a defensive reaction to short-term economic stressors has evolved into a long-term reassessment of value preservation frameworks and asset decentralization strategies. Within this environment, commodities such as gold and, by extension, mining sector exposure have re-emerged as central discussion points in the allocation strategies of both institutional and individual investors.

    The movement is not isolated to metals alone. It parallels a growing trend toward so-called “clean-label assets”—investments perceived as tangible, auditable, and less reliant on third-party counterparty risk. This shift mirrors consumer demand in other sectors, where transparency, operational integrity, and verifiable origin are increasingly prioritized over yield projections or promotional narratives.

    As global policy tools face scrutiny and traditional diversification models come under pressure, the precious metals space may continue to serve as both a barometer and a response mechanism to macroeconomic volatility.

    SECTION 8 – PUBLIC COMMENTARY THEME SUMMARY

    Public commentary surrounding the current gold cycle reflects a diverse mix of enthusiasm, skepticism, and inquiry. A recurring theme among bullish observers is the belief that structural global instability—encompassing monetary policy and geopolitical shifts—has triggered a renewed case for gold as a long-term asset.

    At the same time, some participants express concern over the potential for near-term overvaluation. A recurring discussion point involves the pace of recent gains and whether market enthusiasm may be outpacing underlying supply-demand fundamentals.

    Discussions across digital channels also reflect an evolving understanding of how gold-related equities behave differently from physical bullion. Some have noted that while gold mining stocks can amplify exposure to the metal’s price, they may also introduce operational, jurisdictional, or liquidity risks not present in the physical commodity itself.

    Another frequently cited theme involves the role of silver and other precious metals within the current narrative. Some market observers have expressed curiosity about whether these secondary metals will follow gold’s trajectory or establish differentiated cycles based on industrial demand and production forecasts.

    ABOUT THE COMPANY

    Founded to help investors navigate complex economic cycles, Wealth Megatrends is a monthly research publication that provides independent, data-driven analysis across precious metals, energy, and global resource sectors. Veteran cycles analyst Sean Brodrick leads the newsletter and is part of the Weiss Ratings ecosystem, a firm originally established in 1971 and known for its transparent approach to financial modeling and risk assessment.

    The publication does not provide investment advice, treatment, or diagnostic services and is intended strictly for educational and informational purposes.

    Contact:

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: Rare wooden tools from Stone Age China reveal plant-based lifestyle of ancient lakeside humans

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bo Li, Professor, Environmental Futures Research Centre, School of Science, University of Wollongong

    Excavation at the Gantangqing site. Liu et al.

    Ancient wooden tools found at a site in Gantangqing in southwestern China are approximately 300,000 years old, new dating has shown. Discovered during excavations carried out in 2014–15 and 2018–19, the tools have now been dated by a team of archaeologists, geologists, chronologists (including me) and paleontologists.

    The rare wooden tools were found alongside an assortment of animal and plant fossils and stone artifacts.

    Taken together, the finds suggest the early humans at Gantangqing were surprisingly sophisticated woodworkers who lived in a rich tropical or subtropical environment where they subsisted by harvesting plants from a nearby lake.

    The location of the Gantangqing site and excavation trenches.
    Liu et al. / Science

    Why ancient wooden tools are so rare

    Wood usually decomposes relatively rapidly due to microbial activity, oxidation, and weathering. Unlike stone or bone, it rarely survives more than a few centuries.

    Wood can only survive for thousands of years or longer if it ends up buried in unusual conditions. Wood can last a long time in oxygen-free environments or extremely dry areas. Charred or fire-hardened wood is also more durable.

    At Gantangqing, the wooden objects were excavated from low-oxygen clay-heavy layers of sediment formed on the ancient shoreline of Fuxian Lake.

    Wooden implements are extremely rare from the Early Palaeolithic period (the first part of the “stone age” from around 3.3 million years ago until 300,000 years ago or so, in which our hominin ancestors first began to use tools). Indeed, wooden tools more than even 50,000 years old are virtually absent outside Africa and western Eurasia.

    As a result, we may have a skewed understanding of Palaeolithic cultures. We may overemphasise the role of stone tools, for example, because they are what has survived.

    What wooden tools were found at Gantangqing?

    The new excavations at Gantangqing found 35 wooden specimens identified as artificially modified tools. These tools were primarily manufactured from pine wood, with a minority crafted from hardwoods.

    Some of the tools had rounded ends, while others had chisel-like thin blades or ridged blades. Of the 35 tools, 32 show marks of intentional modification at their tips, working edges, or bases.

    Two large digging implements were identified as heavy-duty digging sticks designed for two-handed use. These are unique forms of digging implements not documented elsewhere, suggesting localised functional adaptations. There were also four distinct hook-shaped tools — likely used for cutting roots — and a series of smaller tools for one-handed use.

    Nineteen of the tools showed microscopic traces of scraping from shaping or use, while 17 exhibit deliberately polished surfaces. We also identified further evidence of intensive use, including soil residues stuck to tool tips, parallel grooves or streaks along working edges, and characteristic fracture wear patterns.

    The tools from Gantangqing are more complete and show a wider range of functions than those found at contemporary sites such as Clacton in the UK and Florisbad in South Africa.

    The wooden tools from Gantangqing took a variety of forms.
    Liu et al. / Science

    How old are the Gantangqing wooden tools?

    The team used several techniques to figure out the age of the wooden tools. There is no way to determine their age directly, but we can date the sediment in which they were found.

    Using a technique called infrared stimulated luminescence, we analysed more than 10,000 individual grains of minerals from different layers. This showed the sediment was deposited roughly between 350,000 and 200,000 years ago.

    Dating the different layers of sediment excavated at the site produced a detailed timeline.
    Liu et al. / Science

    We also used different techniques to date a mammal tooth found in one of the layers to roughly 288,000 years old. This was consistent with the mineral results.

    Next we used mathematical modelling to bring all the dating results together. Our model indicated that the layers containing stone tools and wooden implements date from 360–300,000 years ago to 290–250,000 years ago.

    What was the environment like?

    Our research indicates the ancient humans at Gantangqing inhabited a warm, humid, tropical or subtropical environment. Pollen extracted from the sediments reveals 40 plant families that confirm this climate.

    Plant fossils further verify the presence of subtropical-to-tropical flora dominated by trees, lianas, shrubs and herbs. Wet-environment plants show the local surroundings were a lakeside or wetlands.

    Animal fossils also fit this picture, including rhinoceros and other mammals, turtles and various birds. The ecosystem was likely a mosaic of grassland, thickets and forests. Evidence of diving ducks confirms the lake must have been at least 2–3 metres deep during human occupation.

    Examples of stone and bone tools found at Gantangqing.
    Liu et al. / Science

    What were the Gantangqing wooden tools used for?

    The site contained evidence of plants such as storable pine nuts and hazelnuts, fruit trees such as kiwi, raspberry-like berries, grapes, edible herbs and fern fronds.

    There were also aquatic plants that would have provided edible leaves, seeds, tubers and rhizomes. These were likely dug up from shallow mud near the shore, using wooden tools.

    These findings suggest the Gantangqing hominins may have made expeditions to the lake shore, carrying purpose-made wooden digging sticks to harvest underground food sources. To do this, they would have had to anticipate seasonal plant distributions, know exactly what parts of different plants were edible, and produce specialised tools for different tasks.

    Why the Gantangqing site is important

    The wooden implements from Gantangqing represent the earliest known evidence for the use of digging sticks and for the exploitation of underground plant storage organs such as tubers within the Oriental biogeographic realm. Our discovery shows the use of sophisticated wood technology in a very different environmental context from what has been seen at sites of similar age in Europe and Africa.

    The find significantly expands our understanding of early hominin woodworking capabilities.

    The hominins who lived at Gantangqing appear to have lived a heavily plant-based subsistence lifestyle. This is in contrast to colder, more northern settings where tools of similar age have been found (such as Schöningen in Germany), where hunting large mammals was the key to survival.

    The site also shows how important wood – and perhaps other organic materials – were to “stone age” hominins. These wooden artifacts show far more sophisticated manufacturing skill than the relative rudimentary stone tools found at sites of similar age across East and Southeast Asia.

    The excavation, curation, and research of the Gantangqing site were supported by
    National Cultural Heritage Administration (China), Yunnan Provincial Institute of
    Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Yuxi Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism,
    Chengjiang Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Australian Research Council
    (ARC) Discovery Projects, Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese
    Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC), National Natural
    Science Foundation of China (NSFC).

    ref. Rare wooden tools from Stone Age China reveal plant-based lifestyle of ancient lakeside humans – https://theconversation.com/rare-wooden-tools-from-stone-age-china-reveal-plant-based-lifestyle-of-ancient-lakeside-humans-260204

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nine Charged with Alleged Scheme to Generate Revenue for North Korean Government and Its Weapons of Mass Destruction Program

    Source: US FBI

    Overseas operatives allegedly used stolen identities of American citizens to obtain remote jobs with U.S. companies, including Fortune 500 companies

    UPDATE: This press release was revised on July 3, 2025 to reflect that a 10th individual was charged in a separate charging document that was unsealed on July 2, 2025. 


    BOSTON – Nine individuals have been indicted in Boston, Mass. including one New Jersey man and eight overseas actors from China and Taiwan in connection with an alleged scheme to generate revenue for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs. The alleged scheme involved the dispatchment of skilled information technology (IT) workers who, using stolen identities of U.S. persons, posed as domestic workers to obtain remote IT jobs with U.S. companies, including several Fortune 500 companies and a defense contractor.

    The following defendants have been indicted for their roles in the scheme, which generated at least $5 million in revenue for North Korea:  

    1. U.S. national Zhenxing “Danny” Wang of New Jersey;
    2. Chinese national Jing Bin Huang (靖斌 黄);
    3. Chinese national Baoyu Zhou (周宝玉);
    4. Chinese national Tong Yuze (佟雨泽);
    5. Chinese national Yongzhe Xu (徐勇哲 andيونجزهي أكسو), currently residing in the United Arab Emirates;
    6. Chinese national Ziyou Yuan (زيو), currently residing in the United Arab Emirates;
    7. Chinese national Zhenbang Zhou (周震邦);
    8. Taiwanese national Mengting Liu (劉 孟婷); and
    9. Taiwanese national Enchia Liu (刘恩)

    Zhenxing Wang was arrested earlier today in New Jersey. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. A second U.S. national, Kejia “Tony” Wang of New Jersey, has also been charged in a separate charging document for his role in the scheme and has agreed to plead guilty.

    As alleged in court documents, in response to U.S. and U.N. sanctions, the DPRK government has dispatched thousands of skilled IT workers around the world, who stole identities of U.S. persons and posed as domestic workers to obtain remote IT jobs with U.S. companies and generate revenue for DPRK weapons of mass destruction WMD programs. The DPRK IT workers’ scheme involved the use of pseudonymous email, social media, payment platform and online job site accounts, as well as false websites, proxy computers, and third-party enablers in the United States and abroad. According to the court documents the IT workers employed under this scheme also gained access to sensitive employer data and source code, including International Traffic in Arms Regulations data from a California-based defense contractor that develops artificial intelligence-powered equipment and technologies

    “The threat posed by DPRK operatives is both real and immediate. Thousands of North Korean cyber operatives have been trained and deployed by the regime to blend into the global digital workforce and systematically target U.S. companies,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “We will continue to work relentlessly to protect U.S. businesses and ensure they are not inadvertently fueling the DPRK’s unlawful and dangerous ambitions.”

    “These schemes target and steal from U.S. companies and are designed to evade sanctions and fund the North Korean regime’s illicit programs, including its weapons programs,” said John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for the Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department, along with our law enforcement, private sector, and international partners, will persistently pursue and dismantle these cyber-enabled revenue generation networks.”

    “The FBI will continue to work with our partners to expose and mitigate these fraudulent IT schemes and provide unwavering support to victims of North Korean cyber actors. While we have disrupted this group, this is merely the initial phase of the problem. The government of North Korea has trained and deployed thousands of IT workers to carry out similar schemes against U.S. companies daily. Protect your business by thoroughly vetting fully remote workers. The FBI strongly advises organizations to closely monitor their data, strengthen their remote hiring processes, and report any suspicious activity or fraud to the FBI,” said Rafik Mattar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Las Vegas Division.

    “These Indictments should act as a deterrent for individuals and foreign entities attempting to illegally export critical defense information,” said John E. Helsing, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Western Field Office. “DCIS will continue to work aggressively with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute those who threaten our National Security and America’s Warfighters.”

    “This multiagency case demonstrates the power of law enforcement agencies collaborating to dismantle international fraudulent schemes involving technology,” said Shawn Gibson, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Diego. “Let this investigation prove that HSI will aggressively identify and bring to justice those who seek to steal intellectual property through illegal access to computer networks in order to financially profit and jeopardize U.S.-based businesses who have fallen victim to these actors.”

    According to the indictment, from approximately 2021 through October 2024, the defendants and other co-conspirators perpetuated a massive fraud scheme resulting in the transmission of false and misleading information to dozens of U.S. companies, financial institutions, and government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Social Security Administration (SSA). Specifically, these defendants and their co-conspirators allegedly compromised the identities of more than 80 U.S. persons; fraudulently obtained remote jobs at more than 100 U.S. companies, including several Fortune 500 companies and a cleared defense contractor; received laptops and other hardware from U.S. companies; accessed, without authorization, the internal systems of these U.S. companies, including sensitive employer data and source code; generated at least $5 million in revenue for the overseas IT workers; and caused U.S. victim companies to incur legal fees, computer network remediation costs, and other damages and losses of at least $3 million.  

    The overseas IT workers were allegedly assisted in this scheme by Kejia Wang, Zhenxing Wang, and at least four other identified U.S. facilitators. These facilitators allegedly received and/or hosted laptops belonging to U.S. victim companies at their residences to deceive the U.S. companies into believing the IT workers were in the United States. It is further alleged that they facilitated remote access to the computers for the overseas IT workers through illicit means, including downloading software to the computers without authorization from the U.S. companies, connecting the U.S. companies’ computers to internet-connected KVM switches, and creating shell companies with corresponding websites and financial accounts, including Hopana Tech LLC, Tony WKJ LLC and Independent Lab LLC to make it appear as though the overseas IT workers were affiliated with legitimate U.S. businesses. These facilitators also allegedly established accounts at U.S. financial institutions and online money transfer services to receive money from victimized U.S. companies, much of which was subsequently transferred to overseas co-conspirators. In exchange for their services, it is alleged that Kejia Wang, Zhenxing Wang, and the other U.S. facilitators collected at least $696,000 in fees.  

    According to court documents, in October 2024, seven locations in New York, New Jersey and California were searched and voluntary interviews at so-called “laptop farms” were conducted (that is, premises used to host U.S company laptop computers used in furtherance of the scheme), resulting in the recovery of more than 70 victim company devices. Additionally, 21 fraudulent web domains used to facilitate North Korean IT work have been seized, and 29 financial accounts, holding tens of thousands of dollars in funds, used to launder revenue for the North Korean regime through remote IT work.

    Also today, the Northern District of Georgia unsealed an indictment charging four North Korean nationals with a scheme to steal virtual currency held by two victim companies valued at over $750,000 and laundering the proceeds overseas. Unlike traditional North Korean IT workers, who usually seek employment with the goal of remitting their salaries back to North Korea, the defendants charged by the Northern District of Georgia allegedly sought employment with virtual currency-related businesses to earn the trust of those businesses and then stole those businesses’ virtual assets.

    Today’s announcement is the culmination of a multi-year investigation by federal law enforcement agencies and is one of several announced today as part of the Justice Department’s initiative, DPRK: Domestic Enabler. Under the initiative, Department prosecutors and agents continue to prioritize high-impact, strategic, and unified enforcement and disruption operations targeting DPRK’s illicit revenue generation efforts through remote IT workers, and the U.S.-based individuals who enable them.

    The U.S. Department of State has offered potential rewards for up to $5 million in support of international efforts to disrupt North Korea’s illicit financial activities, including for certain information related to individuals who are sent outside of North Korea to work to generate money for the North Korean government or who facilitate the activities of such North Korean nationals.

    The charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to cause damage to a protected computer provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The charge of conspiracy to commit identity theft provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    U.S. Attorney Foley; AAG Eisenberg; FBI Las Vegas Acting SAC Mattar; DCIS San Diego Acting SAC Helsing; and HSI San Diego SAC Shawn Gibson made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Casey of the National Security Unit is prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney Gregory J. Nicosia, Jr. of the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section. Valuable assistance was provided by FBI New York, Newark and San Diego Field Offices; HSI Newark Field Office; United States Postal Inspection Service’s San Diego Field Office; and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of New Jersey, the Eastern District of New York and the Southern District of California.

    The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.  

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China to host Digital Silk Road Development Forum in ancient port city

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) — The World Internet Conference (WIC) Digital Silk Road Development Forum will be held on July 24 in Quanzhou, east China’s Fujian Province, WIC organizers said at a press conference on Thursday.

    According to the organizers, the forum will include discussions on topics such as open cooperation in digital trade under the Belt and Road Initiative, empowering high-quality development of the private economy through artificial intelligence, intelligent digital transformation and sustainable development of international logistics.

    Situated on a narrow coastal plain in Fujian Province, Quanzhou was a major port on the historic Maritime Silk Road, particularly during China’s Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties. The city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vice Chairman of China delivers speech at opening ceremony of 13th World Peace Forum

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Thursday addressed the opening ceremony of the 13th World Peace Forum in Beijing, calling for jointly safeguarding international fairness and justice and improving the global governance system.

    Noting that world peace and development are currently facing serious challenges, Han Zheng said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward a series of proposals including the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, the Initiative on Global Development, the Initiative on Global Security and the Initiative on Global Civilization, providing China’s blueprint for solving major issues concerning human peace and development.

    The Vice Chairman of the PRC recalled that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN. According to him, China is ready to work with all countries to promote peace and prosperity on the planet and jointly build a more beautiful world.

    Han Zheng put forward four proposals. First, learn from history, jointly safeguard the post-war international order, and firmly uphold international fairness and justice. Second, uphold unity and coordination, and jointly improve global governance. Third, adhere to openness and cooperation, and jointly promote global prosperity and development. Fourth, jointly overcome difficulties and jointly move toward modernization.

    Han Zheng also called for putting development at the center of the international agenda, effectively addressing the development concerns of developing countries, and making efforts to address inequality and imbalance in global development.

    The event was attended by about 400 people, including former senior political figures from foreign countries such as former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and former Belgian Prime Minister, former President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy, diplomats accredited in China, Chinese and foreign experts and scholars. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 6 dead, 24 missing after passenger ship capsizes in Indonesia’s Bali Strait

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    JAKARTA, July 3 (Xinhua) — Six people were killed, 24 were missing and 35 survived after a passenger ship sank in Indonesia’s Bali Strait on Wednesday night, Bali Provincial Search and Rescue Agency spokeswoman Gusti Ayu Ketut Wijayanthi said.

    The search and rescue operation was suspended Thursday evening as darkness fell and will resume on July 4, she said.

    All the victims of the accident who were found were taken to a hospital in Jembrana district of Bali province. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 6 dead, 24 missing after passenger ship capsizes in Indonesia’s Bali Strait

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    JAKARTA, July 3 (Xinhua) — Six people were killed, 24 were missing and 35 survived after a passenger ship sank in Indonesia’s Bali Strait on Wednesday night, Bali Provincial Search and Rescue Agency spokeswoman Gusti Ayu Ketut Wijayanthi said.

    The search and rescue operation was suspended Thursday evening as darkness fell and will resume on July 4, she said.

    All the victims of the accident who were found were taken to a hospital in Jembrana district of Bali province. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: V. Putin plans to hold a telephone conversation with D. Trump on July 3

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, July 3 (Xinhua) — Russian President Vladimir Putin said he plans to hold a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday.

    “Today I will talk with the President of the United States,” said V. Putin during his visit to the exhibition of the competition of growing Russian brands at the national center “Russia” as part of the forum “Strong ideas for a new time” taking place in Moscow.

    The 5th forum “Strong Ideas for a New Time”, organized by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives and the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the state corporation VEB.RF, is being held at the national center “Russia” on July 2 and 3. The goal of the forum is to find and support promising projects and proposals. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: V. Putin plans to hold a telephone conversation with D. Trump on July 3

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, July 3 (Xinhua) — Russian President Vladimir Putin said he plans to hold a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday.

    “Today I will talk with the President of the United States,” said V. Putin during his visit to the exhibition of the competition of growing Russian brands at the national center “Russia” as part of the forum “Strong ideas for a new time” taking place in Moscow.

    The 5th forum “Strong Ideas for a New Time”, organized by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives and the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the state corporation VEB.RF, is being held at the national center “Russia” on July 2 and 3. The goal of the forum is to find and support promising projects and proposals. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The share of “friendly countries” in Russia’s foreign trade has grown to 82 percent — Russian Deputy Prime Minister A. Novak

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, July 3 /Xinhua/ — The share of “friendly countries” in Russia’s foreign trade has increased from 46 to 82 percent in three years, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak reported on Thursday.

    Speaking at a strategic session on personnel development for the foreign economic activity sphere, he noted that trade with “friendly countries” has reached about 550 billion US dollars. In Russia’s trade turnover, “friendly countries” currently account for more than 85 percent of exports and about 75 percent of imports.

    Russia is most actively developing trade with China, India, the countries of Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East, A. Novak specified. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The share of “friendly countries” in Russia’s foreign trade has grown to 82 percent — Russian Deputy Prime Minister A. Novak

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, July 3 /Xinhua/ — The share of “friendly countries” in Russia’s foreign trade has increased from 46 to 82 percent in three years, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak reported on Thursday.

    Speaking at a strategic session on personnel development for the foreign economic activity sphere, he noted that trade with “friendly countries” has reached about 550 billion US dollars. In Russia’s trade turnover, “friendly countries” currently account for more than 85 percent of exports and about 75 percent of imports.

    Russia is most actively developing trade with China, India, the countries of Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East, A. Novak specified. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU student to compete for victory at International Student Media Conference

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On July 2, 2025, the III International Student Media Conference, organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, started on the territory of the Ethnomir Russian Park-Museum.

    The National University of Management is represented at the event by a foreign student from China, first-year master’s student Zhou Jingfan, studying in the field of “International Business Management”.

    The opening ceremony of the gathering was attended by Deputy Director General of the World Youth Festival Directorate Vakhtang Khiklandze and Deputy Head of Rossotrudnichestvo Pavel Shevtsov. The goal of the event was to create a platform for the exchange of experience and knowledge between foreign student journalists and bloggers from 50 Russian universities, to improve the level of professional competencies and to develop international cooperation in the field of media and education.

    Over the course of five days, students will learn about new tools for working in the media space, take part in master classes from leading media industry experts, attend lectures from both Russian and foreign experts, and apply the knowledge they have gained in practice by creating their own media projects dedicated to the culture and values of Russia.

    Based on the results of the completed projects, the best team and winners in individual nominations will be determined, who will have the opportunity to go on a press tour to Teriberka, a village in the Murmansk region on the shore of the Barents Sea.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Benedict Oramah takes a bow at the Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2025) after a decade of servant leadership

    Source: APO

    Professor Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, CON, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has taken a bow from serving at the helm of the institution for the last decade; a period that has been touted as transformational and exceptional.

    While giving his closing speech during the AAM2025, Professor Oramah took the audience down memory lane, from June 2015 when shareholders gave him a leadership mandate in Lusaka, Zambia, saying that; “In my acceptance speech, I made a solemn promise to the shareholders, to deliver a solid bank that will be a leader among its peers in all measures of financial performance to quickly grow the capital of the Bank in absolute terms, to improve capitalisation through innovative capital management initiatives to ensure first-class risk management, and achieve adequate returns to shareholders.”

    Professor Oramah highlighted the achievements of the Bank during his tenure, some under very extreme situations, citing the financial rise thus “we have collectively, over the past decade, built a solid financial institution that is good for Global Africa. Total assets and guarantees grew more than eight-fold between September 2015 and April 2025, to reach 43.5 billion US dollars. Total Revenues also rose seven-fold, reaching 3.24 billion US dollars, from 408 million US dollars in 2025. Net income amounted to about 1 billion US dollars last year, about 700% increase, from its level of 125 million US dollars in 2015. Internal capital generation and very strong support of shareholders through significant additional equity investments, saw shareholders’ funds rise from about 1 billion US dollars in September 2015 to 7.5 billion US dollars in April 2025, with callable capital reaching 4.5 billion US dollars from 450 million US dollars in September 2015. Liquidity remained strong, with sources of funding much more diversified in 2024 than in 2015, due to activities of the Africa Resource Mobilisation Unit, which saw the share of African sources of funding rise from 11.7 percent in 2015 to 36.6 percent in May 2025.”

    Going forward, Prof Oramah said that the Bank would like to give priority to the financing and promoting of high-value exports that have the capability of stabilising export revenues and creating jobs thereby raising and stabilising trade and economy in Africa.

    H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who spoke at the official opening ceremony, appreciated the contribution of Afreximbank to the growth and stability of the economy of Nigeria and by extension Africa at large, saying “Nigeria’s collaboration with Afreximbank is expanding in both scope and breadth through various avenues including but not limited to the oil industry, and food production through fertilizer manufacturer through financing and Nigeria appreciates Afreximbank as a strategic partner in co creation which positively impacts  the lives of Africans and helps transform the Continent.”

    In recognition of the outstanding work done my Professor Oramah over the last 10 years and in the last 3 decades at Afreximbank, President Tinubu on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, awarded Prof. Oramah one of Nigeria’s highest state commendations: The Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

    Media Contact:
    Vincent Musumba
    Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
    Email: press@afreximbank.com

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    About Afreximbank:
    African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

    For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Under the leadership of Alexander Novak, a comprehensive program for training personnel for foreign economic activity was reviewed

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, a strategic session entitled “Training Personnel in the Sphere of Foreign Economic Activity (FEA) in Order to Ensure National Development Goals” was held at the All-Russian Foreign Trade Academy. The Ministry of Economic Development presented a large-scale program for training specialists in the sphere of foreign economic activity until 2030.

    “The decree of the President of the country sets strategic guidelines for economic development, and one of the national goals is to increase non-resource and energy exports to $250 billion by 2030. This is approximately twice as much as by the end of 2024. The key factor is the integration of our economy into the global economy. In recent years, there have been significant changes in the structure and geography of foreign economic activity. Russia has actively reoriented trade from Europe and the United States to the markets of friendly countries: China, India, Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. All this allows us to strengthen economic integration,” said Alexander Novak, opening the session.

    In connection with the reorientation to the markets of support countries, the creation of new supply chains for critical goods, the formation of international payment instruments and the activation of integration processes, businesses need specialists with the relevant competencies. Sanctions have changed the rules of the game. The market needs specialists who know how to build alternative logistics chains in the context of geopolitical changes, know how to work with crypto payments, understand sanctions risks, know the languages and specifics of the markets of friendly countries.

    In order to achieve the target indicators and implement the President’s instructions, the Ministry of Economic Development has developed a program for training personnel for foreign economic activity. “What we are implementing today is a higher education policy applied to a specific area. The number of exporters has increased many times over, including SMEs. This is what we wanted, what we fought for, and what we need to value, because without personnel we will lose this achievement. Today, foreign economic activity is not just a part of business, but a question of economic sustainability,” emphasized the Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov.

    The head of the Ministry of Education and Science, Valery Falkov, noted that within the framework of the program for training personnel for the sphere of foreign economic activity until 2030, a list of training areas and specialties has been agreed upon.

    “It is important that this approach is in line with the interests of the main competence center – the All-Russian Academy of Foreign Trade, while it does not limit the opportunities of other educational institutions in developing specialized educational programs,” said Valery Falkov.

    He separately thanked Maxim Reshetnikov for the systematic, comprehensive approach to joint work on training personnel for foreign economic activity.

    The program provides for systemic measures to overcome the personnel shortage and eliminate the gap between the needs of business and the capabilities of the educational system. It is aimed at solving the key challenges faced by Russian exporters, including the need to form new logistics chains, develop alternative financial instruments and deeply understand the markets of partner countries.

    “Large and SME exporters have different requirements for the competencies of specialists in the field of foreign economic activity. Thus, large companies conducting multi-billion dollar business with regular shipments, dozens and hundreds of trade operations, as a rule, need narrow experts with deep knowledge in the subject areas of conducting and developing export activities: marketing, sales, compliance, logistics or payments. SMEs are limited in their ability to maintain a staff specifically for the development of foreign economic activity. As a result, they value generalists who simultaneously perform many functions, and also have a “long notebook” with contacts for using effective solutions in logistics, payments, marketing and others,” emphasized Veronika Nikishina, General Director of the Russian Export Center. In her opinion, special training programs should take into account the needs of both large businesses and SMEs. Moreover, it is important that they become the property of specialized universities in all regions.

    The program provides for a large-scale modernization of the educational process. In the coming years, it is planned to develop 180 educational and methodological complexes and online courses in relevant areas of foreign economic activity, professional retraining of 3 thousand university teachers, holding 20 international events to exchange experience with the participation of universities from the BRICS, EAEU and SCO countries, updating federal educational standards taking into account new requirements for specialists.

    The work will be coordinated by a methodological center created for these purposes at the All-Russian Academy of Foreign Trade, which will ensure interaction between educational institutions, business and regional authorities. “The center is being formed as a platform for cooperation between leading universities, business representatives and government bodies. Its work is built in three areas: events for schoolchildren (Olympiads, career guidance, interaction with parents), the introduction of educational modules in universities, attracting businesses to the training of students and teachers, advanced training and retraining of current specialists in foreign economic activity,” noted Victoria Idrisova, Rector of the Russian Academy of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Development.

    According to her, as part of the pilot launch during the 2024/2025 academic year, VAVT prepared 10 educational modules and implemented advanced training programs for more than 70 of its teachers on the most pressing issues on the foreign economic activity agenda.

    During the discussion of the program for training specialists in the field of foreign economic activity, the participants identified a number of key issues that require detailed development. One of them is determining the format of personnel training: will it be a separate specialty or a set of competencies integrated into existing professions. “We are currently working on the foundation that will ensure the sustainability of the economy. The value of the program is not in the speed of delivery, but in finding answers to all questions, because training personnel for foreign economic activity is a strategic task for the country,” emphasized Maxim Reshetnikov.

    After revision, the program will be sent to the Government for approval. It is expected that its implementation will allow up to 25 thousand specialists to graduate annually, possessing relevant skills for work in the conditions of new economic realities. This will be a significant step in strengthening Russia’s human resources potential in the sphere of international cooperation and trade.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Kenya: Amb. Guo Haiyan Paid a Courtesy Call on Hon. Cabinet Secretary (CS) Deborah Mlongo Barasa

    Source: APO

    On July 2, H.E. Amb. Guo Haiyan paid a courtesy call on Hon. Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry. Mr. ZHOU Jun, DPR of China to UNEP, and Amb. Jane Makori, Deputy Director General, MFDA, Kenya attended the meeting.

    Amb. Guo shared China’s latest progress and important achievements in the field of ecological and environmental protection. China stands ready to share its experience with Kenya, promoting cooperation in the field of climate change, green BRI and green industry investment, with an aim of jointly enhancing ecological and environmental governance capacity.

    Hon. Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa positively acknowledged the process in China-Kenya environmental cooperation, and expressed the willingness to enhance collaboration in the field of circular economy, waste management, biodiversity, and South-South cooperation on climate change.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Kenya.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ukraine Destroys Russian Ammunition Depots — SBU

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    KYIV, July 3 (Xinhua) — The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) struck Russian military ammunition depots in the village of Velyke Orekhovo near Khartsyzsk in Donetsk region on Wednesday evening, the SBU reported on its Telegram page on Thursday.

    It is specified that the operation was carried out with the help of drones. From 22:00 on Wednesday, explosions were heard at the arsenals, and then secondary detonation of shells began and a fire broke out.

    The SBU added that the main goal of the strike was to weaken the rear bases of the Russian army. In Khartsyzsk, located near Donetsk, the Russian Federation has placed its command posts, logistics centers and ammunition depots. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News