NewzIntel.com

Category: China

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 3 tropical cyclone names added

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Three new tropical cyclone names have been added to this year’s list of typhoon names in the western North Pacific and the South China Sea, the Hong Kong Observatory announced today.

     

    They are Bori, Saobien and Tianma.

     

    Bori, from the Republic of Korea, represents barley.

     

    Saobien, from Vietnam, is an echinoderm invertebrate, typically star-shaped.

     

    Tianma, from China, represents a flying horse in Chinese legend.

     

    The United Nations Economic & Social Commission for Asia & the Pacific/World Meteorological Organization Typhoon Committee endorsed the names at the committee’s 57th session. They will replace the names of Doksuri, Saola and Haikui.

     

    The committee will consider retiring names of tropical cyclones which have caused serious casualties and economic losses.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 13.35 million Chinese students to take national university entrance exams in 2025

    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, May 28 (Xinhua) — A total of 13.35 million Chinese students will take the nationwide college entrance examination, also known as “gaokao,” which starts on June 7 this year, the Ministry of Education said Wednesday.

    This figure is slightly down from last year’s record of 13.42 million people. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SFST urges Toronto companies to re-domicile (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SFST urges Toronto companies to re-domicile  
    He visited two Canada-based insurance companies that have extended their business to Hong Kong. Mr Hui met separately with the President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Phil Witherington, and the Chief Financial Officer, Mr Colin Simpson, of Manulife; as well as the Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Mr Tim Deacon, and the Executive Vice-President and Chief Strategy and Enablement Officer, Ms Linda Doughety, of SunLife. He introduced them to the newly enacted legislation on re-domiciliation of companies, encouraging them to consider re-domiciling their companies to Hong Kong to enjoy the relevant legal and taxation convenience, as well as to lower their compliance costs for satisfying two sets of regulatory requirements. He also mentioned that on the very first day the company re-domiciliation regime came into effect last Friday, an international insurance group immediately announced its plan to re-domicile its company to Hong Kong. This news was the best testament to the regime’s effectiveness in enhancing companies’ operational efficiency, thereby consolidating Hong Kong’s position as a leading international financial centre.
     
    Under the new regime, non-Hong Kong-incorporated companies may apply to re-domicile to Hong Kong if they fulfil requirements concerning company background, integrity, member and creditor protection, solvency, etc, while maintaining their legal identity as a body corporate to ensure business continuity. If the company’s actual similar profits are also taxed in Hong Kong after re-domiciliation, the Government will provide the company with unilateral tax credits to eliminate double taxation.
     
    Mr Hui pointed out that Hong Kong has a strong foundation in investment and trade, making it an ideal location for global enterprises to access insurance, reinsurance and risk management services, as well as to establish captive insurers. There are vast opportunities for insurance companies in Hong Kong. 
     
    At noon, Mr Hui attended a business luncheon organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto), Invest Hong Kong (Canada) and the National Club. He gave a presentation themed “Hong Kong as an anchor of stability amid the changing world” to showcase to the attending financial leaders the stellar figures recorded in the financial market, and banking and monetary markets. He also talked about the Government’s efforts in aligning with international standards and boosting the development of green and sustainable finance and the virtual asset market. He said that, with its competitive advantages and proactive measures, as well as the stability and predictability of its financial market, Hong Kong has been earning the confidence of global investors. Mr Hui also had a fireside chat with the President of the National Club, Mr Arnie Guha, and answered questions from the floor. The luncheon was well received. Participants were attracted by the various new developments in Hong Kong’s financial markets introduced by Mr Hui.
     
    In the afternoon, Mr Hui met with the Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), Mr Grant Vingoe, and OSC representatives. The Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the OSC in mid-May to include Ontario of Canada in its list of acceptable inspection regimes for strengthening the regulatory collaboration and exchange of information between the two regulators. Both Mr Hui and Mr Vingoe agreed that in today’s shifting global landscape, collaboration with trusted allies would ensure capital markets remain robust and resilient.
     
    In the evening, Mr Hui had a dinner meeting with the President of the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) (Toronto Chapter), Mr Joseph Chaung, and board members to brief them on the latest developments and future direction of Hong Kong’s financial market. The HKCBA has members in eight Canadian cities to foster bilateral trade.
     
    Mr Hui also paid a courtesy call to the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto, Mr Luo Weidong. Both expressed their anticipation that Hong Kong, with the support of the nation and its solid foundation and forward-looking measures in financial areas, will engage in more co-operation with Canada.
     
    On May 28 (Toronto Time), Mr Hui will travel to Ottawa to meet with government financial officials.
    Issued at HKT 12:26

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Scientists Develop AI Model to Predict Stellar Flares

    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, May 28 (Xinhua) — Chinese scientists have developed an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) model “FLARE” to predict stellar flares, opening up new horizons for astronomical research, the Institute of Automation under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) said Tuesday.

    The model, created jointly by researchers from the above-mentioned institute and the State Astronomical Observatory of the Academy of Sciences, uses the integrated ScienceOne intelligent platform to analyze stellar data and predict magnetic eruptions on stars.

    According to Chen Yingying, a leading researcher at the Institute of Automation at the CAS, stellar flares are sudden bursts of energy caused by the release of magnetic fields in the atmospheres of stars. They contain key clues to understanding the structure of stars, their evolution, magnetic activity, and the habitability potential of exoplanets.

    “The studies have shown that various physical properties of stars, such as age, rotation speed and mass, as well as the history of previous outbursts, are closely related to the occurrence of stellar outbursts,” Chen Yingying said.

    However, limited observational data have hindered comprehensive studies. Accurately predicting the timing of stellar outbursts has become an important task in astronomical research, Chen Yingying emphasized.

    FLARE bridges this gap with a unique architecture that integrates the physical properties of stars with their flare history.

    A research paper describing the development of “FLARE” was accepted at the 34th International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence /IJCAI/, one of the most prestigious global events in the field of AI. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US suspends new student visa interviews

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    NEW YORK, May 27 (Xinhua) — The U.S. government has ordered U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to suspend scheduling new interviews for student visa applicants as it considers mandating social media verification for all international students applying to study in the U.S., local media cited a cable dated Tuesday and signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

    “Effective immediately, in preparation for the expansion of mandatory screening and social media verification, consular sections should not add additional student or exchange visa appointment slots until further guidance is issued, which we expect in the coming days,” the cable said.

    The telegram does not directly indicate what exactly will be checked on social networks.

    The U.S. government has previously imposed some social media screening requirements, mostly aimed at returning students who may have participated in protests against Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip. The new move is a significant expansion of previous such measures.

    The suspension of interviews could impact thousands of international students and could potentially contribute to a decline in the number of international students at U.S. higher education institutions, local media reported.

    The US government has used various regulations to target universities, particularly elite and liberal ones like Harvard University, and accuses them of allowing anti-Semitism to flourish on campus. At the same time, it has carried out an immigration crackdown that has led to the arrest of a number of students. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Acting SFST’s speech at HKVCA Greater China Private Equity Summit 2025 (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Acting SFST’s speech at HKVCA Greater China Private Equity Summit 2025 (English only) 
    Rebecca (Co-Founder and Managing Director of Asia Alternatives, Ms Rebecca Xu), Conrad (Founder and Chairman of Strategic Year Holdings, Mr Conrad Tsang), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
         Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you at the HKVCA’s flagship event – the Greater China Private Equity Summit – a global gathering of professionals and industry leaders of the private equity and venture capital sector.
     
         Today, the global economy is confronted by geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation, and threatened by the rise of unilateralism and protectionism. Against this backdrop, it is all the more necessary to have a stable and predictable “super connector” with an overall conducive business environment.
     
         This is exactly what Hong Kong stands to provide. Earlier this year, the International Monetary Fund has reaffirmed Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre and recognised Hong Kong’s resilient financial system, as supported by robust institutional frameworks, ample policy buffers, and the smooth functioning of the Linked Exchange Rate System. Indeed, Hong Kong ranked third in the world and first in Asia in the latest Global Financial Centers Index, whilst topping its “investment management” and “finance” matrix globally.
     
    China connectivity
     
         One unique advantage of Hong Kong is our preferential access to the Mainland China market. Last year (2024) marked the 10th anniversary of the mutual market access programmes between the Mainland and Hong Kong financial markets. Various mutual access programmes have been introduced one after another and have thrived over the past few years. The Connect Schemes allow international investors to conveniently invest in the Mainland China market through Hong Kong. At the same time, they enable Mainland investors to diversify their asset allocation through Hong Kong, facilitating the two-way flow of capital between the Mainland market and international markets, as well as the internationalisation of the Renminbi.
     
         The content and scope of mutual access have continued to deepen and expand, now encompassing a wide range of offerings, including stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds, derivatives for risk management, and more. Real estate investment trusts will also soon be included in the Connect Schemes.
     
         Meanwhile, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is fast emerging as a young and massive consumer market that is increasingly affluent, and has a growing demand for quality financial products and services, and a need for diversified asset allocation. Home to 87 million people with a GDP (Gross Domestic Product) per capita of US$40,000 on a purchasing power parity basis, the GBA presents immense potential in driving the synergistic development of Hong Kong and other GBA cities.
     
         Tapping into the potential of this market, the GBA Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect (WMC) was launched in 2021 and enhanced in February last year. The WMC provides GBA residents with a formal, direct and convenient channel for cross-boundary investment in diversified wealth management products. As of the end of April this year, about 154 000 individual investors in the GBA participated in the WMC, and cross-boundary fund remittances totalled close to RMB112 billion.
     
         Another recent case of our continued endeavour to deepen the mutual access and strengthen financial market development is the enhancements to the Mainland-Hong Kong Mutual Recognition of Funds (MRF) arrangement in January this year. By relaxing sales restrictions and allowing Hong Kong funds to delegate investment management functions overseas, the measures significantly increased the diversity of fund products, enhanced the scale of funds, and brought a positive effect to the distribution of MRF funds.
     
    Asset and wealth management hub
     
         With the your staunch support, we are solidifying Hong Kong’s role as an international asset and wealth management centre. As at the end of 2023, the assets under management (AUM) of the Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management business reached about US$4 trillion, registering a growth of about 30 per cent over five years, and 64 per cent of the capital was sourced from non-Hong Kong investors, underscoring our city’s role as a trusted gateway for global capital seeking access to opportunities across Asia and beyond. Our leadership is further evidenced by our standing as Asia’s largest hedge fund hub and Asia’s largest cross-border wealth management centre.
     
         As of the end of April this year, there were 1 125 limited partnership funds registered in Hong Kong, representing a growth of over 30 per cent on a year-on-year basis. According to an industry report, as of the end of first quarter this year, the AUM of Hong Kong’s private equity business amounted to about US$230 billion, ranked second in Asia, just trailing the Mainland China market.
     
         To drive development on this front, we are welcoming alternative asset funds to list in Hong Kong. The Securities and Futures Commission has recently issued a circular to clarify the regulatory requirements for authorising closed-ended funds that invest mainly in private and less liquid assets, thereby encouraging sizeable alternative asset funds, including those investing in private equity, private credit, and infrastructure equity or debt, to list in Hong Kong.
     
         I am sure this is a move welcomed by the industry, with benefits to investors that are multifold. On one hand, investors have broadened investment choices for diversification. On the other hand, investors may tap into opportunities previously only available to institutional and professional investors. Those with a long-term investment horizon may potentially achieve higher returns and a more stable valuation.
     
         Another welcome move, I believe, is our proposal to enhance the tax incentives for funds, single family offices and carried interest. These proposals aim to expand the scope of qualifying funds to include vehicles such as pension and endowment funds, while also increasing the range of eligible asset classes for tax concessions including emerging instruments like carbon credits, emission derivatives, insurance-linked securities, private credit investments, and virtual assets. In addition, we plan to enhance the tax concession arrangement on the distribution of carried interest by private equity funds by removing the existing HKMA (The Hong Kong Monetary Authority)’s certification requirement and eliminating the reference to a hurdle rate. We have completed the industry consultation and we are now formulating the relevant enhancement measures with financial regulators based on the feedback received. We target to work out the details of the proposals this year and submit the legislative proposals to the Legislative Council for consideration next year. If approved, the relevant measures will take effect from the year of assessment 2025/26, which begins on April 1 this year.
     
         Another focus area of ours is the family office sector. The growth of family offices has been particularly noteworthy, with over 2 700 single family offices operating in Hong Kong as of the end of 2023. More than half of them are managing portfolios exceeding US$50 million, and in particular, over 30 percent are managing portfolios over US$100 million, reflecting Hong Kong’s appeal to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and institutional investors alike. Backing this claim is a market report last year that ranked Hong Kong first in Asia and second in the world in terms of the population size of UHNWIs in 2023 among global cities. This is a testament to our city’s potential and capacity to attract and nurture wealth, further solidifying our position as a global wealth management and family office hub.
     
         Targeting this segment with promising growth potential, we have been implementing a series of policy measures to support the development of the family office business after we issued the Policy Statement on Developing Family Office Businesses in Hong Kong in 2023. Among others, we are fostering collaboration, networking and knowledge sharing across the family offices from around the world via the Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy for the current and next generation of wealth owners.
     
         We also launched the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme in March 2024 where Limited Partnership Funds are included as Permissible Investment Assets. As of the end of April this year, 1 257 applications have been received, potentially bringing in an investment amount of over HK$37 billion to Hong Kong.
     
    Closing
     
         Ladies, and gentlemen, Hong Kong is well-positioned to maintain and enhance its status as a leading international financial centre, notable for our certainty, transparency, and predictability. Our ongoing efforts to establish new ties, attract new capital and foster innovation will ensure our continued strength as a “super connector” in an ever-changing world.
     
         As we continue to bridge global investors with opportunities in the international and Mainland markets, we look to the HKVCA and other professionals alike to foster industry development through leveraging on our distinct advantages.
     
         On this note, I would like to thank the HKVCA again for hosting today’s event and your continued contribution to the industry. I wish you all an enjoyable and rewarding summit today. Thank you.
    Issued at HKT 12:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Full text: Remarks by Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit

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

    KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday addressed the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-China-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    The following is the full text of his remarks at the summit:

    Remarks by H.E. Li Qiang

    Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China

    At the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit

    Kuala Lumpur, May 27, 2025

    Your Honorable Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim,

    Your Highness Crown Prince Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah,

    Colleagues,

    It gives me great pleasure to join you in Kuala Lumpur. First of all, the Chinese side would like to extend sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his vision in proposing the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit. We also wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the Malaysian government for the dedicated efforts and thoughtful arrangements made for the summit.

    China, ASEAN and GCC countries have a long history of friendly interactions, with exchanges and cooperation between us spanning thousands of years from the ancient Silk Road to the Belt and Road Initiative. Today, against a volatile international landscape and sluggish global growth, the establishment of the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit creates a platform for exchanges and a mechanism for cooperation. It is a groundbreaking initiative in regional economic cooperation that has carried forward the legacy of history, and more importantly, answered the call of the times. If we take a look at the world map and draw a line between China, ASEAN and the GCC, we will get a big triangle. As we know, triangle is the most stable structure. By enhancing connectivity and cooperation, we can pool our resources, production capacity and markets to foster a vibrant economic circle and growth pole. This is highly important both to our respective economic prosperity and to peace and development in Asia and the world. We should firmly seize this historic opportunity to enrich the trilateral cooperation, and set a fine example for global cooperation and development in this era.

    First, we should set a fine example of opening up across regions. Together, China, ASEAN and the GCC account for roughly a quarter of the world’s population and economic output. Our markets, if fully connected, will generate even greater space for development and more substantial economies of scale. The China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 upgrade negotiations have been fully concluded. It is hoped that the negotiations for the China-GCC Free Trade Agreement can also be concluded as early as possible to take trilateral trade to a higher level. We should firmly expand regional opening up, and develop a big market with more efficient mobility of resources, technologies and talents and enhanced trade and investment liberalization and facilitation to fully unlock the huge potential of open development.

    Second, we should set a fine example of cooperation across development stages. Countries of the three sides are at different stages of development, yet we should not let these differences stand in the way of our cooperation, but transform them into complementary strengths that we can harness. China is ready to, on the basis of mutual respect and equality, work with ASEAN and the GCC to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, increase macro policy coordination, and deepen collaboration on industrial specialization. We should make efforts to turn our respective strengths into collective strengths, and help each other tackle development challenges. We should create a new model of international industrial and economic cooperation, and strive for coordinated development where everyone does its level best, efficiency is multiplied, and benefits are shared.

    Third, we should set a fine example of inter-civilization integration. Countries of the three sides have diverse civilizations. At the same time, we all belong to the same Asian family and share the same Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness. We should deepen people-to-people exchanges to further consolidate the foundation for mutual trust. We should effectively manage differences in the spirit of mutual understanding, advance win-win cooperation through the exchange of ideas, and explore a new way for promoting the inclusiveness and common progress of different civilizations. China actively supports Prime Minister Anwar’s initiative on Islam-Confucianism dialogue. We are ready to work with ASEAN and the GCC to implement the Global Civilization Initiative, promote mutual learning among civilizations, and pool more consensus and strengths for peace and development.

    Today, we have established the trilateral cooperation mechanism and drawn up a promising vision of joint development. What’s more important now is for all sides to take concrete actions and advance substantive cooperation.

    Between our three sides, we should work together to promote cooperation in key areas and achieve more effective common development. China is ready to discuss with ASEAN and the GCC a trilateral action plan on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. We should enhance synergy and connectivity in infrastructure, market rules and payment systems, actively consider establishing a regional business council, deepen economic integration, and make development more resilient and efficient. While expanding cooperation in traditional areas such as energy and agriculture, we also need to step up cooperation in emerging areas such as AI, the digital economy, and green and low-carbon development to foster and cultivate new growth drivers. We should also respond to our people’s aspiration for enduring friendship, and deepen people-to-people exchanges. To promote travels and people-to-people bond between the three sides, China has decided to roll out an “ASEAN visa” for Southeast Asian countries offering five-year multiple-entry visas to eligible applicants for business and other purposes, and to extend unilateral visa-free policy to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain on a trial basis, which will effectively give visa-free status to all GCC countries.

    At the global level, we should always stand on the right side of history and add more positive energy to world peace and development. We should pursue equal, mutually beneficial, open, inclusive, practical and efficient cooperation, and, through our example, encourage the international community to uphold multilateralism and free trade and reject unilateralism and protectionism. China will work with ASEAN and GCC countries to step up communication and coordination in multilateral mechanisms including the United Nations, vigorously defend the common interests of developing countries, categorically oppose hegemonism and power politics, and make global governance more just and equitable.

    As President Xi Jinping noted, “For us to break through the mist and embrace a bright future, the biggest strength comes from cooperation, and the most effective way is through solidarity.” China will join ASEAN and the GCC in fostering synergies that multiply rather than simply add our individual strengths, and inject strong impetus into our common development and prosperity. I am confident that through our concerted efforts, trilateral cooperation will continue to produce positive results and deliver more benefits to our people, thereby making greater contributions to peace and development in Asia and the world.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Full Text: Speech by Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the opening ceremony of the ASEAN-China-GCC Economic Forum

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

    Full Text: Speech by Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the opening ceremony of the ASEAN-China-GCC Economic Forum

    KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-China-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) Economic Forum 2025.

    The following is the full text of the speech:

    Speech by H.E. Li Qiang

    Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China

    At the Opening Ceremony of The ASEAN-China-GCC Economic Forum

    Kuala Lumpur, May 27, 2025

    Your Honorable Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim,

    Distinguished Guests,

    Business Leaders, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    It gives me great pleasure to join you in Kuala Lumpur for the opening ceremony of the ASEAN-China-GCC Economic Forum.

    The ASEAN-China-GCC Summit is successfully held today. We have agreed to strengthen our trilateral partnership and ushered in a new chapter of trilateral cooperation. The leaders of participating countries have had in-depth discussions under the theme of “Synergizing Economic Opportunities Toward Shared Prosperity.” It is widely agreed that profound and complex transformations are taking place in the global political and economic landscape, the common challenges countries face in their development are increasing, and the scarcity of development opportunities makes them all the more precious, increases the urgency of cooperation, and calls for more vision. In this context, our discussions are highly relevant and should involve all related sectors, particularly the business community, so as to pool wisdom and build consensus among more stakeholders. Let me take this opportunity to share with you three observations.

    First, given everything that is going on, opportunities can be created if we join hands to meet the challenges. At present, economic globalization is suffering heavy blows never seen before. The values we pursue all along, such as peace, development and win-win cooperation, are severely challenged. Properly addressing these issues will bring significant opportunities for the countries of our three sides. Amid heightened geopolitical conflict, rivalry and confrontation, we can create long-term strategic opportunities when we deepen mutual trust and strengthen solidarity. The rapid development of Asia in the past decades offers a profound lesson: Only solidarity, mutual trust, peace and stability can bring development and prosperity. All countries are part of a close-knit community with a shared future. In the absence of mutual trust, problems may be amplified and cooperation becomes impossible. Yet with solidarity and mutual trust, we can render each other strategic support and cultivate broader and more sustainable high-standard economic cooperation, thus ensuring long-term, steady development. Amid rising protectionism and unilateralism, we can unleash enormous market opportunities when we continue to open wider and remove barriers. Countries of our three sides have all benefited from economic globalization and gained great development opportunities from integration into the world market. Our markets, when connected, will form one of the world’s largest intra-regional markets and produce a multiplier effect. Building the big market will allow our countries to reap and share more benefits. Amid more decoupling practice, supply-chain disruptions and trade barriers, we can create opportunities for transformation and upgrading when we keep sharing resources and empowering one another. Countries vary in resource endowments and industrial structure. They bring different strengths to and gain from international industrial cooperation. This will maximize the use of resources, and boost industrial performance and sustained development for all who take part.

    Second, the friendly cooperation between China, ASEAN and GCC countries has a long history and a bright future. More than 2,000 years ago, the earliest camel caravan from China reached the Middle East, and the first Chinese fleet landed in Nanyang (Southeast Asia). Ever since then, trade and people-to-people exchanges have connected us throughout over 20 centuries, strengthening and flourishing over time. These rich historical links will ensure even more successes in our future cooperation. Together, we will find greater potential for development. We are about a quarter of the world’s population and the global economy, but only about 5 percent of global trade. A lot remains untapped. As we deepen our cooperation, our trade and investment will grow continuously and uplift our nations as well as our businesses. Together, our economies will work more efficiently. When factors of production move more easily between our countries and our industries are connected more closely, the cost of energy and other resources will go down, logistics will be faster, financial services will be more efficient, and more advanced technologies will give us strong impetus. The competitiveness and resilience of our economies will grow substantially, and our development will be more efficient and secure. Together, we will create more dynamic ecosystems of innovation. We are all outstanding innovators, each excelling in our own ways. Greater cooperation will enable our innovative talents to better learn from and complement one another, and provide first-class R&D support and rich application scenarios for innovation and creation to sow the seeds for more new industries and new forms of business. This will allow us all to stand taller in the global landscape of innovation.

    The future of our trilateral cooperation is boundless like the oceans. It is upon us to take real actions in order to steer and shape it. China stands ready to work with ASEAN and GCC countries to strengthen alignment of development strategies, deepen cooperation on regional integration, and promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. At the same time, we must firmly uphold the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, and stand for a stable and orderly global market environment. As the ongoing scientific revolution and industrial transformation unfold, let us join hands to seize the early opportunities, expand high-tech cooperation, safeguard the stable and unimpeded industrial and supply chains, and keep breaking new ground in our common development.

    Third, with its high-quality development, China will consistently inject new impetus into the trilateral cooperation. In terms of development momentum, the Chinese economy has been growing steadily since the beginning of this year. With a year-on-year GDP growth of 5.4 percent in the first quarter, China is one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. In the first four months of this year, we’ve seen strong development in the industrial sector, resilient export despite external pressure, and sustained expansion of new growth drivers. The figures speak for themselves: The added value of industrial enterprises above the designated size grew by 6.4 percent year-on-year; export increased by 7.5 percent compared with the same period last year; the added value of high-tech manufacturing and the investment in high-tech services went up by 9.8 percent and 11.3 percent year-on-year respectively; and production and sales of new energy vehicles both exceeded four million. Smart factories now cover more than 80 percent of the manufacturing sectors. These achievements speak volumes about the great stability of the Chinese economy. As President Xi Jinping said, the Chinese economy is not a pond, but an ocean. This vast ocean can withstand fierce winds and heavy rains. Each storm weathered only deepens its resilience and makes it more open and inclusive.

    In terms of macro policies, facing risks and challenges from the external environment, we made clear that more proactive and effective macro policies will be implemented and that a more proactive fiscal policy and an appropriately accommodative monetary policy will be adopted. Fiscal expenditures hit a record high and the regulation of monetary and financial aggregates has been significantly strengthened, providing a strong underpinning for the expansion of aggregate demand. Going forward, we will continue to strengthen counter-cyclical adjustments in light of the changing circumstances. Whatever challenges lie ahead in the future, we have the capability and confidence to maintain the steady and long-term development of the Chinese economy.

    In terms of strategic goals, China is a super-sized economy that enjoys the unique strength of major economies, i.e., domestic demand is the main driver and domestic circulation is possible. We are increasingly placing our strategic priority on expanding domestic demand and strengthening domestic circulation with a view to enhancing the internal driving force of the Chinese economy. We have accelerated efforts to implement the strategy of expanding domestic demand and have launched special initiatives to boost consumption. As more policy resources are given to consumption, a huge demand potential will be unleashed. We are also further deepening reform comprehensively and accelerating the high-end, smart and green industrial transformation, which will create new, additional demand. The Chinese economy is of great breadth and depth, which can provide a huge market for quality products from all over the world. We will stay committed to expanding high-standard opening up, take more measures to advance voluntary and unilateral opening up, and enable domestic and international circulations to reinforce each other, so that companies across the world, including those from ASEAN and GCC countries, can fully share in the opportunity of China’s development.

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Friends,

    Cooperation is the only right way to overcome common challenges. China stands ready to work together with ASEAN and GCC countries to embrace greater openness and cooperation, promote steady economic growth, and join hands to synergize economic opportunities toward shared prosperity. Thank you.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US stocks advance as Trump eases EU tariff threat

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

    U.S. stocks ended higher on Tuesday, after U.S. President Donald Trump softened his stance on tariff threats toward the European Union, signaling that trade negotiations were regaining momentum.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 740.58 points, or 1.78 percent, to 42,343.65. The S&P 500 added 118.72 points, or 2.05 percent, to 5,921.54. The Nasdaq Composite Index increased by 461.96 points, or 2.47 percent, to 19,199.16.

    All of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors ended in green, with consumer discretionary and technology leading the gainers by rising 3.04 percent and 2.55 percent, respectively. Utilities posted the weakest growth, up by 0.77 percent.

    Over the weekend, Trump announced he would delay a planned 50 percent tariff on EU imports until July 9, following a request from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The delay came after Trump had previously proposed implementing the levy on June 1.

    U.S. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told CNBC’s Squawk Box that he anticipates more trade deals could be finalized this week.

    Investor optimism was also buoyed by stronger-than-expected U.S. consumer confidence data for May, with hopes for trade resolutions helping lift sentiment. According to The Conference Board, U.S. consumer sentiment improved across all age and income groups, signaling a broad recovery in outlook.

    On the corporate front, Tesla jumped 6.94 percent after its CEO Elon Musk said he was shifting focus away from political distractions and back to his business ventures. U.S. Steel climbed nearly 2 percent after CNBC reported that Japan’s Nippon Steel is close to finalizing its 55-U.S.-dollars-per-share acquisition of the company.

    The rally marked a strong start to the shortened trading week, as markets reopened following the Memorial Day holiday. The advance was broad-based, with over 90 percent of S&P 500 stocks closing higher, and small-cap stocks also rallied, pushing the Russell 2000 index up 2.48 percent.

    Tuesday’s gains came after a tough week for Wall Street, where all three major indexes — the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq — fell more than 2 percent on fears sparked by Trump’s initial tariff threats toward the EU.

    “It seems like the long holiday weekend only built up momentum for today’s sharp rebound,” said Dann Ryan, managing partner at Sincerus Advisory. “The trade tensions that briefly flared up have already cooled down — and now it looks like negotiations are moving into the fast lane.”

    U.S. Treasury bonds spearheaded a broader decline in global bond yields on Tuesday, as markets welcomed signs that Japan may take steps to stabilize its bond market, which recently saw long-term government debt yields spike to multi-decade highs. The 30-year U.S. Treasury yield eased back to around 4.94 percent.

    Attention is now shifting to a busy week of economic data releases, as well as upcoming comments from Federal Reserve officials, who are widely expected to maintain current interest rates, consistent with previous guidance. Meanwhile, Trump’s controversial tax bill remains in focus after narrowly clearing the House of Representatives last week.

    Nvidia rose 3.21 percent following reports that the company is preparing to release a lower-cost AI chip for China, just ahead of its highly anticipated earnings report on Wednesday, one of the most closely watched of the quarter. Other companies set to report this week include Okta, Macy’s, and Costco. According to FactSet, over 95 percent of S&P 500 companies have reported earnings this season, with nearly 78 percent exceeding analysts’ expectations. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chelsea eye European history in Conference League final

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

    Real Betis is aiming to lift the first European trophy in the club’s history, while Chelsea could become the first team to win all four major UEFA competitions if it defeats the Spanish side in Wednesday’s UEFA Conference League final in Wroclaw, Poland.

    The two coaches are well-acquainted. Since 2011, Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini had managed Enzo Maresca at Malaga for two years. In 2018, the Italian joined Pellegrini’s coaching staff at West Ham United.

    “I sent him a short message when we started in the group stage to say, ‘I will see you in Poland in the final.’ And when we got there, I gave him a call to say how happy I was to play the final against him,” said Pellegrini at a press conference on Tuesday.

    Chelsea’s Reece James (front) vies with Djurgarden’s Daniel Stensson during the UEFA Conference League semifinal second leg football match between Chelsea and Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge in London, Britain, on May 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

    Although Chelsea is viewed as the favorite, Pellegrini expressed confidence in his team’s chances of claiming its first European title.

    “We have the same possibility to win the game and we will start from the first minute trying to do it,” said the 71-year-old, adding, “I’ve said many times that you have to be able to manage the emotional side because a big mistake can decide the result.”

    Chelsea arrived in Poland after a resounding win over Nottingham Forest secured fourth place in the Premier League and qualification for next season’s Champions League.

    “I said a few times during the season that for me, it was already a good season, and it can become a very good season if we finish top four or top five. The first target was there, we achieved it last Sunday. And the chance to do the second is here,” Maresca told the media on Tuesday evening.

    “The Conference League is important. If we are able to win, it’s a good thing because we continue to build the winning mentality. We need to show again the desire to win games,” he added.

    Chelsea has not won a trophy since May 2021, when it defeated Manchester City in the Champions League final in Porto, Portugal.

    Maresca expects his young squad to rise to the occasion. “The message to my players is that we did something important, but if we want to confirm that we’re becoming an important club, we have to show the desire to win the game. It’s a final game and it is the one we want to win,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: From wastelands to wonders: China revives abandoned mines for sustainable future

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

    Tianchi Lake at Baihu Mountain in east China’s Shandong Province features expansive water shimmering with rippling blue waves, and pale purple paulownia flowers blooming along its steep rocky shores.

    It’s hard to imagine that this tranquil and beautiful landscape was once a barren quarry pit. “Windstorms used to whip up dense dust clouds, obscuring the colors of leaves and flowers,” recalled 62-year-old villager Wang Yunhe in Hetaoyuan, a town with 22 mountains and an estimated 1.19 billion tonnes of rock reserves.

    As one of the world’s most mineral-rich nations, China contains over 150,000 mines occupying millions of hectares of land. Upholding the concept that clear waters and green mountains are valuable assets, the country has implemented multiple measures to advance the ecological rehabilitation of abandoned mines in recent years, aiming for win-win outcomes in terms of ecological, economic and social benefits.

    ECOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION

    According to Shang Baoling, a former local official, quarrying had become the dominant industry in Hetaoyuan since the 1990s. Nearly 50 lime kilns were built, with over 2,000 villagers relying on stone mining for their livelihoods.

    Rapacious mining boosted local economies temporarily, but later caused significant ecological damage. “These mountains, originally over 180 meters tall, were excavated to depths exceeding 40 meters below ground level — ultimately transforming verdant peaks into desolate quarries,” Shang said.

    In 2015, authorities of Juye County, which administers Hetaoyuan, enacted a comprehensive mining ban, shuttering all quarries and lime kilns. Years of dedicated reforestation have since transformed 18,000 mu (1,200 hectares) of mining wastelands and slopes into thriving ecosystems, where crabapple, cherry blossoms, paulownia flowers and other flora now bloom in seasonal cycles.

    Many greening workers employed in this effort were former miners from local villages. “Several villagers told me the changes have been tremendous,” Shang added.

    Tourists ride sightseeing boats in the Baihu Mountain scenic spot in Hetaoyuan Town of Heze, east China’s Shandong Province, May 16, 2025. (Photo by Zang Dongming/Xinhua)

    Such transformations are occurring across China. By the end of 2024, over 333,300 hectares of abandoned mines had been rehabilitated — including 26,200 hectares newly restored in 2024 alone.

    This year’s government work report said China will “accelerate the green and low-carbon transition,” listing “strengthening ecological conservation and restoration” as a key priority.

    AGRICULTURAL GOLDMINE

    Nationwide, abandoned mines with geographical and resource advantages are being repurposed for agricultural and other industrial development, creating new economic opportunities for local residents. Taobei Village in Shandong’s capital city of Jinan, for example, rehabilitated its abandoned quarry, a low-lying area littered with rubble, turning it into a medicinal herb cultivation base several years ago.

    “We have developed cultivation of over 10 medicinal herbs, including astragalus and Chinese sage, with an annual production capacity reaching 4 million plants,” said Tao Changguo, director of the village committee.

    Local authorities have also introduced specialized planting cooperatives, establishing processing workshops for medicinal herbs, and facilities for sorting, packaging and fresh storage. These initiatives have boosted local employment while generating more than 200,000 yuan (about 27,825.7 U.S. dollars) in additional annual income for the cooperatives.

    In 2008, as local environmental restoration efforts began, a long-abandoned mining pit in China’s eastern coastal city of Qingdao found new life as a vineyard and winemaking hub, thanks to its prime location on the same latitude as Bordeaux in France.

    “The barren yet well-draining soil here enhances grape acidity and phenolic content, while the scattered rocks in the earth contribute abundant organic minerals,” said Yan Zhigang, deputy general manager of a local wine company.

    According to Yan, the company’s vineyard spans approximately 3,000 mu of reclaimed mining land, where grapes are cultivated on former wasteland and abandoned pits have been repurposed into wine cellars. With an annual production volume of nearly 500,000 bottles, their wines are exported to multiple countries and regions including Europe, Southeast Asia and Japan.

    TOURISM BOOM

    After two decades of relentless efforts, Anji, a small county in east China’s Zhejiang Province, is now successfully transforming its ecological advantage into tangible wealth.

    Launched in 2022, Deep Blue Coffeehouse, located on a 300-mu disused mine near a natural lake in Hongmiao Village of Anji, has now become a social media sensation, drawing 600,000 visitors yearly and earning 20 million yuan in its first year.

    This aerial photo taken on April 7, 2023 shows the Deep Blue Coffeehouse located near an abandoned mine in Hongmiao Village of Anji County in Huzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

    This Scandinavian-style outdoor cafe made headlines in 2024 when it set a new national record for single-day sales at an independent coffee shop — serving an impressive 8,818 cups of coffee in just 24 hours.

    “It’s less about selling coffee and more about selling the scenery and leisure itself,” said Cheng Shuoqin, owner of the coffee shop.

    In recent years, with the deepening integration of ecological restoration and cultural tourism, an increasing number of once-barren industrial sites have been revitalized through scientific planning and innovative design. These transformed spaces now serve not only as eco-parks and tourist destinations but also feature diverse business models, such as countryside-style farm stays, thrilling amusement parks and immersive performance venues.

    At the Huaxia City Scenic Area, located in the city of Weihai in Shandong, Zhou Liming was driving tourists through lush forests and flower fields. A resident from a nearby village, Zhou currently works as a sightseeing vehicle operator in the area. According to Zhou, this area was once nothing but a quarry pockmarked with 44 mining pits of various sizes.

    Since 2003, Weihai has implemented a comprehensive initiative across abandoned mining zones as a strategy for sustainable development. Through reclaiming nearly 4,000 mu of devastated mountains, constructing 35 reservoirs and planting 12.27 million trees, this transformed landscape ultimately gave birth to a thriving tourist resort.

    An aerial drone photo shows a view of the Huaxia City Scenic Area in Weihai, east China’s Shandong Province, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Zhang Hao/Xinhua)

    In the scenic area, an abandoned mining ravine has been transformed, featuring masterpieces of Chinese calligraphy from successive dynasties carved into its towering cliff walls on both sides. A preserved mining village and pit relics remind visitors of the importance of ecological conservation. At a rehabilitated mining site, audiences can now watch an immersive live performance aboard a giant ship, with the actual mountains, water and sky forming a breathtaking natural backdrop.

    In 2024, the scenic area welcomed 2.04 million visitors, generating total revenue of 124 million yuan. During this year’s May Day holiday alone, it attracted 82,000 tourists with holiday earnings reaching 6.65 million yuan.

    “Now, driving a sightseeing vehicle in the scenic area earns me 60,000 yuan annually. This is the good life that our lush mountains and clear waters have brought us!” Zhou said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: GDS Announces Proposed Offering of US$450 Million Convertible Senior Notes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, China, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GDS Holdings Limited (“GDS Holdings”, “GDS” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698), a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China, today announced the commencement of a proposed offering (the “Notes Offering”) of convertible senior notes in an aggregate principal amount of US$450 million due 2032 (the “Notes”), subject to market conditions and other factors, in a private offering to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Company expects to grant the initial purchasers in the Notes Offering an option to purchase up to an additional US$50 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes, exercisable for settlement within a 13-day period, beginning on, and including, the first date on which the Notes are issued.

    The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the Notes Offering for working capital needs and the refinancing of its existing indebtedness, including potential future negotiated repurchases, or redemption upon exercise of the investor put right, of its convertible bonds due 2029.

    When issued, the Notes will be senior unsecured obligations of GDS. The Notes will mature on June 1, 2032, unless earlier redeemed, repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date.

    Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding December 1, 2031, the Notes will be convertible only upon satisfaction of certain conditions and during certain periods. On or after December 1, 2031 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their Notes at their option at any time. Upon conversion, the Company will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, the Company’s American depositary shares, each representing eight Class A ordinary shares (the “ADSs”), or a combination of cash and ADSs, at the Company’s election. Holders may also elect to receive Class A ordinary shares in lieu of any ADSs deliverable upon conversion, subject to certain procedures and conditions set forth in the terms of the Notes. The interest rate, initial conversion rate and other terms of the Notes will be determined at the time of pricing of the Notes.

    The Company may redeem for cash all but not part of the Notes (i) in the event of certain tax law changes (a “Tax Redemption”) and (ii) if less than 10% of the aggregate principal of amount of notes originally issued (for the avoidance of doubt, including the notes issued upon the exercise of the initial purchasers’ option to purchase additional notes) remains outstanding at such time (a “Cleanup Redemption”). The Notes will not be redeemable before June 6, 2029, except in connection with a Tax Redemption or Cleanup Redemption. On or after June 6, 2029 and on or prior to the 40th scheduled trading day immediately prior to the maturity date, the Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, for cash at the Company’s option at any time, and from time to time, if (x) the notes are “freely tradable” (as will be defined in the indenture for the Notes), and all accrued and unpaid additional interest, if any, has been paid in full, as of the date we send such notice and (y) the last reported sale price of the ADSs has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect on (i) each of at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 30 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately prior to the date the Company provides notice of redemption and (ii) the trading day immediately preceding the date the Company sends such notice (such redemption, an “Optional Redemption”). The redemption price in the case of a Tax Redemption, Cleanup Redemption or an Optional Redemption will equal 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the related redemption date.

    Holders of the Notes may require the Company to repurchase for cash all or part of their Notes on June 1, 2029. In addition, holders of the Notes have the option, subject to certain conditions, to require the Company to repurchase any Notes held in the event of a “fundamental change” (as will be defined in the indenture for the Notes). The repurchase price, in each case, will be equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable repurchase date.

    The Company expects that certain purchasers of the Notes may establish a short position with respect to its ADSs by short selling its ADSs or by entering into short derivative positions with respect to its ADSs (including entering into derivatives with an affiliate of an initial purchaser in the Notes Offering), in each case, in connection with the Notes Offering. Any of the above market activities by purchasers of the Notes could increase (or reduce any decrease in) or decrease (or reduce any increase in) the market price of the Company’s ADSs or the Notes at that time, and the Company cannot predict the magnitude of such market activity or the overall effect it will have on the price of the Notes or its ADSs.

    The Company also announced today by separate press release that the Company has commenced a separate registered public offering (the “Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs”) of a certain number of its ADSs (the “Borrowed ADSs”) that the Company will lend to an affiliate (the “ADS Borrower”) of an initial purchaser in the Notes Offering in order to facilitate privately negotiated derivative transactions by some holders of the Notes for purposes of hedging their investment in the Notes. The Company expects to enter into an ADS lending agreement (the “ADS Lending Agreement”) with the ADS Borrower pursuant to which the Company will lend the Borrowed ADSs to the ADS Borrower. The ADS Borrower or its affiliate will receive all of the proceeds from the sale of the Borrowed ADSs and the Company will not receive any of those proceeds, but the ADS Borrower will pay the Company a nominal lending fee for the use of those ADSs pursuant to the ADS Lending Agreement. The activity described above could affect the market price of the Company’s ADSs or the Notes otherwise prevailing at that time.

    The Company also announced today by separate press release that the Company has commenced a separate registered public offering (the “Primary ADSs Offering”) of 5,200,000 ADSs (the “Primary ADSs”), subject to market and other conditions. The underwriters in the Primary ADSs Offering will have a 30-day option to purchase up to 780,000 additional ADSs.

    Nothing contained herein shall constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, including the Notes, the Borrowed ADSs or the Primary ADSs, nor shall there be any offer or sale of the securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs and the Primary ADSs Offering are being made only by means of separate prospectus supplements and accompanying prospectuses pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The closing of each of the Notes Offering, the Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs and the Primary ADSs Offering is conditioned upon the closing of each of the other offerings and vice versa. If the Notes Offering is not consummated, the concurrent Primary ADSs Offering will terminate, the ADS loan under the ADS Lending Agreement will terminate, and the concurrent Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs will terminate and all of the Borrowed ADSs (or ADSs fungible with the Borrowed ADSs or other substitute securities or property as provided for in the ADS Lending Agreement) must be returned to the Company.

    The Notes, the ADSs deliverable upon conversion of the Notes, if any, and the Class A ordinary shares represented thereby or deliverable upon conversion of Notes in lieu thereof, have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or any state securities laws, and are being offered and sold in the United States only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

    About GDS Holdings Limited

    GDS Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698) is a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China. The Company’s facilities are strategically located in and around primary economic hubs where demand for high-performance data center services is concentrated. The Company’s data centers have large net floor area, high power capacity, density and efficiency, and multiple redundancies across all critical systems. GDS is carrier and cloud-neutral, which enables its customers to access the major telecommunications networks, as well as the largest PRC and global public clouds, which are hosted in many of its facilities. The Company offers co-location and a suite of value-added services, including managed hybrid cloud services through direct private connection to leading public clouds, managed network services, and, where required, the resale of public cloud services. The Company has a 24-year track record of service delivery, successfully fulfilling the requirements of some of the largest and most demanding customers for outsourced data center services in China. The Company’s customer base consists predominantly of hyperscale cloud service providers, large internet companies, financial institutions, telecommunications carriers, IT service providers, and large domestic private sector and multinational corporations. The Company also holds a non-controlling 35.6% equity interest in DayOne Data Centers Limited which develops and operates data centers in International markets.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “guidance,” “intend,” “is/are likely to,” “may,” “ongoing,” “plan,” “potential,” “target,” “will,” and similar statements. Among other things, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about GDS Holdings’ beliefs and expectations regarding the Notes Offering, Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs and the Primary ADSs Offering, the growth of its businesses and its revenue for the full fiscal year, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as GDS Holdings’ strategic and operational plans, are or contain forward-looking statements. GDS Holdings may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC on Forms 20-F and 6-K, in its current, interim and annual reports to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause GDS Holdings’ actual results or financial performance to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: GDS Holdings’ goals and strategies; GDS Holdings’ future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the market for high-performance data centers, data center solutions and related services in China and regions in which GDS’ major equity investees operate, such as South East Asia; GDS Holdings’ expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its high-performance data centers, data center solutions and related services; GDS Holdings’ expectations regarding building, strengthening and maintaining its relationships with new and existing customers; the results of operations, growth prospects, financial condition, regulatory environment, competitive landscape and other uncertainties associated with the business and operations of our significant equity investee DayOne; the continued adoption of cloud computing and cloud service providers in China and other major markets that may impact the results of our equity investees, such as South East Asia; risks and uncertainties associated with increased investments in GDS Holdings’ business and new data center initiatives; risks and uncertainties associated with strategic acquisitions and investments; GDS Holdings’ ability to maintain or grow its revenue or business; fluctuations in GDS Holdings’ operating results; changes in laws, regulations and regulatory environment that affect GDS Holdings’ business operations and those of its major equity investees; competition in GDS Holdings’ industry in China and in markets that affect the business of our major equity investees, such as South East Asia; security breaches; power outages; and fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and globally, and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in GDS Holdings’ filings with the SEC, including its annual report on Form 20-F, and with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release and are based on assumptions that GDS Holdings believes to be reasonable as of such date, and GDS Holdings does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    GDS Holdings Limited
    Laura Chen
    Phone: +86 (21) 2029-2203
    Email: ir@gds-services.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Ross Warner
    Phone: +86 (10) 6508-0677
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com

    Brandi Piacente
    Phone: +1 (212) 481-2050
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com

    GDS Holdings Limited

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Premier vows to strengthen alignment of ASEAN, GCC strategies for common development

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Xinhua) — China is willing to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to continuously open up new prospects for common development.

    Li Qiang made the remarks while speaking at the opening ceremony of the ASEAN-China-GCC Economic Forum 2025.

    The successful holding of the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit opened a new chapter in trilateral cooperation, the Premier said, adding that the summit held in-depth discussions on the theme of “jointly creating opportunities, sharing prosperity”, which were of great significance.

    The head of the Chinese government noted that in the modern world, jointly overcoming challenges is equivalent to creating new opportunities.

    According to Li Qiang, in the face of intensifying geopolitical conflicts and confrontation, a firm commitment to deepening mutual trust and strengthening unity can create long-term strategic opportunities and ensure sustainable and stable development.

    In the face of rising protectionism and unilateralism, a firm commitment to expanding openness and removing barriers can open up broad market opportunities and allow all countries to reap greater benefits from jointly building a large market, the premier stressed.

    In the face of the growing trend towards “decoupling and decoupling” and “erecting walls and barriers,” he continued, a strong commitment to resource sharing and mutual strengthening of capabilities can create opportunities for upgrading and transformation, improving industrial efficiency and enhancing the sustainable development dynamics of all countries.

    Li Qiang noted that the friendly cooperation between China, ASEAN and GCC countries has a long history and deep roots.

    Based on such a solid historical foundation, the trilateral cooperation will definitely bring new achievements and its prospects will become even more promising, Li Qiang said, stressing that the three sides will have more space for development, higher economic efficiency and a more vibrant innovation ecosystem.

    China is willing to work with ASEAN and GCC countries to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, deepen regional integration, firmly safeguard the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, maintain the stable and smooth operation of industrial and supply chains, and continuously open up new prospects for common development, the premier added.

    Li Qiang stressed that China will continuously inject new impetus into trilateral cooperation through its own high-quality development.

    Speaking about the development trend, he noted that since the beginning of this year, China’s economy has continued to recover and improve continuously, fully demonstrating strong resilience.

    Li Qiang quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping as saying that “the Chinese economy is a vast ocean, not a small pond.” The premier said the ocean can withstand fierce storms and emerge even deeper and more massive, more inclusive and more open after the storm subsides.

    Noting that China has clearly articulated a proactive macroeconomic policy orientation and intends to further strengthen counter-cyclical adjustments, Li Qiang said the Chinese government and people have the ability and confidence to maintain a steady and long-term course for the “big ship” of the Chinese economy despite all possible challenges in the future.

    At the same time, in strategic terms, he specified, China will focus more on expanding domestic demand and strengthening domestic economic circulation, constantly strengthening the internal driving forces of its economy.

    Li Qiang stressed that China also plans to resolutely and steadily expand high-level opening-up and promote mutual strengthening of domestic and international economic circulation, so that enterprises from ASEAN and GCC member countries and the rest of the world can seize the opportunities brought by China’s development.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of the forum, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, for his part, emphasized that the adoption of a joint statement following the first ASEAN-China-GCC summit sent a strong signal to the world about the commitment of the three parties to unity and cooperation.

    As the head of the Malaysian government pointed out, China is an important partner for ASEAN and GCC countries, playing an important role in promoting economic development, maintaining peace and stability, and upholding international fairness and justice.

    Anwar Ibrahim said ASEAN firmly adheres to the concept of independence and self-reliance and is committed to deepening partnership with China and the GCC members and strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation with them in areas such as economy, trade and investment, so as to make greater contributions to the prosperity and stability of the region and the world at large. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: CPPCC National Committee Vice Chairman Calls for Strengthening China-Latin America Community of Shared Future

    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

    MONTEVIDEO, May 27 (Xinhua) — He Baoxiang, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), has called for consolidating the China-Latin America community with a shared future.

    As He Baoxiang pointed out when he visited Mexico and Uruguay from May 21 to 27 as the head of a delegation, China attaches great importance to relations with these two countries.

    He said China stands ready to work with Mexico and Uruguay to implement the important consensus reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and the leaders of the two countries, as well as the results of the 4th ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), deepening practical cooperation in various fields.

    The CPPCC is ready to make its contribution to these efforts, the CPPCC National Committee vice-chairman stressed.

    During his stay in Mexico, He Baoxiang met with the President of the Chamber of Senators (upper house of parliament) Gerardo Fernandez Noronha and the Vice-Presidents of the Chamber of Deputies (lower house of parliament) Dolores Padierna, Kenia Lopez and Luisa Mendoza.

    In Uruguay, He Baoxiang met with the country’s President Yamandu Orsi, Vice President, Speaker of the General Assembly (parliament) and the Chamber of Senators (upper house of parliament) Carolina Cossé, and Speaker of the House of Representatives (lower house of parliament) Sebastian Valdomir.

    Officials from Mexico and Uruguay expressed understanding and support for China’s core interests and major concerns, and expressed their willingness to work with China to implement the results of the 4th China-CELAC Forum Ministerial Meeting and promote the further development of bilateral relations and relations between Latin America and China, so as to benefit the peoples of both sides. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Trump administration to terminate federal contracts with Harvard University worth nearly $100 million

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    NEW YORK, May 27 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is asking federal agencies to cancel contracts worth about $100 million with Harvard University, the Associated Press reported Tuesday, in an intensifying standoff between the American leader and the country’s oldest and richest university.

    The government has already canceled more than $2.6 billion in federal research grants to the Ivy League school, which has rejected demands from the Trump administration to make a series of changes to its internal policies.

    “A draft letter from the U.S. General Services Administration directs federal agencies to review their contracts with the university and find alternative service providers,” the Associated Press reported. The agency plans to send the letter Tuesday.

    D. Trump has previously lashed out at Harvard, calling the institution a hotbed of liberalism and anti-Semitism. On April 21, the university filed a lawsuit in connection with the presidential administration’s demands for radical changes to its governance structure, hiring system, and student admissions policies. The government has since cut federal funding for the institution, tried to bar it from accepting foreign students, and threatened to revoke its tax-exempt status. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dalian Port Resumes International Cruise Ship Departures After 5-Year Break

    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

    DALIAN, May 27 (Xinhua) — The international cruise ship Adora Mediterranea set sail from the port of Dalian in northeast China on Tuesday evening, marking the resumption of international cruise services from the port after a five-year hiatus.

    The ship departed from Dalian International Cruise Center with 2,618 passengers on board. The cruise route includes popular destinations such as the Japanese cities of Fukuoka and Sasebo, as well as Jeju Island in the Republic of Korea.

    The 292m long Adora Mediterranea, with a gross tonnage of 86,000 gross tons, can accommodate up to 2,680 passengers, offering guests 1,057 cabins and suites.

    According to Adora Cruises Limited Business Development Director Guo Jia, the ship is scheduled to make a total of five international voyages from its home port of Dalian during peak seasons in May, June and September. Each voyage will last five days and four nights, she said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Graham Responds to the Editor: The U.S. Senate Won’t Tolerate Putin’s Games

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

    In Case You Missed It

     

    Graham Responds To The Editor: The U.S. Senate Won’t Tolerate Putin’s Games

    The South Carolina Republican sends a message to Moscow.

    To: The Editor

    Re: Your Editorial “A Sanctions Message to Putin—and China” (May 21)

    From: U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina)

    The Wall Street Journal

    May 26, 2025

    https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-u-s-senate-wont-tolerate-putins-games-vladimir-russia-war-ukraine-sanctions-16780c2f?mod=letterstoeditor_article_pos1

    Regarding your editorial “A Sanctions Message to Putin—and China” (May 21): Since taking office, President Trump has earnestly sought to bring Ukraine and Russia together to achieve a just and honorable peace, ensuring global stability. That is more important now than ever. America’s shameful withdrawal from Afghanistan didn’t merely damage our reputation; it set in motion aggression across the world. If the U.S. continues to lead decisively on bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to an end, that could change. Mr. Trump can restore our reputation—and end the bloodbath.

    Yet peace requires willing partners. While Ukraine has made clear it is ready for such an end, Russia has made more excuses than the market can bear. President Trump has asked Vladimir Putin to provide a term sheet outlining the requirements for a cease-fire, bringing the roadblocks to peace to a head. Depending on how Russia responds, we will know which course to take.

    The Senate is prepared either way. I have coordinated with the White House on the Russia sanctions bill since its inception. The bill would put Russia on a trade island, slapping 500% tariffs on any country that buys Moscow’s energy products. The consequences of its barbaric invasion must be made real to those that prop it up. If China or India stopped buying cheap oil, Mr. Putin’s war machine would grind to a halt.

    The sanctions bill has 82 co-sponsors. As Sen. Thune said last week, if Mr. Putin continues to play games, the Senate will act. I’m hoping for the best, but when it comes to the thug in Moscow, we should all prepare for more of the same.

    Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.)

    Seneca, S.C.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: One couple, two apartments, different surnames for the children: how ‘two places to stay’ is shaping families in China

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Xiaoying Qi, Associate Professor, School of Arts and Humanities, Australian Catholic University

    During fieldwork in cities in China I came across a new marital practice, locally described as liang-tou-dun, literally “two places to stay”.

    A bride and groom, each an only child of their respective family, receive from each set of parents a wedding apartment. The young couple thus has two marriage apartments which they may occupy at different times.

    If a couple with “two places to stay” has two children, it is likely one will have the father’s surname and the other the mother’s. This ensures that the familial lines of both families continue – but it can also entrench inequalities between siblings.

    What’s in a name?

    A child being given the mother’s surname is unconventional. The norm in China is that children take their fathers’ surname, even though Chinese women retain their birth surname after marriage.

    The adoption of patronyms – family names handed down through the male line – historically served as an instrument of consolidation for hereditary property owners. But in China patronyms lost this purpose when the Communist Party came to power in 1949 and abolished private property and inheritance. Still, patronyms persisted.

    Women in China traditionally keep their own name when they get married.
    Snowscat/Unsplash, FAL

    From 1978, Chinese government reforms led to a transition from a planned to a market economy. Since then, many Chinese families have accumulated significant wealth. Such families are focused on how to prevent the loss of property from their family line through inheritance.

    This is a real matter of concern for daughter-only families which have become numerically significant as a result of the one-child policy. This was in place from 1980 to 2015, and many (but not all) families were limited to having just one child.

    A place to stay

    Traditionally, a wife enters her husband’s family and the children take on their father’s surname.

    A traditional solution for a family without a male heir is zhao-xu, the phrase for a marriage where a man marries into his wife’s family, living with or in close proximity to her family.

    Zhao-xu not only requires cohabiting after marriage with the wife’s parents, but also that their children take the mother’s surname, ensuring continuance of the mother’s family’s line.

    A daughter-only family requires her essential role in the continuation of her family lineage.
    Macro.jr/Unsplash, FAL

    This traditional form readily adapts to the needs of daughter-only families in contemporary China. Sons-in-law in these families generally come from families with more than one son, so the husband’s family’s line is not threatened. In these circumstances the wife’s family provides a wedding apartment, furniture, household equipment, dowry and wedding banquet.

    Traditionally in China it is a son’s responsibility to support and care for his ageing parents. A daughter-only family requires her to take an essential role in carrying out elderly support obligations.

    Two names, two places

    An alternative to zhao-xu is “two places to stay”, where the bride’s parents provide her with a wedding apartment and the groom’s parents provide him with a wedding apartment. This tends to happen for young couples who are each an only child in their respective families.

    With owning two apartments, the young couple marries into neither family, but instead maintains close relationships with both. They move between two apartments, occupying one for a certain period of time and then the other.

    As each set of parents endows the young family, the grandparents play an important role in the choice of their grandchildren’s surname. If the young couple has two children then a perfect solution to continuing both family lines is that one child takes the father’s surname and the other the mother’s.

    Grandparents play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren.
    Li Lin/Unsplash, FAL

    First-born children, especially sons, have a special role in the continuity of a family line, and so it is likely the firstborn will take the father’s name.

    But if the young wife’s family has higher social or economic standing than her husband’s, it is likely the first child will take the mother’s surname.

    “Two places to stay” may generate inequalities within families. Grandparents tend to provide resources (educational, recreational and medical) to the grandchild who shares their surname.

    Because of the differences of access to resources, the future education and career prospects of siblings will reflect not their immediate family background, but the different endowments of their respective grandparents.

    Two places to stay is a new form of marriage in China, and a new form of surnaming siblings. It is a new way of doing family, an innovation in intergenerational relations.

    Xiaoying Qi received research funding from The Hong Kong Baptist University’s Start-Up Grant and the Sociology Department Research Fund.

    – ref. One couple, two apartments, different surnames for the children: how ‘two places to stay’ is shaping families in China – https://theconversation.com/one-couple-two-apartments-different-surnames-for-the-children-how-two-places-to-stay-is-shaping-families-in-china-255877

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: GDS Announces Launch of Proposed Public Offering of ADSs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, China, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GDS Holdings Limited (“GDS Holdings”, “GDS” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698), a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China, today announced the commencement of a proposed offering of 5,200,000 American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), each representing eight Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.00005 per share, subject to market and other conditions, in an underwritten registered public offering (the “Primary ADSs Offering”). The underwriters will have a 30-day option to purchase up to 780,000 additional ADSs.

    The Company will receive all of the net proceeds from the Primary ADSs Offering and plans to use such net proceeds for general corporate purposes, working capital needs and the refinancing of its existing indebtedness, including potential future negotiated repurchases, or redemption upon exercise of the investor put right, of its convertible bonds due 2029.

    The Company also announced today by separate press release that the Company has commenced a proposed offering (the “Notes Offering”) of convertible senior notes in an aggregate principal amount of US$450 million due 2032 (the “Notes”), subject to market conditions and other factors, in a private offering to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Company expects to grant the initial purchasers in the Notes Offering an option to purchase up to an additional US$50 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes, exercisable for settlement within a 13-day period, beginning on, and including, the first date on which the Notes are issued.

    The Company also announced today by separate press release that the Company has commenced a separate registered public offering (the “Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs”) of a certain number of its ADSs (the “Borrowed ADSs”) that the Company will lend to an affiliate (the “ADS Borrower”) of an initial purchaser in the Notes Offering in order to facilitate privately negotiated derivative transactions by some holders of the Notes for purposes of hedging their investment in the Notes. The Company expects to enter into an ADS lending agreement (the “ADS Lending Agreement”) with an affiliate of the initial purchaser of the Notes Offering (such affiliate being the “ADS Borrower”), pursuant to which the Company will lend the Borrowed ADSs to the ADS Borrower. The ADS Borrower or its affiliate will receive all of the proceeds from the sale of the Borrowed ADSs and the Company will not receive any of those proceeds, but the ADS Borrower will pay the Company a nominal lending fee for the use of those ADSs pursuant to the ADS Lending Agreement. The activity described above could affect the market price of the Company’s ADSs otherwise prevailing at that time.

    Nothing contained herein shall constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, including the Notes, the Borrowed ADSs or the Primary ADSs, nor shall there be any offer or sale of the securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs and the Primary ADSs Offering are being made only by means of separate prospectus supplements and accompanying prospectuses pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The closing of each of the Notes Offering, the Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs and the Primary ADSs Offering is conditioned upon the closing of each of the other offerings and vice versa. If the concurrent Notes Offering is not consummated, the Primary ADSs Offering will terminate, the ADS loan under the ADS Lending Agreement will terminate, and the concurrent Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs will terminate and all of the Borrowed ADSs (or ADSs fungible with the Borrowed ADSs or other substitute securities or property as provided for in the ADS Lending Agreement) must be returned to the Company.

    J.P. Morgan, BofA Securities, Morgan Stanley and UBS Investment Bank are acting as joint book-running managers, and China Galaxy International and Guotai Junan International are acting as financial advisors for the Primary ADSs Offering.

    The Company has filed an automatic shelf registration statement on Form F-3 with the SEC. A prospectus supplement and the related base prospectus describing the terms of the Primary ADSs Offering have been filed with the SEC. When available, the final prospectus supplement for the Primary ADSs Offering will be filed with the SEC. The Primary ADSs Offering is being made only by means of the prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus and other documents that the Company has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the offering. You may obtain these documents free of charge by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus may be obtained by contacting: (i) J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, or by telephone at 866-803-9204 or by email at prospectus-eq_fi@jpmchase.com; (ii) BofA Securities, Inc., One Bryant Park, New York, NY, 10036, Attention: Prospectus Department, telephone: +1 (800) 294-1322, email: dg.prospectus_requests@bofa.com; (iii) Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Attn: Prospectus Department, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10014; or (iv) UBS Investment Bank, Attention: Prospectus Department, 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019, by telephone: (888) 827-7275 or email: ol-prospectusrequest@ubs.com.

    About GDS Holdings Limited

    GDS Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698) is a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China. The Company’s facilities are strategically located in and around primary economic hubs where demand for high-performance data center services is concentrated. The Company’s data centers have large net floor area, high power capacity, density and efficiency, and multiple redundancies across all critical systems. GDS is carrier and cloud-neutral, which enables its customers to access the major telecommunications networks, as well as the largest PRC and global public clouds, which are hosted in many of its facilities. The Company offers co-location and a suite of value-added services, including managed hybrid cloud services through direct private connection to leading public clouds, managed network services, and, where required, the resale of public cloud services. The Company has a 24-year track record of service delivery, successfully fulfilling the requirements of some of the largest and most demanding customers for outsourced data center services in China. The Company’s customer base consists predominantly of hyperscale cloud service providers, large internet companies, financial institutions, telecommunications carriers, IT service providers, and large domestic private sector and multinational corporations. The Company also holds a non-controlling 35.6% equity interest in DayOne Data Centers Limited which develops and operates data centers in International markets.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “guidance,” “intend,” “is/are likely to,” “may,” “ongoing,” “plan,” “potential,” “target,” “will,” and similar statements. Among other things, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about GDS Holdings’ beliefs and expectations regarding the Notes Offering, Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs and the Primary ADSs Offering, the growth of its businesses and its revenue for the full fiscal year, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as GDS Holdings’ strategic and operational plans, are or contain forward-looking statements. GDS Holdings may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC on Forms 20-F and 6-K, in its current, interim and annual reports to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause GDS Holdings’ actual results or financial performance to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: GDS Holdings’ goals and strategies; GDS Holdings’ future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the market for high-performance data centers, data center solutions and related services in China and regions in which GDS’ major equity investees operate, such as South East Asia; GDS Holdings’ expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its high-performance data centers, data center solutions and related services; GDS Holdings’ expectations regarding building, strengthening and maintaining its relationships with new and existing customers; the results of operations, growth prospects, financial condition, regulatory environment, competitive landscape and other uncertainties associated with the business and operations of our significant equity investee DayOne; the continued adoption of cloud computing and cloud service providers in China and other major markets that may impact the results of our equity investees, such as South East Asia; risks and uncertainties associated with increased investments in GDS Holdings’ business and new data center initiatives; risks and uncertainties associated with strategic acquisitions and investments; GDS Holdings’ ability to maintain or grow its revenue or business; fluctuations in GDS Holdings’ operating results; changes in laws, regulations and regulatory environment that affect GDS Holdings’ business operations and those of its major equity investees; competition in GDS Holdings’ industry in China and in markets that affect the business of our major equity investees, such as South East Asia; security breaches; power outages; and fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and globally, and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in GDS Holdings’ filings with the SEC, including its annual report on Form 20-F, and with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release and are based on assumptions that GDS Holdings believes to be reasonable as of such date, and GDS Holdings does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    GDS Holdings Limited
    Laura Chen
    Phone: +86 (21) 2029-2203
    Email: ir@gds-services.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Ross Warner
    Phone: +86 (10) 6508-0677
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com

    Brandi Piacente
    Phone: +1 (212) 481-2050
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com

    GDS Holdings Limited

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GDS Announces Proposed Offering of American Depositary Shares in connection with the Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, China, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GDS Holdings Limited (“GDS Holdings”, “GDS” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698), a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China, today announced the commencement of a proposed registered public offering of American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), each representing eight Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.00005 per share, which the Company intends to loan (such loaned ADSs, the “Borrowed ADSs”) to an affiliate of the underwriter in the offering (such affiliate, the “ADS Borrower”) pursuant to an ADS lending agreement with the ADS Borrower (the “ADS Lending Agreement”).

    The ADS Borrower or its affiliate will receive all of the proceeds from the sale of the Borrowed ADSs. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the ADSs Offering but will receive from the ADS Borrower a nominal lending fee, which will be applied to fully pay up the Class A ordinary shares underlying the Borrowed ADSs. The Company believes that the Borrowed ADSs will not be considered outstanding for the purpose of computing and reporting its earnings per ADS under the current U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and, therefore, the Company believes that no dilution will occur as a result of the Borrowed ADSs.

    The Company also announced today by separate press release that the Company has commenced a proposed offering (the “Notes Offering”) of convertible senior notes in an aggregate principal amount of US$450 million due 2032 (the “Notes”), subject to market conditions and other factors, in a private offering to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Company expects to grant the initial purchasers in the Notes Offering an option to purchase up to an additional US$50 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes, exercisable for settlement within a 13-day period, beginning on, and including, the first date on which the Notes are issued.

    The Company also announced today by separate press release that the Company has commenced a separate registered public offering (the “Primary ADSs Offering”) of 5,200,000 ADSs (the “Primary ADSs”), subject to market and other conditions. The underwriters in the Primary ADSs Offering will have a 30-day option to purchase up to 780,000 additional ADSs.

    Concurrently with the Notes Offering, an affiliate of the ADS Borrower will sell the Borrowed ADSs in a registered public offering (the “Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs”) offered by us pursuant to a prospectus supplement and an accompanying prospectus, as described below. The number of Borrowed ADSs will be determined at the time of pricing of the Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs, and such Borrowed ADSs are expected to be sold concurrently with the pricing of the Notes and the Primary ADS Offering. The Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs is intended to facilitate privately negotiated derivative transactions so some investors in the Notes could concurrently hedge their investment in the Notes. The Company has been informed by the ADS Borrower that it or its affiliates intends to use the short position resulting from the Delta Placement of the Borrowed ADSs to facilitate privately negotiated derivatives transactions related to the Notes. The number of Borrowed ADSs to be sold will depend on what portion of Notes investors in the desire to hedge their investments and is expected to be no greater than commercially reasonable initial short positions of convertible arbitrage investors. The activity described above could affect the market price of the Company’s ADSs or the Notes otherwise prevailing at that time.

    Nothing contained herein shall constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, including the Borrowed ADSs, the Notes or the Primary ADSs, nor shall there be any offer or sale of the securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs and the Primary ADSs Offering are being made only by means of separate prospectus supplements and accompanying prospectuses pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The closing of each of the Notes Offering, the Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs and the Primary ADS Offering is conditioned upon the closing of each of the other offerings and vice versa. If the concurrent Notes Offering is not consummated, the concurrent Primary ADSs Offering will terminate, the ADS loan under the ADS Lending Agreement will terminate, and the Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs will terminate and all of the Borrowed ADSs (or ADSs fungible with the Borrowed ADSs or other substitute securities or property as provided for in the ADS Lending Agreement) must be returned to the Company.

    The Company has filed an automatic shelf registration statement on Form F-3 with the SEC. A prospectus supplement and the related base prospectus describing the terms of the Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs have been filed with the SEC. When available, the final prospectus supplement for the Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs will be filed with the SEC. The Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs is being made only by means of the prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus and other documents that the Company has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the offering. You may obtain these documents free of charge by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus may be obtained by contacting J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, or by telephone at 866-803-9204 or by email at prospectus-eq_fi@jpmchase.com.

    About GDS Holdings Limited

    GDS Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698) is a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China. The Company’s facilities are strategically located in and around primary economic hubs where demand for high-performance data center services is concentrated. The Company’s data centers have large net floor area, high power capacity, density and efficiency, and multiple redundancies across all critical systems. GDS is carrier and cloud-neutral, which enables its customers to access the major telecommunications networks, as well as the largest PRC and global public clouds, which are hosted in many of its facilities. The Company offers co-location and a suite of value-added services, including managed hybrid cloud services through direct private connection to leading public clouds, managed network services, and, where required, the resale of public cloud services. The Company has a 24-year track record of service delivery, successfully fulfilling the requirements of some of the largest and most demanding customers for outsourced data center services in China. The Company’s customer base consists predominantly of hyperscale cloud service providers, large internet companies, financial institutions, telecommunications carriers, IT service providers, and large domestic private sector and multinational corporations. The Company also holds a non-controlling 35.6% equity interest in DayOne Data Centers Limited which develops and operates data centers in International markets.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “guidance,” “intend,” “is/are likely to,” “may,” “ongoing,” “plan,” “potential,” “target,” “will,” and similar statements. Among other things, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about GDS Holdings’ beliefs and expectations regarding the Notes Offering, Delta Placement of Borrowed ADSs and the Primary ADSs Offering, the growth of its businesses and its revenue for the full fiscal year, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as GDS Holdings’ strategic and operational plans, are or contain forward-looking statements. GDS Holdings may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC on Forms 20-F and 6-K, in its current, interim and annual reports to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause GDS Holdings’ actual results or financial performance to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: GDS Holdings’ goals and strategies; GDS Holdings’ future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the market for high-performance data centers, data center solutions and related services in China and regions in which GDS’ major equity investees operate, such as South East Asia; GDS Holdings’ expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its high-performance data centers, data center solutions and related services; GDS Holdings’ expectations regarding building, strengthening and maintaining its relationships with new and existing customers; the results of operations, growth prospects, financial condition, regulatory environment, competitive landscape and other uncertainties associated with the business and operations of our significant equity investee DayOne; the continued adoption of cloud computing and cloud service providers in China and other major markets that may impact the results of our equity investees, such as South East Asia; risks and uncertainties associated with increased investments in GDS Holdings’ business and new data center initiatives; risks and uncertainties associated with strategic acquisitions and investments; GDS Holdings’ ability to maintain or grow its revenue or business; fluctuations in GDS Holdings’ operating results; changes in laws, regulations and regulatory environment that affect GDS Holdings’ business operations and those of its major equity investees; competition in GDS Holdings’ industry in China and in markets that affect the business of our major equity investees, such as South East Asia; security breaches; power outages; and fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and globally, and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in GDS Holdings’ filings with the SEC, including its annual report on Form 20-F, and with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release and are based on assumptions that GDS Holdings believes to be reasonable as of such date, and GDS Holdings does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    GDS Holdings Limited
    Laura Chen
    Phone: +86 (21) 2029-2203
    Email: ir@gds-services.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Ross Warner
    Phone: +86 (10) 6508-0677
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com

    Brandi Piacente
    Phone: +1 (212) 481-2050
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com

    GDS Holdings Limited

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Philip R. Lane: Interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

    Source: European Central Bank

    Interview with Philip R. Lane, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, conducted by Christian Siedenbiedel on 20 May 2025

    27 May 2025

    Mr Lane, inflation rates in the euro area have fallen sharply since autumn 2022. Has inflation been beaten?

    As you say, inflation rates were temporarily above 10 per cent in 2022. Over the past two years, we have focused on bringing inflation back down to 2 per cent. This task has now mostly been completed. I am saying “mostly” because some final steps still need to be taken. For example, services inflation is still too high. But we expect it to decline in the coming months, as we think wage inflation is coming down. So the disinflation from the high inflation of 2022 is on track – but unfortunately new challenges are emerging.

    Over what time frame are you expecting the inflation rate to sustainably meet the ECB’s 2 per cent target?

    Recently, the inflation rate in the euro area stood at 2.2 per cent, which isn’t so far from our 2 per cent target. I believe that the inflation rate will remain in a zone close to 2 per cent in the coming months. But part of your question is about whether this will be on a sustained basis. And this is where we have to work out whether new challenges, in particular those to do with trade policy, could cause an inflation issue in either direction.

    Many people have the feeling that they are noticing inflation much more in the supermarket. What do you say to them?

    It is not unfounded. Food inflation remains well above 2 per cent – currently around 3 per cent. For unprocessed food, for example fruit and vegetables, it is even close to 5 per cent. So this perception is correct: “supermarket inflation” is higher than the general inflation rate. But this is offset by other developments, such as energy prices. Goods price inflation is also below the current headline inflation rate.

    How much is the reduction in inflation really down to the ECB – and to what extent is it simply a consequence of the sharp rise and subsequent fall in energy prices?

    This time is different from the 1970s. At that time, many central banks didn’t manage to convince people that inflation would fall again – although the Bundesbank did better than others. People expected inflation to remain high. This time around we made it clear that the ECB would deliver on price stability. Through our monetary policy, we have prevented double-digit inflation from getting entrenched. So we played our part and ensured that this period of high inflation remained temporary. Due to our intervention, fluctuations in energy prices have not led to a permanent surge in inflation.

    What impact do you expect Donald Trump’s tariffs to have on inflation in the euro area?

    This has been the subject of intense debate since the election in November. Several factors play a role: first, the exchange rate between the US dollar and the euro. Many expected that tariffs would weaken the euro. So far, however, the opposite has occurred. Second, the tariffs have an impact on global economic growth; the slowdown has pushed down oil and gas prices, and this was not in the initial discussion but is proving important. And third, with respect to trade between the United States and China, China is likely to export less to the United States and more to Europe. So there are a number of factors that could lead to lower inflation in the euro area. But we also have to keep in mind that we don’t know the outcome of the negotiations between the EU and the United States.

    At this point, is it possible to predict what’s ultimately going to happen?

    The outcome is still quite open at the moment. For the time being, there are some factors that tend to support a drop in euro area inflation. However, the picture could shift if, for example, the negotiations between the EU and the United States fail, with the United States imposing higher tariffs and the EU implementing counter tariffs. Supply chains could also be disrupted – this could drive up inflation.

    Are there differences between short-term and long-term effects?

    I would actually distinguish between three time horizons: short term, medium term and long term. In the coming months, in other words for the remainder of 2025, the inflation rate is expected to be close to target. Over the medium term, the impact of US tariffs on inflation could materialise, including through the exchange rate and energy prices. Looking further ahead to the long term, analysts and financial markets are reasonably confident that inflation will return to the ECB’s target. The main focus of the ECB’s monetary policy is on the medium-term horizon: that is to say, one or two years ahead.

    Is there any reason to be concerned that people’s inflation expectations could rise more quickly again because the experience of very high inflation is still so recent?

    As a directional statement, I agree. Before the pandemic, many were convinced inflation would stay very low. The high inflation episode was a painful reminder that inflation can arise. But such a combination of extraordinary events – the pandemic, Russia’s war in Ukraine – is very rare. The more concrete question for us is: could a world of shocks relating to structural changes – arising from challenges to globalisation, increased automation, changing demography – push inflation noticeably below or above 2 per cent, and how responsive will inflation expectations be? Part of our job will be to make sure expectations remain anchored, that people have the reassurance that if inflation moves away from 2 per cent we will bring it back.

    What impact do the current labour shortages and low unemployment have on inflation?

    There is certainly a difference compared with the pre-pandemic period. That’s why I don’t think we will return to inflation rates that are as low as they were back then. When unemployment is low, firms and employees are more likely to settle on wage increases – perhaps around 3 per cent on average in the euro area. This is a normalisation and, allowing for rising labour productivity, makes our 2 per cent target more credible. But I do not see any signs of a wage-price spiral at present, and this also applies to Germany.

    In Belgium, wages are, in part, directly bound to inflation. Has that added to inflation there?

    During the period of high inflation, wages rose rapidly in Belgium but, as inflation fell, wage growth slowed down quickly again. In Germany, there was a different pattern: it took longer for wages to go up. But there is no major difference when looking at the average over three to five years.

    Do you think it is possible that the new protectionism will lead to deglobalisation in the longer term, resulting in structurally higher inflation rates?

    It is important to differentiate between temporary and permanent effects. For many firms the business model is connected to globalisation. A phase of deglobalisation could initially dampen economic growth, which would make it more likely that inflation rates would fall. Following that transition, inflation and its volatility could increase as the offsetting effect of favourable imports fades. It could mean that, as a central bank, we have to be more active in our policy responses to return inflation to 2 per cent over the medium term.

    The Federal Reserve fears that US tariffs could lead to transitory, i.e. temporary, inflation. Would it leave inflation in the euro area unaffected if US rates rise?

    The world needs the Federal Reserve to maintain price stability for the United States. If this means high US interest rates, it can lead to a stronger dollar and thereby somewhat higher inflation for Europe in the short term. In the medium term, however, high US interest rates mostly hold back the global economy – which tends to lead to lower inflation in the euro area. There are always some spillover effects.

    What does all this mean for the ECB’s interest rate policy?

    We need to find a middle path. If we keep interest rates too high for too long, the disinflation pressure of US tariffs could cause inflation rates to fall below our target. If we cut too much and too quickly, a strengthening economy and other factors could drive inflation back up. This is why we will pay close attention to the data in our next meetings. If we see signs of further falling inflation, we will respond with further interest rate cuts – but the range of discussion is not that wide: no one is talking about dramatic rate cuts. We are in a zone of normal central banking.

    Are the key ECB interest rates now in the neutral range?

    The neutral interest rate can only be estimated and it is a long-term concept. In the long term, the neutral interest rate could be around where we are now. But the world is not in equilibrium and the appropriate interest rate may be different in the short term. I would differentiate between the three policy rate zones: a clearly restrictive one with rates say in the high twos or above; and a clearly accommodative one – for the sake of discussion, say rates below 1.5 per cent are clearly accommodative. Going there would only be appropriate in the event of more substantial downside risks to inflation, or a more significant slowdown in the economy. I do not see that at the moment. And there is a zone in between, where it is more of a question of cyclical management. We are navigating in that zone at the moment. This is the focus of the discussions at the ECB.

    Can the ECB be indifferent to exchange rate developments when there is a sharp depreciation of the dollar, like at the moment? Unlike the Bundesbank in the past, you aren’t pursuing an official exchange rate policy…

    The exchange rate is of course an important factor in the development of inflation, even if we do not pursue an explicit exchange rate policy. However, most trade in the euro area takes place between countries sharing the euro as a common currency and, therefore, the exchange rate does not play a role. Trade with the United States and other regions of the world is important but it’s not the dominant factor. At the same time, we need to look at the impact of exchange rate shifts in a situation like we have now.

    Do you think that the euro could replace the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency as a consequence of the unreliable economic policies of the United States?

    I think the question whether the euro should overtake the US dollar is not so important. I can imagine that the euro will become more important as a reserve currency in the current situation. In the first decade of the euro, there was an optimism that we would no longer live in a world with a single world currency, the dollar. Now, the United States is facing all kinds of questions about its role in the world economy. The natural second currency is the euro. It is well placed to gain a bigger share of the market. This could be supported by further European integration – to put the euro on a firmer foundation.

    In your estimation, how great is the risk that we will now see more frequent waves of inflation, like those seen recently?

    The specific circumstances of the last wave of inflation will probably not be repeated quickly. Something like that occurs at most every few decades. Nevertheless, I also consider very low inflation rates, like those before the pandemic, to be unlikely in the current circumstances where there are so many upheavals and changes. There could be more external shocks and fluctuations in inflation rates than in the past. That means that we have an important job to do at the ECB. We may need to become even more active than before in adjusting our policy to the incoming shocks.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Members agree on 2025 chairpersons for subsidiary bodies of Goods Council

    Source: World Trade Organization

    Committee on Agriculture

    Mr Diego ALFIERI (Brazil)

    Committee on Anti-dumping Practices

    Mr Hirokazu WATANABE (Japan)

    Committee on Customs Valuation

    Ms Judith Yu-ying KUO (Chinese Taipei)

    Committee on Import Licensing

    Mr Tiago SERRAS RODRIGUES (Portugal)

    Committee on Market Access

    Mr Ninad DESHPANDE (India)

    Committee on Rules of Origin

    Ms Carol TSANG (Hong Kong, China)

    Committee on Safeguards

    Mrs Milagros MIRANDA ROJAS (Peru)

    Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures

    Mrs Maria COSME (France)

    Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures

    Mr Jungsoo HUR (Korea, Republic of)

    Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade

    Ms Beatriz STEVENS (United Kingdom)

    Committee on Trade Facilitation

    Mr Edem KOSSI (Togo)

    Committee on Trade-Related Investment Measures

    Ms Maryam Abdulaziz ALDOSERI
    (Kingdom of Bahrain)

    Committee of Participants on the Expansion of Trade in Information Technology Products

    Mr George Andrei RUSU (Romania)

    Working Party on State Trading Enterprises

    Mr Sokheng KONG (Cambodia)

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: International Flower Festival underway in Namangan, Uzbekistan

    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, May 27 (Xinhua) — The opening ceremony of the International Flower Festival was held in the Uzbek city of Namangan recently.

    Various compositions and designer decorations made of fresh flowers are presented at various festival sites. Floral landscapes not only provide aesthetic pleasure, but also symbolize the uniqueness and cultural identity of the region.

    The International Flower Festival in Namangan opened on May 25 and will last until the end of June. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Belarus’s foreign trade turnover of goods and services increased by 1.8 percent in the first quarter of 2025 — Belstat

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    MINSK, May 27 (Xinhua) — Belarus’ foreign trade turnover of goods and services for the period from January to March 2025 amounted to about 23.47 billion U.S. dollars, up 1.8 percent year-on-year, the Belarusian National Statistical Committee (Belstat) said on Tuesday.

    Exports of goods and services in the first quarter of 2025 amounted to about $11.42 billion, down 1.1 percent year-on-year. Imports of goods and services reached about $12.04 billion, up 4.6 percent year-on-year.

    The balance of foreign trade in goods and services of Belarus in January-March 2025 was negative – minus 625 million dollars. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – EU–CELAC relations ahead of the 2025 summit – 27-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    After a political lull of almost a decade, the European Union (EU) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) relaunched their strategic partnership in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 27 October 2022. The 2022-2023 bi-regional roadmap, together with the EU’s joint communication of 7 June 2023 on a new agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), prepared the ground for the successful third EU–CELAC summit that took place in Brussels on 17 and 18 July 2023 under the Spanish Presidency of the Council. Two years later, the partners are preparing for the next EU–CELAC summit, due to take place in Santa Marta, Colombia, on 9 and 10 November 2025. This leaders’ meeting is deemed crucial for the EU to deepen its commitment to LAC and advance the strategic partnership. From the EU’s perspective, the Latin American region is key – not only politically, given the recent geopolitical challenges, and economically, because of its great potential as a market for industrial products, but also as a stable supplier of renewable energy sources and critical minerals such as lithium and copper that are crucial for the transformation of the global economy. Geopolitical developments have made it all the more urgent to intensify relations between the EU and CELAC: China has become a dominant player in LAC and is today a strong competitor for the EU and the United States (US). The US policy approach towards LAC under President Donald Trump is strained; this could be an opportunity for the EU to present itself as a reliable partner to the region. The promotion of inclusive and, in particular, mutually beneficial agreements on trade and on raw materials could be an advantage for the EU over its competitors. The summit in Santa Marta provides a chance to elevate the EU–CELAC relationship to the next level. The main tasks will include deepening and concretising the bi-regional relations on issues such as trade and investment and the green and digital transitions, and further strengthening cooperation on other issues such as the fight against organised crime. A litmus test for the strategic partnership will also be whether the partners manage to finalise the two key pending international agreements with Mexico and Mercosur respectively.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – 30th anniversary of the enforced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet – E-001550/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU and China held the 39th session of their Human Rights Dialogue in Chongqing, China on 16 June 2024. The European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights was informed (in camera) about the discussions held during the Dialogue on 4 December 2024.

    The Dialogue was preceded by a side visit to Tibet that was organised by the Chinese authorities. During the side visit and in the Dialogue itself, visiting diplomats of the European External Action Service had access to experts on Tibetan issues and specifically inquired about the whereabouts and wellbeing of the 11th Panchen Lama.

    The official reply received was that he ‘currently conducts a normal life and does not wish to be contacted’. It was also stressed by the Chinese side that the identification of the 11th Panchen Lama was done without the approval of China’s central government and that as such, it was considered illegal.

    The 30th anniversary of the Panchen Lama’s enforced disappearance will be certainly raised during the next 40th iteration of the Human Rights Dialogue, as will the ongoing suppression of religious freedoms in Tibet.

    The EU will continue to speak out against human rights violations occurring across China, including in Tibet in multilateral fora (e.g. the Human Rights Council) and will continue to convey its concerns to the Chinese leadership including at the highest political level during EU-China summits.

    The EU will also continue to reiterate the rights of individuals or religious communities to conduct their basic affairs and freely choose their religious leaders without government interference — whether in Tibet, or elsewhere in the world.

    Last updated: 27 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s busiest seaport teams up with three European hubs to collaborate on low-carbon shipping

    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

    HANGZHOU, May 27 (Xinhua) — China’s Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in east China’s Zhejiang Province, the world’s busiest by cargo throughput, on Tuesday announced three initiatives with three major European ports — Hamburg and Wilhelmshaven in Germany and Valencia in Spain — to build green shipping corridors and promote China-Europe cooperation on low-carbon ports.

    The international shipping industry, which accounts for around 80% of global trade, is currently facing urgent pressure to reduce emissions. Under the above initiatives to decarbonise international shipping, participating ports will engage with shipping companies, cargo owners, energy suppliers, think tanks and other stakeholders to promote zero-carbon technologies, clean fuels and smart management systems on specific shipping routes.

    Key collaborative actions under these initiatives include the construction and use of shore power infrastructure, optimisation of cargo distribution networks, implementation of renewable energy solutions and expansion of clean fuel bunkering capacity to create zero-carbon corridors from port origin to destination.

    Currently, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port serves more than 300 marine container lines, including more than 250 international routes, which connect over 600 ports in more than 200 countries and regions around the world.

    In recent years, increasing the scale of research, development and promotion of green low-carbon technologies has been a particular focus for Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, whose clean energy utilization rate now reaches about 74%.

    “We will work closely with seaports and shipping companies associated with the Belt and Road Initiative to promote the global green transformation of ports and shipping,” said Tao Chengbo, chairman of the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port Group, the port operator. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Defense Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and Russia Discuss Military Cooperation

    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

    BISHKEK, May 27 (Xinhua) — Kyrgyz Defense Minister Ruslan Mukambetov met with his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov in Bishkek, the press service of the Kyrgyz Defense Ministry reported on Tuesday.

    During the meeting, the ministers discussed issues of interaction and prospects for military cooperation between the two countries.

    It was also reported that the Program of Strategic Partnership between Kyrgyzstan and Russia in the Military Sphere for 2026-2030 was signed. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Premier Calls for Promoting China-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation

    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

    KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Xinhua) — China hopes to work with Vietnam to advance bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperation toward higher quality and deeper levels, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

    Li Qiang made the statement during a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Trinh on the sidelines of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-China-GCC (Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Persian Gulf) summit.

    The head of the Chinese government recalled that not long ago, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping made a successful state visit to Vietnam, during which the parties agreed to accelerate the construction of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic importance in accordance with six major goals.

    As Li Qiang emphasized, China is ready to work with Vietnam to implement the results of this visit, maintain high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.

    Pointing out that instability and uncertainty are growing in the current international situation, Li Qiang said China will remain committed to openness and development and hopes to strengthen communication and cooperation with Vietnam, jointly uphold international fairness and justice, safeguard the world economic and trade order and the common interests of countries in the Global South.

    Pham Minh Trinh, for his part, noted that President Xi Jinping made a successful state visit to Vietnam in April this year. The Prime Minister expressed Vietnam’s intention to join hands with China to actively implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, strengthen high-level exchanges and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.

    The Vietnamese side expresses congratulations on the successful holding of the first ASEAN-China-GCC summit, Pham Minh Trinh said, expressing his country’s readiness to work with China to promote new practical achievements in trilateral cooperation.

    The current international situation is full of challenges, the head of the Vietnamese government stated. He stressed that Vietnam expects to strengthen communication and coordination with China to firmly protect its legitimate rights and interests. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DGCA visits Beijing (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    DGCA visits Beijing  
    Mr Liu called on the Administrator of the CAAC, Mr Song Zhiyong, and expressed his gratitude for the CAAC’s staunch support to the aviation industry of Hong Kong throughout the years. He also briefed Mr Song on the latest civil aviation developments in Hong Kong to further enhance co-operation. Mr Liu also met with Deputy Administrator of the CAAC Mr Han Jun and representatives from the relevant bureaux, to discuss how to establish closer ties in the areas including civil aviation development, aviation safety and technical co-operation.
     
    During the visit, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) signed a Letter of Intent on Strengthening Technical Exchanges and Collaboration in Civil Aviation Safety Oversight, and a Cooperation Arrangement on Strengthening Civil Aviation Science and Technology with the CAAC and the China Academy of Civil Aviation Science and Technology (CAST) under the CAAC respectively.
     
    In addition, witnessed by Mr Liu and Mr Han, the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy and the Civil Aviation Flight University of China signed a framework agreement to foster co-operation in cadet pilot training. Both flying training organisations were granted with the CAD 509 approval.
     
    Mr Liu also met with the Director General of the ATMB of the CAAC, Mr Miao Xuan, to exchange views on further strengthening co-operation in air traffic management, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency of the aviation industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Mr Liu welcomed the participation of the ATMB in Airspace Asia Pacific 2025 to be held in Hong Kong this December, showcasing the innovative technologies used in Mainland air traffic management.  
     
    Mr Liu took the opportunity to visit the Third Civil Aviation Science and Education Innovation Achievement Exhibition and the CAST Aviation Safety Experimental Base to learn about the achievements in innovative technologies and development trends in the Mainland aviation industry.
     
    Accompanying Mr Liu to Beijing was the Assistant Director-General of Civil Aviation (Air Services and Safety Management), Mr Raymond Ng; the Assistant Director-General of Civil Aviation (Air Traffic Management), Mr Hui Man-ho; and the Assistant Director-General of Civil Aviation (Airport Standards), Mr Samuel Ng.
     
    Mr Liu will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (May 28).
    Issued at HKT 18:40

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –