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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Te Pūkenga 2024 Annual Report shows $122 million turnaround in two years

    Source: Te Pukenga

    Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) has released its 2024 Annual Report, showing a $122 million turnaround within the two years it has existed as a single entity, and the first surplus for the organisation.
    The report shows a surplus of $16.6 million at the end of 2024, a $54.5 million (144%) improvement on the 2023 deficit of $37.9 million, and a $121.7 million (116%) improvement on the 2022 deficit of $105 million.
    Revenue has grown $68.4 million (5%) compared to 2023, and $188 million (15%) compared to 2022. Te Pūkenga Chief Executive Gus Gilmore acknowledged the hard work of staff (kaimahi) in achieving the results amid a tough economic climate as well as uncertainty for the institute.
    “Against a background of immense change and uncertainty, Te Pūkenga had a strong year. With 226,645 learners, including 90,919 trainees and apprentices, outcomes continued to improve, with course completion, including 10,828 trainees and apprentices completing their programmes and 45,146 graduating. We also had strong domestic and international enrolments for our Institutes of Technology and Polytechnic (ITP) divisions and increased our net promoter score.
    “The financial result, showing a 144% improvement on the previous year, is the outcome of focusing on addressing financial performance through an intensive cost savings exercise across all divisions, structural changes, vacancy management, lease reduction, property sales and programme rationalisation,” said Mr Gilmore.
    Ākonga satisfaction increased to over 93% following a strong focus on improving learner support. For example, a partnership with Health New Zealand, with an investment of $4.1 million, saw more than 12,500 learners access mental health services – a 71% increase from 2023. Course completion rates across all priority groups – Māori, Pasifika and disabled learners – also showed an increase in 2024.
    Te Pūkenga also developed major commercial partnerships with national employers and international partners. Amongst the highlights are a successful partnership with Apple, which included the development of the Hangarau Matihiko (digital technology) micro-credential, training for 50 teachers in 12 Te Tai Tokerau schools, and more than 2,200 ākonga supported in strengthening their digital skills.
    A memorandum of arrangement was signed with the Centre for International People-to-People Exchange (CCIPE) from China to establish the New Zealand – China Vocational Cooperation and Development Alliance. It seeks to promote vocational education in both countries through talent cultivation, cross credits, student exchanges, and academic visits.
    Te Pūkenga also achieved many successful work-based training initiatives including the Connexis-run Girls with Hi-Vis (GWHV), seeking more women apprentices which last year co-hosted 36 events with employers, attracting more than 650 students from 98 schools. It was also the second year that events were co-hosted with BCITO for industry experience days onsite with companies in the civil infrastructure, electrical supply, water industries, building and construction sectors, and at some of the country’s major infrastructure projects.
    Plumbing, Gasfitting, and Drainlaying (PGD) programmes were updated by EarnLearn to better align with industry demands and improve outcomes for employers and learners. Meanwhile Primary ITO achieved a 96% completion rate in its programme to develop a skilled and qualified workforce for Whakatōhea Mussels new farm and processing facility in Ōpōtiki with many of the learners securing full-time jobs afterwards.
    Research revenue exceeded expectations by 38% – $12.02 million compared to the target of $8.73 million, demonstrating the continued strength of rangahau and research within Te Pūkenga. The 2024 ITP Rangahau and Research Symposium, the largest and most diverse research event delivered by Te Pūkenga, attracted more than 275 submissions, representing the work of over 500 kairangahau (researchers) across diverse areas of rangahau and research, including Pacific research.
    “Looking back on the year 2024, our kaimahi can be very proud of the outcomes achieved for our learners and employers, and a good financial result for the sector during a time of significant change. We thank kaimahi for their continued commitment and manaakitanga even as they have faced uncertainty about their own futures.”
    Year-to-date 2025 results show good growth on domestic and international enrolments for ITP divisions, while work-based learning divisions have seen an expected softening because of current market conditions.
    “There are still some hard decisions that need to be made this year to support the financial viability of individual divisions for their transition into new entities.
    “As we prepare for disestablishment, our focus remains on ensuring learners, employers, and kaimahi are well supported while we continue to deliver quality vocational education and training,” says Mr Gilmore.
    You can read the report here: 2024 Annual Report
    In summary, in 2024 Te Pūkenga network had:
    • 226,645 learners including 90,919 trainees and apprentices
    • 45,146 graduates
    • 10,828 trainees and apprentices completed programmes
    • 24,136 employers provided vocational education in partnership with Te Pūkenga
    • 74.4% of Māori learners completed their courses and 82% of all courses were completed, up from 81% in 2023
    • 93% ākonga satisfaction rate, up from 90%
    • 6,875 international student EFTs, ahead of the 2024 target of 5,315
    • 8,908 kaimahi (staff) FTE
    • Employers Net promoter Score (NPS) of 33 in 2024 up from 28 in 2023.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China harnesses biomass energy to power green transition

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

    At a biomass power plant in the city of Xuzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province, giant mechanical claws repeatedly feed bundles of dried straw onto conveyor belts. The straw is then transported to furnaces and converted into clean energy.

    This facility can process around 300,000 tonnes of agricultural residues like wheat, corn and rice straw annually, producing over 220 million kilowatt-hours of electricity.

    “That’s equivalent to saving about 90,000 tonnes of coal and cutting roughly 200,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year,” said Zhang Yunfei, director of the dispatch center at State Grid Xuzhou Power Supply Company.

    Biomass energy is largely derived from agricultural and forestry waste, livestock manure and organic refuse — materials once dismissed as mere waste. With the rise of clean energy technologies and increasing environmental awareness, China is viewing these materials as a vital part of its energy transition.

    “Fewer farmers now burn straw in the fields, a practice that poses fire hazards and pollutes the air. Instead, crop residues are transported to modern biomass power plants,” Zhang said.

    “Xuzhou is rich in biomass resources and holds significant potential for energy conversion,” Zhang added. The city now operates 17 large-scale biomass plants with a combined installed capacity of 335.6 megawatts, generating nearly 2 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

    China is one of the world’s most biomass-rich countries. Statistics from the Biomass Energy Industry Promotion Association show that the country produces approximately 3.5 billion tonnes of agricultural, forestry and household biomass resources annually. However, the utilization rates remain relatively low.

    In January, China’s first national energy law came into effect, calling for the tailored development of biomass power based on regional conditions.

    Shanghai in east China has established pilot projects to convert biomass into green methanol, aiming to drive a low-carbon transformation in international shipping and build green fuel supply capacity of 300,000 tonnes within the city by 2030.

    Meanwhile, enterprises in Anhui Province, also in east China, are scaling up biogas liquefaction and carbon capture initiatives, converting discarded straw and livestock waste into purified methane for liquefied bio-natural gas.

    At a circular economy industrial park in the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu, advanced facilities process around 500 tonnes of corporate kitchen waste daily.

    “About 90 percent of kitchen waste can be recycled into biomass natural gas for the city’s gas grid, or converted into nutrient-rich soil for landscaping,” said Huang Yuanchen, general manager of an environmental protection company in the park.

    “It’s not just kitchen waste. Tree branches and fallen leaves can also be recycled and processed into biomass fuel pellets for use in thermal power plants,” Huang revealed, while noting that his company can process 100 tonnes of green waste daily, generating annual fuel pellet sales of up to 9 million yuan (roughly 1.26 million U.S. dollars).

    Yu Tong, president of the China Association for the Promotion of Industrial Development, emphasized that achieving carbon neutrality demands transformative changes in energy consumption. “Biomass energy is abundant and versatile. It can be solid, liquid or gas — and can replace fossil fuels across multiple sectors.”

    According to a 2025 China biomass energy industry report, the country’s installed biomass power capacity had reached 45.99 million kilowatts by the end of 2024, with total power generation hitting 208.3 billion kilowatt-hours and biogas output reaching about 500 million cubic meters.

    “To bring biomass power to the power grid, centralized control systems are being rolled out for real-time monitoring of power plant performance and output, enhancing both power generation efficiency and stability,” said Li Yi, head of development planning at State Grid Xuzhou Power Supply Company.

    Yang Xudong, a professor at Tsinghua University in Beijing, underscored the further potential of biomass utilization.

    “Biomass energy can be easily stored and transported, and can serve as an alternative to other commercial fuels. It not only yields substantial economic returns, but retains its carbon-neutral identity.”

    “In the future, further efforts should be made to optimize the entire biomass value chain and boost biomass energy consumption to fully unleash its green potential,” Yang added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Post-gaokao spending marks rite of passage for Chinese teens

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

    Students celebrate after the exam at a national college entrance examination site in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province, June 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan)

    As the plane touched down at Beijing Capital International Airport, 18-year-old Zhao Zhixing from east China’s Fujian Province snapped a selfie from his window seat, marking the start of his first solo trip after the grueling national college entrance examination, or gaokao.

    “After the intense pressure of high school, I want to relax by traveling and, at the same time, broaden my horizons by experiencing the charm of different cities,” said Zhao, who planned his post-gaokao trip to Beijing and Nanjing — over a week of sightseeing, theme parks and no textbooks — as soon as the exam ended.

    For millions of Chinese teens like Zhao, the end of the gaokao signals more than just academic relief. It ushers in a unique consumer trend known as the “post-gaokao economy,” as students and their families celebrate hard-earned freedom with a surge in spending on travel, electronics, lifestyle upgrades, and self-discovery experiences.

    This week, gaokao results have begun to roll out across the country, giving graduates even more reason to unwind and enjoy the summer break.

    EMOTIONAL SPENDING SPIKE

    Across China, industries ranging from tourism and consumer electronics to personal training and medical services have reported a spike in activity in the weeks following the gaokao, which is held in early June every year.

    According to data from Ctrip, bookings for travel packages departing between June 9 and June 11 rose by 88 percent compared to the previous week, as many high school graduates chose to begin their trips immediately after the exam.

    Destinations such as Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou and Xi’an are attracting large numbers of student travelers, with many scenic spots offering discounted or free admission for this year’s high school graduates.

    Retailers are also experiencing growth, with electronics ranking among the top purchases. Sun Jian, store manager of JD MALL in Chongqing, said that alongside popular items like smartphones, laptops and tablets, sales of learning devices, digital notebooks and wearable gadgets have risen by 40 to 50 percent compared with the pre-gaokao period.

    Given the immense importance of the gaokao in Chinese society, both students and parents often turn to travel, shopping, or celebration as a way to find emotional release after years of academic pressure.

    “My son enjoys gaming, so we promised him that if he focused on preparing for the exam, he could fully relax and have fun afterward,” said a customer surnamed Zhuang, who was shopping for a laptop at a store in Fujian’s Quanzhou City. Zhuang added that he was willing to buy the best he could afford for his son, as it would also be useful for college.

    STYLE MAKEOVERS SOAR

    Beyond just spending, the post-gaokao period provides a glimpse into how today’s youth are starting to explore their identities and passions. From solo trips and comic con visits to photography workshops and fitness classes, students are using the time to pursue their personal interests.

    A community gym in Beijing’s Xicheng District has seen a surge in visitors this June. “We receive numerous inquiry calls daily, and many new members are recent high school graduates,” a gym staff member said. “They hope to use the summer for structured training to enter university better prepared both physically and mentally.”

    Zhang Qingxi, a high school graduate from Huangping County in the southwestern province of Guizhou, began driving lessons just days after the gaokao. “I hope to get my license this summer,” she said. “Once I have it, I plan to travel with friends and see the places I’ve only read about in books.” According to Zhang, nearly 100 students who recently took the gaokao attend driving lessons at her training center daily.

    Many students are also taking greater interest in their appearance and personal style. Wang, a hairdresser from Xi’an, said the number of students coming in for hair dyeing has surged since the gaokao, and to keep up with the demand, the salon has even extended its hours.

    “Graduates often choose trendy and unique hairstyles, and some even bring in anime-style designs from comics for inspiration,” said another hair salon employee.

    According to data from Meituan, orders for vision correction surgery rose by 108 percent in the first week after the gaokao, while orders for orthodontics and teeth whitening each saw a nearly 30 percent increase week-on-week.

    FROM TEST TAKERS TO DECISION MAKERS

    Like most post-gaokao travelers, Zhao planned his trip and handled all the bookings — from train tickets to hotel reservations — largely on his own. “We don’t know much about his plan. He’s an adult and it’s all up to him now,” said Zhao’s father.

    “‘Post-gaokao consumption’ is not only a wave of youthful spending, but also an important window into the consumption trends among younger generations,” said Long Shaobo, professor from the School of Public Policy and Administration, Chongqing University.

    According to Xia Ri, assistant researcher at Anbound, an independent think tank in China, high school graduates often seek novelty, quality and variety in their spending, which are traits typical of young people.

    “As they gradually become independent decision-makers and key players in the market, their preferences are driving consumption toward greater personalization and experiential value, accelerating consumption upgrades and product innovation,” Xia said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • India’s Defence Minister rejects coexistence of terror and peace at SCO Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for united and decisive action against terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in the possession of non-state actors and terrorist groups during his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in China’s Qingdao.

    He underlined that peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terror and highlighted radicalisation, extremism and a growing trust deficit as the foremost challenges facing the region.

    “I believe that the biggest challenges that we are facing in our region are related to peace, security and trust deficit. And the root cause of these problems is increasing radicalisation, extremism and terrorism,” Singh said.

    “Peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism and proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) in the hands of non-state actors and terror groups,” he said, stressing that only a collective and resolute stand can ensure safety and security for all.

    The Defence Minister said that it is “imperative that those who sponsor, nurture and utilise terrorism for their narrow and selfish ends must bear the consequences.” The Defence Minister warned that nations using cross-border terrorism as a tool of state policy must face consequences.

    “Some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of policy and provide shelter to terrorists. There should be no place for such double standards. SCO should not hesitate to criticise such nations,” he asserted.

    Reiterating India’s zero tolerance towards terrorism, Singh said, “India’s zero tolerance for terrorism is manifest today through its actions. This includes our right to defend ourselves against terrorism. We have shown that epicentres of terrorism are no longer safe, and we will not hesitate to target them.”

    Highlighting the need for global action to prevent the radicalisation of youth, Singh said the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) has played a key role in coordinating counter-radicalisation efforts.

    He added that the joint statement issued during India’s chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State on ‘Countering Radicalisation leading to Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism’ reflects the organisation’s shared commitment.

    Singh urged member states to act against the use of modern technology by terrorists, particularly the use of drones for smuggling weapons and narcotics.

    “In our interconnected world, traditional borders are no longer the sole barriers against threats. Instead, we face an intricate web of challenges that range from transnational terrorism and cyber-attacks to hybrid warfare,” he said.

    “These threats do not respect national boundaries, and they demand a unified response rooted in transparency, mutual trust, and collaboration.”

    Recalling the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 tourists were killed by ‘The Resistance Front’, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based UN-designated terror group, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Rajnath Singh said the pattern of the attack mirrored previous strikes by LeT in India.

    “In exercising its right to defend against terrorism and pre-empt as well as deter further cross-border terrorist attacks, India on May 7, 2025, successfully launched Op Sindoor to dismantle cross-border terrorist infrastructure,” he said.

    Singh called for accountability for those behind terrorist acts.

    “We reiterate the need to hold the perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of reprehensible acts of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, accountable and bring them to justice. Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomever committed. SCO members must condemn this evil unequivocally,” he said.

    The Defence Minister underscored the importance of multilateralism, emphasising India’s belief in dialogue and cooperation to prevent conflicts.

    “India believes that reformed multilateralism can help build cooperation to prevent conflict between countries by creating mechanisms for dialogue and collaboration. No country, however large and powerful, can manage alone,” he said, invoking the ancient Indian ethos of ‘Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavantu’ (May all people be happy).

    He reiterated India’s consistent support for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

    “Our immediate priorities in Afghanistan include providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and contributing to Afghanistan’s overall developmental needs. As Afghanistan’s largest regional development partner, India continues to implement capacity-building initiatives for the Afghan people,” Singh said.

    He concluded with a call for greater cooperation among SCO members, stating that India supports “greater cooperation and mutual trust among SCO members. We should collectively aspire to fulfil the aspirations and expectations of our people as well as tackle today’s challenges. We must all be in lockstep in our endeavour to strengthen stability and security in our neighbourhood.” (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israeli Mossad chief says Iran operation to continue

    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

    JERUSALEM, June 26 (Xinhua) — Israeli intelligence chief Mossad David Barnea said in a video released by the agency on Wednesday that the organization will continue its activities in Iran.

    In the video, D. Barnea addresses the staff of the task force on Tuesday, just hours after the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran came into effect.

    “We will continue to closely monitor all of Iran’s projects, which we already know about in great detail,” he said.

    He noted that “through precise intelligence, advanced technology and unimaginable combat capabilities, we helped the Air Force disrupt Iran’s nuclear program, establish air superiority over Iran and reduce the missile threat, thereby ensuring the safety of Israeli citizens.”

    In the video, she also thanked the US Central Intelligence Agency “for our joint work.” –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 10 killed in shooting at festival in central Mexico

    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

    MEXICO CITY, June 25 (Xinhua) — At least 10 people, including children, were killed in a shootout at a religious festival in the Mexican city of Irapuato, Guanajuato state, on Tuesday night, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said at a daily press conference on Wednesday.

    “It was a conflict, but unfortunately children died,” she said. “What happened is very unfortunate,” the president said, adding that an investigation into the incident was ongoing. She promised to work with Guanajuato Governor Libya Denise García Muñoz Ledo to address the violence in the state.

    The Irapuato administration has condemned the attack on a private home that left several people with gunshot wounds. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: German export outlook worsens amid US tariff concerns – ifo

    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

    BERLIN, June 26 (Xinhua) — German manufacturers’ export expectations worsened in June as U.S. tariff policies continued to weigh on sentiment in key industries, a poll by the ifo Institute showed on Wednesday.

    The ifo export expectations index fell to -3.9 points in June from -3.0 in the previous month, signaling a general decline in confidence in Germany’s export-oriented economy.

    The clothing sector showed the most gloomy outlook, while sentiment among food and beverage producers, automakers and metal producers also deteriorated significantly.

    Germany’s auto sector, a cornerstone of its industrial base, faces persistently low export expectations and remains particularly vulnerable to trade tensions. The U.S. has already imposed a 25 percent tariff on cars and auto parts imported from the European Union.

    “The tariff threat from the US is still being discussed. An agreement between the EU and the US has not yet been reached,” said ifo’s head of surveys, Klaus Wohlrabe. “This uncertainty reduces exporters’ expectations.”

    According to the latest data from the Federal Statistical Office, German exports fell by 1.7 percent month-on-month in April, while shipments to the United States, Germany’s largest export market, fell sharply by 10.5 percent. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China to Promote High-Quality Gold Mining Development

    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, June 26 (Xinhua) — China will promote high-quality, intelligent, green and safe development of its fast-growing gold mining industry, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) said.

    Recently, the MPI, together with eight departments including the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Natural Resources, released an action plan for the high-quality development of the gold mining industry for 2025-2027.

    According to the MPI, the implementation of the action plan aims to unify the work to ensure high-quality development and high security, and to maximize China’s advantages in the scale of gold smelting and processing, business management and other aspects.

    According to the plan, by 2027, China’s gold resource capacity and the innovation level of its industrial chains will be significantly enhanced. During this period, the country’s gold reserves will increase by 5-10 percent, and gold and silver production by more than 5 percent.

    China will promote green and efficient use of resources through measures such as building green mines and factories, and accelerate digital transformation by adopting artificial intelligence and other technologies, the plan says.

    According to data from the China Society of Gold Miners, China’s gold production was 377.24 tons in 2024, while its consumption of the yellow metal was 985.31 tons. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 06/25/2025 Blackburn Praises Commerce Committee’s Passage of Her Bipartisan Bill to Hold World Anti-Doping Agency Accountable for Chinese Doping Scandal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after the Senate Commerce Committee advanced her bipartisan Restoring Confidence in the World Anti-Doping Agency Act, which would permanently provide the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) the authority to withhold membership dues to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) if the organization fails to ensure athletes are competing in drug-free Olympic and Paralympic Games.
    Last week, Senator Blackburn led a hearing to hold WADA accountable for its refusal to investigate Chinese swimmers who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs before the Tokyo Olympics.
    “Since the Chinese doping scandal came to light, WADA has done everything it can to intimidate advocates for fair play and stonewall Congress,” said Senator Blackburn. “With the Commerce Committee passing my bipartisan Restoring Confidence in the World Anti-Doping Agency Act, we have sent a message to WADA that accountability and oversight are coming. We won’t be silenced by WADA or any international organization that tries to strong arm the United States in our mission to promote fair play in sports.”
    RESTORING CONFIDENCE IN THE WORLD ANTI-DOPING AGENCY ACT
    Last year, reporting revealed that more than two dozen Chinese swimmers tested positive for performance enhancing drugs one month before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The Chinese Anti-Doping Agency secretly cleared the swimmers of the doping.
    When WADA learned of these positive tests, the agency chose not to intervene or require China to follow WADA rules. Over a dozen of these swimmers competed in the 2021 Olympic Games, winning several medals, including gold.
    Last summer, new reporting revealed two additional Chinese swimmers – including one who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics – tested positive in 2022 for a banned drug but were secretly cleared of doping by Chinese authorities.
    The Restoring Confidence in the World Anti-Doping Agency Act would: 
    Allow the ONDCP to withhold up to the full amount of membership dues to WADA. The U.S. is the WADA’s greatest contributor, which makes this a powerful tool.
    Authorize ONDCP to use all available tools to ensure that WADA fully implements all governance reforms, including a proper conflict-of-interest policy, and that independent athletes from the United States and other democratic countries, or representatives of such athletes, have a decision-making role on WADA’s Executive Committee and governing bodies.
    The Restoring Confidence in the World Anti-Doping Agency Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.). It was introduced in the House by Representatives John Moolenar (R-Mich.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.).
    Click here for bill text.
    RELATED

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: China’s Economy: Analysed

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    China’s Economy: Analysed

    Despite persistent challenges, such as low domestic demand and household consumption, China’s economy has been buoyed by strong exports and private sector activity, hitting its 5% growth rate target in 2024 and aiming for similar levels of growth this year.

    To what extent can a shift to a technology-led model yield new growth as global volatility threatens exports?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEkf6keMyto

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The 9th China-South Asia Expo closed in Kunming

    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

    KUNMING, June 25 (Xinhua) — The 9th China-South Asia Expo concluded on Tuesday in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, attracting over 500,000 visitors to the six-day expo.

    KUNMING, June 25 (Xinhua) — The 9th China-South Asia Expo concluded on Tuesday in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, attracting over 500,000 visitors to the six-day expo.

    KUNMING, June 25 (Xinhua) — The 9th China-South Asia Expo concluded on Tuesday in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, attracting over 500,000 visitors to the six-day expo.

    KUNMING, June 25 (Xinhua) — The 9th China-South Asia Expo concluded on Tuesday in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, attracting over 500,000 visitors to the six-day expo.

    KUNMING, June 25 (Xinhua) — The 9th China-South Asia Expo concluded on Tuesday in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, attracting over 500,000 visitors to the six-day expo.

    KUNMING, June 25 (Xinhua) — The 9th China-South Asia Expo concluded on Tuesday in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, attracting over 500,000 visitors to the six-day expo.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New flight connects Chinese Guangzhou with Almaty

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 26 (Xinhua) — China Southern Airlines flight CZ3083 with 145 passengers on board took off from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in south China’s Guangdong Province on Wednesday for Almaty, Kazakhstan, marking the official opening of a direct air route between the two cities by the Chinese carrier.

    The new route will be operated by Boeing 737-8 aircraft in both directions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the Chinese news agency Zhongxinshe reports.

    With the addition of this route to the schedule, China Southern Airlines’ fleet now operates a total of 26 direct round-trip flights per week, connecting Almaty with airports in Guangzhou, Urumqi (the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in Northwest China), Xi’an (the capital of Shaanxi Province in Northwest China) and Beijing Daxing Airport.

    Let us recall that 2024 was the Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China, and 2025 has been declared the Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan. The opening of the new airline will facilitate business and tourism exchanges between China and Kazakhstan, the report notes.

    In addition, as previously reported, China Southern Airlines will also launch a Guangzhou-Tashkent flight on June 30. The carrier’s network of flights on air routes between China and Central Asia continues to expand. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xinhua intends to expand cooperation with Azerbaijani 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

    BEIJING, June 26 (Xinhua) — Xinhua News Agency Director-General Fu Hua met with a delegation of Azerbaijani media in Beijing on Wednesday.

    Fu Hua said that Xinhua and the Azerbaijan State News Agency signed a cooperation agreement in April. Xinhua is ready to work with Azerbaijani media to tell stories about the friendship and cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

    Fu Hua expressed hope that the media of the two countries will strengthen cooperation in news coverage, technology and personnel exchange.

    Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Media Development Agency Akhmed Ismayilov stated that the Azerbaijani side is ready to implement important agreements reached by the heads of the two countries together with Xinhua and achieve new successes in media cooperation. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Two ISIS militants killed in northern Iraq

    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

    BAGHDAD, June 26 (Xinhua) — Two militants of the Islamic State (IS) group were killed on Wednesday during a military operation in northern Iraq, the Iraqi counter-terrorism service said in a statement.

    Acting on intelligence, counter-terrorism forces ambushed militants in a remote area of Kirkuk province.

    The counter-terrorism service will continue to fight terrorism in all corners of Iraq, the statement said.

    While Iraq declared victory over ISIS in 2017, remnants of the group continue to carry out attacks on security forces and civilians in cities, deserts and remote areas. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Oil shocks in the 1970s drove rapid changes in transport. It could happen again if Middle East tensions continue

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hussein Dia, Professor of Future Urban Mobility, Swinburne University of Technology

    The Image Bank/Getty

    As the world watches the US–Iran situation with concern, the ripple effect from these events are reaching global oil supply chains – and exposing their fragility.

    If Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz as it is considering, it would restrict the global oil trade and trigger energy chaos.

    Petrol in some Australian cities could hit A$2.50 a litre according to some economists. As global instability worsens, other experts warn price spikes are increasingly likely.

    What would happen next? There is a precedent: the oil shocks of the 1970s, when oil prices quadrupled. The shock drove rapid change, from more efficient cars to sudden interest in alternative energy sources. This time, motorists would likely switch to electric vehicles.

    If this crisis continues or if another one flares up, it could mark a turning point in Australia’s long dependence on foreign oil.

    What would an oil shock mean?

    Australia currently imports 80% of its liquid fuels, the highest level on record. If the flow of oil stopped, we would have about 50 days worth in storage before we ran out.

    Our cars, buses, trucks and planes run overwhelmingly on petrol and diesel. Almost three-quarters (74%) of these liquid fuels are used in transport, with road transport accounting for more than half (54%) of all liquid fuels. Australia is highly exposed to global supply shocks.

    The best available option to reduce dependence on oil imports is to electrify transport.

    How does Australia compare on EVs?

    EV uptake in Australia continues to lag behind global leaders. In 2024, EVs accounted for 9.65% of new car sales in Australia, up from 8.45% in 2023.

    In the first quarter of 2025, EVs were 6.3% of new car sales, a decline from 7.4% in the final quarter of 2024.

    Norway remains the global leader, with battery-electric passenger cars making up 88.9% of sales in 2024. The United Kingdom also saw significant growth – EVs hit almost 20% of new car registrations in 2024.

    In China, EVs made up 40.9% of new car sales in 2024. The 12.87 million cars sold represent three-quarters of total EV sales worldwide.

    One reason for Australia’s sluggishness is a lack of reliable public chargers. While charging infrastructure is expanding, large parts of regional Australia still lack reliable access to EV charging.

    Until recently, Australia’s fuel efficiency standards were among the weakest in the OECD. Earlier this year, the government’s new standards came into force. These are expected to boost EV uptake.

    Could global tensions trigger faster action?

    If history is any guide, oil shocks lead to long-term change.

    The 1970s oil shocks triggered waves of energy reform.

    When global oil prices quadrupled in 1973–74, many nations were forced to reconsider where they got their energy. A few years later, the 1979 Iranian Revolution caused another major supply disruption, sending oil prices soaring and pushing much of the world into recession.

    Huge increases in oil prices drove people to look for alternatives during the 1970s oil shocks.
    Everett Collection/Shutterstock

    These shocks drove the formation of the International Energy Agency in 1974, spurred alternative energy investment and led to advances in fuel-efficiency standards.

    Much more recently, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine pushed the European Union to face up to its reliance on Russian gas and find alternatives by importing gas from different countries and accelerating the clean energy shift.

    Clearly, energy shocks can be catalysts for long-term structural change in how we produce and consume energy.

    The new crisis could do the same, but only if policy catches up.

    If fuel prices shot up and stayed there, consumer behaviour would begin to shift. People would drive less and seek alternate forms of transport. Over time, more would look for better ways to get around.

    But without stronger support such as incentives, infrastructure and fuel security planning, shifting consumer preferences could be too slow to matter.

    A clean-energy future is more secure

    Cutting oil dependency through electrification isn’t just good for the climate. It’s also a hedge against future price shocks and supply disruptions.

    Transport is now Australia’s third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Now that emissions are falling in the electricity sector, transport will be the highest emitting sector emissions source as soon as 2030.

    Building a cleaner transport system also means building a more resilient one. Charging EVs on locally produced renewable power cuts our exposure to global oil markets. So do biofuels, better public transport and smarter urban planning.

    Improving domestic energy resilience isn’t just about climate targets. It’s about economic stability and national security. Clean local energy sources reduce vulnerability to events beyond our control.

    What can we learn from China?

    China offers a compelling case study. The nation of 1.4 billion faces real oil security challenges. In response, Beijing has spent the past decade building a domestic clean energy ecosystem to reduce oil dependency and cut emissions.

    This is now bearing fruit. Last year, China’s oil imports had the first sustained fall in nearly two decades. Crude oil imports fell 1.5%, while oil refinery activity also fell due to lower demand.

    China’s rapid uptake of EVs has clear energy security benefits.
    pim pic/Shutterstock

    China’s green energy transition was driven by coordinated policy, industrial investment and public support for clean transport.

    China’s rapid shift to EVs and clean energy shows how long-term planning and targeted investment can pay off on climate and energy security.

    What we do next matters

    The rolling crises of 2025 present Australian policymakers a rare alignment of interests. What’s good for the climate, for consumers and for national security may now be the same thing.

    Real change will require more than sustained high petrol prices. It demands political will, targeted investment and a long-term vision for clean, resilient transport.

    Doing nothing has a real cost – not just in what we pay at the service station, but in how vulnerable we remain to events a long way away.

    Hussein Dia receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre, Transport for New South Wales, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Victorian Department of Transport and Planning, and Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

    – ref. Oil shocks in the 1970s drove rapid changes in transport. It could happen again if Middle East tensions continue – https://theconversation.com/oil-shocks-in-the-1970s-drove-rapid-changes-in-transport-it-could-happen-again-if-middle-east-tensions-continue-259670

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Mitigate Foreign Influence on U.S. Policymaking

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    Legislation Would Ban Former Government Employees from Lobbying for Countries of Concern

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Peter Welch (D-VT), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced the Conflict-free Leaving Employment and Activity Restrictions (CLEAR) Path Act, which would mitigate foreign influence on U.S. policymaking by prohibiting former government employees from lobbying on behalf of countries of concern:
    “Foreign adversaries with ill intentions should not wield influence on American policymaking, nor should they exploit our own citizens to intercede on their behalf,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This commonsense legislation would root out attempts of malign foreign interference and permanently ban former U.S. government employees from lobbying for countries of concern like Russia and China.”
    “Public trust in our democratic institutions has been eroding,” said Sen. Welch. “It’s vital we set higher standards against potential conflicts of interest for former government employees, particularly when it involves foreign adversaries that might be working to influence U.S. policy.”
    “It isn’t right for senior government officials to turn their public service experience into a payout from malign foreign governments,” said Sen. Risch. “This bill will help prevent corruption at the highest levels of our government, protect our national security, and ensure that our public servants do not abuse their power for the good of America’s adversaries.”
    “America is engaged in a clash of civilizations against kleptocrats, international criminals, and corrupt foreign nations that provide them safe harbor,” said Sen. Whitehouse. “Our adversaries exploit both secret and overt channels of influence to put their thumb on the scale of American policy.  I’m glad to join this bipartisan effort to prevent senior U.S. government officials from selling their expertise, access, and influence to shadowy foreign interests after they leave their jobs.”
    Background:
    With recent attempts by foreign actors to manipulate the U.S. political and governing processes in recent years, the Clear Path Act would seek to mitigate foreign malign influence in our political system by:
    Permanently banning agency heads, deputies, and Senate-confirmed employees from lobbying the executive and legislative branches on behalf of countries of concern, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Cuba;
    And including a mechanism to add or remove countries of concern via a Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Judiciary Committee joint resolution and with the concurrence of the U.S. Secretary of State and U.S. Attorney General.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Celebrates Passage of Bill to Protect Against Influence of Foreign Adversaries

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Celebrates Passage of Bill to Protect Against Influence of Foreign Adversaries

     

    LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen celebrated passage of LB644, brought on his behalf by Senator Eliot Bostar. During the news conference, the Governor signed ceremonial copies of the bill. He officially signed the legislation into law on June 4.

    LB644 creates two new acts: the Foreign Adversary and Terrorist Agent Registration Act and the Crush Transnational Repression in Nebraska Act. Together, the acts are aimed at knowing who represents foreign adversaries within the state, curbing the information and/or data they may access or distribute, as well as providing protection against tactics that could be utilized by such organizations to cause undue influence or harm. Reporting requirements and penalties for violations are outlined within each Act.

    “Iran, China, Russia, North Korea, Cuba and the Maduro regime in Venezuela are all designated as foreign adversaries by the U.S. Government,” said Gov. Pillen. “They do not have our best interests at heart and as a result, we need to take appropriate steps to make sure that as a state, we are protected.”

    LB644 represents the latest of several executive and legislative actions that Gov. Pillen has authorized since taking office – all aimed at making sure state assets including infrastructure, land, technology and people are protected.

    “In today’s world, the means of getting access, of getting information, and crippling our most critical systems is easier than ever, which is why we are highly focused on addressing these issues,” continued Gov. Pillen.

    Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, who serves as the state’s director of homeland security, called attention to several of the executive orders and bills signed by Gov. Pillen over the two previous legislative sessions — including LB683 and LB1301 — both brought Sen. Bostar. Those bills, respectively, address the protection of communications equipment and prohibit companies from adversarial countries bidding on state and local procurement contracts.

    “This year, primarily, the legislation is focused on guarding against foreign adversarial influence operations,” said Bostar. “We have some existing transparency requirements for those who would seek to influence policy in the state of Nebraska, but not enough. It doesn’t prohibit the circumvention of full transparency over interests that would be adversarial to the interests of Nebraskans.”

    Michael Lucci, founder and CEO of State Armor, pointed to Nebraska’s leadership among other states when it comes to addressing national security issues.

    “Resilience is the key topic for states to address — being ready for potential conflict, being ready to counter political warfare — this is a part of resilience,” noted Lucci.

    State Armor works alongside states to identify solutions to global security issues and was founded following the introduction of LB683 in 2023.

    “One of the first things when our organization was founded was to tell states, ‘do what Nebraska did.’  And we have not stopped conveying that message.”  

    Lucci commended Nebraska lawmakers on taking a bipartisan approach to legislation aimed at protecting the state and signaled it was the approach President Trump and other federal officials want to see.  

    Major General Craig Strong, adjutant general for the Nebraska National Guard and director of the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) remarked that in his dual role, homeland security was top of mind.

    “Our adversaries can reach out at us through many different methods, and not just through the traditional, conventional munitions, but by way of cyber-attack, satellite imagery and other vectors that we have to be aware of, such as drones,” said MG Strong. “This bill clearly helps us maintain the level of awareness and readiness that are important elements of our state emergency response plans, particularly as it relates to Nebraska’s homeland defense.

     Also attending today’s news conference and ceremonial bill signing were senators Beau Ballard, Barry DeKay and Brian Hardin.

     Links to executive orders, legislation and letters signed by Gov. Pillen to protect the state against foreign adversaries can be found below.

    https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gov-pillen-joins-letter-calling-halt-foreign-land-grabs

    https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/governor-pillen-senators-push-back-against-foreign-adversaries

    https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gov-pillen-senators-and-dept-ag-present-laws-protect-nebraska-foreign-adversaries-during-news

    https://governor.nebraska.gov/gov-pillen-signs-executive-order-banning-more-ccp-tech

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Iran ratifies plan to halt cooperation with IAEA

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

    The Iranian parliament on Wednesday approved the general outlines and details of a plan to suspend the country’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

    The bill was approved at an open session of the parliament in the Iranian capital Tehran, with 221 votes in favor and one abstention, reported the ICANA news agency affiliated with Iran’s legislative body.

    According to the report, the plan requires the Iranian administration to suspend its cooperation with the IAEA, the United Nations nuclear watchdog.

    The plan stipulates that, given the violation of Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity by Israel and the United States through attacking the country’s peaceful nuclear facilities and jeopardizing its interests, the Iranian government is duty-bound to immediately suspend any kind of cooperation with the IAEA based on the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement until a number of preconditions are met.

    It lists the conditions as ensuring respect for Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the security of the country’s nuclear centers and scientists within the framework of the UN Charter and the complete recognition of Iran’s inherent rights under the NPT, especially the enrichment of uranium on Iranian soil.

    Elaborating on the plan, Seyed Mohammad Nabavian, an Iranian lawmaker, said it was not focused on Iran’s withdrawal from the NPT, as the country was committed to the treaty and had announced that its nuclear activities were all peaceful, ICANA reported.

    On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on different areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing several senior commanders, nuclear scientists and many civilians. Iran responded by launching several waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel, inflicting casualties and heavy damage.

    On Saturday, the U.S. Air Force bombed three Iranian nuclear sites of Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. In retaliation, Iran on Monday struck the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with missiles.

    Following Iran’s attack, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel would begin around 0400 GMT Tuesday. Both sides later confirmed the start of the ceasefire. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese envoy calls for return to political settlement of Iran nuke issue

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

    Fu Cong (C, front), China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks during a Security Council meeting on Iranian nuclear issue at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A Chinese envoy on Tuesday called for the return to the track of political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.

    China is of the view that there is still hope for a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear issue as diplomatic means have not been exhausted, Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, told the Security Council.

    It is necessary for all parties to draw lessons from the crisis, restart dialogue on an equal footing and promote the return to the track of a political settlement, he said.

    First thing first is to stop the fighting, he said, adding that China has taken note of the current developments on the ground and looks forward to the realization of a genuine ceasefire.

    “The parties concerned should take practical measures to prevent the situation from escalating again. Meanwhile, the international community must make efforts to cool down the situation and promote dialogue and negotiation,” he said.

    To balance the objectives of nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy, he called on Iran to continue to abide by its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons and all other parties to fully respect Iran’s right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy as a state party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

    Noting that China supports all efforts to relaunch negotiations, he said the Security Council should play a constructive role in assisting parties in building trust, bridging differences and creating conditions conducive to the resumption of negotiations.

    Relevant countries should abandon the practice of threatening to activate “the snapback mechanism” for sanctions against Iran at every turn as this will only aggravate tensions and confrontations and even further jeopardize diplomatic efforts, he said.

    “A proper solution to the Iranian nuclear issue has a direct bearing on the authority and effectiveness of the international non-proliferation regime and is crucial to peace and stability in the Middle East,” said Fu.

    “At present, the situation in the region is at a critical and crucial juncture. China calls on all parties to act with a higher sense of urgency and responsibility to de-escalate the situation as soon as possible and resume negotiations at the earliest possible date,” he said.

    As a permanent member of the Security Council and a party to the Iran nuclear deal, China will continue to maintain an objective and impartial position, strengthen communication and coordination with all parties, build synergy, and uphold fairness and justice, with a view to playing a constructive role in restoring peace in the Middle East and promoting a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, he added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Zelensky, Trump discuss steps to ceasefire

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

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that he discussed steps toward a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

    “We discussed how to achieve a ceasefire and a real peace. We spoke about how to protect our people,” Zelensky said on social media platform X.

    Ukraine appreciates the attention and the readiness of the United States to help bring peace closer, Zelensky said.

    Zelensky and Trump met on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: NATO countries agree to hike defense spending to 5 pct of GDP by 2035

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

    Member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have agreed to raise their defense spending to 5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) annually by 2035, according to a declaration issued on Wednesday following the high-level summit in The Hague.

    The five-paragraph statement outlined that the new spending target will be split between two key categories: 3.5 percent for core defense and 1.5 percent for related areas, including critical infrastructure, networks, and defense industrial capabilities.

    The plan will undergo a review in 2029, taking into account the strategic environment and revised capability targets, the document added.

    U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the agreement at a press conference after the summit, asserting that Washington had long carried more than its fair share of the alliance’s defense burden.

    However, he singled out Spain, criticising Madrid as the only country refusing to meet its full commitment.

    Trump said the United States is negotiating a trade deal with Spain and warned that Madrid could be made to “pay twice as much” through trade measures.

    Spain has agreed with NATO to limit its military spending to 2.1 percent of GDP, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Sunday, ahead of the NATO summit.

    In his Sunday statement, Sanchez warned that “rushing toward 5 percent” would lead to rising prices and public spending, and reduce investment in key sectors such as education and digital development.

    Calling the 5 percent target “disproportionate and unnecessary” for Spain, Sanchez emphasized that Spain is “one of the five NATO countries with the most troops deployed worldwide.” He also stressed that “asymmetry within NATO is normal and inevitable,” citing the economic diversity among allies. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US new home sales nosedive in May

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

    Sales of U.S. single family homes in May plunged a whopping 13.7 percent from April, according to data released Wednesday from the U.S. Commerce Department.

    The sales of 623,000 units in May dropped 6.3 percent from the same month of 2024, and far under the 6-month average of 671,000 units sold.

    This occured as interest rates remained high, despite recent criticisms from the White House that the Federal Reserve should cut rates.

    Fed rates remained high on fears that inflation, which surged under the previous administration, could increase. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Powering global innovation, China delivers stability and renews vitality

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

    Guests communicate with each other during the 2025 Summer Davos Forum at the National Convention and Exhibition Center (Tianjin) in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, June 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Voices at the ongoing 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions have hailed China as an emerging beacon of stability and vitality, driving global innovation against a backdrop of economic uncertainty.

    The event, also known as the Summer Davos, is being held in north China’s Tianjin Municipality from June 24 to 26, bringing together over 1,700 leading figures from more than 90 countries and regions to explore how entrepreneurship and emerging technologies can unlock more dynamic and resilient economies.

    China’s resilience amid global uncertainties and its steady, innovation-driven growth have captivated participants, many of whom believe the country is well-positioned to contribute even more to the world.

    Stabilizer in uncertainties 

    In his speech at the opening of the event on Wednesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang noted that the international economic and trade landscape is undergoing a profound change, and called on the international community to take constructive actions in carrying out international economic and trade cooperation.

    China is willing to do whatever it takes to help tackle the difficulties and challenges facing the global economy, he stressed, adding that China will continue to deepen its integration and connectivity with the world market and strengthen industrial collaboration with various countries.

    “We need to proactively take more practical measures to safeguard free trade and multilateralism and promote the stable development of the world economy,” Li said.

    Despite global economic headwinds, China’s GDP in 2024 grew 5 percent year on year to 134.91 trillion yuan (about 18.82 trillion U.S. dollars), contributing about 30 percent to global economic growth, with the country targeting a growth rate of around 5 percent in 2025.

    “I’m relatively optimistic for the Chinese economy, both on medium-term and long-term … China is pivoting from manufacturing of goods into more services and digital trade. We are also seeing a lot of new technologies being applied,” World Economic Forum President Borge Brende told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.

    In a forum session with Brende, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair described China as “probably the most remarkable story of transformation” in recent decades and urged countries to seek understanding and remain engaged with China, rather than isolate it.

    Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair (L) attends the 2025 Summer Davos Forum in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, June 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    At forefront of innovation 

    Innovation has been at the heart of China’s economic growth. Ranking second globally, China’s research and development expenditure increased by 8.3 percent in 2024. The country has made significant breakthroughs in fields such as quantum technology, artificial intelligence and robotics, solidifying its position as a global innovation hub.

    Premier Li highlighted that China is striving to develop itself into a super-sized consumption powerhouse on the solid foundation of a manufacturing powerhouse, and is willing to share its original technologies and innovative scenarios with the world.

    The Chinese government will continue to foster a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized, and always keep the doors wide open and warmly welcome businesses from all countries to invest and deepen their roots in China, Li said.

    Speaking at the forum, Michael Gelchie, CEO of Louis Dreyfus Company, said that China’s commitment to enhancing its business environment, promoting innovation-driven development, and its vast, dynamic consumer market are creating opportunities for global trade and reinforcing confidence in international cooperation.

    To open wider, China has rolled out a series of measures to attract foreign investment, including further relaxing market access restrictions, enhancing intellectual property protection, and optimizing the business environment.

    These efforts have certainly paid off. In 2024, 59,080 new foreign-invested enterprises were established in China, up 9.9 percent year on year. The country attracted an annual overseas investment of over 1 trillion yuan for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023.

    Major multinational corporations such as Louis Dreyfus and Honeywell have expanded their presence in China, citing the country’s robust market potential and favorable business environment as key factors.

    The size, resilience and innovation vitality of the Chinese market have laid a solid foundation for multinational enterprises to set foot in China, and the country’s prowess in scientific and technological innovation, digital economy and low-carbon development has carved out broad space for businesses, said Yu Feng, president of Honeywell China, at the event. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s new consumption patterns drive domestic demand upgrade

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

    Pet owners are splurging on smart litter boxes, blind boxes are flying off shelves overseas after going viral in China, and new tea drinks are becoming the go-to choice for young people.

    With continuously optimized retail efficiency and the rising spending power of young consumers, China’s consumption sector has witnessed a notable shift toward new channels and product categories.

    At the 2025 Haihe International Consumption Forum in north China’s Tianjin Municipality on Tuesday, heated discussions on such topics as ways to ignite new engines for domestic demand came under the spotlight.

    Participants noted that new consumption — characterized by behaviors and methods driven by new technologies — has become an important force in meeting people’s needs. This has unleashed consumption potential and boosted economic development, thereby activating new growth drivers for China’s economy.

    Artificial intelligence is reshaping the consumption landscape on both supply and demand sides. Thierry Delmarcelle, chief strategy and innovation officer of Deloitte Asia Pacific, said at the event that AI can boost consumption and accelerate China’s transition toward becoming a consumption-driven economy.

    For example, the penetration rate of Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) — an important AI application scenario — in passenger vehicles is expected to reach 20 percent by the end of this year.

    In March, China unveiled an action plan to boost consumption, prioritizing it as a key economic task for 2025. The plan proposed an “AI Plus” initiative to promote the integration of AI and spending.

    The automotive industry is undergoing a sweeping intelligent transformation. Changan Automobile has announced it will halt its development of non-intelligent new products. BYD has equipped more than 20 new energy vehicle models with intelligent driving systems. And Li Auto’s intelligent driving systems logged a total mileage of about 3 billion kilometers in 2024.

    This consumption upgrade wave driven by new spending patterns is not only evident in high-value, durable goods like automobiles, but also in subtle changes in everyday consumption scenarios.

    Roger Hu, managing director and partner of Boston Consulting Group, noted during the forum that China’s shopping habits are breaking into clear layers, with consumption scenarios for similar products becoming increasingly diversified.

    “For example, a consumer drinks eight cups of water a day. Among these, there is water for staying alert, water for relaxing, and water for socializing to bridge distances,” Hu said, adding that given China’s massive consumer base, meeting the demand for “each cup of water” represents an opportunity in market segmentation for consumption.

    Wang Pu, co-founder of drink brand Chi Forest, said that significant consumer attention to Chinese brands and growing demand for healthy consumption have motivated companies to upgrade their technologies and products.

    Chi Forest launched a new product in 2023 that uses traditional Chinese medicine ingredients to meet consumer demand for both taste and health benefits. “Sales of this product exceeded 100 million yuan (about 14 million U.S. dollars) within four months of its launch, making it one of our fastest-growing new products,” Wang said.

    New consumption patterns such as those related to the green economy, the culture and tourism economy, and the debut economy have gradually become new engines driving spending, with supportive policies accelerating across regions.

    Wang Yagang, deputy director general of the Tianjin municipal bureau of commerce, said that Tianjin is accelerating its cultivation of landmark debut economy clusters. Since last year, the city has hosted over 400 related events, and it will soon introduce policies to support the debut economy.

    Zhu Keli, founding dean of the China Institute of New Economy, noted that from the consumption perspective, the debut economy effectively transforms consumer curiosity into purchasing power.

    “As new business forms and models like the debut economy continue to grow, the role of new economic drivers will become increasingly prominent, serving as indispensable sources of momentum to promote the high-quality development of China’s economy,” Zhu said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Dortmund advance with a 1-0 win over Ulsan

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

    Borussia Dortmund secured a place in the last-16 of the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday night with a 1-0 win over South Korean side Ulsan HD, a victory which was more comfortable than the final score suggests.

    Daniel Svenssen put the German side ahead in the 36th minute of a first half which was completely dominated by the German side in front of the virtually deserted stands of the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.

    Borussia had 20 shots in the first half, with eight of those on target, but they were frustrated time after time by Ulsan’s South Korean international goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-Woo.

    The opening goal finally arrived after a mistake in playing the ball out from defense which allowed the impressive Jobe Bellingham to win possession and set up Svenssen to finally score with a left-foot shot.

    It should have been 2-0 soon afterwards but Jo made a stunning save to deny Serhou Guirassy’s header.

    Ulsan looked to press higher up the field in the second half and Borussia goalkeeper Gregor Kobel was called into action for the first time in the game, although he wasn’t forced to make a difficult save.

    Yan Couto had a great chance to double Borussia’s lead in the 82nd minute, but once again Jo produced a flying save to deny his bouncing left-foot shot.

    Carney Chukwuemeka also went close to a second for Borussia in the closing minutes but while his effort was blocked his team never faced serious pressure in the final moment. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Time-tested treasures fuel China’s cultural economy boom

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

    Visitors take photos of the Sun and Immortal Birds gold ornament at the Jinsha Site Museum in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, July 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Kang Jinqian)

    Museum guide Han Xue paused on the elevated walkway and beckoned her tour group forward as a vast archaeological pit came into view below. Down there, rows of ancient ivory neatly aligned in the same direction as if arranged by a forgotten ritual.

    “Here we stand witness to a world preserved for three millennia,” Han said, as gasps rippled through the crowd. Beneath their feet lay the remnants of a mysterious kingdom that once anchored early civilization along China’s upper Yangtze River.

    At the Jinsha Site Museum in Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Han’s storytelling brings to life vanished worlds of ritual ceremonies, terraced rice fields, and exquisitely crafted jade. This was once the heart of the ancient Shu Kingdom, which had its heyday around 3,000 years ago.

    “Summer holidays haven’t started, yet we welcome streams of visitors daily, all drawn by this civilization’s magnetic pull,” Han said, adding that the museum remains packed until well past 6 p.m..

    With eight years of experience as a tour guide, Han has witnessed a noticeable shift. “Young heritage enthusiasts are growing in number. Lots of elementary school kids visit the museum, and they listen with genuine fascination,” she explained.

    The museum has logged over 760,000 visits this year. Beyond the exhibition halls, the museum’s souvenir shops buzz with energy. “People buy souvenirs not just for the novelty,” Han said, “but out of a deep sense of connection and pride in the civilization these artifacts represent.”

    That day, the fridge magnet replica of the museum’s iconic Sun and Immortal Bird Gold Ornament sold out.

    “This piece gleams with such brilliance, and its symbolism struck me. It captures humanity’s eternal pursuit of light,” said Li Xinting, a first-time visitor from Shanxi Province. “We should keep the heritage alive.”

    Jinsha’s popularity is growing in tandem with the Sanxingdui Ruins, its “sister site” in the ancient Shu civilization lore, which has gained global recognition for its mysterious yet magnificent bronzes, such as the Sacred Tree and enigmatic masks. Sanxingdui’s new museum building attracted nearly 10 million visitors last year, with cultural merchandise sales reaching 196 million yuan (about 27 million U.S. dollars), nearly 60 percent of its ticket revenue.

    Industry observers attribute the museum craze to a deliberate effort to harness rich cultural heritage as a way to open up new avenues for consumer spending.

    “True cultural innovation must resonate with contemporary values,” said Ren Ge, director of the Chengdu Museum. “When creations reflect people’s aspirations, they embrace them passionately.”

    Enthusiasm for ancient culture is also boosting the garment and dining industries. At Chengdu’s revitalized industrial complex, “Eastern Suburb Memory,” a restaurant aims to redefine the dining experience.

    Ancient melodies fill the air as diners, many dressed in Hanfu robes, are transported back to the dynastic era. Staff, adorned in period costumes, serve dishes inspired by different historical contexts.

    “Here, food keeps history alive, the restaurant is an immersive theater, and dining becomes a journey through time,” said Yang Zi, founder of the restaurant. His fusion of culture and cuisine creates experiential social hubs that elevate dining through storytelling.

    Searches for such immersive dining experiences surged nearly 275 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2025, according to data from Chinese e-commerce platform Meituan.

    Yang added that reservations, released online two weeks in advance, sell out quickly. During the summer holiday season, demand has surged from locals, culture enthusiasts, and a growing number of international visitors.

    When explaining the reason why consumers are willing to spend over 500 yuan per person for a “cultural” meal, Yang told Xinhua that the concept of ritual, or “li,” courses through China’s culinary DNA.

    “There’s a deep-seated appreciation for ceremony, poetry, music and cultural heritage that resonates with people. We’re opening a door, sparking curiosity, and hoping every guest leaves appreciating the beauty of Chinese culture,” Yang said.

    This desire for cultural engagement is widespread. A survey by the China Tourism Academy found that nearly 80 percent of tourists actively seek out cultural experiences during their travels.

    The fusion of heritage and contemporary economic life also extends to craft revival. At the Qiong Kiln National Archaeological Site Park in Chengdu, visitors are captivated by ceramics inspired by classic Qiong Kiln shapes and glazes, yet reimagined with modern aesthetics.

    The appeal is strong. During a single livestream event in May, innovative pieces such as the begonia-flower-shaped lidded bowl and begonia-flower-shaped wine set generated online sales of 2 million yuan overnight, while also boosting offline sales by 500,000 sets.

    “We are committed to building bridges that deepen public cultural understanding and ignite creative sparks through the profound wisdom and beauty of ancient civilizations. This is our sacred duty to history and human heritage,” Ren said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Unanimously Passes Sullivan Resolution Commemorating 75th Anniversary of the Korean War

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    06.25.25

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) and co-chair of the U.S. Senate Korea Caucus, today celebrated the unanimous passage of his Senate resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and recognizing important lessons from the war, particularly the imperative of maintaining military readiness in defense of the United States and its allies.

    [embedded content]

    “On the 75th anniversary of the Korean War—the ‘Noble War,’ we should all remember the brave Americans who fought, died and sacrificed to keep another country free, the Republic of Korea, one of our strongest allies today,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Commemorating the Korean War is also important for recognizing the lessons we learned that are still relevant today. In 1945, America was the greatest, most lethal military in the history of the world. We had just won World War II. We conquered the Nazis. We conquered Imperial Japan. We were the biggest, most fearsome military in history. Five years later, at the outbreak of the Korean War, because of weak civilian and military leadership, we were not ready. Unfortunately, thousands of young Americans in the summer of 1950 were killed in action, because they weren’t ready to fight. We can never let this happen again.”

    Below is the full text of Senator Sullivan’s resolution.

    Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and reaffirming the critical importance of maintaining military readiness in defense of the United States and its allies.

    Whereas June 25, 2025, marks the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the brutal three-year conflict known as the Korean War, which began when the armed forces of North Korea launched a full-scale invasion of the Republic of Korea;

    Whereas the United States, under resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, responded to that unprovoked aggression and mobilized more than 1,700,000 United States soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, and led a unified United Nations Command to fight in defense of freedom and security on the Korean Peninsula;

    Whereas more than 103,000 Americans were wounded, and 36,574 Americans made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives defending the security of the Republic of Korea, while more than 7,500 remain unaccounted for;

    Whereas the Korean War has long been referred to as the ‘‘Forgotten War,’’ which fails to recognize the significance of this noble chapter in American history, as well as the sacrifice and valor of American service members;

    Whereas the defense of the Republic of Korea by United States and allied forces allowed for the development of the modern Republic of Korea into a robust market economy, a vibrant democracy, a strong ally of the United States, and a bedrock contributor to regional stability and the global community;

    Whereas the Republic of Korea endured immense hardship during the war, suffering 137,899 soldiers killed, 450,742 injured, and more than 30,000 missing or captured, in addition to almost 1,000,000 civilian casualties, yet demonstrated extraordinary resilience and resolve in the face of destruction and invasion;

    Whereas the United States-Republic of Korea alliance, formed with the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of Korea on October 1, 1953, is a mutual commitment to the other’s defense, in accordance with constitutional processes, in the event of an armed attack in the Pacific area on either of the parties;

    Whereas the hard-learned lessons of the Korean War underscore the ongoing need for strategic, operational, and tactical readiness across all branches of the military in an increasingly dangerous global environment; and

    Whereas the words engraved on the Korean War Veterans Memorial—‘‘Freedom is not free’’—remain a solemn reminder of the cost of liberty and the importance of military preparedness: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved, That the Senate—

    (1) commemorates the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and honors the bravery, sacrifice, and service of the United States Armed Forces and allies who fought to defend the people of the Republic of Korea from being conquered by thecommunists of North Korea, the People’s Republic of China, and the Soviet Union;

    (2) recognizes the Republic of Korea as a vital treaty ally and linchpin of peace, security, trade, and democratic values for Northeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region;

    (3) acknowledges the enduring legacy of the Korean War in shaping United States defense policy and alliances in the Indo-Pacific region;

    (4) reaffirms the commitment of the United States to maintaining a strong, modern, and fully prepared military force capable of deterring aggression and defending national security interests;

    (5) urges continued investment in training, equipment, and support for members of the United States Armed Forces to ensure military readiness across all domains, including land, sea, air, space, and cyber; and

    (6) calls upon all people of the United States to remember the Korean War not as the ‘‘Forgotten War,’’ but as the ‘‘Noble War,’’ an endeavor that preserved freedom for millions and exemplified the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the United States Armed Forces.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Orchid industry boosts rural revitalization in Da’an, Hainan

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

    Orchid industry boosts rural revitalization in Da’an, Hainan

    Updated: June 26, 2025 09:53 Xinhua
    A worker weeds at an orchid planting base in Da’an Township, Baisha Li Autonomous County, south China’s Hainan Province, June 25, 2025. The orchid industry has become an important booster for rural revitalization of Da’an Township. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on June 25, 2025 shows an orchid planting base in Da’an Township, Baisha Li Autonomous County, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese defense minister meets with guests attending SCO Defense Ministers’ Meeting

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

    Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on Wednesday held individual meetings in east China’s Qingdao city with his counterparts from Belarus, Iran, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia.

    They are attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers’ Meeting from Wednesday to Thursday.

    Unilateralism and protectionism are surging, while hegemonic, high-handed, and bullying acts severely undermine the international order, making these practices the biggest sources of chaos and harm, Dong said.

    He called for efforts to enhance coordination within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the SCO, defend international fairness and justice, and uphold global strategic stability.

    The attendees commended China’s rotating SCO presidency for enhancing institutional mechanisms and cross-sector cooperation, while expressing strong readiness to consolidate and develop military cooperation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM meets envoys from EU, member states

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

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with diplomatic envoys to China from the European Union (EU) and its member states in Beijing, capital of China, June 25, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with diplomatic envoys to China from the European Union (EU) and its member states on Wednesday in Beijing.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, the two major constructive forces in the world today should enhance mutual trust, handle differences properly, pool their strengths, and elevate the China-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new level.

    Wang put forward a three-point proposal for the future development of China-EU relations.

    First, the two sides should uphold mutual respect, particularly by earnestly respecting each other’s core interests and major concerns. Wang noted that achieving complete national reunification is the long-cherished aspiration and historic mission of the Chinese nation, and that China will never allow the Taiwan region to be separated from the motherland.

    China hopes the EU will continue to adhere firmly to the one-China principle and oppose separatist activities for “Taiwan independence” in any form, he stressed.

    Second, the two sides should adhere to the established positioning of their partnership. Wang said that China and the EU are partners, not rivals, and certainly not enemies.

    There are no territorial disputes or geopolitical conflicts between China and the EU, let alone any fundamental clashes of interests, Wang said, noting that China hopes to work with the EU to make cooperation the prevailing trend of China-EU relations.

    Third, the two sides should adhere to multilateralism. China firmly upholds the international system with the United Nations (UN) at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, Wang said, noting that China consistently stands for peace talks and rejects the use of force.

    The three global initiatives, the Belt and Road Initiative, and, particularly, the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity — all of which were proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping — have contributed China’s wisdom and solutions to the international community.

    “China and the EU should follow the trend of the times, enhance understanding, build trust, achieve mutual success, and light up the world,” Wang added.

    The head of the EU delegation to China and diplomatic envoys of EU member states to China said that China has always been an important partner for the EU.

    The EU is willing to work hand-in-hand with China for the future, develop a constructive, stable EU-China relationship, address global challenges, uphold multilateralism, and promote world peace and security, they said.

    MIL OSI China News –