NewzIntel.com

Category: China

  • MIL-OSI China: Trade booms, investment accelerates as China, Latin America deepen ties

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

    NANJING, May 23 — In the early hours of last Saturday morning, the international express parcel supervision center at Wuxi Shuofang Airport in east China’s Jiangsu Province buzzed with activity, with customs officers swiftly clearing parcels bound for Mexico.

    The cargo plane carrying these cross-border e-commerce parcels, packed with apparel and small furnishings, was the 164th trans-Pacific flight since the route’s launch in April last year. Over the past 12 months, the service has delivered Chinese goods worth around 2 billion yuan (about 278.1 million U.S. dollars) to Latin America.

    The route epitomizes the deepening economic ties between China and Latin America. Surging demand for Chinese products is fueling a boom in cross-border e-commerce, which is now a new driver of foreign trade.

    “The route offers three flights weekly and goods can arrive in Latin America within two days. It has established an ‘air bridge’ connecting Jiangsu to Latin America,” said Wang Weihua, a Wuxi Customs official.

    China and Latin America are highly complementary in economy. China is Latin America’s second-largest trading partner and the top trading partner for countries like Chile, Brazil and Peru.

    According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, the bilateral trade hit a record high of 518.47 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, surpassing China’s 10-year target of 500 billion U.S. dollars that was set a decade ago.

    However, trade is only part of the story, with direct investment also growing as industrial collaboration booms.

    In 2024, China’s direct investment in Latin America reached 14.71 billion U.S. dollars, while Latin American companies had established 37,000 enterprises in China as of March this year, according to the ministry. China and Latin America have strengthened industrial cooperation in sectors like high-end manufacturing and the green economy.

    A prime example of industrial collaboration is the XCMG Brazil Industrial Park in the city of Pouso Alegre in Brazil, where rows of yellow engineering machinery vehicles stand out against the backdrop of the tropical rainforest.

    As China’s first overseas economic and trade cooperation zone for engineering machinery, the park produces over 10,000 units of machinery annually and serves as a core supplier to global mining giant Vale.

    “In recent years, we have invested heavily in R&D for new energy and smart equipment to meet local demand for green mining transformation,” said Gu Chong, chief culture officer of XCMG Brazil Industrial Park.

    A leading Chinese heavy machinery manufacturer, XCMG established its wholly-owned Brazilian production base in Pouso Alegre in 2014, expanding it into an industrial park later in 2019.

    “By strengthening localization, XCMG Brazil is accelerating green transformation and digital innovation to build high-value-added supply chains tailored to local demand,” said Gu.

    He added that XCMG is forging an integrated industrial ecosystem spanning R&D, manufacturing, service and finance, aiming to deepen cooperation with the whole Latin America region with Brazil serving as the regional hub.

    While Chinese firms go global, Latin American companies are also deepening their presence in China.

    At the production facility of WEG (Jiangsu) Electric Equipment Co., Ltd., robotic arms deftly assemble motor equipment with precision on automated assembly lines, blending Chinese automation with Brazilian engineering.

    The products will soon be transported to Europe and Oceania. “We invested over 2 million yuan in this robotic line, boosting per-worker productivity by about 40 percent,” said Zhang Pengfei, an engineer at WEG Jiangsu.

    WEG Jiangsu, as a key China-based subsidiary of Brazilian company WEG, has rapidly expanded since its establishment in 2014.

    “Our factory’s production capacity doubles every five years, making China a core of WEG’s global supply chain,” said Zong Xin, general manager of WEG Jiangsu, adding that WEG’s development in China has far exceeded expectations, with a total of six factories and about 3,000 employees.

    Zong highlighted that amid global economic volatility, China’s stable market environment and healthy competition environment can help Latin American firms mitigate risks and strengthen innovation.

    “China offers consistent policies, a skilled workforce, robust industrial chains and well-developed infrastructure,” he said, noting that WEG plans to invest an additional 1 billion yuan in new facilities to meet booming Chinese demand.

    “China will remain a pivotal hub for WEG’s production expansion, innovation and global competitiveness,” Zong added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to send largest-ever delegation to Asian Athletics Championships

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

    BEIJING, May 23 — China will send a record-sized squad in both athlete numbers and event participation to the 26th Asian Athletics Championships which will take place from May 27 to 31 in Gumi, South Korea.

    According to the Chinese Athletics Association, 62 athletes – 30 men and 32 women – will compete in 43 events, making it the largest contingent the country has ever dispatched to the continental championships. The Chinese team has an average age of 24, with the oldest athlete aged 32 and the youngest just 17.

    While the roster features many up-and-coming athletes, it also includes established stars such as 2020 Olympic silver medalist Zhu Yaming in the men’s triple jump, and 2024 Olympic runner-up Feng Bin in the women’s discus.

    At a recent pre-event rally held by the Chinese Athletics Association at the national team’s training base at Beijing Sport University, sprinter Liang Xiaojing spoke on behalf of the athletes, emphasizing the team’s commitment to competing with integrity and determination.

    “We will not shy away from challenges. We will give our all on the track and field to showcase the spirit and strength of Chinese athletics,” said Liang. “We are determined to bring glory to our country and stand firmly against doping.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi says China hopes Germany will provide fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises

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

    Xi says China hopes Germany will provide fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises

    BEIJING, May 23 — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday said that China hopes Germany will provide fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises, and called on China and EU to send a positive signal of safeguarding multilateralism and free trade, and deepening open and mutually beneficial cooperation.

    Xi made the remarks during his phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi says sound, stable China-Germany relationship serves both countries’ interest, meets expectations of various sectors in China, Europe

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

    Xi says sound, stable China-Germany relationship serves both countries’ interest, meets expectations of various sectors in China, Europe

    BEIJING, May 23 — Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday that a sound and stable China-Germany relationship serves both countries’ interest, and meets the expectations of various sectors in China and Europe.

    The two countries should expand cooperation in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum technology, Xi said during his phone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China leading globally in installed hydropower capacity

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

    China’s reservoirs and dams rank first globally in both number and installed capacity, according to the 28th Congress of the International Commission on Large Dams held in Chengdu City, the capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province.

    Congress attendees noted that China has developed a comprehensive, systematized approach to mitigating climate risks through water infrastructure, which is a replicable model for the world.

    According to data from the National Energy Administration, China had constructed more than 94,000 dams by December 2024 — the largest number globally — and the country’s total installed hydropower capacity had reached 436 million kilowatts, including 377 million kilowatts of conventional hydropower.

    Annual hydropower generation comes in at 1.42 trillion kilowatt-hours, accounting for 57 percent of China’s total renewable energy output, official figures show.

    China’s total reservoir storage capacity is approaching 1 trillion cubic meters, including a flood control capacity of over 185.6 billion cubic meters. Reservoirs supply 270 billion cubic meters of water annually and support the cultivation of 532 million mu (about 35.5 million hectares) of farmland. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China reports strong increase in online sales of digital products

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

    Online sales of digital products in China increased 8.4 percent year on year in the first four months of 2025, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce on Friday.

    Sales of smart robots and smart home systems rose by 87.6 percent and 16 percent year on year respectively, the data showed.

    An official of the ministry’s e-commerce department attributed the growth to the e-commerce sector’s sound integration between domestic and foreign trade, as well as its strong global industrial and supply chain coordination capacity.

    From January to April, online sales of 15 categories of home appliances and digital products covered by trade-in programs rose 11.5 percent year on year.

    Services consumption also saw a notable increase, with online entertainment and travel sales rising 31.9 percent and 25.4 percent year on year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: US solar manufacturers lag skyrocketing market demand

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, Associate Research Scientist, University of Michigan

    Americans continue to want solar energy. AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

    U.S. consumer demand for renewable energy continues to grow, with more solar panel capacity installed in 2024 than in 2023, which saw more than in 2022. But U.S. trade policy is in flux, and high tariffs have been imposed on imported solar panels, which may cause shortages.

    I am a scholar who studies the Sun, as well as an entrepreneur who is working to harness its power here on Earth by creating new designs for generating solar electricity. As part of that effort, I’ve studied market trends and manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. and abroad. Right now, U.S. manufacturers do not produce enough solar panels to meet the nation’s demand, but industry investments and federal tax incentives have been making progress, though recent federal moves have created uncertainty.

    In 2024, U.S. installers put up enough solar panels to generate 50 gigawatts of electricity – enough to power New York City for a year.

    U.S. manufacturers made only a small fraction of that – 4.2 GW of solar modules in the first half of 2024. That was a big boost, though – a 75% increase compared with the same period in 2023. And the prices were roughly three times the cost of imports.

    A look at recent imports

    In 2024, the U.S. imported far more panels than the country needed, suggesting developers may be stockpiling panels for future projects.

    Most of those imported panels were made in Asia, particularly Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. In fact, nearly all of the U.S.-made panels used at least some components from overseas. China currently makes about 97% of the world’s supply of photovoltaic wafers, which are building blocks of solar panels.

    The effects of proposed U.S. trade policies on the solar industry remain unclear. Through 2024, manufacturing continued a yearslong ramp-up to take advantage of government policies favoring domestic manufacturing. And imported panels seem slated to suffer from ever-increasing tariffs, which drive up costs.

    Domestic production rises

    Since 2010, U.S. solar panel production has increased about eightfold. But U.S.-made panels are more expensive than imported alternatives. In 2024, U.S.-made panels typically cost 31 cents per watt, but imported panels, even including tariffs that existed before President Donald Trump’s second term, cost about one-third of that: 11 cents per watt.

    But domestic manufacturers are bringing costs down by ramping up production while relying on the government to maintain or increase tariffs on imports, which may make U.S. panels more competitive domestically in the future.

    Reliance on overseas sources

    Despite that increase in domestic production, U.S. demand for solar panels has grown even faster. To meet demand, the U.S. imports a substantial portion of its solar photovoltaic modules.

    Tariffs, including a 30% tariff on solar cells and solar panels starting in 2018, aimed to boost domestic manufacturing.

    But those tariffs and falling global prices made solar installations more costly in the U.S. than in the rest of the world. The average global cost of installed solar systems dropped from $1.15 per watt in 2012 to $0.72 per watt in 2016, nearly half that of U.S. installations.

    The 2018 tariffs, as well as earlier rounds in 2012 and 2014, have shifted the source of U.S. imports of solar panels – from China and Taiwan to Malaysia and South Korea. Manufacturers are also building solar panels in Singapore and Germany to maintain access to the U.S. market. And Chinese companies are even investing in U.S. solar manufacturers to take advantage of federal incentives and avoid tariffs.

    New tariffs emerge

    Trump’s proposal for new tariffs on foreign-made solar goods, including panels and components, particularly target Chinese-owned companies in Southeast Asia.

    They could include a potential 375% tariff on Thai products – nearly quadrupling prices – and a 3,500% tariff on products from Cambodia.

    In contrast, U.S.-made solar panels will be cheaper. But a reduced supply of solar panels will raise prices even of domestic-made panels, at least until U.S. manufacturing can catch up with the demand. Some developers have begun to delay or cancel solar installations to address rising costs.

    Domestic investment

    Due in large part to the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, enacted in 2022, the U.S. solar panel industry has seen significant investments.

    Since the law’s enactment, more than 95 GW of manufacturing capability have been added across the solar supply chain in the U.S., including new facilities that in a year can construct enough solar panels to produce nearly 42 GW, beyond existing manufacturing levels. This growth in manufacturing capabilities is largely located in Texas and Georgia.

    Still, the new administration’s shifting priorities and trade policies make the landscape uncertain. Before Trump began discussing various solar-related trade policies, the industry projected it would install an average of 45 GW of solar panels every year for the next decade.

    Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti owns shares in APT Solar Solutions Inc. in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He receives funding from public and private organizations to develop and commercialize three-dimensional solar modules.

    – ref. US solar manufacturers lag skyrocketing market demand – https://theconversation.com/us-solar-manufacturers-lag-skyrocketing-market-demand-256944

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China is the world leader in total installed hydroelectric power capacity

    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

    CHENGDU, May 23 (Xinhua) — China ranks first in the world in the number of reservoirs and dams, as well as in the installed capacity of hydroelectric power plants (HPPs), according to the 28th Congress of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) held in Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province.

    Congress participants noted that China, in the process of responding to climate risks, has developed a comprehensive systemic solution that can be adopted by other countries around the world.

    According to the National Energy Administration of China, as of December 2024, China had built more than 94,000 dams, the highest number in the world. The country’s total installed hydroelectric power capacity reached 436 million kW, of which 377 million kW were conventional hydroelectric power plants.

    China’s annual hydroelectric power generation capacity was 1.42 trillion kilowatt-hours, accounting for 57 percent of the country’s total renewable electricity generation.

    The total capacity of China’s reservoirs is approaching 1 trillion cubic meters, including flood-control capacity of 185.6 billion cubic meters. The reservoirs provide an annual water supply of 270 billion cubic meters and support the irrigation of 532 million mu (about 35.5 million hectares) of farmland. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China makes stern representation to Japan over detention of Taiwanese fishing vessel

    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 23 (Xinhua) — China has made stern representations to Japan over the detention of Taiwan’s fishing vessel Hongzaitou 6 and demanded immediate correction of mistakes and effective measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Friday.

    A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman made the remarks at a regular press conference when asked about China’s reaction to Japan’s actions.

    “The Chinese government attaches great importance to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese fishermen, including those from the Taiwan region. In accordance with the China-Japan Fisheries Agreement, the Japanese side has no right to take law enforcement measures against Chinese vessels in the relevant waters,” Mao Ning emphasized. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vice Chairman of China Meets with Chairman of Turkmenistan’s Mejlis

    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 23 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Turkmen Parliament (Mejlis) Chairwoman Dunyagozel Gulmanova in Beijing on Friday.

    Han Zheng noted that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China-Turkmenistan relations have been elevated to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership, and a community of shared destiny has been realized at the bilateral level.

    China is willing to work with Turkmenistan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, firmly support each other and accelerate cooperation in areas such as natural gas, digital economy, green development and new energy, Han Zheng said.

    According to him, China is ready to work with Turkmenistan to expand humanitarian exchanges, strengthen international cooperation and promote sustainable and long-term development of bilateral relations.

    D. Gulmanova, in turn, stated that the friendship between Turkmenistan and China has its roots in the distant past. Turkmenistan is ready to further increase exchanges and cooperation with China in such areas as legislation, environmental protection, youth, economy and trade, as well as in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, to achieve common development. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking: Xi Jinping hopes Germany will provide fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese businesses

    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 23 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday expressed hope that Germany will provide a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese businesses, and called on China and the EU to send a positive signal of upholding multilateralism and free trade and deepening open and win-win cooperation.

    These words were spoken during a telephone conversation between Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China reports significant growth in online digital sales

    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 23 (Xinhua) — Online sales of digital goods in China grew 8.4 percent year on year in the first four months of 2025, data released by the Ministry of Commerce showed on Friday.

    In particular, according to the data, during the reporting period, sales of intelligent robots and smart home systems grew by 87.6 percent and 16 percent year-on-year, respectively.

    An official from the e-commerce department of the ministry attributed the growth to the high level of integration of domestic and foreign trade in e-commerce, as well as the strong potential of linking global production and supply chains.

    From January to April, online trade-in sales of 15 categories of home appliances and digital products increased by 11.5 percent year-on-year.

    The consumption of services also saw significant growth, with online sales in the arts and tourism sectors growing by 31.9 percent and 25.4 percent year-on-year, respectively. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Taiwan commits to multi-layered defense modernization amid heightened regional tensions, observes GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Taiwan commits to multi-layered defense modernization amid heightened regional tensions, observes GlobalData

    Posted in Aerospace, Defense & Security

    Taiwan is undertaking a comprehensive, multi-layered defense modernization effort, driven by rising security threats and the imperative to deter potential aggression from China. With defense spending projected to reach $23.5 billion in 2030, Taiwan is prioritizing advanced air, naval, and unmanned systems, while also strengthening logistics and support infrastructure to enhance resilience and sustain prolonged military operations, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report, “Taiwan Defense Market Size and Trends, Budget Allocation, Regulations, Key Acquisitions, Competitive Landscape and Forecast, 2025-30,”Australia Defense Market Size and Trends, Budget Allocation, Regulations, Key Acquisitions, Competitive Landscape and Forecast, 2022-27’ reveals that the country’s cumulative defense spending is anticipated to reach $112.2 billion during 2026-30, out of which the acquisition budget share is estimated to be approximately average 14.7%, amounting to $16.5 billion.

    Abhijit Apsingikar, Aerospace & Defense Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Persistent Chinese incursions into territorial waters and airspace, along with the constant threat of a potential naval amphibious invasion, have compelled Taiwan to make substantial investments in strengthening its overall defense posture.”

    Against this backdrop, Taiwan placed a contract to procure 66 new F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft in 2020 and first of the new aircraft were delivered in March 2025. The country has also completed modernizing its existing fleet of 139 F-16 A/B multirole aircraft to F-16 Block 70/72 standard as a part of the first phase of Peace Phoenix Rising program, last of which was delivered in December 2023. Taiwan is also in the process of reinforcing its sea denial capabilities by investing in Hai Kun-class submarines, while also investing in acquisition of Harpoon Coastal Defense System.

    Over the period 2020-25, Taiwan sanctioned a large defense investment fund disbursed over multiple years. The key focus of these investments was directed towards strengthening the defense infrastructure and to revitalize defense R&D capabilities within the country, with its Navy being a key beneficiary. Taiwan is also in the process of building a new 2,500-ton light frigate to bolster its naval defense capabilities.

    Apsingikar continues: “The ongoing Russo-Ukraine war offers a template for Taiwan to adopt proven methods for defending against a stronger adversary by deploying unmanned platforms such as unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned ground vehicles, unmanned surface vessels and unmanned underwater vehicles. These platforms can assist Taiwan to compensate for its relatively smaller military strength and combat potential”

    Although Taiwan’s defense RDT&E spending is modest with a budgetary allocation of $530 million for 2025, its anticipated to be directed mainly towards R&D in automated unmanned systems. For instance, Taiwan is developing Huilong uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV), the Endeavor Manta Unmanned Surface Vessel, and Tu-40 Fixed Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

    Apsingikar concludes: “Taiwan is strategically focused on building a resilient and multi-layered defense posture. The emphasis is not only on acquiring advanced platforms but also on investing in robust logistics, maintenance, and support infrastructure. This integrated approach is critical to sustaining prolonged defense operations and delaying potential aggression long enough to enable allied intervention. By learning from modern conflict scenarios, Taiwan is prioritizing asymmetric warfare capabilities, particularly unmanned systems and sea denial strategies, to offset its numerical disadvantage and enhance its deterrence credibility in the region.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China begins building new nuclear power units in southern port city

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    NANNING, May 23 (Xinhua) — Construction of two new nuclear power plant units using domestically developed third-generation Hualong-1 reactor technology started in the port city of Fangchenggang, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on Friday, marking a major step in expanding the country’s key nuclear energy base.

    According to Guangxi Fangchenggang Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., the capacity of each of the power units No. 5 and No. 6 of the Fangchenggang NPP will exceed 1.2 million kW. Once put into operation, their combined annual electricity generation will amount to 20 billion kWh.

    The Fangchenggang NPP project in the GCA envisages the commissioning of six power units. The first two were launched in 2016, and units 3 and 4 with Hualong-1 reactors were connected to the grid in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

    As of the end of March 2025, the plant’s four operating power units generated more than 160 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. This is equivalent to saving over 48 million tons of conventional coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 131 million tons.

    After the project is fully completed, the installed capacity of the Fangchenggang NPP will reach 6.9 million kW, and the annual electricity generation will reach 53 billion kWh.

    Experts emphasize that the expansion of the station will make a significant contribution to the energy transformation and high-quality economic development of the GCR.

    According to statistics, by the end of 2024, China’s nuclear power plants generated 450.9 billion kilowatt-hours (an increase of 3.7 percent), accounting for 4.5 percent of the country’s total electricity production. This reduced coal consumption by 140 million tons and carbon dioxide emissions by 370 million tons. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New partners and joint projects: Polytechnic at the international forum in Xi’an

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The Silk Road Alliance of Architecture and Technology Universities (SRIAATU) International Forum was held in Xi’an, China. The alliance was established in October 2023 under the chairmanship of Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology to develop global architecture, technological innovation, and sustainable infrastructure for life. It includes 55 leading universities from 26 countries specializing in architecture and construction. It is the most important platform for combining the efforts of talented engineers and architects in the implementation of joint scientific and educational projects and cultural exchange.

    The forum became an important step in promoting the concept of “green” architecture, based on the integration of education, science and industry in the field of architectural design and construction technologies. The event included a meeting of the Alliance Council, a presidential forum and a series of conferences dedicated to modern challenges and development prospects in the field of architecture and construction.

    Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University has been a member of the alliance since its foundation and regularly participates in its events. The delegation of SPbPU included the Director of the Civil Engineering Institute Marina Petrochenko and the Director of the Center for Additional Professional Programs of the ISI Ksenia Strelets.

    The delegation of SPbPU visited the College of Architecture of Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology (XAUAT), where as a result of constructive negotiations, agreements were reached on holding a joint educational workshop with the participation of teachers from both universities. From XAUAT, the negotiations were attended by Dean of the College of Architecture Lei Zhendong, Vice Dean Dan Yutian, Coordinator of Cooperation with Russian Universities Wu Guanyu and teacher Tong Qingnan.

    In addition, representatives of SPbPU took part in an international conference on architecture, which was attended by more than one hundred architects from leading universities around the world.

    Participation in the forum allowed the Institute of Civil Engineering to expand its geography of partnerships: preliminary agreements were reached on developing cooperation with such universities as King Chulalongkorn Bangkok University (Thailand), Petronas University of Technology (Malaysia), Gadjah Mada University (Indonesia), Osh Technological University (Kyrgyzstan), Tashkent State Transport University (Uzbekistan) and the University of Moratuwa (Sri Lanka).

    Participation in the Alliance of Architectural and Technological Universities of the Silk Road is extremely important for us, as it is one of the largest alliances in the field of architecture and construction. The Civil Engineering Institute actively trains world-class engineers capable of solving complex professional problems in the field of construction and infrastructure development. Participation in the forum allowed us to establish new partnerships with leading universities, which creates a basis for the development of student and teacher exchanges, as well as the implementation of joint educational and scientific projects, – noted the Director of the Civil Engineering Institute Marina Petrochenko.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A Changed Global Landscape: Policy Priorities in CESEE

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    Speech by Alfred Kammer, Director, European Department of the IMF — Slovenia

    May 23, 2025

    It is a great pleasure to be with you in Ljubljana.

    Let me begin by setting the stage for what I hope will be an insightful discussion on policy options in the presence of geoeconomic shocks and uncertainty.

    I will focus on Central, Eastern and Southeastern European (CESEE) countries.  

    After a respectable recovery last year, we downgraded growth for 2025 and 2026 across Europe  

    Heightened uncertainty and trade policy volatility have been the main factors.  And the latest data releases from Q1 2025 are so far in line with our forecast.

    The downgrade for the CESEE region[1] has been more sizeable than for advanced Europe: from over 3 percent in 2025 and 2026 to 2.4 and 2.7 percent respectively.

    The larger impact is primarily due to a comparatively larger manufacturing sector. The growth revision would have been even larger if not for the German infrastructure package and an acceleration of Europe wide-defense spending

    Inflation in CESEE countries meanwhile is coming down somewhat faster. But, as the chart shows, inflation rates will remain above targets for some time. Persistent services inflation and lagged effects of still high wage growth are key drivers – a point I will return to later as a risk to competitiveness.

    In my remarks today, I will address two points: (i) how the changing global landscape is affecting CESEE countries and (ii) what the key policy priorities are.

    Let me give a summary of my key points

    • What do we know so far about the effects of trade disputes including via trade diversion?

    In a nutshell, the impact across the CESEE regions varies widely. Some of the most US-tariff-exposed countries, namely Hungary and Slovak Republic and to a lesser extent the Czech Republic, are in the constituency.

    The tariffs between the US and China have just been lowered from very extreme levels, but they remain high and could increase again. Economic spillovers could be large for some specific sectors, even though our preliminary assessment is that the trade diversion effects should be manageable overall.

    • What can policymakers do to navigate a more uncertain and volatile period?

    Primarily, changes are permanent. Businesses and households will need to adapt to these. A principle-based approach can help lessen the impact.  

    • First, maintain trade openness as much as possible. Protectionism will hurt inward investment, lower investment further and bring down productivity and income growth.
    • Second, stay the course on sound macroeconomic policies. In times of uncertainty, markets will scrutinize fundamentals. Durable policies can limit increases in risk premia. This means that central banks should remain cautious on monetary normalization and governments need to keep an eye on fiscal sustainability.
    • Third, generate growth through traditional means: domestic structural reforms. The size of untapped gains from domestic structural reforms is surprisingly large.
    • The question here is how the CESEE region can overcome political constraints. In my final observation I will discuss how the EU budget can play a catalyzing role.

    I will highlight two channels:

    • Direct exposure to US tariffs
    • Potential effects of trade diversion from US-China trade dispute

    The CESEE region’s integration into global value-chains and trade linkages creates exposure to shifting trade dynamics.

    The EU has sizable direct trade linkages with China and the US (LHS), and linkages by individual CESEE countries to the US are substantial.

    Exposures are especially large in the Slovak Republic and Hungary. Exports to the US (primarily cars, car parts, batteries, and in the case of Hungary electronics) account for about 3 per cent of GDP in 2024.

    Czechia and Hungary have also large export positions to the US via smartphones and computers exports. For the time being, tariffs on these items have been exempted per the announcement made on April 11.

    Any increase in tariffs would have substantial dampening effects on growth.

    Indirect effects via supply chains will also become important tailwinds. In a 2024 IMF study, we show that an increase in EV imports from China could have significant GDP effects in the range of 1-1½ percent over 5 years via the supply chains in CESEE countries heavily reliant on the automotive sector.  A slowdown in Germany’s automotive sector has about a 5-10 times larger impact in percent of GDP in Slovakia and Hungary given their larger share of the sector relative to Germany.

    If US-China trade tensions persist, multiple channels of trade diversion could come into play.

    EU imports from China could increase, U.S. companies could try to find new export destinations including in Europe, and European firms could seek to find new export opportunities in the U.S. and China as a result of high China-U.S. tariffs.

    Finally, competition on third-country markets could increase as countries look for new export markets. CESEE countries could be innocent bystanders. For instance, Turkish businesses could experience increased competition in third markets reducing margin or market shares.

    We have estimated the potential size of trade diversion from China using a partial equilibrium approach.

    Our preliminary estimates from April 8 tariff announcements[2] for the EU are for higher imports from China of around 0.25 percent of EU GDP in the near term.[3] The estimates are similar to ECB estimates discussed in their latest economic Bulletin. The 90-day rollback of most bilateral tariffs imposed since April 2 announced by the US and China on May 12 implies lower numbers, but better to be prepared for the worst.

    Trade diversion would also affect inflation. Increased import competition would likely lower final prices. Headline inflation could be reduced by 20 basis points in 2026.

    The economic effects for consumers and producers are likely mixed. Lower final goods prices would benefit consumers. Similarly, lower imported intermediates could also benefit European firms by reducing input costs. But trade diversion means also a rise in competition and in specific sectors such as consumer electronics or transportation equipment, adjustment effects could be large.

    With all that said, the aggregate size of trade diversion effects appears manageable, although the impact could be large in individual countries and sectors.

    Let me turn to policy priorities.

    Let me now say a few words on what the CESEE region can do in the face of tariffs.    

    • First, Europe—and everyone—needs more trade, not less. The EU as well as CESEE should continue its open trade policy and expand its network of trade agreements.  
    • Second, we must accept that the global trade regime has changed. This means that any support to mitigate tariff or trade diversion effects should remain temporary, and targeted. 

    Support measures cannot substitute for differences in the underlying fundamentals. In particular, the recent appreciation of CESEE currencies in unit-labor-cost adjusted terms is a concern.

    What can policymakers do in the short term?

    In the current global environment, navigating uncertainty is crucial.

    In the short run, governments should aim to retain macroeconomic stability through credible and sustainable macroeconomic policies and build resilience. 

    Starting with monetary policy, central banks need to remain focused on durably reaching price stability targets.  

    • In several large CESEE countries—including Hungary—inflation is slowing, but is still above targets.   
    • Central banks should ease cautiously. We advise caution because core inflation in the CESEE region remains higher than hoped for, and inflation expectations are more responsive to current inflation levels.   

    Still high wage growth requires close attention. Increases have outpaced productivity and are contributing to higher inflation persistency. High labor costs also pose a risk to CESEE’s competitiveness. 

    Our fiscal advice remains broadly unchanged. For many countries, rebuilding fiscal buffers is still a priority.  

    • The challenge is how to manage rising long-term spending pressures from aging, healthcare, climate, and now higher defense spending. 
    • Some countries can accommodate temporary increases in priority spending while keeping debt sustainability in mind.  
    • But for many CESEE countries the space is limited. This means they will have to undertake smart adjustments: (i) make public services more efficient and programs better targeted; (ii) reallocate spending priorities away from low priority areas, (iii) and boost fiscal revenues. In many cases, this can be done without raising tax rates by closing loopholes and more efficient administration. 

    We continue to have concerns about Europe’s medium-term outlook: growth is low and there are rising spending needs:   

    • Labor supply is dwindling because of aging. 
    • Investment has been slowing. 
    • And Europe’s productivity growth has been very low over the last two decades. 

    This makes meeting fiscal pressures increasingly difficult. 

    • Spending needs are expected to rise significantly over the next decades, for advanced economies by 5¾ percentage points and emerging economies by 8 percentage points of GDP.  
    • In the CESEE region, energy-related investments needs are urgent and very large. 
    • And across the region, defense spending is on the rise.  

    This brings us to my final point which is how CESEE countries could generate medium-term growth.

    Domestic structural reforms, while often overlooked, provide a large untapped source of European growth potential. 

    • In a forthcoming study, we find that comprehensive national reforms could raise real GDP levels by about 5 percent in advanced economies and between 6.6 and 9.3 percent in the CESEE region. 
    • These are sizeable gains and could be an important growth antidote to the poisonous effects of uncertainty and volatile policy disputes.

    These reforms would remove inefficiencies at home and complement the earlier discussed EU-wide reforms. Specifically: 

    • Domestic labor market and skill-upgrading reforms top the priority list in terms of their macroeconomic
    • Fiscal-structural reforms and lower cost of business regulations would provide another substantial impetus.  
    • Reducing corruption and inefficiencies through governance reforms is particularly important in several CESEE countries. 

    Successful implementation of these reforms will require political will, and in some cases, also capacity building.  

    Overcoming the reform inertia is “the challenge” of Europe.

    Let me conclude with a few observations on how to overcome this obstacle.

    We think the EU budget could play a catalyzing role. Recent initiatives—such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF)—have made important strides in strengthening policy performance. The next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034 should build on this momentum, further embedding a performance-based approach, especially in areas where current incentives are weak, but outcomes depend heavily on effective effort.

    This is particularly relevant for pre-allocated funds tied to national plans, where member states design and implement policies. In such cases, stronger performance incentives can help ensure that investments yield meaningful results.

    To maximize the impact of EU financing, the budget could reward projects that complement EU-level objectives—for example, national reforms like streamlining permitting processes for local distribution networks that connect with cross-border energy infrastructure.

    At the same time, policy coherence across all levels of government is essential. While the EU budget can offer strategic direction and alignment incentives, successful implementation ultimately depends on ownership at national, regional, and local levels. The EU budget can set incentives, but decisions need to be made at home.

    Let me conclude here …

    …and leave with a slide on our key messages.

    I now look forward to hearing from you. Thank you!

    [1] Excluding Belarus, Russia, Türkiye and Ukraine.

    [2] “April 8 tariffs” refers to the tariff increases between the US and China announced just before the 90-day pause on April 9.

    [3] This figure decreases to 0.09 percent with the May-12 tariffs

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER:

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/22/sp052325-ak-a-changed-global-landscape-policy-priorities-in-cesee

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 242 firms complete filings since China’s new overseas listings rules

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

    Since China’s new overseas listing rules took effect in March 2023, 242 domestic companies, including 83 sci-tech firms, have completed filings, an official of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) said Thursday. The CSRC pledged to further support sci-tech firms in tapping capital markets and ensure a more transparent and efficient regulatory environment.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 250 billion yuan of bonds issued on China’s ‘sci-tech board’

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

    Nearly 100 institutions across China have issued sci-tech innovation bonds worth over 250 billion yuan (US$34.72 billion) since the country launched a “sci-tech board” in the bond market in early May, according to a press conference Thursday. The new board is part of the country’s efforts to provide financial support for sci-tech development. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese scientists discover rare eclipsing pulsar

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

    A team of Chinese scientists has discovered an extremely rare pulsar that gets partially blocked by its companion star every few hours, like a cosmic game of hide-and-seek.

    The findings, published in the latest issue of the journal Science, could help solve long-standing mysteries about how stars evolve in pairs.

    The discovery was made using China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), the world’s largest single-dish and most sensitive radio telescope, in the southwestern province of Guizhou.

    Led by Han Jinlin, a researcher from the National Astronomical Observatories of China, the team found a fast-spinning millisecond pulsar tightly orbiting a mysterious companion star. The two stars circle each other every 3.6 hours, and for about one-sixth of that time, the pulsar’s radio signals are blocked.

    Most stars in the Milky Way galaxy exist in pairs, but scientists still don’t fully understand how these binary systems evolve. According to current stellar evolution theory, when two stars orbit each other, the more massive one evolves faster, eventually collapsing into a dense neutron star or black hole. The smaller star continues evolving, but it is enlarged due to its lost matter that is accreted by the compact dense companion, and someday, the dense star has to be within the outer layers of the smaller star. These two stars share a common envelope of hydrogen gas. Over about 1,000 years, the neutron star blows away this envelope, leaving behind a hot, helium-burning star, which orbits the dense neutron star.

    According to the scientists, the newly discovered system, named PSR J1928+1815, is a rare example of what happens after this dramatic phase. The pulsar has a rotation period of 10.55 milliseconds. It must have accreted considerable material from its companion, and has spun up. Its companion is likely the helium core of the smaller star after the out layers being ejected. The team estimates there may be only a few dozen such systems in the entire Milky Way.

    This discovery is a smoking gun for theories about binary star evolution that have been discussed for decades, including how stars exchange masses and shrink their orbits, how the neutron star is spun up by accreting matter from its companion, and how the shared hydrogen envelope gets ejected, Han said.

    Additionally, the system could help scientists study how a neutron star accretes matter and then cools down. Such a binary will evolve to be a system of two compact stars, which finally merge and become a future source of gravitational waves (GW), he added.

    According to one of the paper’s reviewers, Scott Ransom, a binary pulsar expert at the U.S. National Radio Astronomy Observatory, the paper describes the discovery of an interesting new binary pulsar of a type that is so far unique. Both the system and paper should generate several interesting paths of future investigation, in a variety of different areas including population synthesis, predictions for GW sources, binary and stellar evolution calculations, deep optical/infrared follow-up, long-term timing, etc.

    With FAST’s unmatched sensitivity, astronomers hope to find more of such cosmic rarities, shedding light on the mysteries of the universe.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: G7 finance ministers call for solidarity in tackling global challenges

    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

    OTTAWA, May 23 (Xinhua) — Finance ministers and central bank governors of the Group of Seven (G7) countries called for unity to address current global challenges on Thursday following their annual meeting in Banff, Canada.

    According to a press release from the Department of Finance Canada, a communiqué was issued following the meeting, stressing the importance of G7 unity in the face of complex global challenges.

    The meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors took place ahead of the June G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada. The participants had productive and frank discussions on the global economy, unsustainable global imbalances, development assistance and productivity, the press release said.

    “Canada approaches this 50th meeting with clear priorities, such as stimulating growth and restoring stability to the global economy,” said Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne.

    The G7 is an informal grouping of major global economies designed to coordinate responses to global crises. It includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

    The Group of Seven finance ministers and central bank governors meet annually to discuss key economic policy issues. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: International Trafficker of Counterfeit Apple Products Sentenced to Prison

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – March 25, 2024

    SAN DIEGO – Zhiwei “Allen” Liao was sentenced in federal court today to 51 months in prison for his role as an organizer and leader of an international conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit Apple products. The defendant was also ordered to forfeit two residences along with $120,370 in U.S. currency and more than 200 Apple devices seized during the investigation.

    According to court documents, Zhiwei Liao and his brothers, Zhimin Liao and Zhiting Liao, led an international exchange fraud scheme involving more than 10,000 counterfeit iPhones and iPads. The Liaos imported counterfeit iPhones and iPads from China that looked genuine and included identification numbers (IMEI and serial numbers) matching identification numbers on real iPhones and iPads that were under warranty and had been previously sold to customers in the United States and Canada.  At the direction of the Liao brothers, co-conspirators traveled to hundreds of Apple Stores across the United States and Canada, and attempted to exchange counterfeit iPhones and iPads for genuine iPhones and iPads resulting in a loss of $6.1 million to Apple, Inc. Zhiwei Liao then sent the fraudulently obtained, but genuine Apple products primarily to China where they were sold at a premium.       

    In court today, U.S. District Judge Cynthia Ann Bashant said that a significant prison sentence was appropriate because Zhiwei Liao was the organizer and leader of an extensive international criminal organization that trafficked in counterfeit goods throughout North America for several years.

    The scheme was sophisticated and dynamic, involving counterfeit devices imported from China that looked like genuine devices under warranty. Zhiwei Liao micromanaged the operations and created a moving target for law enforcement by directing counterfeit Apple products and criminal proceeds to be sent to different co-conspirators, companies, and family members throughout the scheme. Co-conspirators supported these efforts to avoid law enforcement by exchanging the counterfeit products using a variety of false names and email accounts.

    The defendant’s brothers, Zhimin Liao and Zhiting Liao, who were also leaders of the conspiracy, were previously sentenced to 41 months in custody in October 2023. 

    This case is part of a multi-year investigation led primarily by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the San Diego Police Department that resulted in 12 felony convictions, the forfeiture of five residences in San Diego with an estimated value of more than $4.1 million, over $250,000 in cash, and more than 200 Apple products that were either counterfeit, fraudulently obtained, or used during the criminal operations.

    “This was a massive, sophisticated fraud that victimized not only Apple, Inc., but thousands of Apple product owners across North America,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Theft of intellectual property and the sale of counterfeit goods are growing global problems with serious economic implications.” 

    “Mr. Liao’s sentencing closes a major chapter in a multi-year investigation that exposed an international, elaborate scheme to sell counterfeit goods worldwide,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “This investigation would not have been successful without the unwavering dedication and persistence of our law enforcement partners. We remain diligent in the pursuit of justice to help maintain the integrity of our economy.”

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy F. Salel.

    DEFENDANTS                                 Case Number 19cr4407-BAS                                               

    Zhiwei Liao, aka “Allen”                   San Diego, CA                                    Age:    34

    Zhimin Liao, aka “Jimmy”                 San Diego, CA                                    Age:    36

    Zhiting Liao, aka “Tim”                     San Diego, CA                                    Age:    33

    Dao Trieu La, aka “Selena”                San Diego, CA                                    Age:    32

    Mengmeng Zhang, aka “Aria”           San Diego, CA                                    Age:    31

    Tam Nguyen, aka “Kelly,”                 San Diego, CA                                    Age:    39

    Charley Hsu                                        San Diego, CA                                    Age:    41

    Danny Tran Chan                               San Diego, CA                                    Age:    32

    Phillip Pak, aka “Teddy”                    San Diego, CA                                    Age:    33

    Deedee Zhu, aka “David,”                  San Diego, CA                                    Age:    35

    Jiaye Jiang, aka “joejoekong”            San Diego, CA                                    Age:    34

    Hyo Yang, aka “Will”                        San Diego, CA                                    Age:    33

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Traffic in Counterfeit Goods – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2320

    Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison, $2 million fine, mandatory restitution, and forfeiture.

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    San Diego Police Department

    San Diego County Sheriff’s Department

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection

    Homeland Security Investigations

    U.S. Marshals

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mexico to continue tariff talks with US – president

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    MEXICO CITY, May 22 (Xinhua) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum decided to continue negotiations on tariffs on the steel, aluminum and auto sectors after a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday.

    At her daily press conference, K. Sheinbaum said that during the conversation the parties discussed issues of key industries, such as the automotive industry, as well as the export of steel and aluminum.

    “Basically, we continue to talk about trade and tariffs. Remember that in the case of the auto [sector], Mexico is in a good position, although we would still like to see more… and we continue to work on the steel and aluminum sectors,” the president said.

    She said it had been decided that a high-level trade meeting would take place on Friday with members of both governments, including Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH appeals to high-risk individuals to remain vigilant despite COVID-19 activity slowdown in Hong Kong

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 23) said that there are early signs that the rate of increase in the COVID-19 activity level in Hong Kong has begun to slow down. However, it is expected to remain at a relatively high level in the near future. High-risk individuals, especially the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, should continue to stay vigilant and receive a free booster dose in a timely manner to minimise the risk of serious complications or death after infection.
     
    “The CHP believes that COVID-19 has become an endemic disease with cyclical patterns. Epidemiological data from local and other regions around the world show that there are generally periodic upsurges in the COVID-19 activity level every six to nine months. However, the timing of the increase in the activity level of COVID-19 may vary from region to region depending on local factors, such as the herd immunity of the population and changes in the circulating strains and vaccination rates,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
     
    “Hong Kong has experienced an upsurge in COVID-19 cases since April this year, more than half a year after the last increase in July and August of last year. This increase is expected and similar to last year’s increase, with no unusual situations. Although some surveillance indicators suggest that the upward trend of COVID-19 has begun to slow down over the past week, we expect the activity level of COVID-19 to remain at a high levels in the coming few weeks,” Dr Tsui said.
     
    According to the latest surveillance data as of the week ending May 17, the increase in the viral load of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from sewage surveillance and the test positivity rate of respiratory samples have slowed down when compared to the past week. Among them, the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus increased slightly from 13.66 per cent in the week ending May 10 to 13.8 per cent. For sewage surveillance, the per capita viral load of SARS-CoV-2 virus increased from around 710 000 copy/litre to 770 000 copy/litre, but the rate of increase was significantly lower than that of the previous two weeks.
     
    The upsurge of COVID-19 cases in the last one or two months is a regional phenomenon. Neighbouring areas such as Singapore, Thailand, Mainland China and Taiwan have also recorded a similar increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. Japan and Korea experienced upsurges of COVID-19 cases from January to February and from March to April this year respectively, and these surges have already slowed down. In North America and Europe, the activity level of COVID-19 peaked in the third quarter of last year, then declined in the fourth quarter, and has remained relatively stable so far this year.
     
    “In general, the symptoms of COVID-19 infection in the general public are mostly mild, similar to other common respiratory infections. There is no need for the public to be overly concerned. However, high-risk groups (including the elderly and young children, persons with underlying illnesses and persons who are immunocompromised) are more likely to develop severe symptoms. Therefore, COVID-19 vaccination is important to protect these high-risk populations,” Dr Tsui added.
     
    Apart from vaccination, the public should maintain stringent personal, environmental and hand hygiene at all times to minimise the risk of contracting COVID-19 and other respiratory infectious diseases. When respiratory symptoms appear, one should wear a surgical mask, consider avoiding going to work or school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.
     
    For the latest surveillance data, members of the public can refer to the CHP’s weekly COVID-19 & Flu Express. For more information on vaccination, please refer to the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme webpage.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China urges US not to politicize educational cooperation

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

    Educational cooperation between China and the United States is mutually beneficial, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday, noting that China has always opposed the politicization of educational cooperation.

    Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on the Trump administration’s decision to revoke Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students.

    Noting that relevant practices of the U.S. side will only damage the image and international credibility of itself, Mao said China will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students and scholars overseas.

    The spokesperson reiterated that China opposes groundless attacks and smear campaigns against China, urging the U.S. side to lift illegal sanctions as soon as possible.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s home appliance sales surge amid trade-in policy support

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

    Buyers learn about an intelligent refrigerator during the 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, April 16, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s home appliance market saw sustained expansion in the first four months of 2025 amid government policies to subsidize trade-ins of key consumer goods, the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday.

    Data from the ministry showed that over 34 million consumers participated in the home appliance trade-in program in the first four months of this year, buying a total of 51 million units of 12 appliance categories and generating 174.5 billion yuan (24.27 billion U.S. dollars) in sales, He Yongqian, spokesperson for the ministry, told a press conference.

    She noted that the country’s home appliance sales had maintained double-digit growth for eight consecutive months, with sales of home appliances and audio equipment surging by 38.8 percent year on year last month, the highest among 16 major consumer categories.

    China announced a new round of the consumer goods trade-in program last year to boost consumer spending, subsidizing trade-ins of automobiles, home appliances and home decorations — and expanded the scope of the program earlier this year.

    The spokesperson said that the ministry will continue to implement the policy and unleash the vitality of the home appliance market.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Attorney General Garland Honors U.S. Department of Justice Employees and Others for Their Service at Annual Awards Ceremony

    Source: US FBI

    SAN DIEGO – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the recipients of the annual Attorney General’s Awards recognizing extraordinary work of Justice Department employees and others. Recipients included several San Diego-based federal prosecutors and San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan.

    “Each of today’s recipients has served with distinction, and in so doing, they have enabled the Justice Department to advance its work on behalf of the American people,” said Attorney General Garland. “Their exceptional leadership, heroism, and dedication have benefited people and communities across the country.”

    San Diego recipients include:

    • Chief of National Security and Cybercrimes John Parmley; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fred Sheppard and Sabrina Feve; FBI Special Agents Amy Poling, Adam James, Marina Shalfeyeva, Nicholas Arico, and Udell Hardy; and FBI Supervisory Special Agent Edison Constante. They received the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Furthering the Interests of U.S. National Security, which recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions toward protecting U.S. national security. They were singled out for their work on an espionage case. Please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/four-chinese-nationals-working-ministry-state-security-charged-global-computer.

      “This extraordinary team identified and exposed a worldwide computer-hacking campaign,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath.  “Their perseverance and dedication disrupted China’s efforts to steal trade secrets and sensitive data from universities, companies, and governmental organizations around the globe.”
       

    • First Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Ko, second-in-command of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, was recognized for exemplary leadership over the course of his DOJ career. “Mr. Ko has demonstrated outstanding professionalism and commitment to justice for more than two decades,” McGrath said. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.”
       
    • San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan received the Attorney General’s Award for Meritorious Public Service. Each year the DOJ gives out just one award for meritorious public service nationwide. The award is designed to recognize significant contributions of citizens and organizations that have assisted the Department in accomplishing its mission and objectives.

      “During Summer Stephan’s tenure as DA, San Diego has remained one of the safest large cities in America,” McGrath said. “Collaborative law enforcement relationships have been a hallmark of DA Stephan’s leadership.  Her work with Department of Justice partners has resulted in dozens of high-impact cases, from fentanyl trafficking and elder fraud to illegal firearms and violent crime.”

    For a comprehensive list of all award winners, please see https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-merrick-b-garland-honors-justice-department-employees-and-partners-70th-and.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Colorado Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting Law Enforcement During the January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON— A Colorado man was sentenced to prison today after he previously pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                Patrick Montgomery, 51, of Littleton, Colorado, was sentenced to 37 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss.

                Montgomery was previously convicted of felony offenses of obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers. Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Fischer v. United States, the government voluntarily moved pre-sentencing to dismiss Montgomery’s conviction on obstruction of an official proceeding.

                According to court documents, on the morning of Jan. 6, 2021, Montgomery and co-defendants Brady Knowlton, and Gary Wilson met at the Yours Truly hotel in Washington, D.C., and walked to an area near the Washington Monument and the Ellipse to hear the speakers at the “Stop the Steal” rally. After the rally, the three men made their way to the West Front of the U.S. Capitol building, crossing over inside the restricted perimeter.

                At approximately 2:02 p.m., Montgomery grabbed a law enforcement officer’s baton and attempted to wrestle it away from the officer. The officer held onto the baton and fell to the ground with Montgomery. The two then attempted to wrestle control of the baton from each other while Knowlton and Wilson watched nearby. During the scuffle, Montgomery kicked the police officer in the chest.

                After this incident, the three men ascended the Upper West Terrace Stairs with a mass of individuals and approached the Upper West Terrace Door. As they approached, the exterior double doors were propped open, people were screaming, and a loud alarm sounded as people were streaming into the Capitol building. Inside the doors, signage stated, “EMERGENCY EXIT ONLY.” The three men entered the Capitol building via the Upper West Terrace Door at approximately 2:35 p.m.

                After entering the building, the three men climbed the stairs to the second floor, entered the Rotunda, and climbed the stairs to the third floor. At about 2:40 p.m., the three were walking together in the hallway on the third floor towards the Senate Gallery, at which point Knowlton stated, in substance, “We have a right to choose our electors. We’re not going to have communist China choose them for us. We’re not going to have the Democratic Party choose them for us.” Court documents say that Montgomery and Wilson were a few feet away from Knowlton when he made this statement.

                At approximately 2:43 p.m., the three men entered the Senate Gallery, where they saw another rioter jump down to the Senate Floor.

                The three men left the Senate Gallery and proceeded to the second floor to an area near the Senate Floor, where they confronted a U.S. Capitol Police officer. Knowlton yelled at the officer: “This is not about us. This is bigger than me, it’s bigger than you. It’s about this – everyone’s right to self-government . . . We’re with you guys. You think these people in this building would fight for you?” Montgomery yelled: “You gotta stop doing your job sometime and start being American. You gotta quit doing your job and be an American!” Wilson yelled: “We came all the way from our job to do your job, and the freaking Senators’ job!”

                After this confrontation, the defendants exited the Capitol building at approximately 2:53 p.m.

                The FBI arrested Montgomery on Jan. 17, 2021, in Colorado.

                Co-defendant Brady Knowlton is awaiting sentencing, and Gary Wilson was previously sentenced to 30 days incarceration followed by 12 months supervised release for his role in the events of the day.

                The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Colorado and Utah provided valuable assistance.

                The FBI’s Denver and Washington Field Offices investigated this case. The FBI listed Montgomery as BOLO (Be on the Lookout) #459 in its seeking information photographs. The U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department provided valuable assistance.

                In the 45 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 571 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

                Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Taliban in talks with Russia, China for trade transactions in local currencies

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Taliban administration is in advanced talks with Russia for banks from both sanctions-hit economies to settle trade transactions worth hundreds of millions of dollars in their local currencies, Afghanistan’s acting commerce minister said.

    The Afghan government has made similar proposals to China, the minister, Haji Nooruddin Azizi, told Reuters on Thursday. Some discussions have been held with the Chinese embassy in Kabul, he said.

    The proposal with Russia, Azizi said, was being worked on by technical teams from the two countries. The move comes as Moscow focuses on using national currencies to shift reliance away from the dollar and as Afghanistan faces a stark drop in the U.S. currency entering the country due to aid cuts.

    “We are currently engaged in specialised discussions on this matter, considering the regional and global economic perspectives, sanctions, and the challenges Afghanistan is currently facing, as well as those Russia is dealing with. Technical discussions are underway,” Azizi said in an interview at his office in Kabul.

    The Chinese foreign ministry and the Russian central bank did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

    Azizi added that annual bilateral trade between Russia and Afghanistan was currently around $300 million and that was likely to grow substantially as the two sides boost investment. His administration expected Afghanistan to buy more petroleum products and plastics from Russia, he said.

    “I am confident that this is a very good option…we can use this option for benefit and interests of our people and our country,’ Azizi said.

    “We want to take steps in this area with China as well,” he said, adding Afghanistan had around $1 billion in trade with China each year. “A working team composed of members from the (Afghan) Ministry of Commerce and the Chinese embassy which is an authorized body representing China in economic programmes has been formed, and talks are ongoing.”

    Afghanistan’s financial sector has been largely cut off from the global banking system due to sanctions placed on some leaders of the ruling Taliban, which took over the country in 2021 as foreign forces withdrew.

    Rivalry with China and fallout from Russia’s war in Ukraine have put the dollar’s status as the world’s dominant currency under fresh scrutiny in recent years.

    In December, Russian President Vladimir Putin questioned the need to hold state reserves in foreign currencies since they could easily be confiscated for political reasons, saying that domestic investment of such reserves was more attractive.

    The dollar has had a lock on commodity trading, allowing Washington to hinder market access for producer nations from Russia to Venezuela and Iran.

    Afghanistan since 2022 has imported gas, oil and wheat from Russia, the first major economic deal after the Taliban returned to power facing international isolation following 20 years of war against U.S.-led forces.

    Billions of dollars in cuts to aid to Afghanistan, accelerated this year by the United States, have meant far fewer dollars, which are flown in cash for humanitarian operations, are entering the country.

    Development agencies and economists say the Afghani currency has so far remained relatively stable but may face challenges in future.

    Azizi said that the stability of the currency and his administration’s efforts to boost international investment including with the Afghan diaspora, would prevent a shortage of U.S. dollars in the country.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hell’s Kitchen Aesthetician Arrested for Unlawfully Injecting Counterfeit Botox

    Source: US FBI

    Joey Grant Luther Allegedly Purchased and Imported Counterfeit Botox From China and Administered Drugs to Clients at His Hell’s Kitchen Medical Spa Without a License

    Danielle R. Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the unsealing of a Complaint charging JOEY GRANT LUTHER with wire fraud, smuggling, and other crimes related to misbranded and counterfeit drugs.  As alleged in the Complaint, from in or about April 2023 through at least in or about July 2024, LUTHER shipped counterfeit drugs, including counterfeit Botox, from countries in Asia, including China, and injected them, without the required license, into his clients at his medical spa, JGL Aesthetics.  None of the counterfeit Botox that LUTHER injected was approved for sale or dispensing in the U.S. by the FDA.  LUTHER was arrested this morning and will be presented later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave.

    U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon said: “As alleged, Joey Grant Luther, who does not possess the licensing required by New York State to perform injections of Botox, knowingly purchased counterfeit Botox from China, injected it into his clients, and represented that the counterfeit Botox that he was peddling was genuine.  Luther continued to purchase and inject the counterfeit Botox even after he learned that clients had fallen ill or experienced strange symptoms after Luther injected them.  Luther’s disregard for the health of his clients put all of his victims in harm’s way and, in some cases, caused life-threating injuries.  Luther will now face criminal charges for this conduct.”

    As alleged in the Complaint:[1]

    From at least in or about January 2021 through at least in or about July 2024, LUTHER ran a medical spa called JGL Aesthetics in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan.  In or about September 2021, an individual (“Victim-1”) went to JGL Aesthetics to receive Botox treatments to treat excessive sweating as well as fine lines on her face.  Victim-1 learned that LUTHER performed Botox injections from a friend.  Between in or about September 2021 and in or about February 2024, LUTHER injected counterfeit drugs labeled as Botox® 150 Units manufactured by Allergan into Victim-1’s armpit, forehead, and face on approximately eight occasions.  Victim-1 never provided LUTHER with a prescription to receive Botox injections.

    On or about February 27, 2024, LUTHER injected Counterfeit Botox into Victim-1’s armpits and eyebrow area at JGL Aesthetics.  Approximately three days after Victim-1’s February 27, 2024, visit to JGL Aesthetics, Victim-1 began experiencing double vision, light headedness, difficulty swallowing and chewing, heart palpitations, and slurring of speech.  Victim-1 also could not lift her arms and experienced weakness from the waist up. Victim-1 went to three hospitals to seek medical assistance for these symptoms.  On or about March 20, 2024, Victim-1 was diagnosed with Botulism toxin.

    From between in or about April 2023 and in or about January 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (“CBP”) seized parcels intended for JGL Aesthetics, including one which lists a return address in Hong Kong.  These parcels contained significant quantities of counterfeit drugs, including Counterfeit Botox.  Below is a photo of the contents of the parcel—including the exterior of cartons of Counterfeit Botox.

    From at least in or about March 2024 through at least in or about April 2024, during which time LUTHER negotiated an additional purchase of Counterfeit Botox from one of his suppliers, multiple individuals who received injections of Counterfeit Botox from LUTHER messaged LUTHER about the negative side effects from the injections, including lazy eyes, double vision, and drooping eyelids.  In response to these complaints, LUTHER typically assured his clients that the side effects were temporary, represented that he was unaware that counterfeit Botox had been found circulating in the U.S., and assured clients that the Counterfeit Botox was from Allergan, the veritable maker.  As alleged, LUTHER was well aware that the Counterfeit Botox was, in fact, counterfeit.

    Neither CBP’s seizure of packages intended for LUTHER, the defendant, nor his clients informing LUTHER of injuries related to his injecting Counterfeit Botox stopped LUTHER from continuing to procure the Counterfeit Botox and injecting it into his clients. Between March 13, 2024—the date that Victim-1 contacted LUTHER about the injections of Counterfeit Botox—and October 2, 2024—after law enforcement officers and special agents executed a search warrant of JGL Aesthetics, JGL Aesthetics had at least approximately 700 appointments logged in its client and service management application that were coded with having provided Botox-related services.  Data contained in the client and services management application also revealed that JGL Aesthetics provided Botox-related services as early as January 2021.

    *                *                *

    LUTHER, 54, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of dispensing of a misbranded drug while held for sale, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison; one count of holding counterfeit drugs for sale and for dispensing, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; one count of receiving misbranded drugs in interstate commerce and delivery or proffered delivery thereof, which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison; and one count of smuggling, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

    The minimum and maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

    Ms. Sassoon praised the outstanding investigative work of the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the CBP – New York Field Office, and the Special Agents and Task Force Officers assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon C. Thompson is in charge of the prosecution.

    The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
     

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tianjin decides to standardize English translation of signs and markers in public places for SCO summit

    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

    TIANJIN, May 23 (Xinhua) — The northern Chinese city of Tianjin, which will host the next summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) this fall, has published a guide to standardize the English translation of identification signs in public places.

    The document was recently released by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Tianjin Municipal People’s Government. The move is aimed at improving the translation quality of signs in public places and improving the city’s language environment for foreigners.

    As part of the work to compile the guide, a team led by Zhou Wei, vice dean of the School of Advanced Translation at Tianjin Foreign Studies University, conducted research in public places such as the airport, subway, hotels, and train stations, finding many errors in translations from Chinese to English.

    According to experts, as the number of foreigners visiting Tianjin increases, everything from foreign-language signs and markers in public places to language services related to cultural and tourism consumption directly affects foreigners’ perception of Tianjin.

    “We also used artificial intelligence (AI) and big data technologies to develop a translation verification system and a multilingual service platform, which have greatly improved the translation efficiency and quality,” Zhou Wei said.

    According to her, this AI system can provide several translation options, compare their pros and cons, and give professional recommendations.

    As Luan Jianzhang, Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Tianjin Municipal People’s Government, noted, promoting the creation of a language environment oriented toward foreigners can better showcase Tianjin’s image as an open, inclusive, internationalized and modern city to the outside world. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –