NewzIntel.com

Category: China

  • MIL-OSI China: Immigration raids in Los Angeles trigger mass protests

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

    The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided several locations in Los Angeles on Friday, sparking mass protests downtown.

    As immigration crackdowns continue across Southern California and the nation, the raids have resulted in at least 44 individuals being detained, igniting widespread protests, confrontations and chaos in the second-largest U.S. city.

    As videos posted online showed, about a hundred protesters were in a standoff with immigration agents on Friday noon, when several workers were taken into custody in handcuffs at a clothing store in the Fashion District.

    The Service Employees International Union California issued a statement saying the union’s president, David Huerta, was “injured and detained” during the raid.

    Huerta was arrested for “interfering with federal officers” as he “deliberately obstructed their access by blocking their vehicle,” said United States Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli in an X post.

    Essayli also said federal agents were serving a search warrant in the Fashion District for alleged fictitious employee documents. He said there’s reason to believe an employer was using fictitious documents for some of its workers.

    In the evening, about 500 people gathered in downtown Los Angeles to protest the raids. Large crowds walked through the area holding signs and chanting “ICE out of LA”.

    Videos from the scene showed protesters clashing with policemen as tear gas and pepper spray were used. Some protesters used hammers to break concrete columns and throw large broken concrete at the officers.

    Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Jim McDonnell issued a statement Friday, saying LAPD was not involved in civil immigration enforcement during the daytime. However, the LAPD declared the protest in the evening as an unlawful assembly and later issued a City Wide Tactical Alert, requesting all officers to remain on duty.

    “I’m aware that these actions cause anxiety for many Angelenos,” McDonnell said in the statement, “I want everyone, including our immigrant community, to feel safe calling the police in their time of need and know that the LAPD will be there for you without regard to one’s immigration status.”

    Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a statement Friday night, saying that she was “deeply angered” by the federal immigration enforcement actions in the city.

    “These tactics sow terror in our communities and distrust basic principles of safety in our city. My office is in close coordination with immigrant rights community organizations. We will not stand for this,” said the statement.

    Local community organizations held a press conference in the evening denouncing the raids.

    “They were random sweeps, and they were picking up our community in random sweeps. They were racially profiling our community,” said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition of Humane Immigrant Rights, at the conference. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China remains a steadfast partner: Sri Lankan deputy minister

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

    Prasanna Gunasena (2nd L), deputy minister of transport and highways, inspects the Port Access Elevated Highway project in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on June 6, 2025. (China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation/Handout via Xinhua)

    “China is one of the friendliest countries to Sri Lanka, and we hope that this friendship will last a long time,” Prasanna Gunasena, deputy minister of transport and highways, told Xinhua on Friday during an inspection of the Port Access Elevated Highway project in Colombo.

    Gunasena, accompanied by Director General of the Road Development Authority K.W. Kandambi, representatives of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), and senior officials from the Ministry of Transport and Highways, visited the site to review progress on what is set to become the longest bridge in Sri Lanka.

    The 5.27-km Port Access Elevated Highway, featuring a two-way, four-lane design and built using advanced segmental box girder prefabrication, has reached its final phase of construction.

    “This is a very good project for Sri Lanka,” said Gunasena, emphasizing that the project, built by CCECC, contributes a lot to the locals. “When it is completed, we expect an economic boost. That is the main objective of this project.”

    Speaking about Sri Lanka-China cooperation, Gunasena said he values the longstanding partnership between the two countries.

    “China will continue to be our friend and help us develop our economy,” he said, referencing China’s history of supporting major infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Iran condemns US travel ban as hostile, discriminatory

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

    Iran on Saturday strongly condemned a new U.S. travel ban targeting citizens from several countries, including Iran, calling the move a “clear sign of deep-seated hostility toward Iranians.”

    Iran’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, in a statement reported by state news agency IRNA, denounced the U.S. government’s decision, asserting that the restrictions target individuals solely based on their nationality and religion.

    The ministry added that such policies reflect a discriminatory mindset and violate fundamental principles of international law, including the principles of non-discrimination and respect for human rights.

    The statement called on the United Nations and international human rights bodies to publicly oppose Washington’s “unilateral and discriminatory measures.” It also affirmed that Iran would use all available means to protect the rights of its citizens and respond to the consequences of such actions by the U.S. administration.

    U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday evening to ban travel from certain countries, citing national security risks. The White House said the proclamation, set to take effect on June 9, would fully ban the entry of nationals from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: French President Macron to visit Greenland on June 15

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

    French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to pay an official visit to Greenland on June 15, the French daily Le Monde reported on Saturday, citing a French presidential office source.

    At the invitation of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Jens-Frederik Nielsen, prime minister of Greenland’s self-government, French President Macron will be the first foreign head of state to visit Greenland since U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of annexation, Le Monde reported.

    According to the French presidential office, the Elysee, the three leaders will hold talks over security in the North Atlantic and the Arctic, as well as issues related to climate change, energy transition, and supply of critical minerals.

    This visit aims to “strengthen cooperation with Greenland in these areas and contribute to strengthening European sovereignty,” Le Monde noted, citing the Elysee source.

    Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to acquire Greenland, a strategically located and resource-rich autonomous territory of Denmark.

    Greenland, once a Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It was granted home rule in 1979, expanding its autonomy, although Denmark retains control over foreign affairs and defense. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 8, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 8, 2025.

    Bougainville wants independence. China’s support for a controversial mine could pave the way
    ANALYSIS: By Anna-Karina Hermkens, Macquarie University Bougainville, an autonomous archipelago currently part of Papua New Guinea, is determined to become the world’s newest country. To support this process, it’s offering foreign investors access to a long-shuttered copper and gold mine. Formerly owned by the Australian company Rio Tinto, the Panguna mine caused displacement and severe

    Ponsonby community up in arms over impending post office closure
    Asia Pacific Report The community is up in arms over another local post office in Aotearoa New Zealand about to be closed down, this time in the iconic and historic Auckland inner city suburb of Ponsonby. A local author and founder of Greenstone Pictures, John Harris, has led a pushback against plans to close the

    ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 7, 2025
    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 7, 2025.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China targets nationwide expansion of labor pain relief services

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

    A nurse holds a newborn baby and interacts with the mother in a hospital in Xuzhou City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, May 12, 2024. (Photo by Bai Xue/Xinhua)

    China is stepping up efforts to expand access to labor pain relief as part of a broader push to upgrade maternal healthcare and promote a birth-friendly society.

    According to a circular issued Thursday by Chinese authorities, all third-grade medical institutions that offer obstetric services are expected to provide painless childbirth options by the end of 2025. These institutions represent the highest level in China’s three-tier hospital classification system.

    By 2027, coverage will be extended to include all second-grade and higher medical institutions with obstetric departments nationwide, according to a document jointly issued by the National Health Commission and other government agencies.

    Painless childbirth, technically known as labor analgesia, involves administering medication into the mother’s spinal canal to reduce pain during delivery significantly. The technique is widely regarded as safe, effective and well-established by medical professionals, yet its use in China remained limited to a narrow group of mothers until recent years.

    Xu Qian, a veteran obstetrician at Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital with over 30 years of experience, recalled that labor analgesia technology was available in China in the 1980s and 90s but attracted little attention at the time. “Even many doctors believed that pain was an inevitable part of childbirth,” she said.

    Meanwhile, multiple studies have suggested that the rate of cesarean sections in China was more than 40 percent around the 2010s, with figures even higher in more developed regions — significantly above the rates observed in many other countries.

    In 2018, China launched a national pilot program to promote labor pain relief, participated in by more than 900 hospitals. As a result, the average rate of pain relief use in these pilot facilities increased from 27.5 percent in 2015 to 60.2 percent by 2022.

    Acceptance of labor analgesia has been growing significantly following strong awareness campaigns and improved support systems, according to Xia Wei, an obstetrician at the West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, one of the pilot hospitals in southwest China’s metropolis of Chengdu.

    “Now our hospital handles around 10,000 natural deliveries each year, and more than 8,000 of those mothers opt for labor analgesia,” Xia said.

    As one of the beneficiaries, a female surnamed Qin living in Chengdu gave birth to her second child with pain relief by epidural anesthesia, experiencing a “much smoother” delivery compared with her first one eight years ago.

    “Without pain relief methods, the pain lasted for a day and a night during my first delivery,” she said. “But this time, the pain was much more manageable.”

    However, access remains uneven. While some hospitals report usage rates above 80 percent, facilities in central and western regions, particularly at the county level, still lag behind.

    Experts believe that public misconceptions, a shortage of anesthesiologists, and the rather high labor pain relief costs for many remain major challenges.

    “Some young mothers want labor analgesia, but their elders object,” said Xu from Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital. She noted that the grandparents worried that the anesthesia might harm the babies’ brains, prolong labor, or affect breastfeeding.

    Expectant mothers, especially those who lack knowledge about epidural anesthesia, need a detailed introduction and explanation from the authorities and doctors to make informed choices.

    “Besides official education channels, we should also use social media and prenatal checkups to share accurate information about pain relief options,” said Chen Li, an anesthesiologist at Jilin Women and Children’s Hospital.

    According to Gao Yu, an obstetrician at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in southern China’s Guangdong Province, a majority of expectant mothers are interested in labor pain relief and willing to undergo an epidural after being informed of its safety and advantages.

    Experts say the procedure is especially beneficial for expectant mothers with conditions such as high blood pressure or mild heart disease, as unmanaged labor pain can cause spikes in blood pressure and increase delivery risks.

    “Among the pregnant women we see, 80 to 90 percent ask about painless childbirth in advance,” Gao said. “After evaluation, most choose this method. Only about 10 percent have concerns.”

    To ensure service quality and safety, Thursday’s circular calls for enhanced monitoring and management of labor analgesia practices.

    Medical institutions are required to follow strict protocols for intraspinal analgesia, including preoperative preparation, puncture techniques, and proper anesthetic dosing. They are also asked to conduct joint emergency drills between obstetrics and anesthesiology departments and enhance their ability to handle emergencies.

    Beyond safety concerns, some expectant mothers who want pain relief face logistical hurdles.

    Labor analgesia requires an anesthesiologist to be present throughout the procedure, but China faces a national shortage of such professionals. In large hospitals with heavy surgical workloads, anesthesiologists are often stretched thin. In smaller, county-level hospitals, the option is rarely promoted due to limited staffing.

    “Labor often starts unpredictably, sometimes in the middle of the night,” said Chen Yan, an obstetrician at Chengdu First People’s Hospital. “It’s hard for smaller hospitals to keep anesthesiologists on standby.”

    To address this, the circular urges medical institutions to strengthen the training of professionals in labor analgesia by incorporating standardized pain relief techniques into residency programs for obstetrics and anesthesiology.

    Additionally, the document calls for the formation of labor analgesia teams comprising staff from obstetrics, anesthesiology and hospital management. It also urges public hospitals to adjust compensation systems to better reflect the expertise and workload involved.

    In China, the costs of an epidural during labor usually ranges from 1,000 yuan (140 U. S. dollars) to 3,000 yuan in public hospitals, which could be regarded as a high price by some families. Since 2022, several national policy documents aimed at boosting birth rates and building a birth-friendly society have encouraged local governments to include labor pain relief in basic health insurance schemes.

    Some provinces have already introduced reimbursement policies to ease the financial burden on families. In east China’s Jiangsu Province, as of March, 79,000 women had received epidural labor analgesia since it was included in the medical insurance coverage in July 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of 70 percent.

    Chen Li believes that the inclusion of labor pain relief in basic health insurance is another major boost for promoting labor analgesia.

    “We hope to see faster implementation of the measure and stronger public awareness campaigns across the country,” she said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, EU discuss EV anti-subsidy case, brandy anti-dumping probe, export controls

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

    China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic held talks in Paris on June 3 on the EU’s anti-subsidy case involving Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), China’s anti-dumping investigation into brandy originating from the EU, and export control policies, a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said Saturday.

    The two sides conducted focused, candid and in-depth discussions on urgent and important issues including the above during their talks, and instructed their work teams to step up efforts to make economic and trade preparations for the important agenda between China and the EU this year, the spokesperson said.

    They conducted a professional, in-depth discussion on the EV case, making a significant step in the right direction toward proper resolution of the case, the ministry said.

    Price commitment negotiations on the EV case between China and the EU have entered their final stage, but further efforts from both sides are still needed. The EU also proposed the exploration of new technical paths, which China will assess for feasibility from both legal and technical perspectives, according to the ministry.

    Both sides instructed their work teams to redouble efforts to find mutually acceptable solutions in a manner that complies with their respective legal provisions and WTO rules, and to resolve trade differences in the proper manner, the ministry said.

    On the brandy case, it noted that both sides had a “friendly and candid” discussion. French enterprises and relevant associations have submitted price commitment applications to the Chinese side, and they have reached an agreement with China’s investigatory authorities on the core terms of those price commitments.

    China is reviewing the complete text of the price commitments, and should they pass this review process, the final ruling announcement should be issued before July 5, according to the ministry.

    China has fully demonstrated its sincerity in resolving its trade differences with the EU through dialogue and consultation. It also hopes that the EU will work with China in the same direction, address China’s concerns properly, and create conditions for the further expansion of cooperation, the spokesperson said.

    Wang clarified China’s export control policies for the EU side, emphasizing that implementing export controls on rare earths and other items is a common international practice, according to the spokesperson.

    China attaches great importance to the concerns of the EU side, and is willing to establish a green channel for eligible applications and expedite the approval process, the ministry said. China has also instructed relevant work teams to maintain timely communication on this matter.

    Wang expressed hope that the EU side will work in the same direction with China and take effective measures to facilitate, guarantee and promote the compliant trade of high-tech products with China, according to the spokesperson.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: NEV cooperation among RCEP members fuels green development

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

    From new energy vehicles (NEVs) to shared visions of a greener future, low-carbon development brought China and its fellow Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member states closer together at a recent dialogue in Hefei, east China’s Anhui Province.

    The dialogue was focused on NEVs and advanced photovoltaic industrial and supply chains, and spotlighted the growing resolve of participating countries to transform mobility and advance sustainable development.

    It was a key part of the 2025 RCEP Local Governments and Friendship Cities Cooperation (Huangshan) Forum, which ran from June 4 to 6 and brought together approximately 300 delegates from all 15 RCEP member states. The forum yielded 27 cooperation deals spanning trade, technology and sister-city ties.

    Under the RCEP framework, a number of joint projects were unveiled and signed during the event, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainability and deeper regional collaboration.

    As protectionism and unilateralism continue to challenge global supply chains, the electric vehicle industry is facing increasing uncertainty.

    Against this backdrop and as the world’s largest free trade agreement by population and trade volume, the RCEP is emerging as a stabilizing force, bringing greater certainty to the global economy. This perspective was echoed by many forum participants.

    Under the RCEP framework, NEV cooperation between member states is gaining strong momentum. In May, PT SGMW Motor Indonesia (Wuling) celebrated the production of its 3-millionth electric vehicle globally, and has manufactured 40,000 units at its plant in Cikarang, West Java. Geely reached a key milestone with the trial production of its EX5 model at its factory in Purwakarta, Indonesia, which is set to begin mass production in the third quarter.

    Meanwhile, Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has begun construction on a passenger vehicle plant in Cambodia’s Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone. With a planned annual capacity of 10,000 vehicles, the plant is expected to start operations by the end of this year.

    Representatives at the forum noted a clear shift in NEV cooperation among RCEP members — from early-stage vehicle exports to deeper local integration. This transition has been marked by the establishment of regional manufacturing hubs and the development of full supply chains, including battery materials and key components.

    SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile’s factory in Indonesia, for example, has adopted a comprehensive setup encompassing both car manufacturing and the supply of parts to support the upgrade of the country’s auto industry.

    Major Chinese battery makers such as China Aviation Lithium Battery (CALB), Gotion High-Tech and SVOLT Energy Technology have also expanded into RCEP countries, building factories in Thailand, Vietnam and beyond. Some have already begun local production, accelerating the regional growth of an electric vehicle ecosystem.

    “ASEAN represents a vibrant and dynamic region, with rising demand for mobility solutions, growing environmental awareness, and a youthful population that embraces change,” said Edmund Araga, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines.

    In recent years, RCEP members have set goals to cut carbon emissions. Cambodia is aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and increase its renewable energy share to 70 percent by 2030. Thailand is planning for electric vehicles to account for 30 percent of its car production by 2030, and to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

    “Together, we represent more than 2.3 billion people and around 30 percent of global GDP. That is not just economic scale — it is social responsibility,” said Bhokin Bhalakula, former president of the National Assembly of Thailand and chairman of the Thai-Chinese Culture and Economy Association, speaking of the RCEP member states.

    “RCEP has established a mechanism for long-term cooperation for us,” said Dennis Chuah, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of Malaysia, adding that battery development and recycling are expected to become key areas of long-term cooperation between Malaysia, China and other RCEP members.

    As the host city of the dialogue, Hefei is making big strides in the new energy sector. In 2024, the city’s NEV output exceeded 1.37 million units, with the total value of its industrial chain hitting 260 billion yuan (about 36.19 billion U.S. dollars). Its solar and energy storage sectors also saw rapid growth, exceeding 180 billion yuan.

    According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, China produced nearly 4.43 million NEVs in the first four months of 2025, up 48.3 percent year on year, with sales rising 46.2 percent to 4.3 million units. NEVs accounted for 42.7 percent of all new vehicle sales during the period.

    “China has become a global leader in NEVs — not just in terms of production, but in R&D, battery innovation, infrastructure and scale,” Araga said. “Together, we have the power to shape the future of mobility in Asia and the world.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: He Lifeng to visit the UK, hold first meeting of China-US economic, trade consultation mechanism

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

    Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced in Beijing on Saturday that at the invitation of the U.K. government, He Lifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice premier of the State Council, will visit the U.K. from June 8 to 13.

    While in the U.K., He will hold the first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism with the U.S. side, said the spokesperson.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Commerce ministry: China approves some rare earth export applications

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

    China has approved a certain number of export license applications for rare earth-related items, considering rising global demand for medium and heavy rare earth elements driven by industries such as robotics and new energy vehicles, a spokesperson with the Ministry of Commerce said Saturday.

    Rare earth-related items have dual-use attributes for both military and civilian purposes, the spokesperson said, noting that imposing export controls on such items is in line with international practice.

    The spokesperson emphasized that the controls aim to better safeguard national security and interests and fulfill international obligations of non-proliferation, which reflects China’s commitment to world peace and regional stability.

    China will continue to strengthen the review of compliant applications and is ready to enhance communication and dialogue on export controls with relevant countries to facilitate compliant trade, the spokesperson said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: InvestHK to deepen economic ties with Canadian investors and businesses (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    InvestHK to deepen economic ties with Canadian investors and businesses (with photo) 
         “Hong Kong and Canada have long shared a strong and mutually beneficial investment relationship. In 2023, Canada ranked eighth among the major sources of inward direct investment into Hong Kong, contributing over US$34 billion. At the same time, Hong Kong made outward direct investment of around US$10 billion to Canada, reflecting the deep economic ties and two-way confidence between our markets,” Mr Ng said. “Hong Kong will continue to play its unique role as both a ‘super connector’ and a value creator, bridging traditional and emerging markets and unlocking new opportunities for Canadian businesses.”
     
    During his visit to Waterloo, Toronto and Montreal, Mr Ng will meet with investors, family offices, multinationals, Canadian start-ups, academia and business leaders to explore new opportunities for collaboration and showcase Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a launchpad for Asian expansion. Key discussions will focus on leveraging the city’s strategic gateway position to Mainland China and its business-friendly environment for scaling operations.
     
    Mr Ng will host exclusive roundtables for entrepreneurs and Canada-Hong Kong ecosystem partners to highlight Hong Kong’s strengths in wealth management and cross-border investment solutions. He will also participate in networking events to promote Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025, inviting Canadian investors and entrepreneurs to visit Hong Kong November 3 to 7, engage with Asia’s dynamic markets, and experience the opportunities Hong Kong offers firsthand.
     
    Hong Kong and Canada have established longstanding and strong ties across trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchanges. This relationship was further strengthened by the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, which came into effect in September 2016, providing Canadian and Hong Kong investors with a transparent and secure environment to foster cross-border investment. In 2023, Canada ranked as Hong Kong’s ninth largest services trading partner, with bilateral trade growing at an average annual rate of 2.2 per cent from 2019 to 2023.
    Issued at HKT 9:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits western Indian-Antarctic Ridge – USGS

    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 8 (Xinhua) — An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 jolted the western Indian-Antarctic Ridge at 23:20 GMT on Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

    According to preliminary data, the epicenter of the tremors was located at a point with coordinates of 47.83 degrees south latitude and 116.02 degrees east longitude. The hypocenter was located at a depth of 10.0 km. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: He Lifeng to visit the UK, hold first meeting of China-U.S. economic, trade consultation mechanism

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

    He Lifeng to visit the UK, hold first meeting of China-U.S. economic, trade consultation mechanism

    BEIJING, June 7 — Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced here on Saturday that at the invitation of the U.K. government, He Lifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice premier of the State Council, will visit the U.K. from June 8 to 13.

    While in the U.K., He will hold the first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism with the U.S. side, said the spokesperson.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: TV interview with Patricia Karvelas, ABC News Afternoon Briefing

    Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

    Patricia Karvelas: Trade Minister Don Farrell is in Paris at the moment, meeting with his European counterparts on the sidelines of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting. I spoke to him a short time ago. Minister, welcome to the program.

    Minister for Trade: Thank you, Patricia.

    Patricia Karvelas: You’ve said talks have been positive. What’s different this time round?

    Minister for Trade: The world has changed since the last time we had had negotiations with the Europeans. The fact that we’ve had the largest group of trade ministers meeting here in Paris this week, I think is a pretty good clue that most countries think that things have changed and that those countries that are committed to free and fair trade, as we are, need to do more to ensure that we make progress and show the rest of the world that we can in fact prosper by free and open trade. I think that’s the key thing that’s changed in the last 18 months, Patricia.

    Patricia Karvelas: And has there been an escalation in the interest, the enthusiasm, essentially because of the Trump agenda that’s upended global tariffs and the global tariff war?

    Minister for Trade: Look, I think certainly this week I’ve probably had more discussions with more countries in the space of two days than I’ve ever had in the past. Those countries that are interested in free and fair trade want to do more. You’ll recall one of our first interviews, Patricia, I was in Japan. We were renewing our trade relationship with Japan. We wanted to commit to diversifying our trading relationship and that’s exactly what we’ve done. We’ve got new trade agreements. We want to do more trade agreements. Every time we do one of those trade agreements, we improve the prosperity of our country. What we know is if you’re an outward facing company, then your profits are likely to be higher than one just selling internally. And secondly, and I think importantly, the wages of your staff likely to be higher. So, there’s lots of good reasons why we should trade, and other countries feel the same way.

    Patricia Karvelas: Can you name any countries that look like they might be interested in perhaps changing the arrangements between us and them where the actual dial has changed significantly?

    Minister for Trade: Well, you know, the European Union, that’s 27 countries just in one hit there. I had a very, very good meeting with the new Trade Commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič. Fortunately, he’s Slovakian and one of my staff speaks Slovakian, so that’s very good. He’s made it very clear that those 27 countries are interested in another crack at a free trade agreement. It was a very positive meeting. There was a lot of warmth in the room. We’ve sent our officials off today to Brussels to see if we can nut out the bones of an agreement. And if we can, we’re going to move very quickly on that one.

    Patricia Karvelas: What sort of time frame are you thinking?

    Minister for Trade: Look, I’m reluctant to set a timeframe because, of course, that creates expectations and, you know, if you don’t meet them, well, it looks like you’re not making progress. But both of us have agreed that we’ll move as quickly as we can. I had a very good meeting with my good friend, Trade Minister Goyal from India. He’s keen for a fresh trade agreement. We can do more with India. India, the largest country in the world now. A country where by 2030, they say that they’ll have 900 million people in what they describe as their middle class. And what we know is when people move into that middle class, their expectations of food and wine go up. And, of course, no country produces better food and wine than Australia.

    Patricia Karvelas: Well, I think we can agree on that. Let me take you to the EU sticking points. In the past, we’ve obviously had disputes over the naming rights of things like Prosecco or feta. Does it look like they might be moving on those issues?

    Minister for Trade: Look, it’s early, early days, Patricia. I’m hoping that with some goodwill and some tough bargaining, there’s still going to be plenty of tough bargaining to go on that, we can resolve all of the outstanding issues that were the impediments to getting an agreement last time. We have to be prepared to compromise. I think we have to make compromises if we’re going to get an agreement, but so do they. I think if we can, if we can reach a point where both of us feel that the agreement is in the best interest of both of our regions, then I think we can get there.

    Patricia Karvelas: Ok. And the opposition has already said that you need to be playing hardball. And clearly, they’re kind of putting out the markers of what they would consider, indeed, a fair deal for Australia. Are you playing hardball?

    Minister for Trade: I’m doing what I always do, Patricia, which is coolly and calmly negotiate these things through. I mean, you have to remember this opposition. When we came to government three years ago, we had $20 billion worth of trade impediments from China. That opposition didn’t get a single tariff removed, a single extra kilo of beef into China. Come last Christmas, we got the final impediments moved when we freed up crayfish sales back into China. And, you know, not only did we get that $20 billion worth of trade back, but when it did come back, we’re actually selling more than we were before the impediments were introduced. That’s certainly the case with a whole range of the products.

    Patricia Karvelas: There have been improvements. Let me put this to you. The EU wants greater access to our skilled migrant scheme. Is that something that you’re willing to look at?

    Minister for Trade: Look, these are all things that they can raise, and we’re raising issues too. As much as I’d like to do the negotiations on the ABC.

    Patricia Karvelas: Ok, but is that a hard no for you or are you open to that concept?

    Minister for Trade: Look, look, look, they are entitled to put issues on the table just as we are. And we’ll work through all of those issues. And I think my job is to come up with the best possible agreement that improves the prosperity of Australian businesses and Australian workers. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do in this process.

    Patricia Karvelas: Now, you’ve also met with Jamieson Greer, that’s the US Trade Representative, on the sidelines there of this OECD meeting. I’m guessing you pretty much pressed the case on tariffs. Did you ask, Minister, for the same deal as the UK has on metals’ tariffs? Because we’ve got that 50 per cent tariff now. Have you asked for the 25 per cent tariff?

    Minister for Trade: No, I’ve asked for a better deal, Patricia. I’ve asked for the removal of all tariffs on Australian products. And the reason for that is that, and I think we might have discussed this on a previous occasion, our trade relationship with the Americans roughly works this way. It’s worth $100 billion, $70 billion is what the Americans sell us, $30 billion is what we sell them. The trade relationship between Australia and the United States is overwhelmingly in the United States interest benefit. And so, I think that the best position that we can adopt is simply that we don’t accept that we should be subject to reciprocal tariffs when the trade relationship is so overwhelmingly in favour of the United states.

    Patricia Karvelas: Sure, but the UK currently, though Minister, with respect, does have a better. I mean, it’s still a tariff, but it has a better rate of tariff than we do. So, you might have asked for something better, but currently the UK has the better deal. Have you been trying to press for a deal? Are we likely to get a deal with the US?

    Minister for Trade: What we would like, Patricia, is for the United States to honour the free trade agreement that’s been in place now for 20 years which says that all of these products should be going into the United States tariff free. That’s our position, Patricia, and that’s what we want the Americans to do. And that’s what I’ll continue to press Mr Greer and Mr Lutnick for.

    Patricia Karvelas: What reception did you get when you asked?

    Minister for Trade: Look, he understood, and he acknowledged. In fairness to him, he acknowledged that the trade relationship between Australia and the US is very much in their favour. I mean, look, he’s a busy man let me tell you. What the Americans have done is tear up 80 post war years of trade agreements and said that they want to rewrite those trade agreements in the space of 90 days. Now, we’re already 60 days into that 90 days, and only one agreement has been released – reached – and that’s the one that you referred to with the United Kingdom. So, obviously –

    Patricia Karvelas: Just to be clear, are you hopeful that we will get a deal just like the UK has now?

    Minister for Trade: I want a better deal than the UK. I want America to honour its obligations under our free trade agreement and remove all of those tariffs: the 10 per cent tariffs on goods other than steel and aluminium and the 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium.

    Patricia Karvelas: But you have to accept that that’s unlikely given Trump’s agenda, right so that’s where the negotiation comes in. Right now we don’t have a deal at all.

    Minister for Trade: Patricia, no, well that’s true, that’s true. We don’t have a deal. But Patricia, anybody who thinks that they know how this is all going to play out is kidding you. There’s still a long way to go out, to go in this process. Already we’ve seen pushback in the American legal system to the introduction of these tariffs decisions, overturning the tariffs. Sure, there’s a long way to go in the legal processes there. But look, we’re, we’re going to be staying calm. We haven’t retaliated. Some countries have retaliated. I met with the Chinese Trade Minister, Wang Wentao, that was my tenth meeting with him. He indicated to me what their response to the Americans was. I indicated to him that Australia was not going to retaliate. We didn’t retaliate when we were subject to tariff increases by China. We’re not going to retaliate against the United States. We have a very strong defence relationship with the United States. But, Patricia, we are going to press our arguments strongly for the removal of these tariffs.

    Patricia Karvelas: You mentioned defence. I just need to check, are you linking the defence spending at all with this?

    Minister for Trade: No. We are not two separate issues. We have an excellent Defence Minister in Richard Marles, and he’ll continue to progress the the AUKUS discussions. We’re not going to link the two. You might recall that Mr. Dutton was proposing to link the two I think –

    Patricia Karvelas: I recall absolutely, which is why I’m checking. Minister, we’re out of time, but thank you so much for joining us all the way at a very different time from Paris. Appreciate your time.

    Minister for Trade: Great to talk with you, Patricia.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran Says It Received ‘Confidential’ Documents on Israel’s ‘Nuclear Program’ – State Media

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TEHRAN, June 7 (Xinhua) — Iran says its intelligence services have obtained a trove of documents related to Israel’s nuclear program, Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported Saturday. Israeli officials have yet to comment on the report.

    The documents, described by Iranian media as “sensitive and strategic,” were said to have been smuggled out of Israel. IRIB, citing unnamed regional sources, called the alleged acquisition of the information one of the most significant intelligence leaks in Israel’s history.

    The materials allegedly include thousands of files detailing Israeli nuclear facilities and plans. The transfer of the documents required a media blackout to ensure their safe arrival in Iran, IRIB reported. The state broadcaster noted that the volume of data was so large that it took weeks to review and catalogue it.

    The report from Iran follows a statement by the General Security Service and the Israel Police on May 20, when the agencies said they had arrested two Israeli citizens in April near the city of Haifa on suspicion of gathering intelligence for Iran. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Office of the Special Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has called on foreign politicians to stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs.

    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

    HONG KONG, June 7 (Xinhua) — A spokesperson for the Office of the Special Representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Saturday expressed strong dissatisfaction and resolute protest over the gross interference of some foreign politicians in the affairs of the HKSAR and China’s internal affairs.

    As the department clarified, this was a response to recent unfounded statements by foreign politicians regarding the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and their blatant interference in matters affecting national security.

    The official representative noted that under the protection of the national security law, public order is effectively maintained in the SAR, justice is upheld, the rule of law is protected, and the legal rights of residents and the investment and business environment of the metropolis are even better ensured.

    According to him, Hong Kong is a society governed by the rule of law, where no one enjoys extra-legal privileges and any offense committed is punished according to the law. The SAR judiciary exercises its authorized functions independently and in accordance with the law, guaranteeing fair and impartial procedures that are beyond criticism.

    The spokesman stressed that some foreign politicians ignore the fact that their own countries have numerous national security laws, are oblivious to their own dismal record of human rights and rule of law atrocities, and violate the fundamental principle of international relations of non-interference in domestic affairs.

    The brazen attempts by these politicians to undermine the rule of law in the Hong Kong SAR expose their hypocrisy and double standards, the diplomat said, calling on them to acknowledge the facts, change their behavior and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs in any form. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Leaders of Uzbekistan and Pakistan held a telephone conversation

    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

    Tashkent, June 7 /Xinhua/ — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation, the press service of the Uzbek leader reported on Saturday.

    The results of the practical implementation of the agreements reached during the historic visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to Uzbekistan in February of this year were discussed, the report says.

    The progressive strengthening of strategic partnership and the intensification of contacts and exchanges at various levels were noted with satisfaction.

    It is noted that there is a noticeable increase in the volume of mutual trade and cargo transportation, the frequency of direct flights is increasing. Projects are being implemented in the fields of pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textile industry, logistics and other areas. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran ready for nuclear inspections, but won’t accept coercion – president

    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 7 (Xinhua) — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday that his country is ready for inspection of its nuclear facilities but does not accept coercion.

    M. Pezeshkian made the statement during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu in the Iranian capital Tehran, commenting on the ongoing indirect nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington, according to a statement published on the website of the presidential office.

    Iran’s president has said the country’s nuclear activities are completely “transparent,” a claim that has been repeatedly confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

    “We are ready for inspections, but we consider it unacceptable to deprive peoples of access to knowledge, technology and scientific achievements,” M. Pezeshkian said, adding that Iran is always ready to listen to logical reasoning, but will never allow “coercion and bullying.”

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, in turn, expressed his country’s respect for Iran’s “principled and logical” position on issues of peaceful nuclear activities.

    The parties agreed to develop bilateral relations in all areas, the statement noted.

    According to Iran’s official news agency IRNA, Nurtleu arrived in Tehran on Saturday morning, where he was met by his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China approves several rare earth metal export applications — Ministry of Commerce

    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 7 (Xinhua) — China has approved a number of applications for rare earth export licenses, given growing global demand for medium and heavy rare earth elements from industries including robotics and electric vehicles (NEV), an official with the Ministry of Commerce said Saturday.

    According to him, rare earth products have dual use – for both military and civilian purposes, and the introduction of export controls on such products is in line with recognized international practice.

    The official stressed that the control measures are aimed at better ensuring national security and interests and fulfilling international non-proliferation obligations, reflecting China’s commitment to world peace and regional stability.

    China will continue to strengthen compliance screening of applications and is willing to expand communication and dialogue on export control issues with relevant countries to promote compliant trade, a Ministry of Commerce official said. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Parliamentary elections in Armenia will be held on June 7, 2026

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Yerevan, June 7 /Xinhua/ — The next elections to the National Assembly /parliament/ of Armenia will be held on June 7, 2026, the speaker of the country’s legislative body Alen Simonyan announced on the social network Telegram on Saturday.

    “Today is June 7. There is exactly one year left until the next elections to the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia. They will take place on June 7, 2026. The countdown has begun,” A. Simonyan wrote.

    Armenia is a parliamentary republic. The country is led by a prime minister elected by parliamentarians. The current prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, has held the post since 2018. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ukraine denies Russia’s claim about delays in prisoner exchange

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    KYIV, June 7 (Xinhua) — Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War on Saturday denied Russia’s claims that the prisoner exchange agreed upon by the parties during peace talks on June 2 is being delayed.

    “Today’s statements by the Russian side do not correspond to reality and previously reached agreements,” the department said in a statement.

    According to the agency, Ukraine handed over to Russia a list of prisoners of war subject to exchange, including seriously wounded and sick. However, Russia sent back other lists that “do not correspond” to the agreed exchange parameters.

    The headquarters noted that Ukraine has provided the necessary comments and is now awaiting the next step from the Russian side. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vice Premier of the State Council of China to visit the UK, hold first meeting of China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism

    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 7 (Xinhua) — At the invitation of the British government, He Lifeng, member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), will visit the UK from June 8 to 13, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in Beijing on Sunday.

    As specified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while in the United Kingdom, He Lifeng will hold the first meeting of the China-US Trade and Economic Consultation Mechanism together with US representatives. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: Volgograd Region of the Russian Federation is ready to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China — Deputy Governor

    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 7 /Xinhua/ — In recent years, exchanges between the Volgograd Region of the Russian Federation and China in various areas have become increasingly close, the region is ready to further deepen bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation. This was stated recently by Deputy Governor Anna Pisemskaya at a meeting with foreign journalists.

    “The Volgograd Region and China have long-standing, strong friendly ties. Cooperation is stable and dynamically developing,” said A. Pisemskaya, answering a question from a correspondent of the Xinhua news agency.

    She noted that in recent years, trade and economic cooperation between the Volgograd Region and China has become increasingly close, and trade turnover continues to grow.

    “According to the Federal Customs Service of Russia, in 2024, the volume of trade turnover between the Volgograd Region and China increased by almost 67 percent compared to 2023. In the total volume of foreign trade turnover of the region, the turnover with China accounted for 14.8 percent, taking 1st place out of 104 partner countries in foreign economic activity,” said A. Pisemskaya.

    “These figures speak for themselves; our business is more active than business with other countries,” said the deputy governor.

    According to her, Chinese investments in the economy of the Volgograd region are not just financial injections, but confident steps towards sustainable development.

    “Thanks to advanced technologies and experience of Chinese companies, the region receives a powerful impetus for modernization of industry, agriculture and infrastructure. In turn, the Volgograd Region offers China reliable supplies of high-quality agricultural products, advantageous logistics routes and access to the capacious market of the South of Russia,” said A. Pisemskaya.

    She added that every aspect of the partnership between the Volgograd Region and China is built on the principles of mutual respect, common goals and impressive synergy that benefits both parties.

    A. Pisemskaya also emphasized that the development of relations between the Volgograd region and China is not limited to foreign trade relations; humanitarian exchanges are also supported.

    “Chinese tourists are interested in visiting Volgograd, a hero city with a rich history, and Volgograd residents are increasingly studying the Chinese language and culture, discovering new perspectives for themselves,” she said.

    According to official data, today the Russian hero city of Volgograd has three sister cities in China: the city of Jilin in the province of Jilin /Northeastern China/, the city of Qujing in the province of Yunnan /Southwestern China/ and the city of Chengdu in the province of Sichuan /Southwestern China/. And between the Volgograd region and the Chinese province of Jilin, sister city relations have also been established.

    In addition, since 2010, when Volgograd State Social and Pedagogical University (VSPU) and Tianjin University of Foreign Languages (TUFLU) jointly created the Confucius Institute at VSPU, Chinese language education in the region has been developing rapidly.

    “The Confucius Institute at the Volgograd State Pedagogical University is one of the key centers of Chinese culture and education in the south of Russia,” said A. Pisemskaya, adding that today 394 Chinese students are studying at universities in the Volgograd Region; they not only study, but also actively participate in the social and cultural life of Volgograd and the region.

    At the end of May this year, the All-Russian qualifying round of the 24th World Chinese Language Competition among students, secondary school and primary school pupils “Chinese is a Bridge” was held in Volgograd.

    In addition, in mid-May of this year, the Volgograd State Conservatory named after P. A. Serebryakov and TUIYA signed an agreement of intent to cooperate. The document marked the beginning of deepened ties between the parties in the field of music education.

    “Cultural and humanitarian ties between our regions are only getting stronger, creating a solid foundation for further interaction,” the deputy governor noted.

    According to her, the Volgograd region is ready to deepen cooperation with Chinese partners for joint development.

    “The plans for the future are even more impressive: joint innovative projects, development of “green” energy, expansion of transport corridors and deepening of scientific and educational cooperation. All this makes the partnership between us a stronghold of fruitful interaction, where each side only wins,” A. Pisemskaya summed up. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israel issues evacuation warning for residents of northern Gaza Strip

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    JERUSALEM, June 7 (Xinhua) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday issued a warning to residents of two areas in the northern Gaza Strip to evacuate in anticipation of upcoming strikes.

    The warning applies to the Abd al-Rahman neighborhood in northwestern Gaza City and the Nahda neighborhood in the Jabaliya refugee camp, IDF spokesman Avichai Adraei said on social media site X.

    “This is an advance warning before the attack. The IDF will strike all areas used for launching rockets,” the warning states, calling on residents to “immediately evacuate to the south.”

    Israel continues to strike the Gaza Strip as the Palestinian enclave faces a worsening humanitarian situation marked by widespread destruction, limited access to aid, and severe shortages of food, water and medicine. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia has dealt the largest blow to Kharkiv since the conflict began, city mayor says

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Kyiv, June 7 (Xinhua) — On Saturday night, Russia dealt the most powerful blow since the start of the Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict to Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv. As a result, at least three people were killed and 21 others, including two children, were injured. Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov reported this on Telegram.

    During the first hour and a half of the attack, at least 40 explosions thundered in the city, he noted, adding that the Russian army simultaneously used missiles, guided aerial bombs and attack drones.

    According to him, as a result of the shelling in Kharkov, 18 apartment buildings and 13 private houses were damaged.

    According to the Ukrainian Air Force, on Saturday night the Russian Federation launched a total of 206 drones and nine missiles at Ukrainian territory. The air defense forces managed to neutralize 167 drones and seven missiles. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ukraine postponed the acceptance of bodies of the dead and the exchange of prisoners – V. Medinsky

    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 7 (Xinhua) — Russia on June 6 began the process of transferring more than 6,000 bodies of fallen Ukrainian servicemen to Ukraine and exchanging prisoners of war, but Kyiv unexpectedly postponed both the acceptance of the bodies and the prisoner exchange indefinitely, Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian negotiating team, said on Saturday.

    “On June 6, in strict accordance with the Istanbul agreements, the Russian side began implementing a humanitarian action to transfer more than 6,000 bodies of dead Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen to Ukraine, as well as to exchange wounded and seriously ill prisoners of war and prisoners of war under 25 years of age. The first batch of frozen bodies of Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers, 1,212 in number, has already arrived in refrigerated trucks to the exchange area. The rest are on the way,” V. Medinsky wrote on his Telegram page.

    According to the head of the Russian negotiating group, the Russian Defense Ministry’s contact group is on the border with Ukraine. The negotiating group from the Ukrainian side “for some reason did not even arrive at the exchange site,” he says, adding that “the reasons given are various, and rather strange.”

    “We call on Kyiv to strictly adhere to the schedule and all agreements reached, and to immediately begin the exchange,” V. Medinsky emphasizes.

    So far, the Ukrainian side has not responded to Russia’s accusations. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vice Chairman of NPC Standing Committee Calls for High-Quality Development of Border Areas with Large Ethnic Minorities

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    KUNMING, June 7 (Xinhua) — Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), has called for promoting the cultivation of a sense of community among the Chinese nation and promoting high-quality socio-economic development in ethnic minority areas.

    Li Hongzhong, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, made the call during an inspection tour of southwest China’s Yunnan Province from Thursday to Saturday.

    During the trip, he visited communities and villages to gain insight into the progress of local efforts to promote ethnic unity and improve rural governance. He also learned about the progress of conservation work at Dianchi Lake in Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province.

    Li Hongzhong stressed the importance of further promoting progress in ethnic unity, advancing extensive contacts, exchanges and interactions among various ethnic groups, resolving ethnic issues in accordance with the law, and enhancing governance capacity and level in this area. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: State Councilor Shen Yiqin calls for promoting high-quality, full employment

    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

    NANJING, June 7 (Xinhua) — Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin has called for strengthening the training of skilled talent and ensuring employment and entrepreneurship for college graduates and other youth to promote high-quality and full employment.

    She made the remarks during a tour of Suzhou, Wuxi and Nanjing in east China’s Jiangsu Province from Wednesday to Friday to survey the employment situation and improve vocational skills.

    Shen Yiqin learned about the current situation of the employment sector through various visits, and called for improving the quality and focus of work in implementing large-scale professional development programs, and cultivating high-quality professionals.

    According to her, it is necessary to effectively use public service agencies and market organizations in a unified manner, provide more accurate and effective employment services, and intensify assistance in finding employment for groups of the population experiencing difficulties in this area.

    She also called for full use of existing support policies and optimisation of employment and entrepreneurship services for young groups such as university graduates during the graduation season. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese state councilor calls for promoting high-quality, full employment

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

    NANJING, June 7 — Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin has called for efforts to intensify the cultivation of skilled talent, ensure employment and entrepreneurship among college graduates and other young people, and promote high-quality and full employment.

    Shen made the remarks during a research trip on employment and vocational skills training from Wednesday to Friday in the cities of Suzhou, Wuxi and Nanjing in east China’s Jiangsu Province.

    During her trip, Shen learned about the current state of employment through visits to various locations, urging an enhancement of the quality and focus of large-scale vocational training programs, as well as the cultivation of high-quality skilled talent.

    It is vital to coordinate and leverage the roles of public service and market institutions, provide more precise and efficient employment services, and strengthen employment assistance for vulnerable groups, she said.

    She also called for making full use of existing support policies, and for optimizing employment and entrepreneurship services for young groups such as college graduates during the graduation season. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia has begun transferring bodies of the dead to Ukraine and exchanging prisoners of war

    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 7 /Xinhua/ – Russia on June 6 began to transfer more than 6,000 bodies of the dead to Ukraine, and exchange the wounded and seriously ill prisoners of war. This was reported on the Telegram channel by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to the Russian president and head of the Russian delegation at the talks with the Ukrainian side.

    As RIA Novosti reports with reference to V. Medinsky, “the Russian side, in strict accordance with the Istanbul agreements, on June 6 began implementing a humanitarian action to transfer to Ukraine more than 6,000 bodies of dead Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen, as well as to exchange wounded and seriously ill prisoners of war and prisoners of war under 25 years of age.”

    “However, the Ukrainian side unexpectedly postponed both the acceptance of bodies and the exchange of prisoners of war for an indefinite period,” he wrote. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –