NewzIntel.com

Category: China

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s vast northwest inspires a new generation

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

    While her peers shuttle between China’s megacities chasing lucrative careers, 23-year-old Huang Huiru veers off the beaten track — immersing herself in the rugged terrain of the Pamir Plateau in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region for a gap year.

    As a law graduate from Gansu University of Political Science and Law, Huang is among a growing group of Chinese youth who volunteer to turn classroom knowledge into practical solutions for developing the region.

    Stationed in government departments in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, Huang and fellow volunteers revamped local job fairs through social media campaigns. In March, their efforts attracted over 80 employers offering more than 1,000 jobs, up from just five employers and a few job seekers in 2024.

    “This is more than a job; it’s a calling,” she said.

    Jobseekers exchange information on openings during a job fair in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Gao Han)

    ANSWERING THE CALL

    Since 2003, the “Go West” program has offered 540,000 young Chinese a chance to spend a year or more volunteering in the country’s vast western regions, and around 55,000 participants have been recruited in Xinjiang, according to the Communist Youth League of China. The talent program aims to inject new ideas and vigor into the regions with huge development potential.

    In 2024 alone, more than 11,900 young professionals joined the program in Xinjiang, according to the regional Communist Youth League Committee.

    Like Huang, they have taught in classrooms near the Taklamakan Desert, helped rebuild rural infrastructure, supported poverty-alleviation projects, and upgraded power grids, leaving a lasting impact on communities while forging their own career paths.

    Though often a challenging experience, individuals find profound sense of fulfillment in their service and express a willingness to extend their commitments. Data showed that since 2003, more than 15,000 people have opted to remain in Xinjiang after completing their volunteer service.

    Wu Xiaofang, a 30-year-old power grid engineer, relocated to Xinjiang after earning her PhD from the prestigious Xi’an Jiaotong University in 2023. She now pioneers stability solutions for the West-to-East Power Transmission Project that leverages the region’s abundant wind and solar resources and its surplus power generation capacity. With transmission channels in place, Xinjiang can deliver excess clean electricity to other parts of China.

    “Xinjiang’s power grid offers vast potential to apply my expertise where the nation needs it most,” said Wu. Her efforts, including breakthroughs in maintaining ultra-high-voltage lines amid extreme weather, earned her recognition in Xinjiang’s talent program, a regional top professional honor.

    Workers perform installation work at the Barkol convertor station of the Hami-Chongqing ±800 kilovolt ultra-high voltage direct current (UHV DC) power transmission project in Hami, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

    Yan Luming, a Master’s student from the People’s Public Security University of China, has brought innovative anti-fraud awareness campaigns to the city of Kashgar through the “Go West” program.

    Assigned to the anti-fraud center of the Kashgar public security bureau, she creates educational content featuring witty dialogue and relatable scenarios popular on social media platforms. Her videos have garnered up to 400,000 views per episode, helping prevent numerous potential scams.

    Wei Tao, head of the organization department of Kuqa City, said that targeted recruitment of students, graduates, and volunteers assigned to grassroots roles has become a pivotal force in advancing local governance and development.

    VAST OPPORTUNITIES

    Xinjiang has rolled out enhanced talent policies and a 10-billion-yuan (around 1.4 billion U.S. dollars) talent development fund to address workforce demands in building its 10 major industrial clusters.

    In January this year, for example, the region launched the PhD recruitment initiative, aiming to attract over 1,000 global doctoral experts, signalling intensified efforts to bridge expertise gaps.

    “Xinjiang’s expansive airspace and industrial needs align with our research goals, allowing us to translate research achievements into tangible productivity,” said Fan Yaoyao, a mechanical engineering postdoctoral researcher who works at an intelligent equipment research institute in Xinjiang.

    Volunteers Nurbiyem Japar (L) and Ruzikeri Musa (R) help a villager trim seabuckthorn branches in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Gao Han)

    In its latest recruitment drive this year, the “Go West” program attracted 410,000 applicants, with nearly 90,000 selecting Xinjiang as their first-choice destination.

    Zhang Xin, a data communication graduate student at Tsinghua University, has chosen to temporarily suspend his postgraduate studies to pursue career opportunities in Xinjiang, drawn by the region’s burgeoning digital economy.

    The student in his 20s from Hubei Province now works in Aksu Prefecture of Xinjiang, applying his expertise in talent recruitment and employment strategy optimization.

    For Zhang, the turning point came during a 2022 internship in Xinjiang. “What struck me was the region’s vitality and untapped potential in information technology,” he said. “Unlike saturated first-tier job markets, Xinjiang offers a frontier where my data analytics skills can directly drive transformative projects.”

    Zhang Xin (C), a volunteer working in Aksu Prefecture of Xinjiang, speaks during a volunteer recruiting event for the “Go West” program in north China’s Shanxi Province, April 18, 2025. (Xinhua)

    Here, young professionals can accelerate both skill development and career progression while making substantive contributions through position-matched work, he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-Africa cooperation charts course for continental agricultural modernization

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

    China-Africa cooperation charts course for continental agricultural modernization

    Chinese agricultural expert Hu Yuefang (1st R) inspects the growth of hybrid rice with local farmers in Mahitsy, Madagascar on March 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

    Under the frameworks of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative, China-Africa agricultural cooperation has yielded fruitful results in recent years.

    Through technology transfer, infrastructure development, equipment upgrade and industrial chain expansion, China has substantially boosted Africa’s agricultural productivity and sustainable development capacities, injecting strong momentum into the continent’s modernization drive.

    Moving forward, China is committed to fully implementing its plan to support Africa’s agricultural modernization, notably by tackling development bottlenecks and fostering innovative cooperation, so as to extend the benefits of modernization and usher in a new era of China-Africa agricultural partnership.

    This photo taken on March 26, 2025 shows a hybrid rice demonstration center launched by China in Mahitsy, Madagascar. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

    TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

    As the rainy season waned in late March in Madagascar, lush paddies blanketed the landscape of Mahitsy, a town about 35 km northwest of the capital, Antananarivo. At the China Hybrid Rice High-Yield Demonstration Base, Chinese agricultural expert Hu Yuefang walked through the fields, pausing to examine rice stalks alongside local farmers.

    Rice is Madagascar’s primary staple, occupying roughly half of the country’s cultivated agricultural land. Yet for years, low-quality seeds and outdated farming methods have hindered productivity, leaving domestic demand unmet.

    To help Madagascar achieve food self-sufficiency, China launched a hybrid rice demonstration center project in the country in 2007, aiming to promote high-quality hybrid rice varieties, transfer advanced farming techniques, and boost crop yields.

    After years of dedicated efforts, Chinese experts have successfully developed five hybrid rice varieties tailored to local conditions, achieving average yields of 7.5 tonnes per hectare — two to three times that of local varieties. These high-yield strains have been cultivated across a cumulative area of about 90,000 hectares nationwide, making Madagascar the largest grower of hybrid rice in Africa.

    Femosoa Rakatondrazala, a farmer from Mahitsy, switched to planting hybrid rice three years ago. He said the crop has transformed his family’s life: “Hybrid rice brought us new hope. We used to struggle to feed ourselves, but now we have a surplus to sell and even save up to buy more land.”

    Michel Anondraka, director general of agriculture and livestock at Madagascar’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, praised China’s contribution to the country’s agricultural progress. “Hybrid rice is a high-yield variety, and increasing its production will ensure Madagascar’s rice self-sufficiency,” he said.

    Michel Anondraka, director general of agriculture and livestock at Madagascar’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Analamanga, Madagascar on March 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

    Today, Chinese hybrid rice has been introduced to over 20 African countries. As China-Africa agricultural cooperation deepens, a growing number of Chinese-aided projects have taken root across the continent, bolstering food security and nudging African agriculture toward modernization.

    In Tanzania’s Morogoro Region, China Agricultural University launched the “Small Technology, Big Harvest” project in 2011, promoting China’s maize-intensive planting technique. Starting with a single household in one village, the project now spans more than 10 villages and over 1,000 households, with maize yields doubling on average.

    In Rwanda, China’s Juncao technology has enabled 4,000-plus households to shift to mushroom farming, creating over 30,000 jobs. The technology has now been introduced to over 100 countries, with 17 demonstration bases established globally.

    Under the first three-year action plan of the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035, China has dispatched over 500 agricultural experts and trained nearly 9,000 professionals. By 2023, China had built 24 agricultural technology demonstration centers in Africa, promoting over 300 advanced technologies. These efforts have increased crop yields by an average of 30-60 percent, benefiting over 1 million smallholder farmers.

    CHINESE SOLUTIONS

    On the undulating plains of Siaya County in western Kenya, newly built irrigation canals stretch across the fields. Along one channel, farmer Peter Onyango directed river water into freshly dug furrows in readiness for vegetable planting.

    The canals are part of the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Development Project, the largest of its kind in Kenya. Constructed by China’s Sino Hydro Company Limited, the project’s main structures were completed and operational in April 2024, bringing water to parched farmland along the project line.

    This photo taken on Feb. 20, 2025 shows the water intake structure of the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Development Project in Siaya County, Kenya. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

    Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, employing roughly 70 percent of the population. Yet only about 4 percent of the country’s arable land is irrigated, leaving farmers heavily dependent on unpredictable rainfall. The project, including 111-km irrigation canals, 71-km drainage canals, and 736-km field canals, plays a vital role in addressing this challenge and enhancing agricultural productivity.

    According to Kenya’s National Irrigation Authority, the project’s first phase, set for completion in May 2025, will irrigate more than 4,000 hectares on Nzoia River’s left bank, benefiting 12,600 farmers. A second phase will extend irrigation to another 4,000-plus hectares on the right bank.

    During a site visit in January, Kenyan President William Ruto said the project would help expand irrigated farmland, urging farmers to make full use of the infrastructure to boost food production and support the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

    Edward Mare Muya, a Kenyan irrigation agronomist, said the Chinese enterprise applied modern technology, innovative approaches and scientific management throughout the infrastructure, which serves as a model to accelerate Kenya — and Africa at large — from rain-fed farming to sustainable irrigation-based agriculture.

    In South Africa, China’s intelligent devices are transforming modern farming. At Fountainhill Estate in KwaZulu-Natal Province, sugarcane fields swayed gently in the breeze as a drone from Chinese tech firm XAG hovered just three meters above the crops, precisely spraying fungicides.

    Covering 2,250 hectares, the farm had long struggled with Eldana moth infestations, with traditional manual pesticide application proving inefficient and wasteful. “The Chinese drones have completely changed the whole farming practices,” said farm manager Deon Burger.

    A drone from Chinese tech firm XAG sprays fungicides above sugarcane fields in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa on March 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Ge)

    The key advantage of drone operations lies in their efficiency. Agricultural service contractor Johan Prinsloo explained that manually spraying pesticides over 40 hectares of sugarcane requires 30 to 40 workers working an entire day, whereas with a drone, a team of just three people can complete the task.

    Drones also offer greater precision. Drone pilot Lucius Du Plessis said, “With 3D terrain mapping and real-time adjustments, we can spray with pinpoint accuracy, reducing pesticide waste and minimizing environmental impact.” “The Chinese drone technology is taking us toward more precise farming,” Prinsloo added.

    Since entering the South African market in 2020, XAG drones have serviced over 66,000 hectares of farmland. Today, these smart devices have spread far beyond South Africa’s sugarcane fields to a broader African landscape — soaring over rice paddies in Mozambique, wheat fields in Ethiopia, and vegetable gardens in Ghana. Chinese drones are becoming a vivid symbol of Africa’s journey toward agricultural modernization.

    INDUSTRIAL CHAIN EXTENSION

    In Kenya’s Murang’a County, macadamia orchards yielded a bountiful harvest in April. As morning mist clung to the trees, farmers stepped into fields to gather the season’s bounty. In the distance, trucks from Hongokee — the Kenyan arm of China’s Hunan Jianglai Food Co., Ltd. — rumbled toward the processing plant, laden with freshly harvested nuts.

    As a major global production area, Kenya’s macadamia nuts enjoy a strong reputation on the international market, with prices steadily rising in recent years. Yet, most local factories remain confined to basic processing such as shelling, lacking advanced capabilities like grading, flavoring and packaging. As a result, the product fetches low returns, and with frequent export policy fluctuations, both farmers and enterprises have long struggled with constrained profits.

    A farmer displays macadamia nuts at an orchard in Murang’a County, Kenya, on April 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

    Recognizing the potential of Kenya’s high-quality raw materials, Jianglai invested nearly 30 million yuan (4 million U.S. dollars) in 2023 to establish a macadamia processing plant in the capital of Nairobi, equipped with advanced Chinese machinery and technology for shelling and other deep processing activities.

    Wu Huazhong, Hongokee’s purchasing manager, said the plant has commenced trial production and is expected to become fully operational in the second half of this year. Within five years, it aims to achieve an annual processing capacity of 6,000 tonnes and generate around 200 jobs.

    Strong demand from the Chinese market has directly driven the expansion of Kenya’s macadamia plantations. Jane Mburu, who grows 400 macadamia trees in Murang’a, had a bumper harvest last year. “The Chinese company offers twice the local purchase price,” she said. “Their stringent quality standards have also helped us improve planting techniques.”

    John Mwangi, a local procurement personnel at Hongokee, said, “By investing in local production, we not only meet China’s demand for premium nuts but also help local processors upgrade their equipment and technology, promoting a shift toward more advanced and value-added production.”

    In the semi-arid southwest region of Madagascar, goat farming accounts for over 80 percent of the country’s total. However, limited domestic demand and a weak industrial base have long confined local goat farming to small-scale household operations, making it difficult to achieve large-scale development and improved profitability.

    To drive industry upgrading, in September 2023, Chinese firm Sino-Malagasy Animal Husbandry (Madagascar) established the country’s first dedicated goat meat processing plant in line with Chinese standards. With a designed annual capacity of 10,000 tonnes, the plant is expected to reach full production within three years.

    Staff members guide a herd of goats to the weighing area in Analamanga, Madagascar, on March 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

    During the third China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in 2023, China and Madagascar signed an agreement on goat meat exports. In September 2024, the firm obtained export certification and successfully delivered its first shipment of 900 kg of frozen goat meat to China’s Hunan Province, marking China’s first-ever import of mutton products from Africa.

    The company has now built a complete industrial chain that spans tropical forage cultivation, livestock rearing, meat processing and exports, according to Zhang Ting, executive president of the firm.

    “This plant will advance Madagascar’s livestock sector and extend the value chain,” said Anandraka. “We will seize the opportunity presented by the Chinese market to accelerate livestock sector modernization and usher in a new chapter in China-Africa agricultural cooperation.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “My Doctor”: Revival of the Warmth of Medicine and the Value of Life

    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

    Without exciting surgical scenes, but with stories about the daily life of primary health care; without high-tech equipment and exemplary doctors, but with trust between doctor and patient, similar to “handing over the keys”. The increasingly popular series “My Doctor” in its simplicity shows viewers an unusual cross-section of medical reality, creating a fresh, natural and heartfelt image of humanism against the backdrop of the Chinese domestic television market. The secret of this “novelty” lies in the focus on the “basic” plot – the life of a district clinic. Communication between doctor and patient, cultural proximity, reinforced by geographical ties, have become key elements of the series’ innovation and appeal.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Nagchu Cultural and Tourism Festival: Exclusive Benefits for China Tourism Day

    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

    Bizhu County, Sapu Snow Mountain (Photo: tibet.cn)

    Nima County, Dangrayumtso Lake (photo: tibet.cn)

    May 19, 2025 marks the 15th China Tourism Day, with the theme of “Beautiful Scenery, Wonderful Travel”, inviting people to immerse themselves in nature, admire the beauty of the motherland, and explore new pages of travel. Nagchu City in Xizang Autonomous Region actively supports this event, offering a series of various preferential measures for tourists, so that tourists can deeply experience the unique charm of Nagchu.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Nation plans further push to speed up innovation in telecom, internet sectors

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

    China will further push innovation in next-generation telecommunication and digital infrastructure, such as 6G wireless technology, as part of its broader efforts to nurture new quality productive forces and build a modern industrial system, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

    Zhang Yunming, vice-minister of industry and information technology, said that more efforts are needed to prioritize comprehensive innovation, accelerate 5G-Advanced — a crucial upgrade to the 5G network in terms of functionality and coverage — and 6G technology development, and foster industrial and application advancements to empower the modernization of China’s industrial infrastructure.

    Zhang made the remarks on Saturday at a conference held in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, to celebrate the 160th anniversary of what is now known as the International Telecommunication Union.

    “China has built the world’s most advanced and largest-scale information and communication network, with 5G applications integrated into 86 out of 97 major categories of the national economy,” he said.

    The industrial internet now covers all 41 industrial categories, accelerating the deployment of artificial intelligence, low-altitude economy initiatives, and the deep integration of the real economy with the digital economy, Zhang said.

    By advancing cross-regional digital infrastructure, expanding industrial internet adoption in industrial parks and manufacturing clusters, and fostering international partnerships in standards and policy, China aims to build a resilient, intelligent and sustainable digital economy and better meet the needs of economic transformation, he added.

    Computing power

    On Saturday, China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom and the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology jointly initiated the construction of a trial network for the computing power internet.

    The computing power internet is the next-generation infrastructure designed to interconnect scattered computing power resources, including AI computing power and supercomputing power, said Wang Zhiqin, vice-president of the CAICT.

    This initiative seeks to enable seamless “discovery, allocation and utilization” of computing power nationwide, supporting applications ranging from AI-generated content and autonomous driving to smart factories, she said.

    The CAICT has teamed up with over 30 industry, academic and research partners to develop the computing power internet’s architecture. To date, 499 computing resource pools from 131 enterprises have been cataloged, aggregating 111.3 EFLOPS of computing power, Wang said.

    EFLOPS is a unit of the speed of computer systems. It equals 1 quintillion floating-point operations per second. China’s total computing power reached 280 EFLOPS by the end of 2024, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

    Li Wei, deputy head of the CAICT’s cloud computing and big data research institute, said that traditionally, if companies want to use computing power, they either build the infrastructure themselves or rent the computing power via cloud subscriptions, which is expensive. But now with the computing power internet, they can easily find and use in a more efficient way computing power resources that are scattered across China.

    For instance, a Beijing-based healthcare company needed midscale AI computing power, which traditionally requires purchasing two computer servers costing over 2 million yuan ($277,400). Through the trial network, the company in Beijing utilized idle servers in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region, completing the task in one day at a reduced cost of around 10,000 yuan, Li said.

    Wu Hequan, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said that every yuan invested in computing power drives 3 to 4 yuan in GDP growth.

    “In the global race for AI leadership, expanding computing power supply is critical,” Wu added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US launches ‘endless war’ to plunder others’ resources: Iranian president

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

    This file picture shows Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attending a press conference in Tehran, Iran, on Sept. 16, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Sunday that the United States has begun an “endless war” across the world to plunder other countries’ resources and even human workforce, the official news agency IRNA reported.

    The West seeks to provoke conflicts in the Middle East to own the regional countries’ resources at any price it wants, Pezeshkian said at the opening ceremony of the Tehran Dialogue Forum, a two-day event that has drawn 200 foreign delegations, including senior government officials and representatives of international organizations, to discuss regional and global challenges.

    Pezeshkian added that Iran has nothing to hide and will under no circumstances stop its “peaceful nuclear program.”

    Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, talking about the Iran-U.S. indirect talks at the ceremony, said Iran wants “a fair and balanced agreement that would be formed within the framework of the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) and based on full respect for Iran’s nuclear rights and guarantee the removal of sanctions in an objective manner.”

    “Iran is committed to diplomacy and expects the cruel and unilateral sanctions, which have directly targeted our people, to be truly and tangibly lifted,” he said.

    He added that Iran is ready to open a new chapter in its ties with Europe if the latter has a real determination and adopts an independent approach towards Iran.

    The Iranian and U.S. delegations have held four rounds of indirect talks on Tehran’s nuclear program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions in the Omani capital Muscat and Italy’s Rome.

    Meanwhile, Iran and three European countries — France, Germany and Britain, collectively known as the E3 — held a high-level meeting in Türkiye’s Istanbul on Friday on the latest developments in the Iran-U.S. indirect talks, the sixth round of such talks between Iran and the E3 since September 2024, which have covered Tehran’s nuclear program and the removal of sanctions, among other issues. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israeli forces launch ‘extensive’ ground operation across Gaza as death toll mounts

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

    This photo released on May 16, 2025 shows Israeli troops operating in the Gaza Strip. [Israel Defense Forces/Handout via Xinhua]

    The Israeli military announced Sunday a significant ground incursion into “multiple areas” of the Gaza Strip, as Palestinian health officials reported overnight and morning airstrikes that they said killed at least 67 people, including many women and children.

    The military stated that ground forces, including reservists, have begun “extensive operations” in both northern and southern Gaza under an offensive it termed “Gideon’s Chariots.” This campaign marks a new phase in Israel’s now 20-month-old war against Hamas and other militant factions.

    Palestinian sources reported that Israeli airstrikes hit the Khan Younis area in southern Gaza, including tents sheltering displaced civilians.

    The official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported on Friday that at least 67 Palestinians had been killed and 361 others wounded in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip over the preceding 24 hours.

    Local health authorities have confirmed that the Palestinian death toll from the Israeli offensive since October 2023 has reached 53,339, with an additional 121,043 people injured. They added that the majority of the casualties were women and children.

    According to their figures, the death toll since Israel’s resumption of hostilities on March 18, following a two-month truce, has risen to 3,193, with 8,993 others injured.

    The Israeli military said its forces have killed “dozens” of militants, dismantled both above- and below-ground military infrastructure, and are now positioned at strategic locations within Gaza.

    “The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will continue to operate against terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip as required, in order to defend Israeli civilians,” the military said in a statement.

    Israeli officials stated that the objectives of the “Gideon’s Chariots” operation include seizing key parts of the enclave, pushing a majority of Gaza’s around 2 million residents further south, and resuming humanitarian aid distribution under stricter Israeli oversight.

    Meanwhile, delegations from Israel and Hamas convened in Doha, Qatar, for another round of indirect negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Diplomats indicated that progress remained elusive, with both sides maintaining firm positions.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed earlier on Sunday that an Israeli negotiation team was engaged in indirect talks in Doha regarding a hostage release deal with Hamas, which could include a potential end to the Gaza war.

    The Prime Minister’s office stated that the negotiation team in Doha was working “to realize every chance for a deal,” including one that would “end the fighting,” secure the release of the 58 hostages still held in Gaza, expel Hamas militants, and disarm the Gaza Strip.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Nicusor Dan wins Romanian presidential runoff

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

    Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan votes during the runoff of Romania’s presidential election in Fagaras, central Romania, May 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Nicusor Dan, the mayor of Bucharest and an independent candidate, has won Romania’s presidential runoff election, defeating his rival George Simion, according to near-complete official results published Sunday night by the country’s Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP).

    Dan secured 54.17 percent of the vote, while Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), received 45.83 percent, with nearly all ballots counted.

    The vote marks the conclusion of a rerun presidential election, held after the annulment of the 2024 results due to allegations of campaign irregularities and foreign interference.

    Dan, 55, ran on a pro-EU platform, promising to strengthen rule-of-law reforms, maintain military and diplomatic support for Ukraine, and deepen Romania’s ties with the West.

    Simion, 38, had led the first round of the election held on May 4 with 40.96 percent, ahead of Dan’s 20.99 percent. His campaign emphasized a “Romania First” message, proposing reduced taxes, fewer EU constraints, and a rollback of military aid to Ukraine.

    According to real-time data from AEP, as of 9 p.m. on Sunday, 11.64 million voters, or 64.72 percent of those on the electoral roll, including more than 1.6 million from the diaspora, had voted in the second round of the presidential election. The turnout was significantly higher than in the first round, when 9.57 million people voted, or 53.21 percent.

    “Elections are not about politicians. Elections are about communities. And the winner of today’s ballot is a community of Romanians that want a profound change in Romania. A community that wants state institutions to work properly, the cut of corruption, a prosperous economic environment for Romanians, a society of dialogue and not governed by hate,” Dan said in a message delivered after the release of the exit polls.

    Under Romania’s constitution, the president plays a key role in foreign policy, defense, and the appointment of the prime minister. Dan is expected to begin consultations next week on forming a new government.

    Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) and closed at 9 p.m. (1800 GMT). 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israel to allow aid into Gaza amid famine warnings

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

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday a decision to lift the blockade on Gaza to allow the entry of limited aid, as international criticism mounts over the severe humanitarian crisis in the enclave.

    In a statement, Netanyahu’s office said Israel will allow the entry of a “basic” quantity of food for the Gaza population to prevent a hunger crisis.

    The statement did not specify when the aid would begin entering or through what mechanism. However, state-owned public broadcaster Kan reported that aid deliveries would begin “immediately,” with distribution to be carried out by international aid organizations already operating in Gaza, as a new distribution mechanism, which Israel said would be implemented via a U.S. company, has not yet been launched.

    It added that the move followed a recommendation by the military and was motivated by “the operational need to expand the intense fighting to defeat Hamas.” The statement warned that a hunger crisis could “jeopardize the continuation of the Gideon’s Chariots operation,” which was launched recently with Israel’s intensified airstrikes and deployment of additional ground forces in Gaza.

    “Israel will act to prevent Hamas from taking control of the aid distribution, to ensure that the aid does not fall into militants’ hands,” the statement said.

    Netanyahu announced the decision during a cabinet meeting on Sunday night, but no vote was held on the matter. The resumption of the flow of aid into Gaza has faced fierce opposition from key members of Netanyahu’s far-right coalition, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who have threatened to quit the coalition if aid delivery resumes.

    UN agencies have reported worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza since the blockade was imposed on March 2. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported earlier in May that about 93 percent of Gaza’s population was experiencing food insecurity, ranging from crisis to catastrophe levels. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sky-high thrills amid Xinjiang’s low-altitude tourism

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

    This photo shows a view of Guozigou Bridge in Huocheng County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    I felt a gentle tremble as I climbed onto the viewing platform, partly because I was underdressed and partly due to the awe-inspiring view. From the distant snow-capped peaks to the green canyon below, and the majestic Guozigou Bridge in between, the breathtaking mountain scenery stretched as far as the eye could see.

    This was one of the most memorable stops on my journey through northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in early May. The platform has gained popularity online, thanks to numerous recent posts on “rednote,” an app better known as Xiaohongshu, promoting a “must-photograph” site there — a rugged 2-meter-high cliff that can only accommodate one person atop it at a time, while photographers below use drones to capture images.

    With the faraway snowy mountains and towering spruce trees in the background, the drone photos can create an illusion of standing at a great height, giving a thrilling impression of the person “jumping off a cliff.”

    This photo shows a view of Guozigou scenic spot in Huocheng County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    There was a long queue of tourists at the foot of the huge rock, each waiting for their chance at a clifftop encounter, while the hum of hovering drones, as well as the screams of timid travelers, was a constant presence.

    The high-profile photo spot is not the only example of drone-related tourism in Xinjiang, a region that boasts a flight area of around 1.8 million square km, accounting for one-sixth of the country’s total. Enthusiasts can enjoy more than 320 days of good flying weather throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for aerial activities.

    Drones have increasingly become a must-have piece of equipment for tourists in Xinjiang. Local tour guides are touting their drone skills to attract more clients; some scenic areas have begun offering shared drone services; and everywhere one looks, young women in long, brightly colored dresses are posing against the green grass and blue lakes, while their amateur pilot partners nervously seek out the perfect shot.

    In addition to drones, sightseeing tours with helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft have taken off across the region over the past two years. Powered hang gliders and air balloons are growing from niche to sought-after experiences.

    Deng Lili is one such thrill-seeking tourist. She took a 25-minute helicopter ride from northern Xinjiang’s Shihezi City during the recent May Day holiday, flying over some of the region’s iconic landscapes, including the Tianshan Mountains and Manas River Grand Canyon.

    “It was gorgeous,” she recalled with exhilaration. “Seeing the emerald rivers and winding red rocks from above was a truly fantastic experience.”

    Since Xinjiang is home to a range of stunning natural and cultural attractions, and these scenic spots are located at considerable distances from one another, it offers an opportunity to develop aerial sightseeing. Ji Deyuan, vice general manager of the company Xinjiang Tongyong Aviation, told me that there is already stiff competition across Xinjiang, as there are 20 low-altitude tourism zones and 15 air tourism companies offering 16 routes.

    Behind the aerial tourism boom lies Xinjiang’s strategic push to lead China’s burgeoning low-altitude economy. Since the sector was listed in the country’s 2024 government work report as a “new engine of economic growth,” Xinjiang, like many places, has incorporated the low-altitude economy into its development plan.

    The region aims to build a total of 98 general aviation airports by 2035, equating to around 5.9 airports for every 100,000 square km once completed. Additionally, an industrial park focusing on the research and development, production and maintenance of drones and manned aircraft is currently in the planning and construction phase.

    A think tank report on the development of Xinjiang’s low-altitude economy estimates that by 2025, China’s low-altitude economy is expected to exceed 1.5 trillion yuan (about 210 billion U.S. dollars) in market size, and Xinjiang will become one of the fastest-growing areas in the country.

    For travelers, the trend offers a fresh lens to appreciate nature from above; for entrepreneurs, it is a playground of innovation. Some cutting-edge flying vehicles, such as the “Land Aircraft Carrier,” a flying car developed by Chinese EV company Xpeng, have made local headlines by conducting high-temperature and high-altitude tests in Xinjiang.

    Local media also reported that a Xinjiang aviation firm was considering the use of EH216-S, an autonomous “flying taxi” featuring vertical takeoff and landing by Chinese drone maker EHang, to launch aerial sightseeing services in popular scenic spots like Nalati and Kalajun grasslands.

    Low-altitude tourism has come under the spotlight as the country champions the orderly development of low-altitude sectors to boost consumption. As more companies enter the market, the potential for the sector seems nothing less than sky-high. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China clinch two titles at badminton Thailand Open

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

    China claimed titles in the women’s singles and mixed doubles at the 2025 Thailand Open on Sunday, while Malaysian shuttlers swept both the men’s and women’s doubles events.

    In the women’s singles final, Chen Yufei of China won the gold medal with a convincing straight-set victory over Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong, 21-16, 21-12, in just 48 minutes.

    Winner Chen Yufei (R) of China and runner-up Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand pose during the awarding ceremony for the women’s singles at the Thailand Open 2025 badminton tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, May 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

    Chen said after the match that although the week wasn’t particularly challenging overall, each round presented unique difficulties — including the final, where she still made some unforced errors. She noted that her physical condition has improved since returning to the court, but she is still working to regain the speed and aggression she had previously.

    “My priority now is to improve my ranking to make sure that I have a good draw at each tournament, but I will also balance that with my physical condition to avoid injury,” said Chen, who ranks No. 8 in the latest world rankings.

    In the mixed doubles final, Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping defeated teammates Gao Jiaxuan and Wu Mengying 24-22, 21-16. The first set was tightly contested, but the experienced pair of Feng and Huang prevailed under pressure and went on to close out the match in the second set. After the match, Huang praised their younger teammates for their strong performance.

    “They created immense difficulties for us during the match. They tried their best to challenge us, like how we used to do against top players when we were young,” said Huang.

    Malaysia delivered a strong showing in the doubles events. In the women’s doubles final, Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan overcame South Korea’s Jeong Na-eun and Lee Yeon-woo 21-16, 21-17. In the men’s doubles final, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik edged Denmark’s William Kryger Boe and Christian Faust Kjaer in a hard-fought match, 20-22, 21-17, 21-12.

    In the men’s singles final, Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn thrilled the home crowd with a three-set victory over Denmark’s Anders Antonsen.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Verstappen storms to victory in thrilling Emilia-Romagna GP

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

    Max Verstappen claimed his second victory of the 2025 Formula One season on Sunday, passing Oscar Piastri on the opening lap and withstanding late pressure to win an entertaining Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.

    Starting from second on the grid, the Red Bull driver swept around the outside of polesitter Piastri at the Tamburello chicane and never looked back, maintaining control through strategic pit stops and two caution periods.

    Piastri, who led the field into Turn 1, was among a handful of drivers to pit early, while Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris stayed out on medium-compound tires. The strategy backfired for Piastri, who struggled to make progress on fresh rubber as the mediums held up better than expected.

    A mid-race Virtual Safety Car, triggered by Esteban Ocon’s retired Haas, allowed Verstappen to make a pit stop without surrendering the lead. The Dutchman built a comfortable 19-second advantage over Norris before a full Safety Car erased his gap following Kimi Antonelli’s breakdown.

    Verstappen, however, controlled the restart and gradually pulled away from both McLarens over the final laps.

    “The start itself wasn’t great, but I stayed on the normal line and thought, ‘I’m going to try it around the outside,’ and it worked,” Verstappen said.

    “That move gave me the lead, and once in front, the car was really good. I could manage the tires and the pace.”

    The Dutchman credited his team’s flawless execution: “The Virtual Safety Car came at the right time for us. Even after the restart on the hard compound, the pace was strong. I’m incredibly proud of the whole team. Strategy, pit stops, everything was spot on.”

    Norris passed Piastri with five laps to go to finish second, having preserved his tires for a late push. The Australian, who had led the championship heading into the weekend, cut a frustrated figure at the end of a race that never fully came to him.

    Lewis Hamilton finished a strong fourth after qualifying 12th, delivering a solid recovery drive for Ferrari on home soil. Williams’ Alex Albon produced one of the standout performances of the day, finishing fifth.

    Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc followed in sixth, ahead of George Russell, who faded to seventh after running third early in the race. Williams capped a successful day with Carlos Sainz finishing eighth, while Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar took ninth.

    Yuki Tsunoda rounded out the top 10 for Red Bull, recovering from a pit lane start after a heavy qualifying crash.

    Piastri remains atop the drivers’ standings with 146 points, but his lead has narrowed. Norris climbs to 133 points, with Verstappen close behind on 124.

    In the constructors’ championship, McLaren extends its advantage with 279 points. Mercedes sits second on 147, with Red Bull third on 131.

    The eighth round of the season is next weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, on May 25.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Muller likely to head for new shores outside Munich

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

    Bayern icon Thomas Muller expressed his desire to seek new challenges after what appeared to be his final league match in a Bayern shirt, a 4-0 win over Hoffenheim.

    Thomas Mueller of Bayern Munich controls the ball during a UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg match between Bayern Munich of Germany and Villarreal CF of Spain in Munich, Germany, April 12, 2022. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)

    It took several minutes for the 35-year-old to leave the pitch and fulfill his media duties. For a long time, he soaked in the chants of Bavarian supporters and couldn’t seem to stop conducting the wave that swept through the stands.

    After multiple rounds of blowing kisses, waving, and bowing, Muller offered a more telling statement that left fans speculating.

    “I don’t feel stressed, but I feel the desire to play football,” the 13-time German champion revealed.

    “I have to find out what is important to me and see that the entire package fits,” he said.

    Rumors point to a possible move to Major League Soccer in the United States, while a transfer to another German club appears unlikely. A contract in another top European league also seems improbable.

    After more than 700 games and nearly 17 years in a Bayern jersey, the 2014 FIFA World Cup winner’s farewell continued with a public celebration on the balcony above Munich’s famous Marienplatz.

    In addition to presenting the German title trophy, the gathering turned into a Muller tribute. Team leaders like Joshua Kimmich and Manuel Neuer, along with coach Vincent Kompany, stepped into the background.

    For now, the Bavarian icon is preparing for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. “I might gain more information about the US football,” he said.

    Media reports have linked him with Los Angeles FC, with several other MLS clubs also expressing interest. Italian side Fiorentina is also rumored as a possible destination.

    Muller noted that, at nearly 36, he must evaluate each decision carefully.

    “All seem to love me, to some extent, I know why, but it remains an overwhelmingly great feeling,” Muller said.

    Teammates and club officials repeatedly emphasized how much he will be missed, both on and off the field.

    “He’s a legend,” said German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, while 2014 World Cup-winning coach Joachim Low recalled Muller’s profound impact on the national squad.

    “He was one of Germany’s greatest footballers,” Low said, adding, “The temperature seemed to change as soon as he entered the locker room.”

    Even in the twilight of his career, Muller retains his trademark charisma. Known as a “space detector” for his unorthodox playing style and as a vocal, upbeat presence (“Radio Muller”), the next chapter of his career appears to be unfolding.

    “It has been a pleasure,” Muller said in a recent social media post about his Bayern era, leaving no doubt that he intends to continue playing for a few more years.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Real Madrid confirm Huijsen signing from Bournemouth

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

    Real Madrid signed Spain international defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth Saturday after activating his 50 million pounds (about $66.4 million) release clause.

    The club confirmed the signing of the 20-year-old on a five-year deal via its official website Saturday afternoon.

    “Real Madrid C. F. and AFC Bournemouth have reached an agreement for the transfer of Dean Huijsen, who will be linked to our club for the next five seasons, from 1 June 2025 to 30 June 2030,” the communique reads.

    The signing allows Huijsen to represent Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States in mid-June. Madrid is set to debut against Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal on June 18.

    Several clubs had shown interest in Huijsen after his impressive debut season in the Premier League and his appearance for Spain in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals against the Netherlands in March.

    Huijsen is understood to have favored a return to Spain, where he was raised after being born in the Netherlands. Bournemouth also preferred selling him to a club outside the Premier League to avoid facing him again.

    The transfer marks a significant profit for Bournemouth, which bought Huijsen from Juventus a year ago for 12.6 million pounds. Juventus is entitled to a percentage of the profit from the sale.

    Real Madrid is expected to make further signings ahead of the Club World Cup. Xabi Alonso is likely to take over as first-team coach, and the club is currently negotiating with Liverpool in hopes of securing the early arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold for the tournament, rather than waiting for his contract to expire on June 30. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Tianwen-2 probe scheduled for launch at end of May

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

    China’s Tianwen-2 probe is scheduled for launch at the end of May, according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on Sunday.

    The probe has been transported to its launch area, after completing its scheduled assembly, testing and fueling at the technical area of the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China’s Sichuan Province.

    It will subsequently conduct functional checks and joint tests.

    Previously, the Long March-3B Y110 rocket, which will carry out the Tianwen-2 launch mission, was transferred from the technical area to the launch area on May 14 and completed lifting and docking operations, said the CNSA. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Homecoming of 2,300-year-old silk manuscripts

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

    The ancient Zidanku Silk Manuscripts from the Warring States period are displayed during a handover ceremony at the Chinese Embassy in the United States in Washington, D.C., May 16, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In the predawn hours of Sunday, a commercial flight from Washington D.C. touched down in Beijing carrying an extraordinary cultural payload — a collection of ancient Chinese silk manuscript fragments, dating back to the Warring States period (475-221 BC).

    Unknown to most passengers, their journey coincided with one of China’s most significant cultural repatriations to date.

    Returned by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art on Friday, the fragments are from “Wuxing Ling” and “Gongshou Zhan,” the latter two volumes of the Zidanku Silk Manuscripts. Time has been kind to the first volume, which remains largely intact, albeit outside China.

    Collectively, the silk manuscripts, containing more than 900 Chinese characters, are the earliest examples of silk text discovered to date and the oldest classical Chinese book in the true sense.

    “Wuxing Ling” consists of lunar month illustrations paired with explanatory texts, recording seasonal taboos and auspicious practices throughout the year.

    “Gongshou Zhan” features texts arranged in a rare circular formation that are read clockwise, indicating the favorable and unfavorable directions, dates, and timing for attacking and defending cities.

    The Zidanku Silk Manuscripts predate the renowned “Dead Sea Scrolls” by over a century. These extraordinary texts provide a window into ancient Chinese cosmology, temporal philosophy, and interpretations of human existence.

    The documents hold pivotal significance for the study of ancient Chinese characters and literature, as well as Chinese academic and ideological history, said professor Li Ling from Peking University, who has spent over 40 years tracing the manuscripts’ provenance.

    Tomb raiders stole the silk manuscripts from a Chu-state tomb at the Zidanku site in Changsha, Hunan Province, in 1942. Four years later, the silk manuscripts were smuggled out of China.

    The return of these manuscripts has been a source of inspiration for many Chinese. “Welcome home, national treasures. I hope more cultural relics lost overseas can be repatriated soon,” commented a user on Chinese social media platform Weibo.

    The repatriation was facilitated, among other factors, by an intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between China and the United States, which imposes import restrictions on Chinese archaeological materials and cultural artifacts. First signed in January 2009 and renewed in 2014 and 2019, the MoU was most recently extended for another five years beginning Jan. 14, 2024.

    The MoU covers classified archaeological materials from the Paleolithic period through the end of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), as well as monumental sculptures and wall art over 250 years old. Between 2009 and 2023, it helped facilitated the return of 504 items or sets of Chinese artifacts from the United States.

    Nevertheless, the repatriation of cultural artifacts displaced throughout history that fall outside the scope of applicable international conventions remains a challenge in cultural heritage governance.

    After assembling a robust chain of evidence regarding the Zidanku Silk Manuscripts, China formally issued a memorandum to the Smithsonian Institution demanding the return of the “Wuxing Ling” and “Gongshou Zhan” on April 30, 2024.

    Following extensive consultations based on dialogue and cooperation, supported by thorough tracing research, the National Museum of Asian Art has agreed to return the cultural treasures to China.

    As the morning sun rose, “Wuxing Ling” and “Gongshou Zhan” were back home and on their way to the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA)’s repository.

    They will be shown at the National Museum of China in July, alongside other repatriated cultural artifacts.

    Remarkably, 2,310 items or sets of lost Chinese cultural relics have been repatriated since 2012, the year of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

    A senior NCHA official noted that the administration will continue to work toward the early return of Sishi Ling, the first volume of the Zidanku Silk Manuscripts. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Díaz-Balart, Espaillat Reintroduce Bipartisan Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

    May 13, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL-26) and Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13) reintroduced the Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act (SEERA) to strengthen U.S. national security by halting the export of electronic waste to high-risk foreign entities.

    The bill would curb the flow of U.S. e-waste to foreign nations, which is on track to reach over 80 million tons by 2030. Upon its arrival in foreign nations, U.S. e-waste is frequently discarded in ways that are environmentally destructive, unlawfully turned into counterfeit electronics or insufficiently refurbished electronics products that are then resold as new. Concerningly, these counterfeit and unsafe electronics are often then resold to buyers in the United States, where the faulty materials can make their way into sensitive U.S. military equipment as well as critical U.S. infrastructure.

    The Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act prohibits the export of specified e-waste and outlines the process for the registration and compliance of export declarations and for the disposal of electronic waste in the United States.

    Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart said, “As we work to free America from unfair and hostile trade practices, the enactment of SEERA would be an important step in that direction–strengthening our national security against China and protecting our future. Proper handling of electronic waste ensures our critical data and infrastructure remain protected and that dangerous materials are handled responsibly. Importantly, it would set requirements for the recycling of these products to be done domestically while creating new jobs. Passing this legislation will fortify and reinforce our national security as well as our future.”

    Congressman Adriano Espaillat said, “As technology evolves faster than ever, so does the volume of electronic waste generated in the U.S.—waste that, if not properly managed, can pose serious risks to our national security and the environment. Today, unregulated actors around the world continue to exploit U.S. e-waste to manufacture counterfeit electronics, some of which re-enter the global supply chain and threaten consumer safety, cybersecurity, and intellectual property. Proper e-waste recycling isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a national security imperative. SEERA addresses this urgent need by keeping sensitive materials out of the wrong hands, supporting climate goals, and creating thousands of American jobs through secure, domestic recycling infrastructure.”
    The full text of the bill can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CPSC Sets New Record for Safety Notices, Protecting American Families and Leveling the Playing Field for American Business

    Source: US Consumer Product Safety Commission

    Release Date: May 15, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued 28 separate product safety recalls and warnings.  This is a new agency record and more than double the agency’s previous weekly high for safety warnings.
    Nearly all the recalls and warnings issued this week involve products manufactured in the People’s Republic of China.  They include results from CPSC’s first-of-its-kind enforcement sweep of off-brand Chinese faucets found to leach lead and other contaminates into U.S. drinking water.  Additional action is expected in the coming weeks.
    Since President Trump’s inauguration, CPSC has renewed its focus on its core mission: protecting American families.  This change in course – ending wasteful DEI initiatives and cancelling overseas trainings that advance Chinese interests, for example – is making Americans safer.   
    “CPSC remains hard at work to protect consumers,” said Acting Chairman Peter Feldman.  “We will always put Americans first.”
    “This record-breaking week shows what a focused CPSC can do,” said Commissioner Douglas Dziak.  “We’re cracking down on foreign violators and delivering real safety results for American families.”
    Some advocacy groups have claimed, wrongly, that the agency’s statute prevents CPSC from warning the public quickly about dangerous products.  This week’s activity demonstrates that the Commission will not hesitate to warn Americans about dangerous products, particularly in cases involving foreign firms that are unreachable when problems arise.
    Report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

    Release Number
    25-288

    About the U.S. CPSCThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. Since the CPSC was established more than 50 years ago, it has worked to ensure the safety of consumer products, which has contributed to a decline in injuries associated with these products. 
    Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.
    For lifesaving information:

    Report an unsafe product

    The link you selected is for a destination outside of the Federal Government. CPSC does not control this external site or its privacy policy and cannot attest to the accuracy of the information it contains. You may wish to review the privacy policy of the external site as its information collection practices may differ from ours. Linking to this external site does not constitute an endorsement of the site or the information it contains by CPSC or any of its employees.
    Click Ok if you wish to continue to the website; otherwise, click Cancel to return to our site.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using Certain Chinese-Made Faucets Sold on Amazon.com Due to Dangerous Lead Exposure for Infants, Young Children and Pregnant Women

    Source: US Consumer Product Safety Commission

    Release Date: May 15, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers to stop using certain bathroom and kitchen faucets sold on Amazon.com that can leach lead into drinking water. Lead ingestion can cause harmful neurological effects on infants, young children, and pregnant women, including attention-related behavioral problems, decreased cognitive performance and lower IQ. CPSC advises to stop using and dispose of these faucets immediately.
    These warnings follow a CPSC enforcement sweep targeting dangerous faucets manufactured in China.  None of the Chinese firms has agreed to conduct an acceptable recall. Earlier this week, CPSC issued a public health and safety finding to expedite public warnings about these faucets because individuals may be in danger from these product hazards.
    Consumers should immediately stop using the following faucets, which were tested and found to contain lead that can leach into water at levels that can be particularly harmful to infants, young children and pregnant women:

    “CPSC is taking extraordinary steps to protect Americans from toxic faucets that threaten our children,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Peter Feldman. “This Commission will not hesitate to warn Americans when necessary. CPSC remains focused on the biggest threat to American consumers: hazardous goods from China.”  
    The faucets were sold online at Amazon.com for between $30 and $70. Many of these faucets lack branding or other source-identifying labels, and lack safety certifications. Check your Amazon online orders to see if you purchased these faucets.
    CPSC urges consumers to immediately stop using and dispose of these faucets. If consumers need to use these faucets until they can be replaced, make sure to run the water 15 seconds before consuming.
    In addition, consumers can do the following:

    Look for faucets that comply with NSF/ANSI Standard 61, which sets the criteria for product safety, including maximum allowable levels of lead and other contaminants. 
    As a routine practice, flush faucets for 15 seconds first thing in the morning, again at the end of the day, or anytime the water hasn’t run for six hours or more. Running the water gives it less time to come into contact with any lead that may be in the plumbing system. 
    Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and preparing baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead from water.
    Regularly clean or replace your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator) to remove sediment and particles, particularly when using the water for drinking or cooking.
    Call your local health department or water company to inquire about testing your water, or visit epa.gov/safewater for information on lead in drinking water.

    Report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

    Release Number
    25-269

    About the U.S. CPSCThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. Since the CPSC was established more than 50 years ago, it has worked to ensure the safety of consumer products, which has contributed to a decline in injuries associated with these products. 
    Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.
    For lifesaving information:

    Report an unsafe product

    The link you selected is for a destination outside of the Federal Government. CPSC does not control this external site or its privacy policy and cannot attest to the accuracy of the information it contains. You may wish to review the privacy policy of the external site as its information collection practices may differ from ours. Linking to this external site does not constitute an endorsement of the site or the information it contains by CPSC or any of its employees.
    Click Ok if you wish to continue to the website; otherwise, click Cancel to return to our site.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: The Made in Russia Festival Strengthens the Ties between the Two Great Nations of Russia and China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The First International Online Sales Fair of Russian Brands in Moscow. Dmitry Chernyshenko greeted the participants of the Festival-Fair

    May 17, 2025

    The First International Online Sales Fair of Russian Brands. Dmitry Chernyshenko presented blogger Yang Runxin with a certificate for her contribution to strengthening Russian-Chinese trade and economic relations, especially in promoting and popularizing the national brand “Made in Russia” in China

    May 17, 2025

    The first International Online Sales Fair of Russian Brands in Moscow. The event was joined via videoconference from Harbin by Liang Huiling, General Director and Governor of Heilongjiang Province, and Sergey Linnik, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Harbin

    May 17, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    The First International Online Sales Fair of Russian Brands in Moscow. Dmitry Chernyshenko greeted the participants of the Festival-Fair

    On May 17, the first International Online Sales Fair of Russian Brands was held in Zaryadye Park in Moscow. At the same time, the Made in Russia festival and fair was officially launched in Harbin, and will last until May 21. The participants of the event were united by a joint teleconference.

    The event is being implemented under the program for promoting domestic products under the national brand “Made in Russia,” approved this year by order of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

    Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko assessed the exhibition and welcomed the participants of the festival-fair. He emphasized the historical connection between the peoples of Russia and China and noted the importance of supporting such events to strengthen bilateral relations.

    “This event unites two wonderful cities – Moscow and Harbin. But most importantly, it strengthens the connection between two great nations, which throughout their long history have stood hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, supporting each other, developing friendship and cooperation. This wonderful event, connecting our nations, has been held for several years with the support of the Russian Export Center. The importance of the festival-fair “Made in Russia” was especially noted by the leaders of our countries – Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a recent meeting held in the Kremlin on May 8, which emphasized the desire to further develop bilateral relations. The last festival-fair was also a great success, largely due to the personal visit of President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin to the exhibition in Harbin,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    The Deputy Prime Minister wished the participants successful work, new business contacts and expressed hope for the further development of Russian-Chinese cooperation within the framework of the Intergovernmental Commission for the Preparation of Regular Meetings of Heads of Government.

    He also presented blogger Yang Runxin with a certificate for her contribution to strengthening Russian-Chinese trade and economic relations, especially in promoting and popularizing the national brand “Made in Russia” in China.

    More than 60 manufacturers from various regions of Russia took part in the online fair in Moscow. Dmitry Chernyshenko got acquainted with the products presented at the exhibition and expressed gratitude to the participants for their contribution to strengthening international relations, emphasizing that they use their reputation and audience to achieve this important goal.

    Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Russian Federation Zhang Hanhui thanked the organizers for their support and regular holding of the fair, which provides opportunities for enterprises and attracts more and more participants. He noted that President Xi Jinping recently successfully visited Russia and this 11th visit, during which the need for further development of bilateral relations was emphasized, was evidence of excellent contacts between the leaders of the two countries.

    The event included live broadcasts on the international e-commerce platform. During them, Chinese residents were presented with more than 100 product items: chocolate, waffles, seafood, cereals, honey, flour, jams, birch sap, chicory, pickled cucumbers and other food products and drinks. They were also presented with various cosmetics, household chemicals and toys for children.

    “The fairs in Moscow and Harbin will help Chinese consumers get acquainted with the widest possible range of high-quality goods from Russia, discover new brands, and Russian companies will not only increase their recognition in the B2C segment, but also establish business contacts with the largest distributors in China. As a result of the already held festivals and fairs, entrepreneurs have concluded export contracts worth over 4.5 billion rubles. In order to gain a foothold in the market and take substantial steps towards increasing sales, today we are developing, together with our Chinese partners, a trade infrastructure for promoting Russian products under our national brand. Thus, we are opening national expositions, permanent offline and online retail outlets. All this, undoubtedly, works together to increase the recognition of Russia, its culture, as well as to increase trust and interest in our products,” said Veronika Nikishina, General Director of the Russian Export Center.

    The opening ceremony of the festival-fair was also attended by Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Nikolai Zhuravlev, Ambassador Zhang Hanhui, Deputy Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Li Qingshuang and blogger Yang Runxin. Heilongjiang Province Governor Liang Huiling and Consul General of the Russian Federation in Harbin Sergey Linnik joined the event via video link from Harbin.

    The online fair of Russian goods in Moscow was organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia, the Russian Export Center (VEB.RF Group), the Roscongress Foundation, the Agency for Strategic Initiatives and the Moscow government with the support of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. The general partner of the fair is the Moscow Export Center.

    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: Breaking: Democratic Alliance Wins Portugal’s Parliamentary Elections – Exit Poll

    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

    LISBON, May 18 (Xinhua) — The center-right Democratic Alliance coalition led by Portugal’s incumbent Prime Minister Luis Montenegro won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary election, exit polls showed.

    However, the coalition failed to obtain the 116 seats needed for a parliamentary majority and therefore will not be able to form a government on its own. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: AI is moving fast. Climate policy provides valuable lessons for how to keep it in check

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milica Stilinovic, PhD Candidate, School of Media and Communications; Managing Editor, Policy & Internet journal, University of Sydney

    cybermagician/Shutterstock

    Artificial intelligence (AI) might not have been created to enable new forms of sexual violence such as deepfake pornography. But that has been an unfortunate byproduct of the rapidly advancing technology.

    This is just one example of AI’s many unintended uses.

    AI’s intended uses are not without their own problems, including serious copyright concerns. But beyond this, there is much experimentation happening with the rapidly advancing technology. Models and code are shared, repurposed and remixed in public online spaces.

    These collaborative, loosely networked communities — what we call “underspheres” in our recently published paper in New Media & Society — are where users experiment with AI rather than simply consume it. These spaces are where generative AI is pushed into unpredictable and experimental directions. And they show why a new approach to regulating AI and mitigating its risks is urgently needed. Climate policy offers some useful lessons.

    A limited approach

    As AI advances, so do concerns about risk. Policymakers have responded quickly. For example, the European Union AI Act which came into force in 2024 classifies systems by risk: banning “unacceptable” ones, regulating “high-risk” uses, and requiring transparency for lower-risk tools.

    Other governments — including those of the United Kingdom, United States and China — are taking similar directions. However, their regulatory approaches differ in scope, stage of development, and enforcement.

    But these efforts share a limitation: they’re built around intended use, not the messy, creative and often unintended ways AI is actually being used — especially in fringe spaces.

    So, what risks can emerge from creative deviance in AI? And can risk-based frameworks handle technologies that are fluid, remixable and fast-moving?

    Sub communities within the larger Reddit platform often experiment with unintential uses of AI.
    Tada Images/Shutterstock

    Experimentation outside of regulation

    There are several online spaces where members of the undersphere gather. They include GitHub (a web-based platform for collaborative software development), Hugging Face (a platform that offers ready-to-use machine learning models, datasets, and tools for developers to easily build and launch AI apps) and subreddits (individual communities or forums within the larger Reddit platform).

    These environments encourage creative experimentation with generative AI outside regulated frameworks. This experimentation can include instructing models to avoid intended behaviours – or do the opposite. It can also include creating mashups or more powerful variations of generative AI by remixing software code that is made publicly available for anyone to view, use, modify and distribute.

    The potential harms of this experimentation are highlighted by the proliferation of deepfake pornography. So too are the limits of the current approach to regulation rapidly advancing technology such as AI.

    Deepfake technology wasn’t originally developed to create non-consensual pornographic videos and images. But this is ultimately what happened within subreddit communities, beginning in 2017. Deepfake pornography then quickly spread from this undersphere into the mainstream; a recent analysis of more than 95,000 deepfake videos online found 98% of them were deep fake pornography videos.

    It was not until 2019 – years after deepfake pornography first emerged – that attempts to regulate it began to emerge globally. But these attempts were too rigid to capture the new ways deepfake technology was being used by then to cause harm. What’s more, the regulatory efforts were sporadic and inconsistent between states. This impeded efforts to protect people – and democracies – from the impacts of deepfakes globally.

    This is why we need regulation that can march in step with emerging technologies and act quickly when unintended use prevails.

    Embracing uncertainty, complexity and change

    A way to look at AI governance is through the prism of climate change. Climate change is also the result of many interconnected systems interacting in ways we can’t fully control — and its impacts can only be understood with a degree of uncertainty.

    Over the past three decades, climate governance frameworks have evolved to confront this challenge: to manage complex, emerging, and often unpredictable risks. And although this framework has yet to demonstrate its ability to meaningfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it has succeeded in sustaining global attention over the years on emerging climate risks and their complex impacts.

    At the same time it has provided a forum where responsibilities and potential solutions can be publicly debated.

    A similar governance framework should also be adopted to manage the spread of AI. This framework should consider the interconnected risks caused by generative AI tools linking with social media platforms. It should also consider cascading risks, as content and code are reused and adapted. And it should consider systemic risks, such as declining public trust or polarised debate.

    Importantly, this framework must also involve diverse voices. Like climate change, generative AI won’t affect just one part of society — it will ripple through many. And the challenge is how to adapt with it.

    Applied to AI, climate change governance approaches could help promote preemptive action in the wake of unforeseen use (such as in the case of deepfake porn) before the issue becomes widespread.

    Over the past three decades, climate governance frameworks have evolved to manage complex, emerging, and often unpredictable risks.
    Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock

    Avoiding the pitfalls of climate governance

    While climate governance offers a useful model for adaptive, flexible regulation, it also brings important warnings that must be avoided.

    Climate politics has been mired by loopholes, competing interests and sluggish policymaking. From Australia’s shortcomings in implementing its renewable strategy, to policy reversals in Scotland and political gridlock in the United States, climate policy implementation has often been the proverbial wrench in the gears of environmental law.

    But, when it comes to AI governance, this all-too-familiar climate stalemate brings with it important lessons for the realm of AI governance.

    First, we need to find ways to align public oversight with self-regulation and transparency on the part of AI developers and suppliers.

    Second, we need to think about generative AI risks at a global scale. International cooperation and coordination are essential.

    Finally, we need to accept that AI development and experimentation will persist, and craft regulations that respond to this in order to keep our societies safe.

    Francesco Bailo has received funding from Meta and from Australia’s Department of Defence.

    Jonathon Hutchinson and Milica Stilinovic do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. AI is moving fast. Climate policy provides valuable lessons for how to keep it in check – https://theconversation.com/ai-is-moving-fast-climate-policy-provides-valuable-lessons-for-how-to-keep-it-in-check-255624

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: At least 14 civilians killed in western Sudan after shelling by Rapid Intervention Force

    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

    KHARTOUM, May 18 (Xinhua) — At least 14 civilians were killed Sunday in El Fasher, capital of western Sudan’s North Darfur state, after artillery strikes by the paramilitary Rapid Reaction Force (RRF), local volunteer groups said.

    “14 civilians were killed today as a result of artillery shelling by the RSF,” the Coordination Group of Resistance Committees in El Fasher said in a statement.

    It is noted that the targets of the shelling were the Naivasha market in the Abu Shouk camp for displaced persons and several neighborhoods in the northern part of El Fasher.

    The Abu Shouk camp emergency department confirmed in a statement that 14 people were killed in the artillery shelling carried out by the RSF.

    “The scale of losses is significant, due to the security situation we cannot yet establish the total number of dead and wounded,” the medical service said.

    Meanwhile, the volunteer NGO Sudanese Doctors Network reported that 19 people were killed and 28 others were injured in “deliberate shelling” by the SRF on city neighbourhoods and the Abu Shouk camp for displaced persons in El Fasher.

    The SBR has not yet commented on this attack. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China is an important strategic market for Georgian wine – Georgian National Wine Agency

    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

    Tbilisi, May 18 (Xinhua) — China is an important strategic market for Georgian wine, where a marketing campaign is being actively carried out to increase awareness and expand exports of Georgian wines, the Georgian National Wine Agency said on Sunday.

    According to the organization, 1.12 million liters of Georgian wine were exported from Georgia to China in January-April of this year, which is 78 percent more than in the same period last year. “Thus, China has firmly taken its place among the top five largest countries exporting Georgian wine,” the agency noted.

    With the financial and organizational support of the National Wine Agency, in 2025 Georgian wines will be actively represented in such strategic markets as China, the USA, Great Britain, Germany, Poland, the Republic of Korea and Japan.

    In 2024, Georgia exported 95 million liters of wine and spirits to 72 countries worldwide for a total of about $565 million. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israel’s army launches ‘large-scale’ ground operation in Gaza, casualty toll rises

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    JERUSALEM, May 18 (Xinhua) — The Israeli army on Sunday announced a large-scale move into “many areas” of the Gaza Strip. Palestinian health officials said airstrikes overnight and early morning killed at least 67 people, including many women and children.

    The Israeli military said ground forces, including reservists, had launched “large-scale operations” in the north and south of the Palestinian enclave in an operation code-named “Gideon’s Chariots.” The campaign marks a new stage in Israel’s 20-month-old war against the Palestinian Hamas movement and other armed groups.

    Palestinian sources said Israeli air strikes hit the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis, including tents housing displaced civilians.

    At least 67 Palestinians have been killed and 361 wounded in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, the official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.

    According to the Israeli army, its forces have killed “dozens” of militants, eliminated ground and underground military infrastructure and now occupy strategic positions in the Gaza Strip.

    Meanwhile, delegations from Israel and Hamas have gathered in the Qatari capital Doha for another round of proximity talks aimed at brokering a ceasefire and releasing the hostages. Diplomats say progress remains elusive as both sides remain firm in their positions. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US unleashes ‘endless war’ to seize other countries’ resources – Iranian President

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TEHRAN, May 18 (Xinhua) — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday said the United States has launched an “endless war” across the world to plunder resources and labor of other countries, Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported.

    The West seeks to provoke conflicts in the Middle East in order to seize the resources of the countries in the region at any cost, M. Pezeshkian noted at the opening ceremony of the Tehran Dialogue forum. This two-day event brought together 200 foreign delegations, including high-ranking officials and representatives of international organizations, to discuss regional and global challenges.

    M. Pezeshkian stressed that Iran has nothing to hide and will not stop its “peaceful nuclear program” under any circumstances.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking about the Iran-US indirect talks, said at the ceremony that Iran wants “a fair and balanced agreement that will be formed within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, will be based on full respect for Iran’s nuclear rights and will guarantee objective lifting of sanctions.”

    “Iran is committed to diplomacy and expects that the harsh and unilateral sanctions that directly target our people will be lifted in a real and tangible way,” the Iranian Foreign Minister said.

    A. Araghchi added that the Islamic Republic is ready to open a new chapter in relations with Europe if the latter shows real determination and an independent approach to Iran.

    Iranian and American delegations held four rounds of indirect talks on Tehran’s nuclear program and the lifting of American sanctions in Muscat, Oman, and Rome, Italy.

    Meanwhile, Iran and three European countries — France, Germany and the United Kingdom, known as the E3 — held a high-level meeting in Istanbul, Turkey on May 16 to discuss the latest developments in the Iran-U.S. proximity talks. This is the sixth round of such meetings between Iran and the E3 since September 2024, with issues including Tehran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief being discussed. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: AU Commission Chair expresses ‘deep concern’ over recent clashes in Libya’s capital

    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

    ADDIS ABABA, May 18 (Xinhua) — African Union (AU) Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Yusuf has expressed “deep concern” over the recent clashes in the Libyan capital Tripoli that have resulted in loss of life.

    In a statement released late Saturday, the head of the AU Commission said the clashes had caused casualties and material damage and stressed the importance of demilitarizing Tripoli.

    While welcoming the recent ceasefire and the return of “cautious calm” in Libya, he urged all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that could further destabilize the fragile security situation.

    M.A. Yusuf reiterated the AU’s support for efforts to restore civil order and respect the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech in the country in accordance with international law. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: How Digital Solutions Are Changing the Museum World

    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 18 (Xinhua) — The number of visits to China’s museums last year exceeded 1.4 billion, hitting a new all-time high, according to the National Cultural Heritage Administration, demonstrating that the role of museums in Chinese people’s cultural life continues to grow day by day.

    On International Museum Day, celebrated on May 18, museums across China offer various special programs, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the charm of cultural heritage.

    The theme of this year’s event is “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.” Driven by technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and virtual reality (VR), the world’s museums are undergoing a profound digital transformation that is not only changing the visitor experience but also reshaping the way museums operate.

    As noted in the 2024 report of the International Council of Museums /ICOM/, more than 78 percent of museums in the world have included AI technologies in their development programs, with the main scenarios for the application of such technologies being the digitalization of cultural resources and “smart” excursion systems.

    A striking example in this regard is the Shanxi Museum. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Shanxi Province /Northern China/, and the museum’s collection includes more than 650,000 items and sets of cultural relics.

    Using high-precision 3D scanning to preserve and virtually restore details of archaeological artifacts, the Shanxi Museum has created a digital archive of more than 200,000 cultural relics. This multimodal database, containing graphics, texts, images, and spectral analysis, is open to archaeological research institutions to support interdisciplinary research.

    Digital technologies such as VR and augmented reality (AR) help visitors have an immersive experience. When scanning a bronze tripod in the museum with a mobile phone, the process of casting similar items in the Jin Kingdom during the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC) immediately appears on the display.

    At another exhibition at the museum, 500,000 people who visited the exhibition online were able to use a VR-enabled device to interact with figures on a mural dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) and take part in a virtual archaeological excavation.

    Technological innovations have restructured the channels of dialogue between the public and cultural heritage. The conductor of this process is not only the impressions of a particular exhibition, but also the physical creative products of the cultural industry.

    More and more people in China, especially young people, want to have a valuable experience when visiting a museum, so the demand for cultural products related to the museum and its exhibits continues to grow.

    A rare fridge magnet developed by the National Museum of China (NMC) in Beijing became a best-selling item last year thanks to its exquisite craftsmanship. The miniature souvenir delicately features the phoenix crown of an empress of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), which is in the museum’s collection. In the six months since its launch in July 2024, 800,000 copies have been sold, pushing NMC’s total sales of cultural products in the second half of last year to 10 million yuan (approximately US$1.39 million).

    In addition to the usual wooden fridge magnet, the developers also created an AR version. After scanning, a virtual image of the crown appears on the top of the person’s head, as if he or she were wearing it.

    It is noteworthy that many buyers take pictures with the scarce magnet and publish the photos on social networks, which arouses the interest of other people directly to the cultural relic itself, in front of which visitors even have to stand in long lines in order to admire it.

    The magnet craze has inspired designers to create new products, including notepads, makeup mirrors, badges and even ice cream sticks, demonstrating that elements of traditional culture have found their way into modern life in innovative ways.

    According to the Beijing city authorities, the first museum season will be held in the Chinese capital from this year’s International Museum Day until October 8, and July will be dedicated to creative products of the cultural industry.

    The city then plans to hold various events, such as competitions and fairs of creative products of the cultural industry, campaigns to stimulate the consumption of such goods, etc. Such steps, according to experts, will contribute to the dissemination and development of culture.

    Technological advances are giving museums the opportunity to enhance public engagement and experience and improve operational efficiency, analysts say.

    They expressed their hope that museums would play a unique role in promoting social inclusion, stimulating cultural vitality and promoting sustainable development through technological innovation, youth participation and social interaction. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Total number of visits to China’s museums reached 1.49 billion last year

    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 18 (Xinhua) — Museums across China held 43,000 exhibitions and 511,000 educational activities last year, with the total number of visits reaching 1.49 billion, the National Cultural Heritage Administration said Sunday.

    The data was presented on Sunday at an event to mark International Museum Day at Beijing’s Grand Canal Museum.

    In 2024, another 213 new museums were registered in the country, bringing the number of registered museums in the country to 7,046 by the end of last year, the aforementioned department noted.

    Thanks to the expansion of the free admission policy in the country, over 91 percent of museums now offer free admission to visitors. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israel discusses ‘possible end to Gaza war’ in Doha talks with Hamas – Netanyahu’s office

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    JERUSALEM, May 18 (Xinhua) — An Israeli negotiating team in the Qatari capital Doha is holding indirect talks with the Palestinian Hamas movement on a hostage deal that would potentially end the war in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Sunday.

    The statement said the negotiating team was working in Doha “to pursue every chance to reach a deal,” which would include “an end to the fighting,” the release of 58 hostages still held in the Palestinian enclave, the expulsion of Hamas militants and the disarmament of the Gaza Strip.

    The statement was made against the backdrop of the indirect talks between Israel and Hamas that resumed in Doha on May 17. As a source close to the Palestinian movement told Xinhua on condition of anonymity, they were based on a proposal presented by US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steven Witkoff, to which Hamas made significant changes.

    Earlier on the evening of May 16, Israel announced the intensification of military operations in Gaza and the launch of a new military operation code-named “Gideon’s Chariots,” the goal of which is to expand the scale of fighting in the Palestinian enclave and achieve key military goals of the Jewish state, including the release of hostages and the elimination of Hamas.

    Gaza health authorities said on Sunday that 3,193 Palestinians had been killed and another 8,993 wounded since Israel resumed its intensified offensive on March 18, bringing the total number of Gaza deaths to 53,339 and wounded to 121,034 since the war began in October 2023.

    According to Israeli estimates, 58 of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas during the attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, still remain in the enclave. Of the 58 hostages, 20 are believed to be alive. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –