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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI China: South Africa unveils plan to tackle climate change in coastal areas

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

    A man works at the Extrupet plastic recycling center in Wadeville, near Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    To mark World Environment Day, South Africa on Thursday unveiled its inaugural Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan, a strategic initiative to enhance resilience in coastal areas facing climate threats.

    Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Dion George said the initiative aligns with South Africa’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and supports the country’s ocean economy goals while safeguarding critical sectors like tourism and fisheries.

    “This plan provides a strategic framework to guide national, provincial, and local government efforts in building coastal resilience. It emphasizes the importance of protecting coastal communities, infrastructure, and natural systems through proactive planning, risk-informed development, and collaborative governance,” said George.

    The minister called on all sectors, government, business, civil society, and individuals, to join hands in implementing the plan.

    “By aligning climate adaptation with economic development, South Africa can build a thriving, inclusive, and climate-resilient blue economy that benefits both people and the planet,” he said.

    South Africa’s coastline is facing growing climate challenges that threaten coastal communities, key economic sectors, critical infrastructure, and ecosystems.

    Scientific projections indicate worsening impacts such as accelerated sea-level rise, intensifying coastal erosion, and more frequent severe storms that trigger destructive flooding and forced displacement of vulnerable residents. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Portugal’s new government sworn in

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

    Luis Montenegro addresses an inauguration ceremony of the new government in Lisbon, Portugal, on June 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Luis Montenegro, leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and head of the Democratic Alliance (AD), was officially sworn in as Portugal’s new prime minister on Thursday. The 16 ministers of the new cabinet also took their oaths of office.

    At the inauguration ceremony, Montenegro pledged to “continue serving the country,” vowed to “declare war on bureaucracy,” and committed to advancing state reforms, maintaining political stability, and boosting social productivity. He also emphasized the government’s intention to engage with the opposition and promote dialogue and cooperation.

    President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said the election result reflected increased political confidence in Montenegro, but stressed that the public had not granted the government “absolute trust.” He noted that the influence of traditional parties is waning while new political forces are emerging — a shift that, although arriving late in Portugal, has not bypassed the country.

    Compared to the previous administration, the vast majority of key ministers have retained their posts. The number of ministries has been reduced from 17 to 16, with the Ministry of Economy merged with the Ministry of Territorial Cohesion, and the Ministry of Culture combined with the former Ministry of Youth and Modernization to form the new Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

    The most notable change is the creation of a new Ministry for State Reform. Goncalo Matias has been appointed as both minister adjunct to the prime minister and minister for state reform.

    At the PSD’s national council meeting last week, Montenegro described the “modernization of public administration” as the “cornerstone” of the next government’s policy agenda.

    The new cabinet was sworn in just 18 days after the election, marking the fastest cabinet formation under President Rebelo de Sousa.

    The parliament will debate and vote on the new government’s program on June 17 and 18. According to the Portuguese Constitution, the government can only fully assume its duties after the program is approved by the Assembly of the Republic. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China handles rare earth exports in accordance with laws

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

    The Chinese government reviews applications for rare earth export licences in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, and approves compliant applications, China’s commerce ministry said Thursday.

    Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian made the remarks in response to a journalist query regarding China’s rare earth export licensing.

    Rare earths and related items have obvious dual-use attributes as they can be used for both military and civilian purposes, the spokesperson said, noting that imposing export controls on these items is a common international practice. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s central bank to conduct 1-trillion-yuan outright reverse repo operation

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

    The People’s Bank of China (PBOC), the country’s central bank, said Thursday that it will conduct a 1-trillion-yuan (about 139 billion U.S. dollars) outright reverse repo operation on Friday to maintain ample liquidity in the banking system.

    The operation will carry a three-month tenor and be conducted using a fixed-quantity, interest-rate-bidding and multiple-price-bidding method, according to the PBOC statement.

    The move is expected to ensure sufficient liquidity in the banking system, keep fluctuations in money markets under control and anchor market expectations, said Wang Qing, chief macro analyst at Golden Credit Rating.

    He added that stepped-up medium-term liquidity injections signal a broader use of quantitative tools to bolster counter-cyclical regulation.

    Outright reverse repo operations — a tool the central bank introduced in October 2024 to manage liquidity in the banking system — are carried out once each month with a tenor of no more than a year.

    This new option has enriched the country’s monetary policy toolkit following the introduction of temporary repos, temporary reverse repos, and the buying and selling of treasury bonds. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s 1,000-kW-class civil turboshaft engine obtains production license

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

    This photo taken on June 5, 2025 shows an AES100 engine displayed at the review meeting on the engine’s development work in Zhuzhou City, central China’s Hunan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A civil turboshaft engine, primarily designed for helicopters, has obtained its production license and secured a sales contract, laying a solid foundation for the growth of low-altitude equipment, Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) announced on Thursday.

    The AES100 engine represents China’s first independently developed 1,000-kW-class advanced civil turboshaft engine, achieving full compliance with international airworthiness standards.

    The granting of this production license signifies China’s capability to independently develop and manufacture advanced civil turboshaft engines, said Li Gaiqi, chief designer of the AES100 engine.

    He noted that this achievement is of great importance to the AES100 engine in serving the low-altitude economy and supporting the general aviation industry.

    The engine can maintain stable operations in complex conditions, including icy, heavy rain and strong electromagnetic environments. It has a high safety level, excellent cost-effectiveness and broad environmental adaptability, with outstanding performances in key indicators such as energy efficiency and service life, reaching internationally advanced levels, according to the AECC.

    It can be used in 5-to-6-tonne twin-engine helicopters and 3-to-4-tonne single-engine helicopters, as well as tiltrotor aircraft and other aerial vehicles, and can undertake missions in such areas as transport, sightseeing, patrols and rescue operations.

    The engine production license is a document issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China to authorize manufacturers to produce civil aviation engines in accordance with approved designs, quality assurance systems and technical management systems. It is a critical qualification in the aircraft manufacturing sector. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China cuts 300 billion yuan in electricity access costs over 5 years

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

    Nearly five years after China issued a guideline in 2020 to improve electricity access, the country has cut related costs by over 300 billion yuan (US$42 billion), said Song Hongkun, deputy administrator of the National Energy Administration, on Thursday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sabalenka ends Swiatek’s reign in thriller, Gauff eases into final

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

    World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka ended champion Iga Swiatek’s dream of lifting her fifth Roland Garros title with a 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-0 win in their semifinal clash on Thursday.

    Sabalenka was behind at 1-5 in her head-to-head record with Swiatek entering the match but exhibited the dominant form that made her the current world No. 1.

    It took Sabalenka two hours and 19 minutes to snap Pole Swiatek’s 26-match winning streak at the event.

    Aryna Sabalenka returns a shot during the women’s singles semifinal between Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Iga Swiatek of Poland at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros, Paris, France, June 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

    “I’m super happy with the win today and beating Iga at Roland Garros,” said the Belarusian. “It’s just something unbelievable and something I’m super proud of, and yeah, just happy to get through this difficult match.”

    The 27-year-old will next face world No. 2 Coco Gauff in the final – the first final showdown in a decade between the top two ranked players for the French Open title.

    Gauff breezed past French wild card Lois Boisson in the second semifinal 6-1, 6-2 to advance to the final for a second time.

    The 2022 finalist will bid for her second Grand Slam title, having won the US Open in 2023 over Sabalenka over three sets.

    “My first final here I was super nervous, and I kind of wrote myself off before the match even happened,” said Gauff. “Obviously here I have a lot more confidence just from playing a Grand Slam final before and doing well in one. Yeah, I think going into Saturday I’ll just give it my best shot and try to be as calm and relaxed as possible.”

    US Open champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori became the first Italian pair since 1958 to win the French Open mixed doubles, beating Americans Taylor Townsend and Evan King 6-4, 6-2.

    In the women’s wheelchair quarterfinals, China’s Li Xiaohui brushed aside Ksenia Chasteau of France 6-2, 6-1 before she combined with compatriot Wang Ziying to defeat France’s Pauline Deroulede and Aniek Van Koot of the Netherlands 4-6, 7-5, 10-5 to advance into the women’s wheelchair doubles final.

    Friday’s main focus will be on the two men’s semifinals, where defending champion Carlos Alcaraz takes on Lorenzo Musetti on Chatrier, followed by Novak Djokovic against Jannik Sinner. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Rise of ‘painless’ tourism set to transform China’s travel landscape

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

    An undated aerial drone photo shows tourists “Wimp Rafting” in Mao’er Mountain Scenic Area, Guilin, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua)

    For Chen Zhixin and his family, this year’s mountaineering trip at the Panwang Realm scenic spot in the Dayao Mountains, a tourist attraction reaching about 1,000 meters above sea level in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, felt like a leisurely stroll compared to what they had experienced in the past.

    “No trekking up the steep and winding path toward the peak,” said Chen. “And this did not prevent us from enjoying the awe-inspiring sights that nature has to offer at every turn.”

    In a welcome twist to traditional mountaineering, where stunning views often come at the cost of a grueling hike, this scenic area in the Dayao Mountains, which was reopened earlier this year after being retrofitted with all kinds of amenities, has been designed to take strain off the legs of visitors.

    This upgrade also allows guests to try out more adventurous options like via ferrata, a climbing route equipped with steel cables, iron rungs and ladders fixed to rock surfaces, as well as high-altitude trampolining.

    Now, the journey to the top of the mountain begins with a 1,650-meter long cable car ride, followed by a smooth 8,000-meter walk along a flat trail which provides visitors with an almost effortless ascent to a couple of 100-meter-high sightseeing elevators, which then carry them to the place where they could nearly touch the lotus-shaped peak.

    From “easy” hiking trails equipped with cable cars and escalators to drifting along gentle rivers via an inflatable vest, the emergence of “painless” tourism, a new trend lauded by many for offering stress-free ways to cut loose, has quietly redefined the way tourists venture outdoors and made nature’s splendor more accessible to a wider range of travelers, regardless of age or physical capabilities.

    “This is the first time I’ve left my footprints on multiple peaks without feeling completely worn out,” exclaimed Zhang Xiaoyu, a travel enthusiast in his 30s from Shanghai in east China, as he and his family wrapped up their visit to Panwang. “And the best part is that neither the kids nor the grandparents had a single complaint during the whole trip.”

    “The idea of making these innovations goes beyond catering to people with special needs,” said Huang Meiling, the area’s general manager. “We expect our barrier-free infrastructure to broaden the appeal of the place and attract anyone looking for a more comfortable outing, thereby boosting its popularity and revenue.”

    “Painless” mountain climbing has evolved from being a mere novelty to an approach that has been increasingly adopted by scenic areas and tourist attractions across China.

    On rednote, a popular Chinese lifestyle app, posts with the hashtag “painless hiking” has been viewed over 3.6 million times, with users sharing photos and videos of amenities-assisted travel in places like Shaanxi in northwest China, Zhejiang in east China and Hunan in central China.

    “Increased accessibility lowers the bar for mountain tourism, making it more friendly for all ages,” said Huang.

    While some mountains can be tamed with tech-laden installations, some waterways have been repurposed for “do-nothing” staycations.

    Rafting, which is usually associated with adrenaline-pumping thrills, has been revamped by Guangxi’s Mao’er Mountain Scenic Area with the launch of its “Wimp Rafting” option last year. In this laid-back experience, participants, donning essential safety gear, can simply lie flat, allowing the gentle current of the river to carry them along.

    Social media has been abuzz with rave reviews about its “super chill vibe,” propelling this once-niche destination to attract over 10,000 visitors in 2024, with a daily peak of 300 visitors.

    “We came up with this unorthodox format by tapping into people’s craving for therapeutic travel experiences,” said Huang Jin, a deputy general manager of the scenic area. “The zero-skill, zero-stress, low-risk nature of such an activity perfectly aligns with the growing demand for ‘painless’ tourism.”

    The success of “Wimp Rafting” has inspired similar projects in many places in Guangxi and beyond, breathing new life into lesser-known destinations and signaling a broader shift toward more relaxed outdoor adventures.

    According to a recent market research report, this trend in outdoor recreation has held steady across all demographics — showing an expanding market that has been able to meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of the public.

    Data from LY.COM, a leading Chinese online booking platform, reveals that in the first half of 2024, outdoor-related orders had surged by 59.78 percent compared with the same period a year earlier.

    However, the rise of “no pain” tourism has raised eyebrows among some industry experts, due to concerns about how such developments may affect the authenticity of the experiences offered.

    “It can come across as a bit ‘inorganic,’” said Guan Zhiyuan, a seasoned travel agent based in the tourist hub of Guilin in Guangxi. “There is a risk it could potentially prevent tourists from experiencing the raw beauty of nature and the visceral joy of hiking in its original form.”

    Guan prefers a more balanced and thoughtful solution that allows guests to “easily” soak in the amazing views up close while also protecting delicate ecosystems from over-development, like the sedan chair hiring service at Reed Flute Cave, a famous limestone cave in Guilin.

    “Building a wheelchair accessible route inside the cave was initially proposed, but it was vetoed by the local authorities,” said Guan. “Instead, they opted for a more sustainable practice by hiring locals to help ferry physically challenged visitors on the trek.”

    Dai Bin, president of China Tourism Academy, suggested that the industry should pivot toward developing new forms of tourism experiences in the future — including green tourism, ecotourism and educational tourism.

    “Only by fulfilling public demand for high-quality, diverse and personalized experiences, can a virtuous cycle of ‘demand driving supply and supply generating new demand’ be formed,” said Dai. 

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s efforts on environment inspire countries

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

    China Daily | June 6, 2025

    In Minchinabad, Pakistan’s Punjab province, Muhammad Basit Ghauri, a keen observer of the country’s energy transition, is excited about the progress made there.

    Nearly every home, public building, shop and mosque in the city is adorned with glistening solar panels, many of which were imported from China. This scene was something Ghauri didn’t expect to see in areas so far away from major cities, but the sight of solar panels is becoming ever more common in Pakistan.

    “What used to be a luxury — solar energy — has now become a practical solution for the lower-middle and even lower income households,” said Ghauri, who works for Renewables First, a Pakistani think tank, in an interview ahead of World Environment Day, which fell on Thursday.

    As China pioneers the development of an ecological civilization, the ripple effects of the unwavering commitment of the world’s largest developing nation have extended far beyond its borders, notably benefiting other developing countries like Pakistan.

    Experts and officials are envisioning greener, more sustainable futures for countries in the Global South, drawing inspiration from China’s pioneering advancements in environmental and climate initiatives.

    This resonates strongly with one of the key tenets of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, which emphasizes China’s commitment to jointly promote the construction of a global ecological civilization and get deeply involved in global environmental governance, in order to come up with a worldwide solution for environmental protection and sustainable development.

    For Ghauri, the ongoing energy transition in Pakistan has primarily been propelled by the declining costs of solar energy and the increasing prices of electricity from the country’s unreliable grid, with solar panels from China playing a crucial role in facilitating this shift.

    Pakistan purchased some 16 gigawatts of solar panels from China last year at a cost of more than $2 billion, Ghauri said.

    According to the International Energy Agency, China accounts for approximately 80 percent of global solar photovoltaic module manufacturing and has driven a more than 80 percent reduction in the price of solar panels over the past decade.

    Ghauri said that instead of just importing its solar products, Pakistan can also learn from China’s experiences in developing its solar energy industry.

    “No one has built a stronger solar supply chain than China. They dominate global manufacturing not by accident, but through smart investments and a long-term strategy,” he said.

    Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited China in December, engaging in an in-depth discussion with Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu.

    While praising China’s significant achievements in air pollution control, Sharif expressed a sincere desire to strengthen communication and collaboration with China on air quality management, the renewable energy industry and low-carbon development, according to the ministry.

    In interviews with China Daily during the COP29 United Nations climate change conference in Azerbaijan late last year, the environment ministers of Cambodia and Nigeria also expressed their hopes of learning from China’s experiences to advance environmental and climate initiatives in their respective countries.

    Eang Sophalleth, Cambodia’s minister for the environment, said: “China has been through so much in the past 20 years. Those experiences are very rich. Cambodia is going through the same phase of developing. And with that experience, it can help us to minimize the impact on the environment in Cambodia.”

    Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Nigeria’s minister for the environment, underscored that there is significant potential for China to assist developing nations in addressing their climate challenges.

    “China is a country that understands what we are going through because they have gone through it,” he said.

    Dimitri de Boer, director for China at ClientEarth, an environmental law organization, said there is a major opportunity for developing countries to learn from how China is moving toward green and low-carbon development.

    While China has enjoyed impressive economic growth, with people’s living standards having improved significantly, the country has also experienced significant environmental improvement in the past decade, he said.

    “Air pollution dropped by more than half, surface water quality is much better, and cities are becoming greener. China’s carbon emissions are starting to plateau, even while power demand continues to increase every year,” he said.

    De Boer emphasized China’s potential to collaborate with other developing nations in advancing their green and low-carbon development initiatives.

    Solar and wind power are now often more affordable than fossil fuels, with their cost continuing to drop, and electric vehicles are becoming very competitive, de Boer said.

    “Countries with a decent level of industrialization could be very well placed to start producing these green technologies in their countries, providing major new business and employment opportunities,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xinjiang: Folk cultural event adds color to herders’ lives

    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

    The 6th cultural and tourism event was held in Handegate Mongolian National Township, Altay City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in early summer. Lively and cheerful song and dance performances, as well as exciting folk sports competitions, attract local herders and tourists to participate and experience the charm of national culture. Photo by Xinhua News Agency correspondent Wang Fei.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Traditional culture shapes “new national trend”

    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

    “National Trend” (Guochao) is a fusion of the concepts of “domestic” and “trend”: “national” refers to elements of traditional Chinese culture, and “trend” means fashion trends. “New National Trend” combines these two concepts through innovation and creativity.

    Today, leading the new national trend, China’s unique traditional culture is unleashing a powerful force for socio-economic development.

    This whirlwind of Chinese-style cultural creativity is constantly gaining momentum: from the annual best-selling Forbidden City Calendar to the incredibly popular fridge magnets, internet users have dedicated themselves to collecting and recreating, creating entire “museums” of magnets depicting cultural relics in their homes.

    “New National Trend” Boosts Job Creation. In Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, the boom in traditional Chinese costumes, Hanfu, has created a huge demand for makeup artists and stylists. The Chang’an District government launched a free training program for stylists and makeup artists who can recreate the looks of the Tang and Han dynasties. To date, the initiative has created nearly 7,000 jobs, with an average annual income of over 90,000 yuan.

    The popularity of the “new national trend” contributes to the optimization of the division of labor, the formation of new professions and the creation of new growth points in the employment sector, which helps the population to obtain high-quality vacancies and full employment during employment.

    The Rise of “New Chinese Style”: From Cultural Phenomenon to Industrial Transformation. LaoPu Gold, a brand that revives ancient gold processing techniques, integrates intangible cultural heritage into modern design. Its sales grew by 160% in 2024. Meanwhile, the market size of “Chinese health drinks” based on herbs, fruits, and medicinal plants prepared by boiling and extracting is projected to exceed 10 billion yuan by 2028. “New Chinese Style” is penetrating niche consumer segments, forming a new growth model through cultural values.

    The national trend continuously stimulates the consumer market and the potential of enterprises. Its flourishing not only demonstrates the cultural confidence of Chinese brands, but also reflects the high vitality of traditional culture in the modern commercial environment.

    Traditional culture is no longer a “showcase” to be worshipped; it has become a living asset that can be touched, transformed, and even enhanced. Keeping pace with the times, Chinese traditional culture not only forms a spiritual reference point, but also marks cultural milestones of high-quality development.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz Statement On Trump Request To Rescind Foreign Assistance Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s request to Congress to rescind nearly $10 billion in previously-enacted funding.

    “The Trump administration is seeking to codify its evisceration of American foreign assistance. Make no mistake: doing so will make Americans less safe, less secure, and less prosperous.

    “Gutting global health programs like PEPFAR and slashing food and other life-saving assistance will cause mass death and starvation and compromise our health and safety here at home. Decimating economic and development programs abroad and abandoning global bodies like the United Nations will make it harder to advance American interests while at the same time paving the way for China to expand its influence.

    “I’m open to making changes to the budget in ways that benefit Americans and the country. But the way to make changes to what we invest in and by how much is through bipartisan appropriations bills – which we’re currently negotiating – not by jamming them through a partisan process that hasn’t been used in decades.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Government Bond Transactions No.5 [2025]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Government Bond Transactions No.5 [2025]

    (Open Market Operations Office, May 30, 2025)

    The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) did not purchase or sell government bonds on the open market in May 2025.

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2025年05月30日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Scenery of pocket park in China’s Tianjin

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

    Scenery of pocket park in China’s Tianjin

    Updated: June 6, 2025 08:04 Xinhua
    This drone photo shows a pocket park in Heping District of Tianjin, north China, June 3, 2025. In recent years, Tianjin, a major city in northern China, has revitalized small urban spaces by building over 300 pocket parks, strategically scattered across residential areas, streets, and commercial districts. These green oases are helping shape a livable urban ecosystem where residents enjoy “green views from windows and easy park access.” [Photo/Xinhua]
    People take a walk at a pocket park in Heping District of Tianjin, north China, June 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This drone photo shows a pocket park in Xiqing District of Tianjin, north China, June 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This drone photo shows a pocket park in Heping District of Tianjin, north China, June 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo shows a pocket park in Heping District of Tianjin, north China, June 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China allocates 45 mln yuan to support disaster relief

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

    BEIJING, June 5 — Chinese authorities have allocated disaster relief funds totaling 45 million yuan (about 6.26 million U.S. dollars) to aid several regions recently hit by natural disasters.

    The emergency funds were allocated by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the Ministry of Emergency Management.

    Of the total, 15 million yuan is earmarked for flood control and disaster relief in southwest China’s Yunnan Province. Another 10 million yuan is to be used to support rescue operations following a landslide in the Xizang Autonomous Region, also in southwest China. The remaining 20 million yuan is expected to be directed toward drought relief in Gansu Province and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwestern China.

    The funds will be used to minimize casualties and losses, and to ensure the safety of people and their property in affected areas, according to the MOF.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on the Department of the Army’s Posture and Readiness

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

    Watch Video Here

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing on the Department of the Army’s posture and requirements for the challenges ahead.

    During the hearing, the committee received testimony from the Army’s senior civilian leader, Secretary Driscoll, and the highest-ranking commissioned officer within the Department of the Army, General George.

    In his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker emphasized that this hearing marked the beginning of the Army’s dialogue with Congress on the Army’s Transformation Initiative (ATI) and underscored the committee’s willingness to partner with Army leadership to address fundamental problems within the service.

    Read Senator Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered.

    Good morning. The Senate Armed Services Committee meets today to receive testimony on the posture of the United States Army. I want to thank our witnesses, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll and the Chief of Staff of the Army General Randy George, for being here.  Unfortunately, it seems the detailed Fiscal Year 2026 budget will not be available for several more weeks.

    Nonetheless, we will benefit from speaking with you both, Secretary Driscoll and General George. In the past month, we’ve been speaking publicly about the Army Transformation Initiative, or “ATI”. This initiative seeks to change portions of the Army’s capabilities and force structure while maintaining the Army’s flat budget.

    The Army provided this committee with the first real set of details on the ATI about a week ago. This hearing marks the beginning of the Army’s discussion with Congress on the idea.  We are ready to work with you, gentlemen.

    In fact, we must work together rapidly to fix fundamental problems with the U.S. Army.  Since 2000, the list of failed Army modernization initiatives – such as the Comanche helicopter, the Crusader howitzer, and the Future Combat Systems – has continued to grow.

    Between 2002 and 2012, the Army spent $50 billion on programs it eventually canceled. The record in the past five years has been better but still contains significant missteps. The Army recently spent $2 billion on a scout helicopter that will never fly. Other cancellations of programs have followed, including the Strategic Long-Range Cannon program, the Extended Range Cannon Artillery programs, and the M-10 Booker armored infantry support vehicle, as well as the “Hum-Vee.”

    Fundamentally, the Army needs to decide how to adapt to the changing character of warfare and meet priority missions, particularly against China and Russia. Mr. Secretary, many ideas you propose in your Transformation Initiative and your budget will meet that mark. I think you will find widespread support for increasing investments in long-range fires and air and missile defense, as you proposed. I would note, however, the lack of logistics investments in your plan, given the Army’s central role in logistics in the Pacific – so perhaps we’ll talk about that.

    Mr. Secretary, I think you will find Congress a very willing partner when presented with convincing analysis that justifies investment changes. In particular, those changes should help American soldiers deter war and, if necessary, win in convincing fashion. Where we do disagree, will likely be in effects on the industrial base. Our defense industrial base is brittle. We cannot afford to let sites close, or we will lose the defense expertise of many skilled workers. We need investment strategies that recognize this. Our investments should provide stability and ensure the United States can maintain maximum competition. The Army cannot follow the “divest to invest” strategy that the Navy and Air Force have wanted to pursue. The United States faces too many threats today to leave gaps in capabilities. It will require tightly woven investment strategies among the Army, Congress, and industry to get this right.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi says dialogue, cooperation only correct choice for China, U.S. in phone call with Trump

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

    Xi says dialogue, cooperation only correct choice for China, U.S. in phone call with Trump

    BEIJING, June 5 — Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that dialogue and cooperation are the only correct choice for China and the United States.

    In the phone talks initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, Xi said that recalibrating the direction of the giant ship of China-U.S. relations requires the two sides to take the helm and set the right course, adding that it is particularly important to steer clear of the various disturbances and disruptions.

    Noting that at the suggestion of the U.S. side, the two countries’ lead officials recently held an economic and trade meeting in Geneva, Xi said it marked an important step forward in resolving the relevant issues through dialogue and consultation, and was welcomed by both societies and the international community.

    The two sides need to make good use of the economic and trade consultation mechanism already in place, and seek win-win results in the spirit of equality and respect for each other’s concerns, he said, adding that the Chinese side is sincere about this, and at the same time has its principles.

    The Chinese, Xi said, always honor and deliver what has been promised, urging both sides to make good on the agreement reached in Geneva. In fact, China has been seriously and earnestly executing the agreement, Xi added.

    The U.S. side should acknowledge the progress already made, and remove the negative measures taken against China, he said.

    The two sides should enhance communication in such fields as foreign affairs, economy and trade, military, and law enforcement to build consensus, clear up misunderstandings, and strengthen cooperation, Xi added.

    Xi emphasized that the United States must handle the Taiwan question with prudence, so that the fringe separatists bent on “Taiwan independence” will not be able to drag China and the United States into the dangerous terrain of confrontation and even conflict.

    Trump said that he has great respect for Xi, and the U.S.-China relationship is very important.

    The United States wants the Chinese economy to do very well, and the United States and China working together can get a lot of great things done, he said.

    Trump said the United States will honor the one-China policy.

    The meeting in Geneva was very successful and produced a good deal, he said, adding that the United States will work with China to execute the deal.

    The United States loves to have Chinese students coming to study in America, Trump said.

    Xi welcomed Trump to visit China again, for which Trump expressed heartfelt appreciation.

    The two presidents agreed that their teams should continue implementing the Geneva agreement and hold another round of meetings as soon as possible.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier stresses fairness, safety in college entrance exam

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

    Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a test site at a Taiyuan middle school in Taiyuan, north China’s Shanxi Province, June 3, 2025. Ding inspected preparations for the college entrance examination and energy sector reforms in north China’s Shanxi Province from Tuesday to Wednesday, emphasizing the need to uphold fairness and ensure safety in the national examination, also known as Gaokao. [Photo/Xinhua]

    TAIYUAN, June 5 — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang inspected preparations for the college entrance examination and energy sector reforms in north China’s Shanxi Province from Tuesday to Wednesday, emphasizing the need to uphold fairness and ensure safety in the national examination, also known as Gaokao.

    The examination is crucial for national development and the future of families, said Ding, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, during a visit to the provincial Admissions and Examination Management Center and a test site at a Taiyuan middle school. He urged authorities to safeguard fairness as the “lifeline” in examination and admission reforms, and Gaokao organization.

    Ding stressed the importance of rigorous test paper security, anti-cheating measures, and compassionate support for students.

    At Shanxi College of Applied Science and Technology, Ding called for alignment with industrial upgrades to cultivate talent and stronger employment support for graduates.

    While inspecting a local company under the State Grid, Ding urged the energy-rich province to lead the way in the clean and efficient use of coal, improve policies for new energy integration, and accelerate the development of a new energy system.

    At an air quality monitoring station, Ding called for the optimization of industrial, energy, and transportation structures to fundamentally address pollution issues. He also emphasized the need to accelerate upgrades in key industries to achieve ultra-low emissions, strictly enforce regulations against scattered, non-compliant, and polluting enterprises, and continually improve air quality.

    Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a local company under the State Grid in north China’s Shanxi Province, June 4, 2025. Ding inspected preparations for the college entrance examination and energy sector reforms in north China’s Shanxi Province from Tuesday to Wednesday, emphasizing the need to uphold fairness and ensure safety in the national examination, also known as Gaokao. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier urges all-out efforts to secure bumper summer harvest

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

    HEFEI, June 5 — Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has called for all-out efforts to ensure a bumper summer harvest and lay solid groundwork for autumn grain production, with the aim of achieving the country’s annual grain output target.

    Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an investigation and research tour of east China’s Anhui Province from Tuesday to Thursday.

    During his tour, Liu inspected the progress of summer harvesting and planting work while learning about local efforts to breed new crop varieties, increase per-unit yields on a large scale, stabilize the supply and pricing of agricultural materials, and develop high-standard farmland.

    Emphasizing the importance of the current period for summer harvesting, planting and field management work, Liu highlighted the urgency of organizing cross-regional agricultural machinery operations. He also stressed the need to ensure steady summer grain purchases, bolster the supply of agricultural materials and improve farming services.

    It is crucial to evaluate the potential risks of various disasters that could affect agricultural production and to develop emergency response plans, Liu said. He also emphasized the need to strengthen the development of high-standard farmland and address deficiencies in drainage facilities.

    Efforts should also be made to enhance weather forecasting and risk warning systems and to ensure the scientific utilization of water conservancy projects, with the aim of laying a solid foundation for the stabilization and increase of grain production, he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi says dialogue, cooperation only correct choice for China, US in phone call with Trump

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

    Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that dialogue and cooperation are the only correct choice for China and the United States.

    In the phone talks initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, Xi said that recalibrating the direction of the giant ship of China-U.S. relations requires the two sides to take the helm and set the right course, adding that it is particularly important to steer clear of the various disturbances and disruptions.

    Noting that at the suggestion of the U.S. side, the two countries’ lead officials recently held an economic and trade meeting in Geneva, Xi said it marked an important step forward in resolving the relevant issues through dialogue and consultation, and was welcomed by both societies and the international community.

    The two sides need to make good use of the economic and trade consultation mechanism already in place, and seek win-win results in the spirit of equality and respect for each other’s concerns, he said, adding that the Chinese side is sincere about this, and at the same time has its principles.

    The Chinese, Xi said, always honor and deliver what has been promised, urging both sides to make good on the agreement reached in Geneva. In fact, China has been seriously and earnestly executing the agreement, Xi added.

    The U.S. side should acknowledge the progress already made, and remove the negative measures taken against China, he said.

    The two sides should enhance communication in such fields as foreign affairs, economy and trade, military, and law enforcement to build consensus, clear up misunderstandings, and strengthen cooperation, Xi added.

    Xi emphasized that the United States must handle the Taiwan question with prudence, so that the fringe separatists bent on “Taiwan independence” will not be able to drag China and the United States into the dangerous terrain of confrontation and even conflict.

    Trump said that he has great respect for Xi, and the U.S.-China relationship is very important.

    The United States wants the Chinese economy to do very well, and the United States and China working together can get a lot of great things done, he said.

    Trump said the United States will honor the one-China policy.

    The meeting in Geneva was very successful and produced a good deal, he said, adding that the United States will work with China to execute the deal.

    The United States loves to have Chinese students coming to study in America, Trump said.

    Xi welcomed Trump to visit China again, for which Trump expressed heartfelt appreciation.

    The two presidents agreed that their teams should continue implementing the Geneva agreement and hold another round of meeting as soon as possible. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China reports improving water use efficiency in 2024

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

    China reported continued improvement in its water use efficiency in 2024, according to the water resources bulletin released annually by the Ministry of Water Resources.

    Last year, China’s water consumption per 10,000 yuan (1,391.5 U.S. dollars) of GDP declined 4.4 percent year on year. And water consumption per 10,000 yuan of industrial added value dropped 5.3 percent, the bulletin shows.

    Both precipitation and water resources were significantly above multi-year averages. The country’s average annual precipitation was 717.7 millimeters in 2024 — 11.4 percent higher than the multi-year average. Total water resources stood at 3.11 trillion cubic meters, marking a 12.7 percent increase compared with the multi-year average.

    The bulletin also shows that the supply of unconventional water sources continued to rise in 2024, with the structure of water resources being continuously optimized. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump, Musk clash over economic policy, spending bill

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk traded barbs over the Trump administration’s sweeping tax-cut and spending bill on Thursday, a week after Musk left the administration.

    The tax-cut and spending bill, also known as the “Big and Beautiful Bill,” is part of Trump’s core agenda and includes a series of economic measures such as eliminating tax credits for electric vehicle consumers, increasing investment in border security, and lowering corporate and personal tax rates.

    Musk has been fiercely criticizing the bill in recent days. On Thursday, he called the bill a “mountain of disgusting pork” on social media.

    “In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that (is) both big and beautiful. Everyone knows this,” said Musk on social media.

    “Either you get a big and ugly bill or a slim and beautiful bill. Slim and beautiful is the way,” he said.

    Trump said Musk’s dissatisfaction stemmed from the bill’s proposal to eliminate tax credits for electric vehicle consumers, which affected Musk’s interests as CEO of electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla.

    “Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore,” Trump said in the Oval Office.

    “I’m very disappointed in Elon. I’ve helped Elon a lot,” he added.

    “Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate,” said Musk at one point on Thursday afternoon.

    As for Trump’s post saying Musk “wearing thin” and going “crazy” and he asked Musk to leave, Musk referred the post as “Such an obvious lie. So sad.”

    Musk, however, said he opposed the bill because it would increase the federal deficit.

    Following Trump’s criticism of Musk, Tesla’s stock price fell more than 15 percent on Thursday afternoon. As of this year, Tesla’s share price has fallen over 30 percent.

    Musk was once a staunch ally of Trump, spending nearly 300 million U.S. dollars to support Trump’s campaign in 2024. After Trump won the presidential election, Musk joined the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), responsible for overseeing bureaucratic corruption and reducing the national debt.

    DOGE’s work led to thousands of federal government layoffs and cuts of billions of dollars in foreign aid and other programs, sparking multiple protests in the United States and around the world. On Wednesday last week, Musk announced his departure.

    Musk also initiated a survey on Twitter regarding “is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80 percent in the middle,” which drew more than 510,000 votes in about one hour. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Australia down Japan to move to the verge of qualification

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

    Australia almost guaranteed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by beating Japan on Thursday night.

    Veteran defender Aziz Behich scored the only goal in the 90th minute to steer the Socceroos to a 1-0 victory over Japan at Perth Stadium in Western Australia.

    The result means that Australia has a six-point and +10 goal difference advantage over Saudi Arabia in the race for second place in Group C in the third round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

    In order to secure second place and qualification for a sixth consecutive World Cup, the Socceroos need only to avoid a heavy defeat against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Tuesday, or for Saudi Arabia to fail to beat Bahrain later on Thursday.

    Behich’s goal, his third for Australia and his first since 2012, came against the run of play after Japan had dominated possession throughout the match.

    The chance was created by midfielder Riley McGree, who made a run inside Japan’s defensive box before sending his cross between five teammates.

    Behich, making his 80th appearance for the national team, was the quickest to react and fired a shot from his weaker right foot into the far-right corner, causing the capacity crowd of 57,226 to erupt.

    It marked the Socceroos’ first win against Japan since 2009 and ended Japan’s 21-game unbeaten run.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chelsea sign Ipswich striker Delap in £30m deal

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

    Chelsea has signed striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town after triggering his release clause of 30 million pounds (about 40 million U.S. dollars).

    Chelsea fended off competition from Manchester United and Newcastle United to secure the former Manchester City youngster, who impressed in his debut Premier League campaign by scoring 12 goals in 37 appearances, despite Ipswich being relegated to the Championship.

    According to English media, Chelsea will pay two-thirds of the fee up front, with the remainder in installments. Ipswich will also receive a percentage of any future sale.

    “I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach (Enzo Maresca),” Delap told the Chelsea website.

    The England Under-21 international said Chelsea would be “an incredible place for me to develop,” and expressed his hope to “achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies.”

    “When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that,” he said of the newly crowned Conference League winners.

    “The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective,” added Delap, who can operate as a central striker or second forward.

    The timing of the transfer means he is likely to be included in Chelsea’s squad for the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States, which the south London club begins on June 16.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Argentina may rest Messi for Chile clash

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

    Argentina captain Lionel Messi could start on the bench in his team’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chile, Albiceleste head coach Lionel Scaloni said on Wednesday.

    Thursday’s clash in Santiago will have little consequence for Scaloni’s men, who have already secured a spot in football’s showpiece tournament next year.

    Lionel Messi (center) of Argentina vies with Jackson Irvine of Australia during their Round of 16 match at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Dec 3, 2022. (LI GA / XINHUA)

    Chile, meanwhile, is last in the 10-team South American group and must win to have an outside chance of qualifying.

    “We haven’t decided yet whether he’ll play from the start or not,” Scaloni said of 37 year-old Messi, who has been in impressive form for his club Inter Miami.

    “It would be good to know how he’s feeling physically. It’s clear that today we’re in a position to try other things. In principle, he’s available to play, and we’ll decide later.”

    Scaloni will already be without several key players for the duel at Estadio Nacional, including injured Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and suspended duo Enzo Fernandez and Nico Gonzalez.

    Also missing will be Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, who will be rested after the Italian club’s 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday.

    “We’re going to have a lot of players out,” Scaloni said. “If some of the guys we call up are fit and ready to play, they’ll get their chance.”

    “I don’t have the starting eleven confirmed yet, but we will give some playing time to players who haven’t played much and who we believe are ready to play.”

    “Although the result is always important, we don’t think it’s crucial today. We’ll probably try to help these players settle in and give them the chance to get some playing time with the team.”

    Despite sitting top of the South American group with 31 points, eight clear of second-placed Ecuador with four qualifiers remaining, Scaloni said he was focused on obtaining “positive results” against Chile and also Colombia in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.

    “We want to play, it’s good for us to see other players, even those who are playing well. A match is never inopportune,” he said.

    “It’s not that we national teams play so much that we would say we don’t want to play this match. On the contrary. We think it’s a nice match to play, with its difficulties. We are in a good position.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: FIFA announces draw for U17 Women’s World Cup

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

    The draw for the ninth FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup was announced Wednesday, with the 2025 edition set to feature 24 teams for the first time.

    The tournament will take place in Rabat, Morocco, from October 17 to November 8.

    It will also mark the first time the global event is held in Africa, with the draw ceremony staged at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Rabat.

    Host Morocco will compete in Group A alongside Brazil, Costa Rica and Italy. Defending champion Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has been drawn into Group B with Cameroon, Mexico and the Netherlands.

    China is in Group C with Ecuador, Norway and the United States. Group D includes Canada, France, Nigeria and Samoa.

    Group E features Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, South Korea and Spain, while Japan, New Zealand, Paraguay and Zambia make up Group F.

    The top two teams from each of the six groups, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the round of 16. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Poland edge China, Belgium dominate Thailand in VNL

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

    China suffered its first loss at the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Beijing leg on Thursday, falling to Poland 3-1 (25-22, 20-25, 25-19, 25-21) in a tightly contested match at the National Indoor Stadium.

    Poland opposite Magdalena Stysiak and outside hitter Martyna Czyrnianska each scored 20 points to fire their team to victory. Captain and middle blocker Agnieszka Korneluk added 17, while fellow middle blocker Aleksandra Gryka had 12.

    Magdalena Stysiak (L) of Poland spikes the ball during the Pool 3 match between China and Poland at the Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025 at the National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China, June 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

    After dropping a closely fought opening set, China responded with a spirited performance in the second, making lineup adjustments and gaining momentum through effective blocking and fast-paced attacks. Outside hitters Tang Xin and Wu Mengjie played key roles as the team leveled the scores at one set apiece.

    Zhuang Yushan scored a team-high 17 points, Wu earned 13 points, while Tang contributed 12 points overall, including seven in the second set alone.

    “At the beginning, I felt I performed even better than I did in training,” said Tang, 21. “But later on, I got a bit too excited and started to lose focus. Poland adjusted quickly, especially in the third set – their blockers began targeting me more directly, and I had trouble adapting.”

    The third set saw both teams battling point-for-point early on, but Poland pulled ahead midway with solid defense and consistent execution, eventually taking it 25-19. In the fourth, China made a strong start, racing into a 3-0 lead, but Poland quickly turned the tide with a 14-10 advantage and maintained a narrow lead down the stretch. Despite China’s late push to save a match point, Poland closed out the set 25-21 to seal their second straight win in Beijing.

    “We’re very happy with this win. Coming into the match, we knew it would be difficult, even though we only had a few recent matches to study this ‘new’ Chinese team. Still, we could tell that their players have incredible quality. The younger players may lack experience, but they’ve already shown great technique, talent, and character,” said Poland head coach Stefano Lavarini.

    Lavarini noted that the second set slipped away due to a drop in serving quality and missed opportunities in attack, especially against single blocks. However, he added that in the third set, his team regained its rhythm by stabilizing service and playing with more consistency.

    “We tried to get back to the level we had in the first set. In the fourth set, China changed many players, so we made some tactical adjustments as well – especially in how we adapted to their different middle blockers and attackers,” the 46-year-old Italian explained.

    With the result, Poland improve to 2-0 in the current leg, while China drops to 1-1. Both teams will have a rest day on Friday before returning to action over the weekend.

    Earlier in the day, Belgium earned its first win of the Beijing leg with a 3-1 victory over Thailand (25-22, 25-23, 24-26, 25-22).

    Belgium captain Britt Herbots led the scorers with 31 points, while opposite Pauline Martin added 19. Middle blocker Nathalie Lemmens contributed 14 points, including five blocks, as Belgium’s offensive trio proved decisive.

    “It was a very tough and long match from every perspective,” said Herbots. “Thailand has a unique style of play. There were a lot of fast combinations and long rallies – very tiring on defense. But I’m really happy we got the win. Everyone fulfilled their role, and that’s really important for a team.”

    Belgium will next play against France on Friday, while Thailand will face Türkiye. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace activists disrupt industrial fishing operation ahead of UN Ocean Conference

    Source: Greenpeace

    PACIFIC OCEAN, Friday, 6 June 2025 – Greenpeace activists have disrupted an industrial longlining fishing operation in the South Pacific Ocean, seizing almost 20 kilometers of fishing gear and freeing nine sharks, including an endangered mako, near Australia and New Zealand.
    With an expert team on a small boat releasing more than a dozen animals, crew aboard Greenpeace ship the Rainbow Warrior retrieved the entire longline and more than 210 baited hooks from a EU-flagged industrial fishing vessel, including an endangered longfin mako shark, eight near-threatened blue sharks and four swordfish. The crew also documented the vessel catching endangered sharks during its longlining operation.
    The at-sea action follows new Greenpeace Australia Pacific analysis exposing the extent of shark catch from industrial longlining in parts of the Pacific Ocean. Latest fisheries data showed that almost 70% of EU vessels’ catch was blue shark in 2023 alone. It comes ahead of next week’s UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, where world leaders will discuss ocean protection and the Global Ocean Treaty.
    Georgia Whitaker, Senior Campaigner, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said:
    “These longliners are industrial killing machines. Greenpeace Australia Pacific took peaceful and direct action to disrupt this attack on marine life. We saved important species that would otherwise have been killed or left to die on hooks.”
    “The scale of industrial fishing – still legal on the high seas – is astronomical. These vessels claim to be targeting swordfish or tuna, but we witnessed shark after shark being hauled up by these industrial fleets, including three endangered sharks in just half an hour. Greenpeace is calling on world leaders at the UN Ocean Conference to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 from this wanton destruction.”
    GreenpeaceAotearoa is calling on the New Zealand Government to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty and help create global ocean sanctuaries, including in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand signed the agreement in 2023.
    More than two-thirds of sharks worldwide are endangered, and a third of those are at risk of extinction from overfishing. Over the last three weeks, the Rainbow Warrior has been documenting longlining vessels and practices off Australia’s east coast, including from Spain and China.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Introduces the AFIDA Improvements Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure (AFIDA) Improvements Act. The bill will codify legislative oversightrecommendations to update the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978. The AFIDA Improvements Act will equip the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to combat foreign adversaries’ ownership of American agricultural land. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Katie Britt (R-AL) are original co-sponsors of this legislation in the Senate. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) is leading companion legislation in the House.

    “Agriculture is the heart and soul of Nebraska and of America,” said Ricketts. ”American farmland should remain in the hands of American farmers and ranchers, not foreign adversaries. Food security is national security.”

    “Over the past several decades, China has been buying up American farmland in an attempt to infiltrate our agriculture supply chains. Food security is national security, and we cannot give the CCP a foothold. Thankfully, President Trump and Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins are working to make American Farmland American Again. I’m proud to join this legislation with Senator Ricketts to update our reporting requirements for foreign purchases of our farmland for the first time in nearly 50 years. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, I will always support our great farmers and work to protect them from bad actors like China,” said Sen. Tuberville.

    “We come together on this legislation to address the national security concerns stemming from the growing purchases of farmland by the Chinese Communist Party,” said Rep. Bacon. “Having actual processes in place will strengthen the security of our nation in the event nefarious foreign agents, such as the CCP, try to purchase agricultural lands within our nation. These lands must be protected as they are essential to feeding our country and other parts of the world, feeding livestock, fueling vehicles, and other uses.”

    “Foreign entities purchasing American farmland opens the door to serious national security threats from countries like China that aim to undermine the United States, and we’ve already seen nefarious attempts by the Chinese Communist Party to acquire farmland near U.S. military bases in Texas,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would enhance existing measures by strengthening enforcement and promoting data sharing so that we can more easily identify foreign adversaries purchasing U.S. farmland with malicious intent.”

    The AFIDA Improvements Act:

    • Will codify recommendations published in January 2024 by the legislative branch’s oversight entity after it conducted a study of AFIDA.
      • In this report, it was found that the USDA’s AFIDA process has been ill-equipped to combat the foreign ownership of American agricultural land by foreign adversaries;
    • Will increase information sharing between the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and USDA;
    • Will require updates to the AFIDA handbook and establish a deadline by which USDA must set up an online AFIDA system; and
    • Will require AFIDA reporting for foreign persons holding more than one percent interest in American agricultural land. 

    The text of the bill is available here.

    This bill was initially covered in Fox News.

    BACKGROUND:

    Under AFIDA, foreign entities are required to disclose the transactions of American agricultural land to the USDA. 

    According to USDA, foreign investors own over 40 million acres of agricultural land across the United States. Additionally, between 2010 and 2021, Chinese ownership of American agricultural land increased from 13,720 acres to 383,935 acres.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Bennet Introduce Bill to Strengthen Quad Space Cooperation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    Click here for audio.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or the “Quad,” is an informal strategic forum for the militaries of the United States, Japan, India, and Australia. The partnership between the four countries is built upon common interests: promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific and addressing regional geopolitical challenges.  

    At a time when adversaries like China and Russia are increasingly utilizing space-based capabilities to expand their interests, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), co-chair of the Senate Space Force Caucus and chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the Quad Space Act of 2025. The bill would direct the Secretary of Defense to initiate discussions with Quad countries to identify mutual areas of interest with respect to the formulation of best practices in space, cooperation on space situational awareness, and space industrial policy. 

    The Quad Space Act of 2025 would also require the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, detailing potential areas of mutual interests. Additionally, the report must outline potential steps the Secretary intends to take to formalize cooperation among Quad members. 

    “Maintaining space dominance is vital to protecting the stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region,” said Cramer. “The Quad’s alignment addresses shared security challenges between our countries, and we recognize the importance of space as a strategic domain. The Quad Space Act protects our interests by deepening space cooperation with trusted partners and reaffirming our commitment to advancing a free and open region.”  

    “As China and Russia rapidly develop dangerous space capabilities and behave recklessly in space, the United States must bolster cooperation with our Quad partners to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Bennet. “The Quad Space Act will enhance our collective capacity to address shared challenges by better ensuring safe and secure space missions, tracking objects and activities in space, and fostering shared innovation.” 

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –