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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese State Councilor calls for all-out efforts to stabilize employment

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    HANGZHOU, May 20 (Xinhua) — Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin has called for speeding up the implementation of employment incentives to ensure stable employment.

    Shen Yiqin made the remarks during an inspection tour of Hangzhou and Ningbo, both in east China’s Zhejiang Province, from May 17 to 20, focusing on employment and vocational training.

    During the trip, Shen Yiqin learned about the employment situation by visiting various enterprises and schools, and called for stronger support for sectors and enterprises with strong job creation potential. She also stressed the need to help enterprises ease the burden and stabilize employment to effectively cope with external shocks.

    She said it was critical to ensure employment for key groups, including college graduates and migrant workers, especially those who had escaped poverty. Shen Yiqin also called for large-scale vocational training programs to improve workers’ skills and produce more highly skilled professionals. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Exports Continue to Reach New Markets in 2024

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 20, 2025

    Provincial Exports Achieved the Third Highest Year on Record, Valued at $45.4 Billion in 2024

    Today, the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) released the province’s annual State of Trade report. The report, which outlines provincial trade highlights for 2024, reveals that it was the third-highest export year for Saskatchewan, with the total value of exports reaching $45.4 billion.

    “Saskatchewan is providing much needed certainty as we move through a time of global trade shifts,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. “Our exporters, manufacturers, and producers remain suppliers of choice as we bring food and energy security to countries around the world. This creates jobs, economic opportunities and a high standard of living for all who call our province home.”

    Uranium saw impressive growth, with the value of exports increasing by 50 per cent. Total uranium exports reached $2.8 billion, surpassing the Saskatchewan Growth Plan target of $2 billion. Potash also reached a record volume of exports, totaling 22,807,489 metric tonnes.

    Saskatchewan continues to be an exporter of choice internationally. Goods from the province reached 161 countries in 2024. India became the province’s third-largest export market behind the U.S. and China, with the value of exports to the country increasing by 12.2 per cent in 2024.

    “Amid the unprecedented trade uncertainties in 2024, Saskatchewan demonstrated resilience and growth across key sectors, with many major commodities maintaining or increasing their volumes,” STEP Interim CEO Angela Krauss said. “The province’s export foundation remains strong, and we are committed to diversifying our markets and strengthening essential trade relationships.”

    According to the report, the volumes of most major exports maintained or increased from 2023 levels. In terms of volume, exports of canola seed increased 25 per cent from 2023 to 2024. Canola meal exports increased 14 per cent in volume from 2023 to 2024. The top export products for the province include crude petroleum oil, potash, canola seeds and oil, wheat, uranium, lentils and dried peas. 

    The provincial economy continues to see substantial growth. In 2007, the value of Saskatchewan exports was $19.8 billion, which has since climbed to nearly $50 billion on average over the past three years. 

    STEP is a membership driven, government/industry partnership, designed to promote the growth of Saskatchewan’s export industry.

    Statistics Canada’s latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan’s 2024 real GDP reached an all-time high of $80.5 billion, increasing by $2.6 billion, or 3.4 per cent from 2023. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth and above the national average of 1.6 per cent.

    For more information on opportunities in Saskatchewan, visit: investSK.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Peters Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Safeguard U.S. Manufacturing, Transit Operations Against Chinese Influence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    Published: 05.20.2025

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped introduce the Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit (STOP) China Act, which would protect domestic transit operations and help level the playing field for American manufacturers, suppliers, and workers by preventing any federal funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) from being awarded to grantees for the purchase of transit buses or rail cars made by Chinese-controlled companies. The bill would help ensure that American taxpayer dollars are invested in American manufacturers, like those in Michigan, not China. 
    “China is actively working to undermine American workers and our economic success, particularly in the transportation industry, by flooding global markets with artificially cheap vehicles, from electric vehicles to buses,” said Senator Peters. “These vehicles could also pose a serious national security threat. This bipartisan bill would address these concerns and help level the playing field for Michigan manufacturers, suppliers, and workers as we continue to lead the world in mobility innovation by preventing taxpayer dollars from being used to support companies owned and operated by the Chinese Communist Party.”
    The Stop China Act would prohibit any federal funds from being awarded to grantees for the purchase of Chinese government transit buses or rail cars. It seeks to close loopholes in the previously enacted Transportation Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act that have allowed Chinese entities to continue competing for U.S. Government funds. It also requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR), in consultation with the U.S. Attorney General, to produce a list of prohibited entities headquartered or affiliated with China. 
    The legislation is endorsed by the Alliance for American Manufacturing, Steel Manufacturers Association, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, United Steelworkers, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and Transport Workers Union of America.
    Peters has made strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains a top priority. Peters helped author and pass into law the CHIPS and Science Act to boost U.S. manufacturing of semiconductor chips, strengthen critical domestic supply chains, and create good-paying American jobs. The CHIPS and Science Act additionally authorized increased funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, which has been a priority for Peters. Peters additionally supported and helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which will strengthen domestic manufacturing, onshore our supply chains, combat the climate crisis, and create millions of American jobs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Pat Fallon Leads Letter to Bolster US Grid Resiliency

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pat Fallon (TX-04)

    Washington, DC — Rep. Pat Fallon (TX-04) led a letter yesterday to Energy Secretary Chris Wright requesting a briefing by the Department of Energy on the state of US grid resiliency both from an energy use and national security perspective.

    In an exclusive with the Washington Reporter, Rep. Fallon commented:

    “The U.S. needs prioritize dependable sources of energy like natural gas, oil, and coal to power our nation and protect our national security.”

    “At the same time, the longer we leave our electrical grid vulnerable, the longer we invite cyberattacks from adversaries like China or Russia, risking widespread outages that endanger American lives,” Rep. Fallon continued. “We must ensure we have planned for future threats to our grid to safeguard America’s future.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary General calls for stronger NATO-EU cooperation to strengthen deterrence and defence

    Source: NATO

    On Tuesday (20 May 2025), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte attended the Foreign Affairs Council with EU Defence Ministers. He highlighted the importance of closer NATO-EU relations, in light of the threats from Russia, China’s military build-up, and terrorism.

    Mr Rutte underlined the need to ramp up defence spending and production, and “to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs to bring this war to a lasting and durable end.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Councillor Zafar Iqbal Takes Office as Birmingham’s New Lord Mayor

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Birmingham City Council is proud to announce that Councillor Zafar Iqbal has officially taken office as the new Lord Mayor of Birmingham.

    Councillor Iqbal brings with him over five decades of dedication to the city – a journey that began when he arrived in Birmingham as a young child from the small village of Boha, Chakswari in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir. Since then, Birmingham has been the place where he built a life, raised a family, and served his community with compassion and determination.

    His inspiring personal story, from learning English as a newcomer to the UK while overcoming the challenges of acute dyslexia, to eventually earning qualifications in management and health and social care, is a testament to his resilience and commitment to lifelong learning.

    In his professional life, Councillor Iqbal has worked across a range of sectors – from labouring and factory work to delivering meals on wheels and supporting people with visual impairments. His enduring commitment to public service was further recognised in 2009 when he was awarded an MBE by the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services to education.

    Councillor Iqbal was elected to Birmingham City Council in 2012 and has since played an active role in the Authority, chairing key scrutiny committees and contributing to the West Midlands Fire & Rescue Authority.

    Beyond his civic duties, Councillor Iqbal has been a passionate fundraiser and community champion, undertaking formidable challenges such as walking the Great Wall of China and completing the Inca Trail to raise funds for vital causes.

    Speaking on his appointment, the new Lord Mayor Councillor Zafar Iqbal said:

    “It is the greatest honour of my life to serve as Lord Mayor of Birmingham – a city that welcomed me, shaped me, and gave me every opportunity to grow. I hope my journey can inspire others to believe in themselves and in the power of perseverance, education, and community. Birmingham is a city of opportunity, compassion, and strength, and I look forward to promoting everything that makes it truly exceptional.”

    Councillor Iqbal, a proud supporter of Birmingham City Football Club, celebrates 45 years of marriage this year with his wife and Lady Mayoress, Farooq Akhtar. They are proud parents and grandparents, and family remains at the heart of his values.

    As Lord Mayor, Councillor Iqbal will serve as the First Citizen of Birmingham, representing the city in his ambassadorial role at civic and ceremonial events both at home and abroad, and championing charitable and community causes across all of Birmingham’s diverse neighbourhoods.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Is Donald Trump doing the world a favour by isolating the United States?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Shaun Narine, Professor of International Relations and Political Science, St. Thomas University (Canada)

    United States President Donald Trump’s tariffs against most of the world tanked stock markets, disrupted the U.S. bond market and destabilized the global economy.

    Trump has economically and politically threatened American allies, shattering the unity of the western world. But Trump’s chaos may have inadvertently produced an opportunity to create a better world.

    Some western commentators argue that the U.S. has been a benevolent superpower.

    That may have been true for a small group of mostly western states that have benefitted from American domination. But much of the Global South was victimized by American military, economic and political interventions.

    Losing dominance?

    The West could be in the midst of losing its dominant position in the global order. This is probably inevitable, but it may not be the tragedy some western commentators assume it to be.

    In most of the world, there is a desire for a more equitable world order that doesn’t feature the moral, racial and cultural double standards of the western-dominated system. A world where American and western power is limited and contained could not only end up being more peaceful but, over time, more prosperous.

    Without the co-operation of the allies alienated by Trump, it may be harder for the U.S. to initiate conflict around the world as it often has since the end of the Cold War.

    In a recent Foreign Affairs article, American political scientist Stacie Goddard argues the emerging multipolar, post-American world will be one in which great powers — primarily the U.S., Russia and China — will divide the globe into “spheres of influence.”

    The U.S. is seeking to maintain disproportionate power in Asia. Closer to home, neighbours of the U.S. have reason to fear American expansionism.

    By contrast, even if it has imperialist ambitions, Russia doesn’t have the military might to dominate Europe. It’s a country of 144 million people with one-sixth the GDP of the European Union. Russia can cause trouble within countries with sizable Russian minorities, but its ability to project power is limited, as demonstrated by its grinding war in Ukraine.



    Read more:
    After another call with Putin, it looks like Trump has abandoned efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine

    China’s stance

    The Chinese have scored a win against Trump’s tariffs with a 90-day tariff pause that’s being hailed as vindication of China’s defiant negotiating strategy. China called Trump’s bluff and won as global stocks soared.



    Read more:
    China-US trade war: the next 90 days are a big deal for Beijing as it seeks long-term solutions

    This has bolstered China’s goal to have a sphere of influence. However, Chinese foreign policy is largely non-interventionist and, compared to the U.S., remarkably restrained.

    China may intimidate its rivals in the South China Sea, Senkaku Islands, and Taiwan, but it does not easily resort to military force. China has not resorted to military force since its war with Vietnam in 1979.

    China is committed to most of the guiding structures of the current international system and values a stable and mutually beneficial global economic order that enables it to focus on and improve its domestic development.

    Its export-oriented economic sectors need customers abroad. Unlike the West, China has a vested interest in helping the Global South develop and prosper in order to create those customers.

    Asian trade alliance?

    The Chinese are using their resources to promote economic and technological development in the Global South.

    As China spreads its renewable energy technologies globally, some of the poorest countries may leapfrog carbon-based fuels and go directly to renewable energy to make development affordable and attainable, and to mitigate climate change.



    Read more:
    What Canada can learn from China on effectively engaging with Africa

    In response to Trump’s tariffs, China, South Korea and Japan have discussed a renewed free-trade arrangement. President Xi Jinping has toured Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia to encourage a common front against American actions.

    Asian states are wary of China, but they remain committed to global trade. The U.S. may be retreating from globalization, but the rest of the world is not, though China’s manufacturing dominance concerns many states.

    Emerging international order

    New institutions may help to manage the evolving world order. The BRICS countries — Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates — have created the New Development Bank (NDB). China has created the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

    The United Nations remains the favoured instrument of global diplomacy, even if western states have been accused of undermining its authority and efficacy.

    The European Union will continue as a major global power in the emerging international order, but on a more even footing with the rest of the world.

    Europe is reconsidering its trade war with China. In the words of Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission: “The West as we knew it no longer exists.”

    Western states will undoubtedly continue to try to exercise disproportionate global influence. Canada has suggested that “like-minded states” form an alliance to promote international trade and institutions that remain dominated by western interests. This idea seems designed to continue marginalizing the Global South in the international decision-making process.

    Most Global South states are not high-functioning liberal democracies. Many struggle with the legacies of colonialism while managing an international system dominated by the West that keeps them subservient. Others have created governments that fit their particular circumstances, cultures and levels of development.

    But many weaker countries generally share a commitment to international law that is seemingly stronger than the West. They need a stable, predictable, fairly applied set of global rules more than stronger nations. Ironically, the decline of the U.S. may facilitate a much more genuine and legitimate rules-based international order.

    America’s loosening grip

    Readjusting the world economy away from the U.S. to a more diverse, evenly distributed economic model will be difficult and disruptive.

    Nonetheless, loosening the American grip on global power is an essential first step towards achieving a more just and balanced international order.

    For putting this process in motion, the world may owe Trump a measure of thanks.

    Shaun Narine is affiliated with Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East and Jewish Voice for Peace.

    – ref. Is Donald Trump doing the world a favour by isolating the United States? – https://theconversation.com/is-donald-trump-doing-the-world-a-favour-by-isolating-the-united-states-252671

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China welcomes and supports Pakistan, India’s efforts to resolve differences through dialogue: Chinese FM

    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 20 (Xinhua) — China welcomes and supports Pakistan and India’s efforts to properly resolve their differences through dialogue, achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire and find fundamental solutions, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Beijing on Tuesday.

    Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, made the statement during talks with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The Chinese diplomat noted that this meets the fundamental and long-term interests of both sides, promotes regional peace and stability, and is the common aspiration of the international community. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Coast Guard monitors Philippines resupplying warship illegally grounded near Ren’ai Reef

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) — Under China’s approval, the Philippines used a civilian vessel to resupply a warship that ran aground illegally in waters near Ren’ai Reef in the South China Sea on May 16, China Coast Guard (CCG) spokesman Liu Dejun said Tuesday.

    He noted that the BOC had requested the Philippine vessel to identify it and had been supervising it throughout the process.

    Liu Dejun called on the Philippine side to fulfill its obligations and cooperate with China to keep the maritime situation under control.

    “The BOC will continue its human rights and law enforcement activities in the Nansha Islands and adjacent waters, including Ren’ai Reef,” he stressed.

    In May 1999, the Philippines “grounded” the tank landing ship BRP Sierra Madre /LT-57/ in the area. The Chinese side immediately made a stern representation to the Philippine side, demanding that it immediately tow the ship away. The Philippines repeatedly promised to do so in the near future. However, more than 25 years later, the Philippine warship is still in the same place. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Launches New Communications Satellite

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    WENCHANG, HAINAN PROVINCE, May 20 (Xinhua) — China on Tuesday successfully launched a new communications satellite into orbit from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center in southern China’s Hainan Province.

    The ChinaSat-3B satellite was launched at 19:50 Beijing time by a Long March-7A carrier rocket. The satellite successfully entered its designated orbit.

    The satellite will primarily provide voice, data, radio and television signal transmission services.

    The current launch was the 577th flight mission for the Long March series of launch vehicles. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Over 1 million tourists from China visited Russia in 2024

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, May 20 /Xinhua/ — In 2024, 1.1 million travelers from China visited Russia and stayed in hotels, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dmitry Vakhrukov said at the Russian-Chinese Forum in Khabarovsk, as quoted by the ministry’s press service.

    As D. Vakhrukov noted, this is almost a two-fold increase. At the same time, the single electronic visa to Russia, which has already been used by more than 400 thousand Chinese tourists, turned out to be an extremely effective mechanism. According to the Deputy Minister, in the near future it is planned to extend the period of stay on such a visa from 16 to 30 days.

    Russia and China also have a visa-free travel mechanism for organized tourist groups of five or more people, which has been used by over 1 million Russian and Chinese tourists. D. Vakhrukov added that negotiations are currently underway to improve the conditions for such trips, in particular to increase the maximum travel period by 1.5 times. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The International Conference on Subregional Cooperation around the Altai Mountains was held in the XUAR

    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

    URUMQI, May 20 (Xinhua) — An international conference on sub-regional cooperation around the Altay Mountains was held in Altay City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Tuesday, bringing together nearly 270 participants from China, Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia.

    Let us recall that the Altai Mountains are located on the territory of the above-mentioned four countries. More than 5.2 million people live in the subregion around the Altai Mountains, the area of which is approximately 780 thousand square kilometers.

    The conference discussed such topics as trade, investment, culture, sports, tourism, science and technology, education, infrastructure, sustainable development, etc.

    During the event, an initiative for international cooperation in the subregion around the Altai Mountains was announced. The parties agreed to further deepen trade and economic cooperation and implement relevant projects, conduct joint research in the field of agricultural technology, select elite varieties of agricultural crops and disseminate highly efficient production models.

    In addition, conference participants expressed their readiness to increase cooperation in such areas as environmental protection, deepening transport interconnectivity, culture and tourism, as well as developing twinning relations between cities.

    At the event, the parties signed protocols of intent to establish friendly relations at various levels, as well as documents on cooperation in various areas. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mediation body to be set up in HK

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it will make full preparations for the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of The International Organization for Mediation to be held in the city on May 30.

    Nearly 60 countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe, and about 20 international organisations including the United Nations will send senior representatives to attend the signing ceremony for the convention.

    A global forum on international mediation will be held in the afternoon to discuss topics such as mediation of disputes among countries and mediation of international investment and commercial disputes.

    In 2022, China and nearly 20 like-minded countries jointly initiated the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). The negotiations on the convention have successfully concluded and a unanimous consensus has been reached to establish the IOMed headquarters in Hong Kong.

    The IOMed will be the world’s first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, and will be an important mechanism for upholding the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/CHINA – The Diocese of Fuzhou commemorates the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Jesuit Giulio Aleni, the “Confucius of the West,” who came to tell “the story of Jesus”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Fuzhou (Agenzia Fides) – It has been 400 years since the Jesuit Giulio Aleni, known as the “Confucius of the West,” landed in Fuzhou (now the capital of Fujian Province) to tell “the story of Jesus.” Today, the Diocese of Fuzhou paid tribute to this witness of the Gospel with a seminar held from May 16 to 17 and with the inauguration of a statue of him in the Cathedral of Saint Dominic, during a ceremony presided over by Bishop Joseph Cai Bingrui.The seminar dedicated to Giulio Aleni—who introduced neophytes to meditation on the mysteries of Jesus’ life based on Gospel passages, according to the Ignatian method—was attended by scholars from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Italy. The personality and contribution of the Italian Jesuit missionary, who was also an astronomer, man of letters, geographer, and mathematician, were the focus of several presentations.Priest and scholar Peter Zhao, of the Diocese of Beijing, presented a paper on “The Contribution of Father Giulio Aleni to the Life of the Province and to Cultural Exchange”; Professor Lin Jinshui spoke on the theme “From Matteo Ricci to Giulio Aleni”; and Dr. Jiang Wei spoke on “The Specificities and Consonances of Catholic Art in Portuguese India, the Spanish Philippines, and China during the late Ming and early Qing Dynasty.” Finally, the scholars took a guided tour of Father Aleni’s “places” in the Fuzhou area.Giulio Aleni was born in the Italian province of Brescia, Lombardy, in 1582. He joined the Society of Jesus in 1610 and was sent to China, where, after landing in Macau, he dedicated forty years of his life to proclaiming Christ among the Chinese. In fulfilling his mission, he also dedicated himself to teaching mathematics, which he considered a useful tool for connecting with the highest cultural circles of Chinese society. He was provincial of the Jesuit province of Huanan (southern China), and during his mission, he built more than 20 churches and administered the sacrament of baptism to 10,000 new Chinese Christians. In 1649, fleeing the soldiers of the Qing court, he took refuge in Yanping, where he died in May. His tomb is located on Mount of the Cross in Fuzhou. In his missionary work, Father Aleni adopted the ideas and practices followed by his Jesuit confrere Matteo Ricci, and published some twenty scientific, philosophical, spiritual, and doctrinal works.During his missionary years, he was, after Ricci, the best expert of the Chinese language among his fellow community members. His work “The True Origin of All Things” (1628), dedicated to the question of Creation, was widely recognized and reprinted numerous times. In 1635, with the work “True Exposition of the Words and Works of the Incarnate Lord of Heaven,” Aleni recounted the life of Jesus. Also of great value and interest are the texts of the 325 conversations he held with Chinese writers. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 20/5/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Over 400 Afghan prisoners released from Pakistani jails in three days

    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

    KABUL, May 20 (Xinhua) — A total of 438 Afghan prisoners have been released from Pakistani jails and returned to Afghanistan in the past three days, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said on Tuesday.

    The returnees, who received assistance at the Spin Boldak border crossing in Kandahar province in the south of the country and the Torkham border crossing in Nangarhar province in the east of the country, were taken to their home provinces, the statement said.

    Over the past two weeks, nearly 1,000 Afghans held in Pakistan have been released and returned home.

    An estimated 7 million Afghan refugees, many of them undocumented, still live abroad, mostly in neighboring Iran and Pakistan. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Seven killed by mushroom poisoning in Laos

    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

    VIENTIANE, May 20 (Xinhua) — Health authorities in northern Laos’ Sainyabuli Province have issued an urgent warning about poisonous wild mushrooms after seven people were reported killed, calling on the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to avoid further fatalities.

    The provincial health department issued a warning on May 16 that poisonous mushrooms had killed seven people and sickened 32 others in the province, the Lao News Agency reported on Tuesday.

    Local authorities have been instructed to work closely with health officials to monitor and report mushroom poisoning cases promptly. They are also encouraged to conduct public awareness campaigns on the risks of eating wild mushrooms. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran’s Supreme Leader Warns US Against ‘Senseless’ Talk on Uranium Enrichment

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TEHRAN, May 20 (Xinhua) — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday warned the United States against making “meaningless” remarks about Tehran’s uranium enrichment during the ongoing proxy talks between the two countries on Iran’s nuclear program.

    A. Khamenei made the corresponding statement in Tehran during a ceremony dedicated to the anniversary of the death of former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash on May 19, 2024. A video recording of the ayatollah’s speech was published on his website.

    Iran’s Supreme Leader said: “I must warn the other side. The American side, which has entered into indirect talks and continues to do so, must refrain from making empty statements.”

    At the same time, A. Khamenei indicated that he does not expect any results from the ongoing negotiations with Washington.

    With Oman’s assistance, Iranian and American delegations have held four rounds of indirect talks since April on Tehran’s nuclear program and the lifting of American sanctions on Iran.

    The fifth round is expected to take place in the coming days, with the date and venue to be announced later.

    Meanwhile, US officials have said several times in recent days that Iran must completely stop enriching uranium, a demand Tehran has rejected as “non-negotiable.” –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s tax revenue rises in April 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 20 (Xinhua) — China’s tax revenue rose 1.9 percent year on year in April 2025, marking a turnaround from recession to growth, according to official data released by the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday.

    According to the agency, in the first four months of this year, the country’s tax revenues fell by 2.1 percent compared to the same period last year, while non-tax revenues grew by 7.7 percent year-on-year.

    The data also showed that China’s fiscal revenue in the first four months fell 0.4 percent year on year to 8.06 trillion yuan (about $1.12 trillion). -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China approves projects with fixed asset investment worth 573.7 bln yuan in first four months

    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 20 (Xinhua) — China approved 27 projects in the first four months of 2025, with fixed asset investment totaling 573.7 billion yuan (about 79.8 billion U.S. dollars).

    The projects primarily target sectors such as energy, agriculture, forestry, water conservation and high technology, Li Chao, a spokesperson for China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said at a press conference on Tuesday.

    According to her, in April alone, the SCRR approved eight projects with investments in fixed assets totaling 377.1 billion yuan.

    China will update the catalogue of industries in which foreign investment will be encouraged, opening up more sectors including advanced manufacturing and the digital economy, Li Chao said.

    She noted that for more than 40 years, China has steadily promoted the policy of reform and opening up, remaining an ideal, safe and favorable place for foreign enterprises to invest.

    However, the current unilateral and protectionist measures taken by some countries have forced enterprises to take sides and make choices that are not in line with economic principles, causing significant disruption to the normal operation of multinational companies, Li Chao said, calling on relevant countries to immediately return to the right track of multilateralism and free trade, working together to bring certainty to global economic development.

    Li Chao said the NDRC is coordinating with relevant departments to speed up the implementation of a series of measures to stabilize employment and the economy while promoting high-quality development. Relevant departments are currently working hard to implement these measures, and most of them are expected to be put into effect by the end of June. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: After another call with Putin, it looks like Trump has abandoned efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham

    After a two-hour phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on May 19, US president Donald Trump took to social media to declare that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately start negotiations” towards a ceasefire and an end to the war. He did, however, add that the conditions for peace “will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be”.

    With the Vatican, according to Trump, “very interested in hosting the negotiations” and European leaders duly informed, it seems clear that the US has effectively abandoned its stalled mediation efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

    It was always a possibility that Trump could walk away from the war, despite previous claims he could end it in 24 hours. This only became more likely on May 16, when the first face-to-face negotiations between Ukraine and Russia for more than three years predictably ended without a ceasefire agreement.

    When Trump announced shortly afterwards that he would be speaking to his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts by phone a few days later, he effectively mounted the beginning of a rearguard action. This was further underlined when, shortly before the Trump-Putin call, Vice-President J.D. Vance, explicitly told reporters that the US could end its shuttle diplomacy.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    The meagre outcomes of the talks between Russia and Ukraine – as well as between Trump and Putin – are not surprising. Russia is clearly not ready for any concessions yet. It keeps insisting that Ukraine accept its maximalist demands of territorial concessions and future neutrality.

    Putin also continues to slow-walk any negotiations. After his call with Trump, he reportedly said that “Russia will offer and is ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum on a possible future peace agreement”, including “a possible ceasefire for a certain period of time, should relevant agreements be reached.”

    The lack of urgency on Russia’s part to end the fighting and, in fact, the Kremlin’s ability and willingness to continue the war was emphasised the day before the Trump-Putin call. Russia carried out its largest drone attack against Ukraine so far in the war, targeting several regions including Kyiv.

    There has been no let-up in the fighting since. And the fact that Putin spoke to Trump while visiting a music school in the southern Russian city of Sochi does not suggest that a ceasefire in Ukraine is high on the Russian leader’s priority list.

    A large part of the Kremlin’s calculation seems to be its desire to strike a grand bargain with the White House on a broader reset of relations between the US and Russia. It is signalling clearly that this is more important than the war in Ukraine and might even happen without the fighting there ending.

    This also appears to be driving thinking in Washington. Trump foreshadowed an improvement in bilateral relations by describing the “tone and spirit” of his conversation with Putin as “excellent”. He also seemed pleased about the prospects of “large-scale trade” with Russia.

    Abandoning European allies

    Trump is on record as saying that there would be no progress towards peace in Ukraine until he and Putin get together. But it is worth bearing mind that very little movement towards a ceasefire in Ukraine – let alone a peace agreement – occurred after the last phone call between the two presidents in February.

    Part of this lack of progress has been Trump’s reluctance to put any real pressure on Putin. And despite agreement in Brussels and preparations in Washington for an escalation in sanctions against Russia, it is unlikely that Trump will change his approach.

    In this context, the sequence in which the calls occurred is telling. Trump and Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, had a short call before the former spoke with Putin. Zelensky said he told Trump not to make decisions about Ukraine “without us”.

    But rather than presenting Putin with a clear ultimatum to accept a ceasefire, Trump apparently discussed future relations with Putin at great length before informing Zelensky and key European allies that the war in Ukraine is now solely their problem to solve.

    This has certainly raised justifiable fears in Kyiv and European capitals that, for the sake of a reset with Russia, the US might yet completely abandon its allies across the Atlantic.

    However, if a reset with Russia at any cost really is Trump’s strategy, it is bound to fail. As much as Putin seems willing to continue with his aggression against Ukraine, Zelensky is as unwilling to surrender. Putin can rely on China’s continued backing while Zelensky can count on support from Europe.

    Supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine is essential for China to keep Moscow on side in its rivalry with the US. And for Europe, supporting Ukraine has become an existential question of deterring and containing a revisionist Russia hell-bent on restoring a Soviet-style sphere of influence in central and eastern Europe.

    In a world that has been in flux since Trump’s return to the White House, these are some of the emerging constants. And they make a US-Russia reset highly improbable.

    Even if it were to happen, it would not strengthen Washington’s position with Beijing. Walking away from Ukraine and Europe now will deprive the US of the very allies it will need in the long term to prevail in its rivalry with China.

    By abandoning his mediation between Moscow and Kyiv, Trump may have broken the deadlock in his efforts to achieve a reset with Russia. But getting this deal over the line will be a pyrrhic victory.

    Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

    – ref. After another call with Putin, it looks like Trump has abandoned efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine – https://theconversation.com/after-another-call-with-putin-it-looks-like-trump-has-abandoned-efforts-to-mediate-peace-in-ukraine-257021

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 20 Reasons Why Congress Must Unite Behind the One, Big, Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Congressional Republicans MUST unite to pass President Donald J. Trump’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill and take advantage of the once-in-a-generation opportunity they were given by voters.
    Here are 20 reasons why Congress must unite behind the One, Big, Beautiful Bill:
    It delivers the largest tax cut in American history. This means an extra $5,000 in Americans’ pockets with a DOUBLE-DIGIT percent DECREASE to their tax bills. Americans earning between $30,000 and $80,000 will pay around 15% less in taxes.
    It includes NO TAX ON TIPS and NO TAX ON OVERTIME. This makes good on two of President Trump’s cornerstone campaign promises and will benefit hardworking Americans where they need it the most — their paychecks.
    It delivers Big, Beautiful Deportations. The bill permanently secures our borders by making the largest border security investment in history, funding at least one million annual removals of illegal immigrants and ramping up “mass deportation operations to a level never before seen in American history.”
    It finishes President Trump’s border wall. As a result, 701 miles of primary wall, 900 miles of river barriers, 629 miles of secondary barriers, and 141 miles of vehicle and pedestrian barriers will be constructed — stopping deadly fentanyl from flowing into our communities and securing the border from dangerous illegal immigrant murderers and rapists.
    It boosts Border Patrol and ICE agents on the frontlines. It empowers immigration authorities to carry out their mission by hiring 10,000 new ICE personnel, 5,000 new customs officers, and 3,000 new Border Patrol agents — and gives $10,000 bonuses in each of the next four years to agents on the frontlines.
    It protects Medicaid for Americans by kicking 1.4 million illegals off the benefits. This bill eliminates waste, fraud, and abuse by ending benefits for at least 1.4 million illegal immigrants who are gaming the system.
    It requires able-bodied Americans to work if they receive benefits. With 4.8 million able-bodied adults choosing not to work, The One, Big, Beautiful Bill puts work requirements in place and supports them as they find dignity through employment.
    It reverses the spending curse plaguing Washington, D.C. The legislation delivers the largest deficit reduction in nearly 30 years, with $1.6 trillion in mandatory savings.
    It ends taxpayer-funded sex change for minors. It reverses the Biden-era mandate that Medicaid cover so-called “gender transition” procedures for minors — ending the taxpayer-funded chemical castration and mutilation of American children.
    It provides historic tax relief to Social Security recipients. It slashes taxes on seniors’ Social Security benefits.
    It will give Americans PERMANENT tax relief through the Trump Tax Cuts. If the bill doesn’t pass, Americans will see the largest tax increase in history.
    It finally modernizes air traffic control, fulfilling President Trump’s plan to completely overhaul the systems that keep Americans flying safely and efficiently. This will allow President Trump to update our air traffic control systems and act where the Biden Administration failed (despite repeated warnings).
    It ends the taxpayer-funded Green New Scam. The legislation repeals or phases out every “green” corporate welfare subsidy in Democrats’ so-called “Inflation Reduction Act,” immediately stops credits from flowing to China and saves taxpayers $500+ billion every year, and reverses electric vehicle mandates that let radical climate activists set the standards for American energy.
    It incentivizes MADE IN AMERICA. It rewards companies that build their products in America with lower taxes — and allows Americans who buy an American-made vehicle to fully deduct their auto loan interest.
    It is pro-family. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill increases the child tax credit, establishes MAGA Accounts for newborns to start saving, and strengthens paid family leave.
    It repeals Democrats’ insane attack on the gig economy. It repeals the requirement that Venmo, PayPal, and other gig transactions over $600 be reported to the IRS.
    It protects family farmers. The bill prevents the greedy death tax from hitting two million family-owned farms who would otherwise see their exemptions cut in half and cuts taxes on farmers by over $10 billion.
    It’s a once-in-a-generation chance to revolutionize our nation’s defense capabilities and protect the homeland against new threats. It funds President Trump’s Golden Dome, invests in American shipbuilding, and modernizes our military.
    It unleashes American energy dominance. The legislation increases onshore and offshore oil and gas leases, which provides certainty for energy producers, spurs job growth, and makes energy more affordable for American consumers.
    It boosts American mineral development. This bill increases mining of domestic minerals and makes America less dependent on foreign adversaries for critical minerals.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 3 sites in China newly recognized as globally important agricultural heritage systems

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

    3 sites in China newly recognized as globally important agricultural heritage systems

    BEIJING, May 20 — A trio of sites in China were recently designated as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs announced on Tuesday.

    The newly recognized sites are an ancient pear orchard system in northwest China’s Gansu Province, a freshwater pearl mussel composite fishery system in Zhejiang Province in the east of China, and a white tea culture system in Fujian Province, also located in east China.

    With these latest additions, China now has 25 GIAHS sites — the highest number across the globe.

    The GIAHS program, launched by the FAO, has assisted farming communities in safeguarding traditional agricultural systems and associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity, knowledge systems and cultures.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China launches new communication satellite

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

    WENCHANG, Hainan, May 20 — China sent a new communication satellite into orbit Tuesday from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on the coast of the southern island province of Hainan.

    The ChinaSat 3B satellite was launched at 7:50 p.m. (Beijing Time) aboard a Long March-7A carrier rocket. The satellite entered the preset orbit successfully.

    The satellite will provide voice, data, radio and television transmission services.

    The launch marked the 577th mission of the Long March series carrier rockets.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Banks Renew Call for Investigation into Milley’s Chain of Command Interference, Efforts to Undermine Civilian Control of the Military

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.) are renewing calls for the Department of Defense (DOD) to finally address alleged misconduct by former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) General Mark Milley.
    In a letter to the DOD’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG), the senators cite reports Milley tampered with the statutory chain of command, undermined civilian control of the military, violated military code through making derogatory and political public statements and provided inaccurate sworn testimony.
    “The nation’s highest-ranking military officer has a solemn responsibility to set an example of excellence and to model good conduct for all American service members. The record suggests that General Milley failed to meet those standards,” the senators wrote.
    Grassley and Banks are following up on their 2022 request for an independent review of Milley’s actions. Former DOD Inspector General Robert Storch closed the review without providing answers.
    “[Milley’s] conduct and willful undermining of his Commander-in-Chief posed a grave threat to civilian control of the military. The issues raised by Milley’s alleged misconduct are too important to be swept under the rug. They must be examined, and if substantiated, General Milley should be held accountable,” the senators continued.
    In January, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth directed OIG to conduct a review of Milley’s misconduct and determine whether enough evidence exists for Milley to be stripped of a star in retirement.
    The full text of the letter is available HERE.
    Background:Milley – who, per the Constitution and law, does not have command authority as JCS chairman – reportedly ordered senior officers to check with him before executing orders from President Trump during his first term.
    Milley also has made partisan statements to the press, admissions in the book Peril and derogatory comments about Trump, including those in his now-public draft resignation letter. Milley also reportedly promised a Chinese military official he would alert them ahead of time if the United States was about to attack China.
    In April 2022, Grassley and Banks wrote to Milley regarding their concerns. After months without answers, they sought an inspector general review of Milley’s actions.
    After nearly nine months, the OIG claimed to have conducted a thorough review, but offered no material or details to support its finding to halt its investigation.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPbGASU Master’s Student: “Internship in India Gave Good Experience”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Mikhail Zheltov

    Mikhail Zheltov, a second-year master’s student at the SPbGASU Faculty of Architecture, visited India as part of an internship program, where he studied local architectural traditions. He studied at Parula University in Vadodara, one of the country’s leading educational institutions.

    “I had previously visited China on a student exchange program, so I wanted to see another country with great potential. India, with its rich architectural history and cultural diversity, attracted me with its unique combination of ancient and modern trends. Parula University holds many interesting festivals, which makes the learning process exciting and rich. The program allowed me not only to deepen my knowledge in the field of architecture, but also to get acquainted with the unique cultural traditions that influence construction and urban development in India,” said Mikhail.

    Mikhail has traveled most of western India – from Delhi to Goa. He admits that this trip gave him the opportunity to meet many interesting people and improve his English. He saw both ancient and modern architecture of India, acquired new friends and partners.

    “Earlier, I fell in love with the kindness of Chinese hospitality: I was treated very warmly in China. The head of the exchange program, Li Xiaodong, did a great job to ensure that everything went smoothly. I am very grateful to him for such an unforgettable trip. In India, unfortunately, I had to solve many issues on my own. However, I believe that the experience of international communication and intercultural relations that I received will be very useful for me in the future. The skills I acquired will help me better interact with people of different cultures and create more successful architectural projects,” Mikhail shared.

    As the head of the international activities department of our university, Shuainat Akhmadulaeva, clarified, Henan University of Urban Development (China) and Parula University (India), where Mikhail Zheltov completed an internship as part of the academic mobility program, are partner universities of SPbGASU.

    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 Economics: FIFA and Wanda Group partnership largest annual sponsorship deal in construction and real estate sector, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    FIFA and Wanda Group partnership largest annual sponsorship deal in construction and real estate sector, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Sport

    In 2016, Wanda Group signed a 15-year deal, which sees the brand serve as a top-tier FIFA partner. Under the agreement, Wanda secured rights to all FIFA competitions and corporate activities, extending through the 2030 World Cup, with a deal value reported to be approximately $56.57 million per year. Alongside the brands’ partnership with FIFA, Wanda Group is the highest spending brand across the construction and real estate sector in 2025, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’ s latest report, “Sponsorship Sector Report – Construction & Real Estate 2025”, reveals that across the construction and real estate sector, soccer commands the top position in terms of annual sponsorship revenue and deal volume in 2025. Mitsui Fudosan is recognized as the most active brand across the sector, boasting 11 active partnerships in 2025.

    Olivia Snooks, Sport Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Wanda Group was the first Chinese company to achieve top-tier partner status with FIFA. The partnership between Wanda Group and FIFA aims to facilitate the advancement of grassroots soccer development in China and across China.”

    Saudi Arabia has seen a surge in the construction and real estate sector’s involvement with the sports sponsorship industry and occupies a significant portion of the higher-value partnerships across the sector. Brands including Roshn and Red Sea Global, both are owned by the Saudi backed Public Investment Fund (PIF) have both partnered with teams competing in the Saudi Professional League, the top-flight soccer league in Saudi Arabia. Roshn’s naming rights partnership with the Saudi Professional League is one of the largest partnerships across the sector.

    Snooks continues: “The PIF’s involvement in the sponsorship activities across the Saudi Professional League has had a major impact on soccer across Saudi Arabia. The PIF has essentially taken control of the biggest clubs across the Saudi Pro League, as well as the league itself. Through Roshn serving as the league’s title partner and the PIF owning four of the biggest clubs across the league, this enables the fund to not only benefit from one of their brands gaining exposure but also four of their teams gaining more revenue.”

    Despite a decline in the number and total value of transactions within the construction and real estate sector from 2018 to 2019, the industry has experienced consistent year-over-year growth in both the quantity of agreements signed and their cumulative annual worth through 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, the volume of deals signed plateaued; however, the annual value of these deals increased. Taking this into consideration, it could be suggested that even though the volume of deals agreed upon has not increased, the value of the deals that brands across the sector are committing to is growing.

    Snooks concludes: “2025 will present uncertainty for the global economy given the tariffs, which have been implemented by US President Donald Trump. As tariffs elevate the expense of imported materials, including steel and aluminum, construction firms frequently find themselves absorbing these increased costs. The degree to which these developments will influence the construction and real estate sector’s engagement in the sports sponsorship arena remains to be determined.

    “However, it is important to mention that as the tariffs only apply to materials being imported into the US, for brands that do not do business in the US, they are less likely to be affected; the situation is also very changeable with tariff rates changing and having already been postponed for 90 days since the original announcement.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Cautious investor sentiment pulls global deal activity down 5% YoY in first four months of 2025, finds GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Cautious investor sentiment pulls global deal activity down 5% YoY in first four months of 2025, finds GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    Cautious investor sentiment has weighed heavily on the global deal landscape, with mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and venture financing activities collectively declining by approximately 5% year-on-year (YoY) during the first four months of 2025. Geopolitical uncertainty and macroeconomic headwinds have prompted dealmakers to adopt a more selective, risk-averse approach, leading to a slowdown across major markets, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    The contraction in deal volume during the first four months of 2025 can be primarily attributed to 4.3% reduction in M&A activity, which accounts for more than half of the combined total of all deal types.

    An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database revealed that private equity and venture financing deals also faced contractions, indicating a cautious approach from investors amid uncertain market conditions.

    The number of private equity deals announced during the first four months of 2025 showcased a decline of 4.5% compared to January-April 2024 while venture financing deals volume were down by 6.8% YoY.

    Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The global decline can be attributed to several factors, including geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic challenges that have made dealmakers risk-averse. As companies reassess their growth strategies, many seem to have opted for organic growth over acquisitions, leading to a slowdown in M&A activity. Additionally, investors are becoming selective and cautious while making investment decisions.”

    North America continues to dominate the global deal activity. However, it has not been immune to the slowdown, recording a YoY decline of around 4%. The US, historically a powerhouse in deal-making, reported a decrease in deal volume, reflecting a broader trend of caution among the dealmakers. Similarly, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America also experienced declines of around 7%, 3%, 11% and 13%, respectively.

    Bose adds: “Despite the overall downturn, certain markets have shown resilience suggesting that these may serve as a beacon of opportunity amid the global decline.”

    India, for instance, recorded a growth of around 13% in deal volume. Japan also demonstrated a positive trend with a growth rate of approximately 25%. Meanwhile, the US, the UK and China witnessed their respective deal volume fall by around 4%, 7% and 15%, respectively, during January-April 2025.

    Bose concludes: “The global deal landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as we move further into 2025. However, it is essential to recognize that certain markets are still thriving, reflecting a shift in focus towards nations that offer growth potential despite broader economic challenges.”

    Note: Historic data may change in case some deals get added to previous months because of a delay in disclosure of information in the public domain.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Supply chain remains resilient in M&A landscape despite 13% YoY fall in deal value in Q1 2025, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Supply chain remains resilient in M&A landscape despite 13% YoY fall in deal value in Q1 2025, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Strategic Intelligence

    Amid the impact of heightened geopolitical uncertainties and low growth across all the major economies, the first quarter of 2025 saw an overall decline in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deal value of 13% compared to the same quarter in 2024. Supply chain resilience was the single most important theme, with $84 billion in supply chain-related transactions across 25 deals, covering sectors like healthcare and materials, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest Strategic Intelligence report, “Global M&A Deals in Q1 2025 – Top Themes by Sector,” reveals that mega-deals, deals with a transaction value greater than or equal to $1 billion, decreased by 11% to $453 billion, compared to $507 billion in Q1 2024.

    Priya Toppo, Strategic Intelligence Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Amid rising geopolitical tensions, demographic shifts, stricter ESG regulations, persistent labor shortages, and rapid digital transformation, companies are sharpening their focus on supply chain-related M&A activity. To mitigate risks and boost operational efficiency, they are increasingly investing in resilient, localized, and technology-enabled supply chains. This was especially true in the healthcare, materials, industrials, and consumer sectors.

    The biggest supply chain deal was Sycamore Partners’ acquisition of Walgreens Boots Alliance for $23.7 billion. This deal was also the biggest in the consumer sector in Q1 2025. It was followed by Borouge Group International’s acquisition of Nova Chemicals for $13.4 billion and QXO’s acquisition of Beacon Roofing Supply for $10 billion.

    Toppo continues: “An ongoing trend is the dominance of North America in M&A deal activity, accounting for 2,920 deals worth $380 million during Q1 2025. However, North America, Europe, China, APAC Ex-China, and the Middle East and Africa all saw a YoY decline in deal value.”

    Toppo concludes: “The M&A outlook for the rest of 2025 is cautiously optimistic. Prospects of rate cuts in certain markets and an overall improving global growth outlook could drive increased activity. However, mega-deals may continue to face challenges, particularly in the US, where antitrust scrutiny remains a key focus for regulators.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Liang Zhang Appointed as New Electrical and Computer Engineering Head

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Dean JC Zhao of the UConn College of Engineering is pleased to appoint Professor Liang Zhang as the new head of the electrical and computer engineering (ECE) department. Zhang’s appointment will start in August 2025. 

    “I am honored to lead the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UConn, where our commitment to innovation and education continues to drive impactful research and student success,” Zhang said. “Together with the talented faculty and staff of the ECE department, we will advance the field of electrical and computer engineering to meet the challenges of tomorrow.” 

    Liang Zhang (Christopher LaRosa/UConn photo).

    Zhang joined UConn Engineering in 2013 as an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. 

    Since then, he has held various positions within the department, including the director of undergraduate studies, Pratt & Whitney Associate Professor in Advanced Systems Engineering, and director of the Department of Energy Southern New England Industrial Training and Assessment Center. He also holds an affiliated position with the management and engineering for manufacturing program. 

    “Dr. Zhang exemplifies the strengths we value at the UConn College of Engineering—rigorous research, deep commitment to student success, and impactful engagement with industry,” said Dean JC Zhao. “His leadership will play a vital role in advancing the department’s strategic goals and driving innovation that benefits both Connecticut and the broader engineering community.” 

    Zhang’s research focuses on smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0, with an emphasis on energy-efficient operations, human-robot collaboration, industrial data analytics, and the resilience of cyber-physical systems. 

    Before arriving at UConn, he was an assistant professor of industrial and manufacturing engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee from 2009 through 2013. 

    Zhang earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering systems from the University of Michigan in 2009. Previously, he earned a master’s in control theory and engineering and a bachelor’s in automation from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China in 2004 and 2002, respectively. 

    Zhang will take the reins from John Chandy, the outgoing department head who has served since 2018. 

    “Dr. Zhang has been an integral part of our department’s success, leading impactful research, mentoring students, and building strong industry partnerships,” says Chandy. “His vision, dedication, and collaborative spirit make him the ideal leader to guide ECE into its next chapter.” 

    According to Chandy, the department is in good hands.

    “I would like to take the opportunity to thank Professor John Chandy for his leadership and service as head of the ECE Department here at UConn,” says Zhao. “John devoted his time and energy for the betterment of the department and is highly respected by his colleagues at peers.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dramatic Decline in Overdose Deaths

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced preliminary figures from the Centers for Disease Control verifying her fight to reduce drug overdose deaths in New York State. Findings reveal a 32 percent drop in drug related deaths in 2024, compared to those in 2023. New York State’s historic investments have been important in contributing to addressing the opioid and overdose epidemic and bringing new services to all areas of the state. The Governor continues her pledge to reach high-need and underserved individuals and populations.

    “These numbers are further validation of our commitment to investing in real solutions which address the negative impacts of the opioid epidemic,” Governor Hochul said. “We continue to expand and enhance services across the state, ensuring New Yorkers in need can access these lifesaving resources.”

    New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “These numbers show that our hard work, and innovative approaches to establishing services are making a difference across the state. New York has one of the strongest systems of addiction care in the nation, and we look forward to seeing further reductions in overdose deaths as we continue to strengthen our continuum of prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services.”

    New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “The data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are encouraging. It’s a testament to the countless communities, organizations and programs that are focused on reducing drug overdoses and the harmful impacts of substance use disorder. While this is good news and shows we are moving in the right direction, there’s still more work to do to prevent overdose deaths. It’s vital we continue to identify communities that are not experiencing these declines equally. There’s still much to do and we remain committed to our central goal of preventing all drug overdoses in New York State and achieving an overdose free generation.”

    An estimated 4,567 New Yorkers died of a drug overdose in 2024, compared to 6,688 in 2023. Approximately 77 percent of these deaths involved an opioid, such as heroin or fentanyl. More information about these figures can be found on the NYS Overdose Death Dashboard.

    New York State has instituted a series of innovative new programs that have helped contribute to this drop in overdose deaths. This includes making nearly $400 million in Opioid Settlement Funds available, which is the most of any state in the country. This funding is supporting various initiatives including efforts to increase medication for addiction, linking high-need individuals to services through outreach and referral programs as well as transportation services, funding recovery centers to provide recovery support services, supporting initiatives to recruit and train the addiction workforce, and public awareness activities to inform people on the risks of substance use and where they can find help.

    In addition, OASAS established a new online ordering portal that allows any state resident to order fentanyl and xylazine test strips and naloxone for free. To date, more than 13.2 million fentanyl test strips, 10 million xylazine test strips, and 296,000 naloxone kits have been ordered through this portal. The State Department of Health has distributed more than 537,600 naloxone kits from January 2024 to April 2025.

    The New York State Department of Health has over 1,300 opioid overdose registered programs with over 5,000 sites across New York State who provide opioid overdose prevention trainings and naloxone at no cost to the participant. Further, the State has increased funding to amplify the range of services provided by community-based drug user health hubs. These act as a safety net for the most vulnerable New Yorkers and offer services including information on opioid overdose prevention, hepatitis C treatment, access to harm reduction services, and more rapid access to buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder. The Department of Health’s opioid data dashboards also provide opioid-related data to support statewide prevention efforts.

    The State has also funded Mobile Medication Units (MMUs) which provide medication for addiction treatment and other services and resources, bringing these services directly to underserved communities and addressing barriers that keep some people from seeking treatment. Funding has been provided to establish 11 of these units across the State, and the FY26 Enacted Budget includes additional funding to further increase the number of MMUs.

    New York’s MATTERS referral network has contributed to the increase in linkage to care and access to treatments like buprenorphine. MATTERS is a statewide rapid referral network to outpatient services for individuals with opioid use disorder in emergency departments, obstetrician and gynecologist offices, correctional facilities, inpatient units, pre-hospital settings, community-based clinics and peer navigation services.

    New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

    Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential or outpatient care can be found on the NYS OASAS website.

    MIL OSI USA News –