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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing sees surge in cross-border e-commerce amid 618 festival

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

    The “618” mid-year shopping festival, one of China’s biggest e-commerce events, has driven a sharp rise in cross-border purchases in Beijing. 

    According to Beijing Customs, from May 13 to June 16, they processed 802,800 cross-border e-commerce import orders, up 10.98% from the previous year. The total value reached approximately 126 million yuan ($17.52 million), up 23.53% year on year.

    E-commerce platforms like JD.com are now offering fast delivery for imported goods. A Beijing resident surnamed Wang recently received a bottle of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon in less than an hour after placing his order. JD Worldwide’s head of supply chain Wu Xue said the order marked a milestone for the platform’s instant delivery service, which enables customers to receive international orders in just hours or, in some cases, minutes.

    Through this service model, consumers can check out imported products in offline stores, place orders online, and get them delivered within a few hours, faster than the usual same-day or next-day delivery.

    JD has stocked more than 500 types of imported products, including cosmetics, wines, and baby care items, at Beijing Yizhuang Bonded Logistics Center in advance. Once an order is placed, goods go through customs procedures and are then transferred to nearby couriers, significantly reducing delivery time.

    Tianzhu Customs, under Beijing Customs, also stepped up preparations ahead of the shopping festival. Officials monitored order flows in real-time and optimized clearance processes to support timely deliveries. From May 13 to June 16, Tianzhu Customs processed over 55-million-yuan worth of beauty and fragrance products, a 38.5% increase from the same period last year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: When Uber Is a ‘Predator’ and LinkedIn a ‘Species’: the 5M Framework Offers a New ‘Natural’ Lens for Antitrust Oversight

    The BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre (www.BRICSCompetition.org), in collaboration with mathematicians, programmers, ecologists and biologists from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA, Vienna), has developed a systemic approach to deepen the understanding of how digital ecosystems function. The research group proposes applying mathematical models and biological theories from the natural sciences to describe processes in the digital economy. Their comprehensive approach to analysing and regulating ecosystems is built on analogies between natural and digital ecosystems—both are complex adaptive systems that share structural and functional characteristics. The results have been published in the interdisciplinary journal npj Complexity in the open-access article “An ecological perspective to master the complexities of the digital economy” (Elena Rovenskaya, Alexey Ivanov, Sarah Hathiari, Daria Kotova, Ursula M. Scharler, Gergely Boza) (www.nature.com) and in the Springer Nature Research Communities “Behind the Paper” post “Taming the Digital Giants: Why Regulators Need an Ecological Lens on Platform Power” (Elena Rovenskaya, Alexey Ivanov, Sarah Hathiari, Daria Kotova, Ursula M. Scharler, Gergely Boza) (www.communities.springernature.com).

    The scientists formulated this idea as the 5M System (5M Framework), which describes the digital realm in ecological terms and draws analogies between natural and digital phenomena across five levels: Micro (“genes”) — elements of technology, knowledge, and business strategy (including user behaviour data); Meso (“species”) — products; Macro (“ecosystems”) — digital platform ecosystems; Mega (“biomes”) — wider societies hosting platform ecosystems; Meta — interactions among the four previous levels occur here.

    For example, optimal foraging theory can explain why Uber avoids sparsely populated areas:  like an animal that leaves a food-poor patch because the energy gained per unit of search time is too low, Uber steers clear of rural zones where ride requests are infrequent, driver utilisation drops, and the “return” on each kilometre driven fails to justify the effort. The flexibility of digital-product boundaries is akin to the blurred definition of biological species, within which finer subspecies are often distinguished: LinkedIn can be viewed either as a Microsoft service or as a set of related products—job marketplace, professional social network, advertising platform, and so on.

    Elena Rovenkaya, the IIASA Advancing Systems Analysis (ASA) Program Director and Principal Research Scholar:

    “Digital ecosystems are an entirely new economic object, fundamentally different from the standard economic agents regulators are used to dealing with. The analogy we propose between natural and digital ecosystems will allow antitrust authorities to look at digital ecosystems from a new angle and obtain intuitive explanations for business strategies that often seem complex. Moreover, applying well-established mathematical and ecological approaches may be more effective than designing new methods from scratch.”

    Aleksey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre:

    “The published article is expected to be the first in a series of interdisciplinary publications devoted to new antitrust approaches for regulating the digital environment. In the AI sector and adjacent fields, the number of partnerships and investment agreements resembling mergers is growing, yet companies often evade antitrust scrutiny by sidestepping formal filing thresholds. A systemic-analysis response—particularly mathematical modelling and the systems-mapping method that the BRICS Centre is developing with partners—can depict a complex phenomenon in a model of all its cause-and-effect links. This will significantly accelerate research and make antitrust analysis more precise.”

    In the future, the researchers also plan to create a digital tool using AI for BRICS antitrust coordination — the “Merger Radar.” This system will detect economic-concentration deals and shape preliminary positions on such transactions.

    The article forms part of the BRICS Centre’s research track on the antitrust challenges created by digitalisation. The project was launched in 2018 to provide expert and methodological support to antitrust agencies in the BRICS Working Group for Research on Competition Issues in Digital Markets; in 2019 the Centre first highlighted the threats posed by digital platforms and the need for special oversight; from 2020 the Working Group shifted its focus to ecosystem regulation — today the most advanced debate in antitrust law. At the 7th BRICS Competition Conference (China, 2021) the Centre publicly presented the “eco-antitrust” concept; in 2022, in Brazil, it organised the first BRICS Digital Competition Forum, which has since been held annually. At the latest forum, in autumn 2024, representatives of Brazil’s antitrust authority CADE announced the drafting of a new bill to regulate ecosystems, which is now before the Brazilian parliament. The experts are currently analysing the impact of AI on competition and preparing a new report.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese and Uzbek archaeologists discover ancient Iron Age city in Central Asia

    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 19 (Xinhua) — A joint Chinese-Uzbek archaeological team made significant progress in excavating the early Iron Age Bandikhon 2 site in the Surkhandarya River basin in June 2025, providing key evidence to uncover the historical appearance of ancient city-states in southern Central Asia during the early Iron Age, CCTV reported on June 17, citing the Silk Road Joint Archaeological Research Center of Northwest China University (Shaanxi Province, northwest China).

    Since 2023, the Institute of Cultural Heritage of the North-West University, together with Termez State University and the Termez Archaeological Museum of Uzbekistan, formed a joint archaeological group. They conducted interdisciplinary research in the Surkhandarya River basin, examining 47 sites. It was established that the Bandikhon-2 settlement is an important city-state of the ancient Bactria period. This is of great scientific importance for filling the gaps in the regional historical and cultural chronology.

    In 2024-2025, the Chinese-Uzbek joint archaeological team conducted three archaeological seasons at the Bandikhon-2 settlement. Well-preserved reinforced adobe walls 7 m wide and 2 m high were discovered. A large room was excavated inside the settlement. In the center of the room, there were two square earthen columns standing vertically. In the corner of the room, there was a adobe bed, and a stone door groove was located under the door axis. A large number of household ceramics, stone grain grinders, and other stone tools for processing grain crops, as well as bronze knives, arrowheads, and other bronze tools were discovered at the site.

    Based on systematic scientific dating and typological analysis of the discovered ceramics, the archaeological team confirmed that the Bandikhon 2 settlement was founded in the 9th century BC and abandoned in the 6th century BC. The excavations of this site provided key evidence for understanding the building structure and functional layout of the city-states of the early Iron Age.

    It should be noted that Chinese and Uzbek archaeologists at all stages of excavations consistently adhered to the principle of “preservation above all else.” Considering the serious damage caused to earthen monuments by the local scorching sun and highly alkaline soil, archaeologists used original technologies for constructing the settlement. They used the method of laying clay layers and adobe bricks to strengthen the walls and other objects, maximally preserving and presenting the authentic appearance of the object. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Shanghai and Almaty Established Sister City Relations

    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 19 (Xinhua) — The Chinese metropolis of Shanghai and Kazakhstan’s largest city Almaty have officially established sister city relations.

    The agreement on establishing sister city relations between the cities of Shanghai and Almaty was concluded within the framework of the 2nd China-Central Asia Summit, which took place on June 16-18, 2025 in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, according to the official website of the Shanghai city government.

    Thus, the number of cities in China and Central Asian countries that have established sister city relations has exceeded 100 pairs.

    In accordance with the agreement, in order to promote the joint prosperity and development of the cities of Shanghai and Almaty, contacts will be strengthened and cooperation will be intensified in such areas as economics and trade, science and technology, education, healthcare and tourism.

    The parties also agreed to open a direct flight from Shanghai to Almaty in July of this year.

    The establishment of sister city relations between Shanghai and Almaty will undoubtedly contribute to improving the quality and level of practical cooperation between the two cities and create a new incentive for ensuring high-quality development of relations between China and Kazakhstan and the formation of an even closer community of shared destiny between China and Central Asia, the city’s press service added. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Angara-A5 rocket launched from Plesetsk with spacecraft — Russian Defense 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, June 19 /Xinhua/ — The Angara-A5 heavy-class rocket has launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome with spacecraft, RIA Novosti reported on Tuesday, citing the Russian Defense Ministry.

    “On June 19, 2025, the Angara-A5 launch vehicle with spacecraft on board was launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk Region in the interests of the Russian Ministry of Defense,” the statement said.

    Angara is a family of Russian launch vehicles, ranging from light to heavy. This launch was the tenth in the history of the Angara rocket. Since 2014, five launches of the light-class version Angara-1.2 and three of the heavy Angara-A5 have been conducted from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. In addition, one heavy rocket was launched in April 2024 from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia’s Amur Region. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran strikes Israeli military intelligence facilities

    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

    TEHRAN, June 19 (Xinhua) — Iran launched an airstrike on military intelligence facilities in southern Israel on Thursday morning, state news agency IRNA reported.

    IRNA denied reports that the hospital was hit earlier in the day, saying it was aimed at the Israeli army’s C4I headquarters and an intelligence center. The hospital was reportedly hit by a blast wave.

    An Iranian missile hit the Soroka Medical Center in the southern Israeli city of Be’er Sheva, with officials reporting “significant damage,” according to several media reports. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miller, Gonzales, Yakym, and Miller Reintroduce the United States-Republic of Korea Digital Trade Enforcement Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

    Washington, D.C. – In May, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and Congressmen Vicente Gonzales (D-TX), Rudy Yakym (R-IN), and Max Miller (R-OH) re-introduced the United States-Republic of Korea Digital Trade Enforcement Act. This legislation protects American digital companies operating in Korea from discriminatory treatment.
     
    “With foreign trade at the forefront of President Trump’s focus, the importance of protecting American companies abroad has never been greater. Newly elected South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung’s digital regulatory legislation would disproportionately impact U.S. companies and threaten their ability to operate overseas. I reintroduced the United States-Republic of Korea Digital Trade Enforcement Act this Congress to maintain a level playing field for our companies operating abroad and ensure an environment that allows both of our nations’ digital companies to thrive remains intact. It is the United States’ responsibility to regulate our digital companies, not a foreign government’s. I thank my colleagues for joining me in the re-introduction of this legislation and look forward to working with House leadership to get it passed,” said Rep. Carol Miller.
     

    “With the victory of President Lee, the US – ROK Digital Trade Enforcement Act is imperative. His promise to pass PCPA would unduly burden U.S. platforms while benefiting Chinese digital companies. As our trade deficit with South Korea continues to increase, we must ensure free digital trade between our nations is upheld,” said Rep. Max Miller. 

    The United States-Republic of Korea Digital Trade Enforcement Act is supported by the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA), the Coalition of Service Industries (CSI), and the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF):

    “We are pleased to see members focus on investigating discriminatory policies that disproportionately target U.S. companies in the digital space. Guaranteeing fair access to the Korean market for U.S. digital services is the foundation of a strong and durable economic and security partnership between the United States and Korea that benefits both countries,” said Jonathan McHale, Vice President of Digital Trade at the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA).
     
    “The Coalition of Services Industries supports bipartisan efforts to address discriminatory digital barriers emanating from Korea, a vital trade and economic security partner. We remain concerned about the disproportionate impact of Korea’s proposed online platform measures on U.S. digital services providers, which risks undermining Korea’s obligations under our bilateral trade agreements and could set troubling precedents that invite similar actions in other key markets,” said Christine Bliss, President of the Coalition of Service Industries.
     
    “The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation commends Congresswoman Miller’s leadership in standing up for American digital innovation in the face of growing regulatory threats abroad. Korea’s pending platform bills would significantly dampen innovation and disproportionately burden U.S. companies, while leaving Chinese firms untouched. These proposals not only risk undermining the digital competitiveness of a key ally, but play into China’s strategic interests by sidelining U.S. tech leadership. The U.S.-ROK Digital Trade Enforcement Act sends a clear signal that the United States will defend its innovators and push back against foreign regulations that violate trade agreements and jeopardize our shared economic and strategic goals,” said the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF).

    Click HERE for bill text. 

    Background: 

    • The Platform Competition Promotion Act (PCPA), and similar legislation introduced in the Korean legislature is framed as an anti-monopoly bill but would end up directly targeting U.S. firms and subjecting them to office raids, fines, and disclosing private information.
    • This bill states that if the ROK passes the PCPA or any other legislation that attacks a U.S. digital company, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) will report to Congress on the impacts to the platform, whether the action is in violation of a trade agreement, and impacts to U.S. commerce as a whole.
    • Following the report, the United States Trade Representative is instructed to take action to protect U.S. trade which may include a case within the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement body, a Section 301 investigation, a dispute under the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA), or entering into an agreement with Korea to mitigate all impacts.
    • President Lee Jae-Myung, who was elected on June 3, 2025, has repeatedly advocated for the PCPA and promised a swift passage.
    • President Donald Trump and USTR Jamieson Greer have continuously voiced concern about Korea passing this legislation and stated that this issue will come up in negotiations.
    • On June 10, 2025, Congresswoman Miller spoke about the bill at the Coalition of Service Industry’s (CSI) 2025 Global Services Summit. Video can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN Receives CEO of China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute (CREEI)

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today received Mr. Yi Yuechun, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Deputy Director General of the China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute (CREEI), at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. Both sides discussed existing cooperation as well as potential collaboration on clean energy development, highlighting shared commitments to advancing renewable energy initiatives under the ASEAN-China energy partnership.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN Receives CEO of China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute (CREEI) appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI China: Film executives discuss cinema’s future at Shanghai film festival

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

    Wang Changtian, chairman of Beijing Enlight Media, addressed the success of his company’s animated juggernaut “Ne Zha 2” and broader industry development during the SIFForum opening session at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) where the media executive joined fellow filmmakers and industry leaders for a panel discussion in Shanghai on June 15.

    Wang Changtian, chairman of Beijing Enlight Media, speaks at the opening forum of the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival in Shanghai, June 15, 2025. [Photo courtesy of SIFF Organizing Committee]

    “‘Ne Zha 2’ represents an inevitable product of China’s film industry at its current developmental stage,” Wang said. “Yet it remains an exceptional case — not a replicable model with broad promotional or referential value. Unless we reform the underlying mechanisms and systemic issues, China’s film sector may prove incapable of weathering the current challenges.”

    Wang argued the industry must overhaul its approach to genres, storytelling, style and audiovisual execution to improve films’ competitiveness. “We’re making too many unwanted films that can’t compete with other entertainment,” he said. He advocates cutting the annual output to 500-600 films — half of China’s peak of 1,000 features — while focusing on boosting quality. 

    The executive highlighted the film industry’s critical challenge of rapidly rising production costs outpacing market capacity, and called for urgent reforms in funding allocation. Wang emphasized the unsustainable risk burden on producers, with annual industry losses exceeding 10 billion yuan which has caused frequent production funding shortages. He stressed the necessity of both cutting costs and addressing profit redistribution to sustain the sector.

    “Currently, from every 100 yuan in total box office revenue, only about 33 yuan remains for investors and creators after accounting for theater profit shares, fees and marketing expenses,” he noted. “How can we sustain industry investment with such marginal returns?”

    Wang proposed repositioning the role of films in the industrial chain by reducing box office revenue’s share in total income. China’s film industry currently depends on box office sales for over 90% of its revenue — far higher than the 30% seen in foreign markets — making losses inevitable when movies underperform. Wang believes reducing reliance to 50% would be more sustainable, and can be achieved by strengthening films as intellectual property drivers and increasing merchandise revenue.

    Merchandise related to the “Ne Zha” film franchise clearly demonstrates this potential. Wang estimated licensed products have already generated tens of billions of yuan in sales. “Even with widespread piracy,” he noted, “I believe ultimate derivative sales could realistically reach 100 billion yuan.”

    “Chinese films going global represents both an inevitable choice and an unstoppable trend,” he added. “This aligns perfectly with Chinese products and services expanding their global market presence. As international consumers embrace Chinese goods, their growing interest in the culture behind these products naturally creates opportunities for Chinese cinema overseas. For ‘Ne Zha 2,’ we anticipate final international box office receipts will exceed $100 million. While this figure may seem modest, it already stands as the highest in 20 years. Conservative estimates indicate the film’s total economic impact may surpass 200 billion yuan.”

    “Ne Zha 2” has already grossed $2.19 billion at the box office worldwide, and is the highest-grossing Chinese film, highest-grossing global animated film and the fifth-highest grossing film of all time in the world.

    Film executives pose for a picture at the opening forum of the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival in Shanghai, June 15, 2025. [Photo courtesy of SIFF Organizing Committee]

    Chen Zhixi, chairwoman and president of Wanda Cinemas, emphasized the need for industry realignment: “Disney and Universal’s 2024 reports reveal a balanced 40-60 revenue split between box office and non-theatrical income. We must restore this healthy equilibrium across both cinema operations and individual film economics through strategic expansion of non-ticket revenue streams.”

    She added that China now leads globally with over 80,000 cinema screens yet faces a growing shortage of high-quality content. Rising directors increasingly pursue ambitious projects requiring larger budgets and longer production cycles, reducing overall output. To address this, Wanda Film launched a filmmaker support program to help young directors. During the festival, Wanda Film also announced its rebranding as “Rtime” and released plans to develop a super entertainment space strategy integrating various entertainment options.

    Veteran filmmaker Huang Jianxin acknowledged the new generation’s talent while noting their growing box office anxieties in today’s challenging environment. He emphasized the need for a crucial support system to alleviate financial pressures, allowing directors to focus entirely on crafting imaginative, expressive and compelling works. “Producers must help shoulder these burdens — directors aren’t economists or marketers. Their power lies in imagination and artistic vision to unleash cinema’s magic,” Huang stressed.

    Li Jie, president of Damai Entertainment, emphasized innovation as the proven solution to industry challenges. The current market slowdown, he noted, ironically creates an ideal window for creative breakthroughs. “Boom periods chain us to box office demands, leaving no space for creativity,” he said. “Today’s climate instead encourages patience and innovation across all aspects of filmmaking. Cinema must not be an outdated format, it has to go beyond, and to reclaim young audiences — and innovation is how we’ll achieve this.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s economic powerhouses steady the ship in choppy global waters

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

    An aerial drone photo taken on May 15, 2025 shows the car carrier Anji Ansheng at Shanghai Haitong International Automotive Terminal in east China’s Shanghai. [PhotoXinhua]

    Though lesser-known globally, China’s provincial economic powerhouses, including Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shandong and Zhejiang, wield influence rivaling the world’s top 20 economies. The country’s 10 economic giants, driving 60 percent of national GDP from 20 percent of land, are playing a crucial role in anchoring growth.

    Shifting focus to domestic demand 

    While foreign trade once drove China’s growth, the 10 provincial powerhouses, also including Sichuan, Henan, Hubei, Fujian, Shanghai and Hunan, are now shifting their focus toward domestic consumption and investment to sustain economic expansion amid fluctuating external demand.

    At the heart of this strategy are large-scale initiatives focused on consumer goods trade-ins and equipment upgrades. In 2025, Zhejiang will continue offering incentives for residents to replace items such as automobiles, mobile phones and electric bicycles, while also promoting the renewal of equipment like medical devices and elevators.

    Henan plans to provide substantial subsidies this year to replace 500,000 automobiles and 8 million home appliances, while also carrying out 3,000 equipment renewal projects.

    “The trade-in program has boosted affordability, tripling our first-quarter sales of AI products year on year,” said Guan Manman, operations manager at a local shopping mall in Henan.

    These 10 economic powerhouses form the bedrock of China’s domestic consumption, accounting for over 63 percent of the country’s total retail sales of consumer goods in 2024. Supported by their robust spending, China’s retail sales achieved a solid 5 percent year-on-year growth from January to May 2025.

    Construction of major projects serves as another vital growth driver. In 2025, Sichuan will launch some new industrial projects and accelerate ongoing ones, while Guangdong plans to invest a massive 1 trillion yuan (about 139 billion U.S. dollars) this year in 1,500 key provincial projects, including high-speed railways, intercity rail lines and airport expansions.

    To stabilize foreign demand, exporters in these powerhouses are adopting a dual-track strategy: globally, by strengthening ties in emerging markets; and domestically, by expanding sales channels across e-commerce platforms and retail partnerships.

    Provincial governments are rolling out multi-pronged support measures to help exporters navigate challenging conditions. These efforts include financial assistance to enhance liquidity, policy guidance to create better business environment, and initiatives aimed at breaking down barriers between domestic and international markets.

    “In the face of external uncertainties, China must prioritize building a stronger and more resilient domestic economic cycle,” said Yu Xiangrong, Chief Economist of Citigroup China.

    Innovation leads the way 

    As these provinces strengthen domestic demand, they are also turning to innovation to maintain momentum and secure a long-term competitive edge.

    In Linzi District, Zibo City, east China’s Shandong Province, a cutting-edge scene is unfolding at an intelligent robotics factory. A coffee robot expertly froths milk and crafts swan-shaped latte art, while a palletizing robot — resembling an octopus — swiftly grabs boxes of beer and places them onto a conveyor belt.

    Once known for its chemical industry, Linzi has transformed into a robotics hub. “Last year, our collaborative robot sales surpassed 1 billion yuan, capturing over 36 percent of the domestic market,” said Han Yongguang, chairman of the intelligent robot manufacturer.

    Seizing opportunities presented by the new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, Shandong is accelerating the development of new quality productive forces.

    Other economic powerhouses are also actively fostering new growth drivers. Guangdong is vigorously developing emerging industries such as new energy vehicles, AI and biopharma, while also cultivating future industries such as quantum computing and 6G.

    Zhejiang has set ambitious targets for this year, aiming to add 300 national-level “little giant” firms, elite small and medium-sized enterprises in manufacturing that specialize in niche markets and lead with cutting-edge technologies.

    Such consistent efforts have delivered tangible results. For instance, Sichuan’s high-tech manufacturing output grew robustly by 14.5 percent year on year in the first quarter, a notable acceleration of 6.1 percentage points from last year. Meanwhile, Jiangsu, a powerhouse in biopharma, saw a record 352 new drugs approved last year, of which 13 were innovative drugs, the highest number in a year.

    “The integration of technology and industry is now pivotal to national competitiveness,” said Zheng Lei, president of Hefei University of Technology.

    Leveraging high-quality development as a buffer against global volatility, the economic powerhouses drove a combined GDP of over 19 trillion yuan in the first quarter. In terms of economic growth rate, seven of these top 10 provinces outpaced the national average of 5.4 percent.

    “Continuing to serve as the ‘ballast stone’ amidst complex development conditions not only reflects the strength and advantages of these economic powerhouses but also demonstrates the resilience and potential of the Chinese economy,” said Dong Yu, executive vice president of the China Institute for Development Planning at Tsinghua University.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hernan Crespo returns as Sao Paulo manager

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

    Former Argentina international striker Hernan Crespo has been appointed manager of Sao Paulo for a second time, the Brazilian Serie A side said on Wednesday.

    Crespo, who had an eight-month spell in charge of the club in 2021, agreed to a deal that runs until December 2026.

    He replaces compatriot Luis Zubeldia, who was sacked on Tuesday after a poor start to Brazil’s top-flight season.

    “The relationship that was built between Crespo and Sao Paulo during the coach’s first stint left firm foundations of mutual respect and admiration,” Sao Paulo president Julio Casares said in a statement on the club’s official website.

    “He is a great professional, who already knows the club, won a title here and the time has come for him to return. We are pleased to make this return a reality.”

    Sao Paulo is currently 14th in Brazil’s 20-team Serie A standings with just two wins from 12 games so far. The club has fared better in the Copa Libertadores, finishing top of its group to advance to the last 16, where it will meet Colombia’s Atletico Nacional over two legs in August.

    Crespo, whose playing career included spells with Inter Milan, Chelsea and AC Milan, has been out of work since leaving the manager’s post at Al Ain last November. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Juventus net five in commanding CWC opener

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

    Manchester City and Juventus eased to wins while Real Madrid stumbled and Salzburg found a late winner at the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday.

    In Philadelphia, Phil Foden scored one goal and set up another as Manchester City secured a 2-0 victory over Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca.

    Despite resting key players, the Premier League side controlled the match from the outset with Foden firing home in the second minute after Savinho’s effort was parried away by goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid.

    Jeremy Doku doubled the lead just before halftime when he volleyed home at the far post following Foden’s corner.

    Pep Guardiola’s team cruised through much of the second half but failed to extend its lead, even after introducing Erling Haaland, Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan from the bench.

    City finished the match with 10 men after Rico Lewis was shown a straight red card for catching Samuel Obeng in the face with his boot during a sliding challenge.

    “We are pretty pleased with what we saw today from those who played,” Guardiola said. “We have new players; some players played in different positions. We have so many players that we need to give minutes to. Otherwise, they never can get it. The next game, 10 new players are going to be there to try to win again.”

    In Miami, Federico Valverde missed a late penalty as Real Madrid was held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.

    The Spanish side took the lead just after the half hour through Gonzalo Garcia, who finished a swift counterattacking move by side-footing home after Rodrygo’s perfectly weighted through ball.

    Ruben Neves equalized from the penalty spot after Raul Asencio brought down Marcos Leonardo just before halftime.

    Uruguayan midfielder Valverde squandered a chance to restore his side’s lead when his stoppage-time penalty was saved by Yassine Bounou.

    “I didn’t enjoy the first half too much but in the second half we were better,” Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso said. “We were better balanced, had better possession and pushed them deeper. The only thing we were missing was a goal. I’ll take that with me, and we’ll build on that.”

    In Cincinnati, Karim Onisiwo scored late as Austria’s Salzburg clinched a 2-1 victory over Mexican side Pachuca.

    Israel international midfielder Oscar Gloukh opened the scoring by curling a 20-yard shot into the far corner. Bryan Gonzalez equalized with a rasping free-kick that beat goalkeeper Christian Zawieschitzky at his near post.

    Salzburg wrested back the lead when Onisiwo rose highest to nod home from Mads Bidstrup’s cross.

    In Wednesday’s late match, Randal Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceicao scored two goals each as Juventus romped to a 5-0 win over United Arab Emirates outfit Al Ain.

    Turkey international forward Kenan Yildiz was also on target in Washington DC as the Italian Serie A side went top of Group G.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPIEF-2025: Traditional business breakfast at the Polytechnic dedicated to technological leadership

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On the first day of the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Polytechnic University hosted a traditional business breakfast with the participation of SPbPU experts and partners. This year, the theme of the meeting was “Strategy for Russia’s Economic Development: from Technological Sovereignty to Technological Leadership.”

    At the beginning of the meeting, the guests were greeted by the rector of SPbPU, chairman of the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy. He noted that over the past two decades, one of the main directions of Russia’s state policy has been achieving technological independence through import substitution. This strategy was considered a key element in ensuring the country’s intellectual, economic and political sovereignty, as well as the most important component of national security.

    Although the world economy was moving towards globalization and the creation of global production chains, dependence on imports remained a serious risk for national economies. Under this development model, advantages were always received by countries that controlled key technologies and were customers of final products.

    Due to the change in the foreign policy situation, the Russian government has adjusted its priorities for scientific and technological development. State support programs, previously aimed at import substitution, have received a new strategic direction.

    According to the Concept of Technological Development of Russia until 2030, approved in 2023, the main goal was to achieve technological leadership, that is, to create products that surpass foreign analogues in key parameters. It is planned to allocate about three trillion rubles from the federal budget for the implementation of eight national projects in this area, while comparable co-financing is expected from the regions and businesses.

    “We have gathered here an economic, spiritual, educational and production-financial micro-forum to discuss how these changes will affect the structure of the Russian economy and the global technology market; what roles industrial enterprises, universities, research institutions, development institutes and government bodies will play in implementing the strategy; how the new strategy relates to the concept of a multipolar world; what risks and opportunities it creates for all participants in the economic system,” said Andrey Rudskoy. “The theme of this year’s St. Petersburg International Economic Forum — the slogan ‘Common Values — the Basis for Growth in a Multipolar World’ — brings us to the question of how, while creating a multipolar world, to create economic structures that would allow each state to develop freely. The solution to this complex problem depends on the political situation throughout the world, but I believe that mutual assistance, reliable cooperation, and faith in the ideals of equality and brotherhood will help us with this.”

    On behalf of the Governor and the Government of St. Petersburg, the meeting participants were welcomed by Vice Governor Vladimir Knyaginin.

    It is very pleasant to see the intellectual elite here at the Polytechnic University, and I hope that today’s business breakfast will make an important contribution to understanding what is happening with science in our country,” he noted.

    The keynote speech “Scientific and technological complex of Russia. In search of a new development model” was given by the chief economist of the state development corporation VEB.RF, honorary doctor of SPbPU Andrey Klepach. He focused on the fact that almost all developed countries by 2020 began to increase their R&D spending, the competition of knowledge and technological development has intensified. But in Russia, spending has remained below 1% of GDP, that is, we are not participating in this race.

    “We have declared that the main goal is technological and economic sovereignty, but the results are still quite modest,” says Andrey Klepach. “What needs to be done to ensure that sovereignty is truly formed and strengthened? The issue of structural restructuring of the economy is quite acute, without which it will not be competitive. It is not only a matter of how much money to allocate to science, mechanical engineering, and IT, but also what the result will be in terms of added value and how the overall structure of our entire economy will change.”

    According to the expert, with all the importance of fundamental science, today it is necessary to rely on the advanced development of applied research. It is also necessary to interact with business, the real sector of the economy. Unlike other countries, in Russia, the share of business in financing science is not very large, but recently I began to grow. Many enterprises began to develop their own applied research centers. In this regard, Andrei Klepach proposed to consider the new management system of the scientific and technological complex. He said that in leading universities with strong fundamental science there are positive examples of the development of applied scientific centers and experimental industries (including in St. Petersburg). However, orientation exclusively on universities as the main drivers of technology development, according to the Western model of the development of science, did not justify hopes. In Russia, the main function of the university remains educational. The scientific and infrastructural potentials of most universities do not allow them to be considered as leading integrators of fundamental and applied science. Traditionally, the development of advanced through technologies is launched by the new needs of the defense sector and at the expense of budget funds, but the current format of the state defense order does not ensure this. It is advisable to form on the basis of leading state scientific centers, NICs and centers of the NTI of the head intersectoral and interdisciplinary national research centers of applied science in the format of national laboratories for individual priorities. Such a structure can ensure the transition of research and the results of the Russian Academy of Sciences to the stage of development and harmonize the rewind of technologies between civil and defense sectors.

    The economist also emphasized that no matter what the sovereignty, it is still impossible to develop without partnership, without scientific interaction.

    It is impossible to create all the technologies ourselves, even the Soviet Union could not do that. We need specific partnership contacts in Malaysia, India, China, and maintaining ties in the scientific community with European countries and the USA is extremely important, Andrey Klepach is sure.

    In her speech, Natalia Tretyak, General Director of JSC Prosveshchenie, said that in order to solve the problems of popularizing science and scientists, in 2023 the Foundation for the Development of Scientific and Cultural Relations of Universities established the Vyzov Prize and thanked the Polytechnic University for holding it. application campaign for this year’s award.

    The fact that we are discussing the problems of technological leadership today within the framework of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum allows us to hope that science and technology will become attractive to young people. A technological breakthrough is probably impossible if this area of activity is not fashionable, is not a role model. If we ask people on the street to name famous modern Russian scientists, I am afraid that many will not answer. Therefore, it is important that in the thoughts of the younger generation, the image of a scientist is formed as the image of a national hero. So that the value of science is recognized as one of the most important not only for the state and society, but also for an individual, – emphasized Natalia Tretyak.

    The scientific director of the Concern “TsNII Elektropribor”, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, honorary doctor of SPbPU, Hero of Labor of the Russian Federation Vladimir Peshekhonov, the rector of the Moscow Theological Academy, Bishop of Sergiev Posad and Dmitrov Kirill (graduate of the Polytechnic University), chairman of the All-Russian Society for Nature Conservation Vyacheslav Fetisov, and the head of the ANO “Russian Quality System” (Roskachestvo) Maxim Protasov also shared their vision of the problem.

    The closing remarks were made by the Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Chairman of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Valentin Parmon.

    Forbes magazine claims that the first real result of public-private partnership was what Academician Vladimir Ipatyev did in 1915, when he made the military chemical industry in Russia completely independent in a year, with almost no funds. And in 1921, when he was creating the chemical industry already in Soviet Russia, he formulated what technological sovereignty is. According to him, production can only be independent when it relies entirely on its own raw materials and technical personnel.

    After the official part, the guests exchanged opinions on the issues raised at the meeting in an informal setting. Thus, Deputy Director General of the presidential platform “Russia – Country of Opportunities” Dmitry Guzhelya noted that today Russia is confidently moving along the path of sustainable development, strengthening technological independence and competitiveness. This is not just a response to external challenges, but a long-term strategy that unites the efforts of the state, business, science and education.

    “The technological sovereignty and leadership of the country begin with the capabilities of each person,” said Dmitry Guzhelya. “Through the competitions and Olympiads of the presidential platform “Russia – the Country of Opportunities”, we open the doors to talents from all over the country. These are more than just projects. Here, the boundaries between regions and industries are erased: anyone who is ready to act can declare themselves, find a team of like-minded people and implement their ideas in order to make a significant contribution to the development of the country. Thus, we not only create an environment for growth, but also form a powerful personnel reserve for a technological breakthrough, linking talented specialists, business, science and the state.”

    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 Asia-Pac: SFST attends Lujiazui Forum to foster collaborative development of Shanghai and Hong Kong (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, attended the 2025 Lujiazui Forum and related events in Shanghai yesterday (June 18) and today (June 19). Addressing a seminar titled “Collaborative Development of Shanghai and Hong Kong International Financial Centres” today (June 19), he said that Hong Kong and Shanghai are unlocking many more new opportunities for collaborative development with their positions as the country’s “dual engine” financial centres, providing strong support for the country’s “dual circulation” strategy. Mr Hui also met with relevant heads of financial institutions during his stay in Shanghai.
     
    This year’s Lujiazui Forum is themed “Financial Opening-up and Cooperation for High-Quality Development in a Changing Global Economy”. Mr Hui attended the opening ceremony and plenary session of the Forum yesterday and addressed today’s seminar where the Hong Kong Financial Services Development Council and the Shanghai Research Center for Financial Stability and Development jointly released a research report on the “Synergistic Development of Shanghai and Hong Kong as International Financial Centres in the New Era”.
     
    Speaking at the Plenary Session IV titled “Deepening the Cooperation between Shanghai and Hong Kong as International Financial Centers” yesterday, Mr Hui said, “Riding on the solid foundation of Stock Connect, mutual-market access between financial markets on the Mainland and Hong Kong has been expanding in scope and capacity. Programmes such as Bond Connect, the inclusion of Exchange Traded Funds into Stock Connect, and Swap Connect have been implemented. These programmes enhance not only the product offering for domestic and foreign investors but also the attraction for more capital influx into the capital markets of the two places, promoting long-term development of the markets.
     
    “At the same time, Hong Kong needs to further enrich the offerings of its offshore Renminbi (RMB) market to facilitate the adoption of RMB by global market participants. To this end, we will step up efforts in four areas, namely enhancing offshore RMB liquidity, increasing products, improving infrastructure, and expanding new markets.”
     
    When talking about stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), Mr Hui pointed out that by utilising the innovative capabilities of private institutions, stablecoins are meant to create and implement new use cases for the digital economy with the integration of the financial system with the real economy. Hong Kong’s stablecoin regulatory framework takes into account both innovation and systemic risk prevention, covering the establishment of a transparent reserve asset system, the introduction of independent third-party institutions for regular audits, and the establishment of risk assessment mechanisms. Separately, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority is currently engaging the industry to carry out initial exploration on wholesale CBDCs.
     
    “In future, we anticipate closer collaboration with Shanghai in areas such as financial innovation and green finance to achieve synergy effects.”
     
    Yesterday morning, Mr Hui signed the Action Plan for Collaborative Development of Shanghai and Hong Kong International Financial Centres on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government with Shanghai to promote collaborative development, with a view to further forming a “dual hub” landscape of the two financial centres of Shanghai and Hong Kong, for better promotion of the internationalisation of RMB, thus contributing to a joint effort to building the country into a financial powerhouse. The Action Plan covers a number of measures, including supporting the Shanghai Clearing House (SHCH) to strengthen co-operation with Hong Kong banks and offshore Chinese banks in Hong Kong, supporting Mainland banks and financial institutions headquartered in Shanghai to set up regional headquarters in Hong Kong, and pressing ahead with the linkage of the Faster Payment System in Hong Kong with the Internet Banking Payment System on the Mainland.
     
    During his stay in Shanghai, Mr Hui also visited several financial institutions, including the Shanghai Gold Exchange, the SHCH, and the Shanghai Futures Exchange, and met with Deputy Chief Executive of the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Mr Wang Huabin, and the President of Bank of Communications, Mr Zhang Baojiang, to discuss and exchange views to explore opportunities and models for co-operation regarding matters such as promoting gold market development in Hong Kong, enhancement to the offerings of the offshore RMB centre, and fostering collaborative development with the Mainland in financial derivatives and futures markets.
     
    Mr Hui will return to Hong Kong this afternoon.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Record 54 Indian institutes in QS Rankings 2026; IIT Delhi tops national list

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A record 54 Indian institutions have been featured in the QS World University Rankings 2026, released on Thursday, with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi emerging as the top-ranked Indian institution nationally.

    IIT Delhi climbed from 150th position last year to 123rd this year—its best performance to date in the global rankings. The institute has overtaken IIT Bombay, which was India’s highest-ranked institution in 2025 but slipped from 118th to 129th this year.

    IIT Madras recorded one of the biggest jumps, rising 47 places to reach 180th position, up from 227th in 2025.

    According to the Ministry of Education, India has seen an “unprecedented rise” in representation, with more universities than ever earning a place in the global rankings. The ministry stated that India is now the fastest-growing G20 country in the QS rankings, recording a 390 per cent increase in the number of ranked institutions over the past decade.

    “This five-fold jump—from just 11 institutions in 2014 to 54 in 2026—is a testament to the transformative reforms brought in by the Modi government over the last ten years,” Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said in a post on X. “The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is not just changing our education system; it is revolutionising it.”

    This year, eight Indian institutions entered the QS rankings for the first time—the highest number of new entrants from any single country. With this, India now stands as the fourth most represented country in the list, behind the United States, the United Kingdom, and China.

    Nearly 48 per cent of Indian institutions already on the list improved their global positions this year, according to QS. Additionally, five Indian universities made it to the global top 100 in terms of employer reputation.

    Among other top-ranked Indian institutions are IIT Kharagpur (215th), the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore (219th), and Delhi University (328th).

    Private institutions also made their presence felt, with BITS Pilani placed at 668th and OP Jindal Global University in the 851–900 band.

    Globally, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) retained the top position for the 14th consecutive year.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denisovans inhabited vast areas of Asia at least 146,000 years ago – scientists

    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 19 (Xinhua) — Denisovans inhabited vast areas of Asia at least 146,000 years ago, Chinese paleoanthropologists have concluded based on a study of the skull of the so-called Harbin man, an early Denisovan.

    Denisovans are an extinct human subspecies or species whose remains were first discovered in 2008 in Denisova Cave in what is now Russia’s Altai Krai. Later, teeth, bone fragments, and an incomplete jaw were found on the Tibetan Plateau, the Penghu Islands, and elsewhere in China, suggesting that Denisovans may have been widespread in Asia.

    However, the lack of fossil specimens with complete morphological characteristics and convincing molecular evidence has seriously hampered our understanding of the morphology, distribution, and role of Denisovans in the evolution of ancient humans in East Asia.

    A research team led by Fu Qiaomei from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences conducted research on the well-preserved skull of the so-called Harbin Man, aged 146,000 years. Using molecular paleontology methods, the scientists were able to isolate DNA from the dental calculus of the Harbin Man and find out that he belonged to one of the early groups of Denisovans.

    The results of the study were published on Wednesday on the websites of the prestigious international scientific journals Science and Cell.

    Recent research provides key insights into the group affiliation of Harbin Man and a more complete picture of the morphology and genetic lineages of Denisovans.

    As scientists have acknowledged, many questions related to the Harbin man remain open. For example, did he spread further to the south of modern China, did he interact with other species of people, etc. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US imposes sanctions on CJNG leaders as global terrorists

    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

    NEW YORK, June 19 (Xinhua) — The United States has imposed sanctions on five Mexico-based leaders of the Cartel of Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) as especially dangerous international terrorists.

    In a statement posted on the U.S. State Department website Wednesday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce blamed the CJNG for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and other illicit drugs into the United States.

    The sanctions list includes CJNG leader Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” as well as Audi Flores Silva, who controls clandestine laboratories used to produce methamphetamine and other illegal drugs shipped to the United States.

    On January 20, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating the CJNG as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

    In the United States, fentanyl is the leading cause of death and related violence among people aged 18 to 49. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mexico Proposes Broad Security, Immigration, Trade Agreement with US

    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 19 (Xinhua) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday that she spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump and proposed a broad agreement covering security, immigration and trade.

    At a daily press conference at the National Palace, K. Sheinbaum said the conversation took place on Tuesday, after D. Trump interrupted his participation in the G7 summit in Canada due to the crisis in the Middle East.

    Given the size of the Mexican community in the United States, she stressed the need to create a formal and comprehensive framework for bilateral cooperation.

    “I proposed a general agreement that would cover security, immigration and trade,” she said. “I also emphasized the importance of recognizing Mexicans in the United States, families who have lived there for years and contributed to the country’s economy.”

    K. Sheinbaum pointed to progress on border security and immigration, citing a “much more secure” border and a “significant reduction” in the number of migrants crossing the border.

    She added that Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard would visit the United States on Friday to discuss outstanding trade issues, while security and immigration issues would be handled through the US State Department.

    Calling the phone call with Trump — the seventh since the start of his second presidential term — “good,” K. Sheinbaum said Trump apologized for canceling their meeting at the G7 summit and invited her to Washington for talks. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Taisugar Holds 2025 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, Approves NT$0.9 Cash Dividend per Share

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Taiwan Sugar Corporation (Taisugar) convened its 2025 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting at 10 a.m. today (June 12) at the Tainan Head Office. According to reports presented at the meeting, Taisugar recorded NT$31.435 billion in operating revenue and NT$2.941 billion in operating profit for 2024, exceeding budgeted figures by NT$1.641 billion and NT$1.363 billion, respectively. Taisugar successfully achieved its financial targets and approved a cash dividend of NT$0.9 per share for the fiscal year.

    Taisugar stated that in response to changes in the market environment, it continued to refine its business operations and implement goal-oriented management, resulting in steady growth in revenue and profit. In support of the government’s net-zero carbon policy, Taisugar had installed a total of 543.64 MW in solar photovoltaic facilities by the end of 2024. Additional initiatives include forest carbon sink projects, international smallholder carbon farming projects, conversion of factory boilers to natural gas (reducing annual carbon emissions by more than 20,000 tCO2e), and a sugar mill biomass carbon capture and utilization project. Taisugar is also accelerating the modernization of eco-friendly pig farms to advance its low-carbon transformation goals. Moreover, Taisugar continues to make land available to support the development of social housing and long-term care services in line with government policies. Six educational campuses under its administration have been converted into social housing units, addressing the housing needs of youth and underprivileged groups.

    Taisugar also reported strong performance over the past year in both sustainability and product and service excellence. The company received numerous honors, including the Taiwan Top 100 Sustainability Exemplary Enterprises Award, the TSAA Sustainability Action Award, the National Enterprise Environmental Protection Silver Award, an award at the Taiwan International Orchid Show, the Eco-Friendly Hotel Certification, the ITI Superior Taste Award-often referred to as the “Michelin Guide of the food industry”-and the Gold Award for Excellence in Occupational Safety and Health Engineering. In terms of innovation, Taisugar received the Agri-Tech Startups Award. In collaboration with the National Kaohsiung. University of Hospitality and Tourism, the company developed terroir-inspired rhum agricole using fresh sugarcane juice . After winning recognition at the World Spirits Competition in both 2023 and 2024, the rum once again shone this year, receiving two Grand Gold Medals at the Vinalies Internationales Competition in France. Taisugar also teamed up with Michelin-starred restaurants to launch curated food and rum pairing events, fully showcasing the achievements of local food and beverage innovation through industry-academia collaboration.

    Taisugar stated that these awards are not only a form of recognition but also a source of motivation. Looking ahead, the company will continue to strengthen corporate governance, fulfill its corporate social responsibilities, and stay committed to its sustainable net-zero goals. This year, under the theme of “Safe to Eat, Fun to Explore, and Green Living, ” Taisugar has thoughtfully curated a set of shareholder gifts that are both practical and aligned with sustainability values. The gift set includes one pack each of Taisugar’s “Tang Gan Mi Tian” organic white rice and brown rice (900g per pack), two one-way 50% discount coupons for the Chiayi Suantou Sugar Factory Cultural Park’s vintage narrow-gauge train ride to the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, and a reusable canvas tote bag featuring the “Xun Mi Narrow-Gauge Train” as its key visual. This well-rounded and distinctive selection reflects Taisugar’s corporate culture and brand philosophy. With these gifts, shareholders can enjoy premium, safe, and chemical-free organic rice; experience a nostalgic journey on the vintage narrow-gauge train celebrating a century of sugar history and millennia of cultural heritage; and embrace eco-friendly habits by using the canvas tote bag in daily life-collectively supporting a greener and more sustainable lifestyle.

    TSC News Contact Person:
    Chang Mu-Jung
    Public Relations, Department of Secretariat, TSC
    Contact Number: 886-6-337-8819 / 886-920-636-951
    Email:a63449@taisugar.com.tw

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Build a Prosperous F5.5G All-Optical Network Industry for New Growth in the AI Era

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Build a Prosperous F5.5G All-Optical Network Industry for New Growth in the AI Era

    [Shanghai, China, June 18, 2025] During MWC Shanghai 2025, the F5.5G All-Optical Industry Summit was successfully held with the theme of “10 Gbps Broadband and All-Optical Premium Transmission for a Win-Win AI Era.” At the summit, the booming F5.5G industry was a key topic of discussion among the Information and Communication Technology Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom, Maxis of Malaysia, and CTM. In particular, they shared the latest commercial practices of global carriers in 10 Gbps all-optical broadband as well as all-optical premium transmission. Huawei also shed light on its latest innovations in F5.5G all-optical networks from four aspects. These innovations help carriers develop four-in-one high-value packages to provide users with optimal AI application experience.
    In recent years, as the industry has come to a consensus and successful pilots emerge, F5.5G all-optical networks have seen accelerated commercial deployment. In optical access, more than 70 carriers worldwide have launched 10 Gbps packages, and the large-scale commercial use of 10 Gbps all-optical broadband has paved the way for new AItoH services. In optical transmission, more than 240 networks, each operating at 400G, have been deployed worldwide. Meanwhile, the industry is exploring the construction of 1 ms latency metro networks for ensuring that end users can quickly access computing power over the cloud, enabling AItoB application innovation. Han Xia, Executive Deputy Director & Secretary-general of Information and Communication Technology Committee of MIIT, China, noted in his opening speech, “Accelerating the upgrade of 10 Gbps all-optical broadband and all-optical premium transmission and the development of the technology industry are of great significance to promote the integration of digital economy and real economy, drive information consumption and effective investment, and improve people’s livelihood and well-being.”
    Deep cloud-intelligence-network-device collaboration drives new growth in the AI era
    With AI poised to become the core driving force of the global digital economy and reshape life and production, global carriers are also actively embracing AI. In particular, frontrunners are transforming from connection service providers to connection + computing + application service providers. When expanding intelligent services based on their connectivity advantages, carriers also face challenges such as insufficient application ecosystems, non-unified terminal interconnection ecosystems, and lack of differentiated network assurance.

    Li Peng, Huawei’s Senior Vice President and President of ICT Sales & Service, delivering a speech

    Li Peng, Huawei’s Senior Vice President and President of ICT Sales & Service said in his speech, “Homes and enterprises will become the most valuable scenarios in carriers’ AI strategic transformation. Huawei hopes to work with the industry to promote the development of F5.5G all-optical networks, support deep cloud-intelligence-network-device collaboration, and drive the application of AI to households and industries, achieving win-win growth in the AI era.”
    Continuous Innovation of AI-Centric F5.5G All-Optical Networks Stimulates New Growth of Home Broadband Services in the AI Era
    In the AI era, the key to the growth of carriers’ home broadband services is to provide end users with new values and sense of worthiness. Bob Chen, President of Huawei Optical Business Product Line, shared Huawei’s latest innovations in F5.5G all-optical networks from four dimensions. He pointed out that, “To fully improve the sense of worthiness for home broadband users, and make bandwidth upgrades visible, differentiated experience assurance sensible, new home devices attainable, and new services more popular, Huawei has continuously innovated to help carriers build four-in-one high-value packages and provide users with ultimate AI application experiences.”

    Bob Chen, President of Huawei Optical Business Product Line, delivering a keynote speech

    Huawei’s solution is fully upgraded in bandwidth upgrade, differentiated experience, new terminals, and rich home applications. The innovative 50G PON solution supports upgrade to ultra-gigabit and 10 Gigabit. Besides, Huawei’ solution improves the end-to-end network capabilities to provide high-value users with differentiated experience assurance. In addition, Huawei’s new terminal — AI home hub — as a smart home hub for users and offers rich intelligent applications based on home AI interaction entry. Meanwhile, Huawei and carriers are jointly exploring the construction of 1 ms latency all-optical metro networks, allowing users to access cloud computing resources and AI applications through deterministic low-latency networks.
    MWC Shanghai 2025 will be held from June 18 to June 20 in Shanghai, China. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions in Hall N1 of the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC).
    The commercial adoption of 5G-Advanced is accelerating in 2025. Huawei collaborates with global carriers, industry experts, and opinion leaders to explore how innovations in AI can be used to reshape telecom services, infrastructure, and operations to generate new revenue sources and accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
    For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwcs2025

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: UAE opens national pavilion at 31st BIBF, highlighting stronger cultural ties with China

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

    Hussain Al Hammadi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassador to China, officiated the opening of the UAE National Pavilion on June 18 at the 31st Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF), emphasizing his country’s commitment to deepening cultural relations with China. 

    Senior officials from both nations, including UAE Deputy Minister of Culture Mubarak Al Nakhi, were in attendance at the event, which runs from June 18-22 at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. The UAE’s participation is organized by the UAE Embassy in China, with involvement from the UAE Ministry of Culture. 

    Hussain Al Hammadi, UAE ambassador to China (third from right), and Mubarak Al Nakhi, UAE deputy minister of culture (third from left), along with senior officials, inaugurate the UAE National Pavilion at the 31st BIBF, Beijing, June 18, 2025. [Photo Provided to China.org.cn]

    Hussain Al Hammadi described the fair as a leading global platform that unites key players in international publishing and cultural fields. He noted that this provides opportunities for Emirati cultural institutions to promote their activities and projects, and to solidify effective cooperation with major global cultural and academic institutions.

    Al Hammadi stated that the UAE’s participation in the book fair represents a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the deep historical and cultural ties between the UAE and China. He mentioned that through the national pavilion, the UAE hopes to comprehensively showcase its cultural landscape, presenting the nation’s contributions in literature, art, heritage and innovation.

    He added that culture serves as a bridge for communication and understanding, and that books are powerful tools for conveying values and knowledge. He expressed hope that through this participation, cultural relations between the two countries would be deepened, unlocking new prospects for cooperation in publishing, education and the arts. He also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to present Emirati culture to Chinese friends and looked forward to enhancing cultural ties between the peoples of the two countries through this significant event.

    Attendees visit the UAE National Pavilion at the BIBF, Beijing, June 18, 2025. [Photo Provided to China.org.cn]

    The pavilion will host a range of dynamic activities, including professional seminars, bilateral meetings, guided tours and the signing of cooperation agreements aligned with the UAE’s vision for cultural openness. Notably, cultural activities include 16 cultural symposiums, exhibitions of Arabic calligraphy and artworks, and joint conferences to facilitate China-UAE cultural collaboration.

    A special Chinese-Arab archives section has also been set up in the pavilion, focusing on significant milestones in the history of relations between the two sides, along with book promotion events attended by renowned Emirati authors.

    The BIBF is one of the most influential book fairs globally, attracting over 2,600 exhibitors from more than 100 countries and regions each year. The fair also hosts several concurrent activities, including the China Book Award Ceremony and various professional forums and events.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s commercial space sector strives to reach new heights

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

    Over the waters off east China’s Shandong Province, a rocket blasts upward, streaking a brilliant trail through the sky.

    The launch, carried out by Chinese aerospace company Galactic Energy, successfully delivered four satellites into orbit, marking the firm’s fifth consecutive successful sea-based launch.

    Taking place on May 19, the mission is a prime example of how China’s commercial space industry is accelerating onto the fast track of development.

    From coastal launch pads to orbital deployment, activities among a new generation of private Chinese aerospace enterprises are redefining the country’s access to space, marked by greater frequency, precision and innovation.

    Building on this momentum, China’s commercial space sector is now entering an era of rapid development, driven by technological breakthroughs, expanding launch capabilities and the accelerated construction of space-based infrastructure.

    Rockets, satellites and launch sites form the three essential pillars of the commercial space industry. With China’s first launch facility dedicated to commercial missions becoming operational last year, the final piece of the country’s commercial space ecosystem is now in place, paving the way for fully integrated development.

    In 2025, several reusable rockets are scheduled to make their maiden flights in China. On the satellite front, large-scale constellations such as the Spacesail Constellation — a commercial Chinese low-orbit satellite network — continue to launch, while demand for small satellites is experiencing explosive growth.

    According to projections, the scale of China’s commercial space market is expected to exceed 2.5 trillion yuan (about 348 billion U.S. dollars) this year.

    “Space is a vital resource waiting to be explored, and we are very optimistic about the commercial space sector,” said Xia Dongkun, executive president of Galactic Energy.

    In 2024, the commercial space sector was listed in the country’s government work report as a “new engine of economic growth.” Cities such as Beijing and Shanghai soon followed the report with dedicated support policies and action plans, accelerating their investment in the commercial aerospace sector.

    In the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, also known as Beijing E-Town, more than 160 aerospace enterprises have formed a still-growing cluster, with companies engaged in full-rocket development accounting for 75 percent of the national total.

    As China’s commercial aerospace ecosystem continues to evolve, collaboration between market forces and supportive government policies is laying a solid foundation for sustained growth.

    To date, the number of commercial space companies in China has surged to over 500, with the number of satellites in orbit continuing to rise steadily.

    With the development of low-orbit satellite internet, some commercial satellite companies are moving toward mass production and cost-efficient manufacturing.

    At the satellite superfactory of Geespace in the city of Taizhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, an intelligent network system coordinates every stage of design, R&D, production, testing and operations.

    After undergoing more than 60 assembly procedures, a complete satellite is assembled, reducing the manufacturing cycle to just 28 days. Production speeds have increased 10-fold, and manufacturing costs have dropped significantly.

    “In satellite manufacturing, the advantages of commercial aerospace companies in low-cost, mass production are becoming increasingly evident,” said Zhang Shijie, chief scientist at space firm GalaxySpace.

    “The industry is shifting from small-batch, customized development to scaled production. The ability to build satellites like assembling computers is no longer a vision; it has become a reality,” Zhang added.

    From sea to space, China’s commercial rockets are not only breaking through the atmosphere, they’re also propelling a new era of innovation and industrial transformation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: TIR Export-Import Operations Launched in China-SCO Demonstration Zone in Qingdao

    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 19 (Xinhua) — The China-SCO Regional Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone in the eastern Chinese coastal city of Qingdao recently received the first two trucks carrying imported canned beef under the TIR international road system. Thus, in addition to export operations, the zone has also started import operations under the TIR system, according to Qingdao Customs.

    TIR is an international system that simplifies the transportation of goods between countries. Within this system, the goods are sealed at the starting point of the route and checked only upon arrival at the destination, and at intermediate border crossings, checkpoint officers only check the TIR carnet data and the customs seal for the vehicle. This reduces the time of transportation and reduces possible risks associated with administrative customs control procedures and damage to the goods.

    China joined the TIR Convention in July 2016.

    According to Gao Lin, CEO of one of the local foreign trade companies, for his company, transport operating within the TIR system has significant advantages over sea shipping in terms of shorter transportation time and, in comparison with air transport, due to lower costs, which has made it possible to significantly save both on time and on the cost of import-export logistics.

    According to customs data, there are currently four TIR routes operating in the China-SCO Demonstration Zone: China-Russia, China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan, China-Kazakhstan and China-Belarus-Russia.

    In the first five months of 2025, the number of TIR shipments from the zone was 169, up 245 percent year-on-year, with the total value of cargo transported reaching 121 million yuan (about 16.87 million US dollars), up 329 percent, making the zone the leader in China in terms of TIR shipment volume. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israel says it has launched new airstrikes in western Iran

    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/TEHRAN, June 19 (Xinhua) — The Israeli Air Force carried out new strikes on western Iran on Wednesday evening, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Effie Defrin said in a video message.

    The fighter jets flew over launch sites and storage areas for surface-to-surface missiles, hitting people trying to access and remove ammunition from previously shelled areas, he said.

    The IDF spokesman said it was the third major wave of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory in the past 24 hours. During the initial overnight operation, more than 50 fighter jets struck about 40 targets around Tehran.

    “Among the targets hit was a centrifuge plant, a key component of the Iranian regime’s uranium enrichment efforts,” Defrin said. Also hit was a facility near Tehran used to produce anti-tank missiles, including for the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, he added.

    The second wave of strikes began on Wednesday afternoon, with aircraft hitting more than 20 targets in the Tehran area.

    “The targets hit were part of Iran’s military industry and its security apparatus,” said E. Defrin. “They include three important facilities related to missile production, including engines, navigation systems and missile assembly.”

    In a video address to the nation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had air superiority over Tehran.

    Israel carried out an airstrike on Wednesday near police headquarters in Tehran, injuring several police officers, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: UN chief calls for de-escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran, ceasefire

    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

    UNITED NATIONS, June 19 (Xinhua) — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for an immediate de-escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran and a subsequent ceasefire.

    “I remain deeply alarmed by the ongoing military escalation in the Middle East between Israel and Iran. I reiterate my call for immediate de-escalation leading to a ceasefire,” A. Guterres said in a statement.

    He warned against widening the conflict to involve other countries.

    “I urge everyone to avoid further internationalization of the conflict. Any additional military intervention could have enormous consequences not only for the parties involved, but for the entire region and for international peace and security in general.”

    A. Guterres condemned the strikes, which resulted in tragic and unnecessary loss of life and injury to civilians, as well as damage to homes and critical civilian infrastructure.

    He said diplomacy remains the best and only way to resolve issues related to Iran’s nuclear program and regional security.

    “The UN Charter remains our common foundation for saving people from the scourge of war,” he said. “I call on all Member States to fully respect the Charter and international law, including international humanitarian law.” –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: E. Macron called for talks to resolve Iranian nuclear crisis and condemned escalation of conflict

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    PARIS, June 19 (Xinhua) — French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue can only be achieved through negotiations.

    During a meeting of the National Defense and Security Council, he reiterated that France is committed to an uncompromising dialogue with Iran.

    The president also expressed concern about the ongoing escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran, with strikes increasingly targeting targets unrelated to the Islamic Republic’s nuclear and missile programs, the Elysee Palace said in a press release.

    “It is urgent to stop these military operations, which pose a serious threat to regional security,” the Elysee Palace said.

    E. Macron also instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to propose in the coming days, in close consultation with key European partners, a credible plan for a negotiated settlement that would end the conflict. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Nine killed in road accident in southwest India

    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

    NEW DELHI, June 19 (Xinhua) — At least nine people, including a child and a woman, were killed in a road accident in India’s southwest state of Maharashtra, a local police official confirmed on Thursday.

    Three other people, including a child, were injured and taken to a nearby government hospital.

    The accident took place on the Jejuri-Morgaon road in Pune district when a private car moving at a very high speed rammed into a stationary car. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Who are Iran’s allies? And would any help if the US joins Israel in its war?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    As Israel continues its attacks on Iran, US President Donald Trump and other global leaders are hardening their stance against the Islamic Republic.

    While considering a US attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, Trump has threatened Iran’s supreme leader, claiming to know his location and calling him “an easy target”. He has demanded “unconditional surrender” from Iran.

    Meanwhile, countries such as Germany, Canada, the UK and Australia have toughened their rhetoric, demanding Iran fully abandon its nuclear program.

    So, as the pressure mounts on Iran, has it been left to fight alone? Or does it have allies that could come to its aid?

    Has Iran’s ‘axis of resistance’ fully collapsed?

    Iran has long relied on a network of allied paramilitary groups across the Middle East as part of its deterrence strategy. This approach has largely shielded it from direct military strikes by the US or Israel, despite constant threats and pressure.

    This so-called “axis of resistance” includes groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Iraq, the Houthi militants in Yemen, as well as Hamas in Gaza, which has long been under Iran’s influence to varying degrees. Iran also supported Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria before it was toppled last year.

    These groups have served both as a regional buffer and as a means for Iran to project power without direct engagement.

    However, over the past two years, Israel has dealt significant blows to the network.

    Hezbollah — once Iran’s most powerful non-state ally — has been effectively neutralised after months of attacks by Israel. Its weapons stocks were systematically targeted and destroyed across Lebanon. And the group suffered a major psychological and strategic loss with the assassination of its most influential leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

    In Syria, Iranian-backed militias have been largely expelled following the fall of Assad’s regime, stripping Iran of another key foothold in the region.

    That said, Iran maintains strong influence in Iraq and Yemen.

    The PMF in Iraq, with an estimated 200,000 fighters, remains formidable. The Houthis have similarly sized contingent of fighters in Yemen.

    Should the situation escalate into an existential threat to Iran — as the region’s only Shiite-led state — religious solidarity could drive these groups to become actively involved. This would rapidly expand the war across the region.

    The PMF, for instance, could launch attacks on the 2,500 US troops stationed in Iraq. Indeed, the head of Kata’ib Hezbollah, one of the PMF’s more hardline factions, promised to do so:

    If America dares to intervene in the war, we will directly target its interests and military bases spread across the region without hesitation.

    Iran itself could also target US bases in the Persian Gulf countries with ballistic missiles, as well as close the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply flows.

    Will Iran’s regional and global allies step in?

    Several regional powers maintain close ties with Iran. The most notable among them is Pakistan — the only Islamic country with a nuclear arsenal.

    For weeks, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has tried to align Iran more closely with Pakistan in countering Israel’s actions in Gaza.

    In a sign of Pakistan’s importance in the Israel-Iran war, Trump has met with the country’s army chief in Washington as he weighs a possible strike on its neighbour.

    Pakistan’s leaders have also made their allegiances very clear. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered Iran’s president “unwavering solidarity” in the “face of Israel’s unprovoked aggression”. And Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently said in an interview Israel will “think many times before taking on Pakistan”.

    These statements signal a firm stance without explicitly committing to intervention.

    Yet, Pakistan has also been working to de-escalate tensions. It has urged other Muslim-majority nations and its strategic partner, China, to intervene diplomatically before the violence spirals into a broader regional war.

    In recent years, Iran has also made diplomatic overtures to former regional rivals, such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt, in order to improve relations.

    These shifts have helped rally broader regional support for Iran. Nearly two dozen Muslim-majority countries — including some that maintain diplomatic relations with Israel — have jointly condemned Israel’s actions and urged de-escalation.

    It’s unlikely, though, that regional powers such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey would support Iran materially, given their strong alliances with the US.

    Iran’s key global allies, Russia and China, have also condemned Israel’s strikes. They have previously shielded Tehran from punitive resolutions at the UN Security Council.

    However, neither power appears willing — at least for now — to escalate the confrontation by providing direct military support to Iran or engaging in a standoff with Israel and the US.

    Theoretically, this could change if the conflict widens and Washington openly pursues a regime change strategy in Tehran. Both nations have major geopolitical and security interests in Iran’s stability. This is due to Iran’s long-standing “Look East” policy and the impact its instability could have on the region and the global economy.

    However, at the current stage, many analysts believe both are unlikely to get involved directly.

    Moscow stayed on the sidelines when Assad’s regime collapsed in Syria, one of Russia’s closest allies in the region. Not only is it focused on its war in Ukraine, Russia also wouldn’t want to endanger improving ties with the Trump administration.

    China has offered Iran strong rhetorical support, but history suggests it has little interest in getting directly involved in Middle Eastern conflicts.

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

    – ref. Who are Iran’s allies? And would any help if the US joins Israel in its war? – https://theconversation.com/who-are-irans-allies-and-would-any-help-if-the-us-joins-israel-in-its-war-259265

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Amundi Third-Party Distribution Investor Workshop: a powerful growth engine

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Amundi Third-Party Distribution Investor Workshop:
    a powerful growth engine

    Today, Amundi, the leading European Asset Manager1 with €2.25tn2 of assets under management, will hold a workshop for investors focused on its Third-Party distribution platform. The workshop will be led by Fannie Wurtz, Head of Distribution & Wealth, ETFs and Chair of Asia, Vincent Mortier, Group Chief Investment Officer and Guillaume Lesage, Group Chief Operating Officer.

    At Amundi, Third-party distribution covers the Group’s global activity with banking networks3, private banks & wealth managers, digital banks and platforms, asset managers as well as insurers and IFAs.

    This business has been the fastest-growing at Amundi in the past 4 years. Its assets under management have more than doubled since 2020 to reach €401bn at end-2024, achieving Amundi’s 2025 target one year ahead of plan.

    Its scalable platform now represents 18% of Amundi’s total assets and 57% of its retail Assets. The strong momentum during the 2021-2024 period – with net inflows of +€74bn – has continued in the first quarter of 2025 with a further +€8bn of net inflows.

    The attractive growth potential of the platform with all client types, in all countries is supported by market tailwinds and macro trends, but most of all by the differentiating expertise of Amundi.

    The continued success of the business line is underpinned by key market trends:

    • Increasing global financial wealth, expected to grow by +6% a year to reach $367tn in 2028;
    • Expansion of the private pensions market in Europe and Asia to support an ageing population;
    • Continued growth in the digital wealth segment;
    • Concentration of relationships with asset managers in favour of the large players offering a wide range of products and services.

    Amundi Third-party Distribution business line leverages Amundi’s core strengths – diversification, investment performance, partnership approach and technology and scale.

    It provides tailored solutions to serve, at best, the needs of more than 600 clients, in 27 countries, through its diversified capabilities:

    • Investment solutions, including active & treasury products, ETF & Index, structured products and Real Assets;
    • Model portfolios;
    • Servicing, marketing and training;
    • Technology and digital tools;
    • Wrapping solutions.

    Fannie Wurtz, Head of Distribution & Wealth & ETF Divisions, said:

    ‘Third-party distribution is a powerful growth engine that draws on Amundi’s core strengths. The combination of our scale, diversification and global reach, with our ability to provide tailored solutions and local support, allows us to address the end-to-end needs of a wide range of client types in this fast-growing segment of the retail market. Building on our successful results over the last four years, Amundi is well-placed to capitalise on long-term market trends and opportunities, and see further growth potential in 2025 and beyond.”

    This event will be held at Amundi London offices and webcast via Zoom, a replay will be available soon after the event at about.amundi.com, in the « Shareholders » section, along with the slides and transcript of the event.

    About Amundi

    As Europe’s leading asset manager among the world’s top 10 players1, Amundi offers its 100m clients – individuals, institutions and corporates – a full range of savings and investment solutions in active and passive management, in traditional and real assets. This offer is enriched with services and technological tools that cover the entire savings value chain. A subsidiary of the Crédit Agricole group, Amundi is listed on the stock exchange and currently manages more than €2.2tn in assets under management4.

    Its six international management platforms5, its financial and extra-financial research capacity, as well as its long-standing commitment to responsible investment make it a leading player in the asset management landscape.

    Amundi’s clients benefit from the expertise and advice of 5,700 professionals in 35 countries.

    Amundi, a trusted partner that acts every day in the interest of its clients and society.

    www.amundi.com  

    Press contacts:        
    Natacha Andermahr 
    Tel. +33 1 76 37 86 05
    natacha.andermahr@amundi.com 

    Corentin Henry
    Tel. +33 1 76 36 26 96
    corentin.henry@amundi.com

    Investor contacts:
    Cyril Meilland, CFA
    Tel. +33 1 76 32 62 67
    cyril.meilland@amundi.com 

    Thomas Lapeyre
    Tel. +33 1 76 33 70 54
    thomas.lapeyre@amundi.com 

    Annabelle Wiriath

    Tel. + 33 1 76 32 43 92

    annabelle.wiriath@amundi.com

    1        Source: IPE “Top 500 Asset Managers” published in June 2025 based on assets under management as of 31/12/2024
    2As of 31 March 2025
    3Excluding partner networks: Crédit Agricole/LCL, Société Générale, UniCredit, Banco Sabadell, Bawag, and the partners of our JVs State Bank of India, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China, South Korea’s NongHyup Bank and Morroco’s Attijariwafa Bank.
    4Amundi data as of 31/03/2025
    5Paris, London, Dublin, Milan, Tokyo and San Antonio (through our strategic partnership with Victory Capital)

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Amundi Third-Party Distribution Investor Workshop: a powerful growth engine

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Amundi Third-Party Distribution Investor Workshop:
    a powerful growth engine

    Today, Amundi, the leading European Asset Manager1 with €2.25tn2 of assets under management, will hold a workshop for investors focused on its Third-Party distribution platform. The workshop will be led by Fannie Wurtz, Head of Distribution & Wealth, ETFs and Chair of Asia, Vincent Mortier, Group Chief Investment Officer and Guillaume Lesage, Group Chief Operating Officer.

    At Amundi, Third-party distribution covers the Group’s global activity with banking networks3, private banks & wealth managers, digital banks and platforms, asset managers as well as insurers and IFAs.

    This business has been the fastest-growing at Amundi in the past 4 years. Its assets under management have more than doubled since 2020 to reach €401bn at end-2024, achieving Amundi’s 2025 target one year ahead of plan.

    Its scalable platform now represents 18% of Amundi’s total assets and 57% of its retail Assets. The strong momentum during the 2021-2024 period – with net inflows of +€74bn – has continued in the first quarter of 2025 with a further +€8bn of net inflows.

    The attractive growth potential of the platform with all client types, in all countries is supported by market tailwinds and macro trends, but most of all by the differentiating expertise of Amundi.

    The continued success of the business line is underpinned by key market trends:

    • Increasing global financial wealth, expected to grow by +6% a year to reach $367tn in 2028;
    • Expansion of the private pensions market in Europe and Asia to support an ageing population;
    • Continued growth in the digital wealth segment;
    • Concentration of relationships with asset managers in favour of the large players offering a wide range of products and services.

    Amundi Third-party Distribution business line leverages Amundi’s core strengths – diversification, investment performance, partnership approach and technology and scale.

    It provides tailored solutions to serve, at best, the needs of more than 600 clients, in 27 countries, through its diversified capabilities:

    • Investment solutions, including active & treasury products, ETF & Index, structured products and Real Assets;
    • Model portfolios;
    • Servicing, marketing and training;
    • Technology and digital tools;
    • Wrapping solutions.

    Fannie Wurtz, Head of Distribution & Wealth & ETF Divisions, said:

    ‘Third-party distribution is a powerful growth engine that draws on Amundi’s core strengths. The combination of our scale, diversification and global reach, with our ability to provide tailored solutions and local support, allows us to address the end-to-end needs of a wide range of client types in this fast-growing segment of the retail market. Building on our successful results over the last four years, Amundi is well-placed to capitalise on long-term market trends and opportunities, and see further growth potential in 2025 and beyond.”

    This event will be held at Amundi London offices and webcast via Zoom, a replay will be available soon after the event at about.amundi.com, in the « Shareholders » section, along with the slides and transcript of the event.

    About Amundi

    As Europe’s leading asset manager among the world’s top 10 players1, Amundi offers its 100m clients – individuals, institutions and corporates – a full range of savings and investment solutions in active and passive management, in traditional and real assets. This offer is enriched with services and technological tools that cover the entire savings value chain. A subsidiary of the Crédit Agricole group, Amundi is listed on the stock exchange and currently manages more than €2.2tn in assets under management4.

    Its six international management platforms5, its financial and extra-financial research capacity, as well as its long-standing commitment to responsible investment make it a leading player in the asset management landscape.

    Amundi’s clients benefit from the expertise and advice of 5,700 professionals in 35 countries.

    Amundi, a trusted partner that acts every day in the interest of its clients and society.

    www.amundi.com  

    Press contacts:        
    Natacha Andermahr 
    Tel. +33 1 76 37 86 05
    natacha.andermahr@amundi.com 

    Corentin Henry
    Tel. +33 1 76 36 26 96
    corentin.henry@amundi.com

    Investor contacts:
    Cyril Meilland, CFA
    Tel. +33 1 76 32 62 67
    cyril.meilland@amundi.com 

    Thomas Lapeyre
    Tel. +33 1 76 33 70 54
    thomas.lapeyre@amundi.com 

    Annabelle Wiriath

    Tel. + 33 1 76 32 43 92

    annabelle.wiriath@amundi.com

    1        Source: IPE “Top 500 Asset Managers” published in June 2025 based on assets under management as of 31/12/2024
    2As of 31 March 2025
    3Excluding partner networks: Crédit Agricole/LCL, Société Générale, UniCredit, Banco Sabadell, Bawag, and the partners of our JVs State Bank of India, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China, South Korea’s NongHyup Bank and Morroco’s Attijariwafa Bank.
    4Amundi data as of 31/03/2025
    5Paris, London, Dublin, Milan, Tokyo and San Antonio (through our strategic partnership with Victory Capital)

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –