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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi calls on persons with disabilities to draw strength from role models, pursue dreams

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

    Xi calls on persons with disabilities to draw strength from role models, pursue dreams

    BEIJING, May 16 — Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on persons with disabilities to draw spiritual strength from role models of self-reliance, overcome difficulties and challenges, and pursue their dreams.

    Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in an instruction to a ceremony held on Friday to commend role models with disabilities and people who have made outstanding contributions in helping those with disabilities.

    The ceremony came as the country marks the 35th national day of assisting persons with disabilities, which falls on May 18 this year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Humanoid robots poised to transform China’s factory floor

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

    Inside Zeekr’s humming, 5G-enabled electric car factory in the eastern Chinese city of Ningbo, a new type of worker began its apprenticeship.

    One robot meticulously sorted components from a shelf, its fingers deftly peeling and applying labels. Nearby, two others coordinated to lift a box from a cart, placing it precisely onto a rack. When one’s battery depleted, another autonomously approached to initiate charging.

    With a height of an average Chinese man, these UBTECH’s Walker S1 humanoid robots offer a glimpse into the future of China’s manufacturing sector — a new wave of automation promising to boost productivity while replenishing the shrinking pool of human workers.

    GO TO FACTORIES

    Over the past few months, Chinese startup teams have been making waves on the global stage with robots that can perform impressive stunts such as dance routines, backflips and Tai Chi.

    Beyond the spotlight, however, some leading robotics firms have been focused on deploying them in factories for more practical jobs. They are joining the global race, led by Tesla Optimus, to integrate humanoid robots into manufacturing.

    Shanghai Kepler Robot Co., Ltd. recently released a video of its K2 humanoid robot working at a logistics plant. The robot skillfully navigated the factory floor, handling boxes, transporting goods and operating machinery.

    K2 is specifically designed to handle factory work. It has dual arms that can carry 30 kilograms, boasting an impressive eight-hour work cycle on a one-hour charge, said Hu Debo, CEO of Kepler, adding that the base price for its mass-produced version is only 30,000 U.S. dollars.

    “If a robot can perform a job as a human does and its cost is around 300,000 to 400,000 yuan (approximately 41,000 to 55,200 U.S. dollars), then it would be cost-effective enough to be deployed,” said Xu Jun, head of the innovation technology department at Geely, Zeekr’s parent company.

    Humanoid robots initially found their application in China’s automotive manufacturing sector, driven by the industry’s high level of digitalization.

    “Automotive manufacturing is one of the most technologically advanced, intelligent, standardized, and data-driven fields in manufacturing, making it an ideal environment for humanoid robots,” said Xu.

    The robot density has hit 470 units per 10,000 workers in China’s manufacturing industry. Over the coming years, the sector is expected to send more intelligent robots to the shop floor.

    UBTECH founder Zhou Jian announced that the firm’s goal for this year is to manufacture approximately 1,000 humanoid robots, which are set to be deployed in real-world applications to collect more data.

    “Application in the manufacturing sector is our priority,” Zhou said.

    NOT ABOUT REPLACEMENT

    China’s push for humanoids stems from their potential to bridge the gap left by traditional industrial robots. While industrial robots excel in speed and load-bearing capacity with their pre-programmed, set-path motions, humanoids powered by AI-augmented learning boast greater adaptability.

    “Moreover, the large size of industrial robots prevent them from accessing confined spaces like vehicle cabins,” explained Xu, adding that humanoids are not intended as replacements of earlier iterations of industrial robots.

    Additionally, the “machine-for-human” transition in China’s coastal manufacturing plants has proven to be less alarming than initially feared.

    “What’s really happening in our industry isn’t that there are many people lining up to work in factories,” said Xu. “The real problem is a labor shortage, especially when production scales up. We simply can’t find enough workers.”

    “Widespread use of humanoid robots could replace humans in hazardous, repetitive, and dull jobs, potentially solving future labor shortages,” said Xiong Rong, director of a humanoid robotics innovation center in Zhejiang.

    K2 can achieve the same level of output as 1.2 to 2 people in simple and repetitive factory tasks. “Given the labor costs in the Yangtze River Delta, manufacturers can recoup their investment in this robot in just 1.5 to 1.8 years,” said Hu.

    However, humanoid robots still lag in efficiency for complex tasks.

    “Their overall efficiency is about 70 percent of skilled workers’ and they cannot perform complex tasks like precision screw-tightening done by senior technicians,” said Leng Xiaokun, founder of Leju Robot. The Shenzhen-based firm has trained its robots in several automotive plants to perform box-handling and parts-sorting tasks.

    A Shanghai startup has sent its robots to a “technical school”. In AgiBot’s 4,000-square-meter space, scenes like restaurants, bubble tea shops, and homes are set up.

    Over a hundred data collectors, wearing VR glasses and holding controllers, are teaching robots daily chores like folding clothes, clearing dishes, cleaning tables and cashiering in supermarkets. Each action is repeated hundreds of times by the robots.

    “Robots have to interact with tangible objects in a 3D world, as such data can’t be obtained from the Internet,” said Peng Zhihui, AgiBot’s co-founder.

    Meanwhile, the Beijing-based robotic firm Galbot is exploring an alternative training method: using synthetic simulation data to train robots. The startup has amassed tens of millions of scene data and billions of action data, according to its founder Wang He.

    WHY IN CHINA?

    China is positioning itself as a powerhouse not just in developing these robots but also in creating an ecosystem for their deployment.

    It came as the country has been driving manufacturing digitalization and intelligent transformation, aiming to leverage these technological upgrades to sustain economic growth.

    This year’s government work report proposed advancing the “AI Plus” initiative to integrate cutting-edge digital technologies with the nation’s strong manufacturing base and vast market advantages. It has also planned to develop future industries like embodied intelligence and other next-gen technologies.

    At an industrial park in the southern tech hub of Shenzhen, the tightly-knit robotics ecosystem enables seamless collaboration. PaXini Tech supplies tactile sensors to nearby UBTECH, while DexForce streams simulation data directly to AI2Robotics for real-time AI training.

    A recent Morgan Stanley report, “Humanoid Robot 100: Mapping the Humanoid Robot Value Chain,” has highlighted that Asian companies constitute 73 percent of the top 100 listed firms in this sector, with Chinese firms alone accounting for 56 percent.

    China’s startups are “benefiting from established supply chains, local adoption opportunities and strong degrees of national government support,” according to the report.

    Now, cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen have established substantial industry funds. In the first quarter of this year, over 50 embodied intelligence firms secured over 6 billion yuan in funding, according to data of IT Juzi, an emerging technology data provider.

    A key feature of China’s electric vehicle industry is that it has integrated the consumer electronics supply chain, said Li Zexiang, founder of the XBot Park in southern city of Dongguan. “The embodied intelligence industry, exemplified by humanoid robots, is now following suit.”

    “China has the potential to replicate the disruptive impact from the EV industry in the humanoid space,” Reyk Knuhtsen, analyst at SemiAnalysis, told CNBC.

    “The influx of humanoid robots into factories will not only boost productivity but also create new industries, giving rise to new industrial chains and job opportunities,” said Xu. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: More than 20 doctors from Central Asian countries have been trained in tuberculosis treatment in XUAR

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    URUMQI, May 16 (Xinhua) — Four advanced training course participants from the National Center for Tuberculosis Problems of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan recently completed a month-long training at the Sixth People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR, northwest China).

    Thus, to date, 23 doctors from Central Asian countries have already been trained in the treatment of this disease in the above-mentioned medical institution.

    Over the past month, medical trainees from Kazakhstan have held in-depth discussions on topics such as diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis and basic interventional bronchoscopy operations, and joined standardized training in complex surgeries and multidisciplinary consultations on difficult-to-treat diseases.

    According to Yerbol Kopbayev, China is impressive in terms of standardized management of the treatment process in case of drug-resistant tuberculosis, the model of interdisciplinary cooperation and the use of advanced diagnostic and treatment equipment, especially the norms and standards for the treatment of complex cases, which provide new ideas.

    At the graduation ceremony of the above-mentioned courses, the leaders of the Xinjiang hospital expressed hope that the medical trainees would provide higher quality medical services after mastering new skills and abilities.

    As it became known, the above-mentioned Chinese medical institution will disseminate technologies for minimally invasive operations in the field of thoracic surgery in Central Asia, and will also continue to provide international remote medical consultations.

    According to the survey data, Xinjiang remained one of the regions in China with a high incidence of tuberculosis from 1979 to 2010. Thanks to the efforts of local authorities, the incidence of tuberculosis in Xinjiang has significantly decreased, from 304.9 cases per 100,000 people in 2018 to 87.8 cases per 100,000 people in 2021. Currently, all local residents aged 15 and above are included in the screening program for tuberculosis symptoms and chest X-rays. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Hunan Provincial Museum experts find traces of repainting on 1,000-year-old silk painting

    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

    CHANGSHA, May 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese experts have for the first time found several traces of repainting on a T-shaped silk painting found in the tomb of Chinese aristocrat Xin Zhui, who lived about 2,200 years ago, according to a press conference held Friday at the Hunan Provincial Museum in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province.

    The museum’s specialists analyzed the material and paint composition of the silk painting using methods such as spectroscopy and surface microgeometry. During the study, the experts used multimodal imaging methods, including multispectral hyperspectral imaging and wide-field X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy.

    The composition of the material, ink and pigments were also studied, and the traces of ink and its distribution were visualized. The team of experts identified traces of overpainting – the application of one layer of coloring substance to another – thus completing the collection of data on the images on this work of art, which is a cultural relic and a national treasure of China.

    Let us recall that the item in question was found in the Mawangdui Tomb, also known as the Xin Zhui Tomb. According to historical records, Xin Zhui was the wife of the Chancellor of the Changsha Principality during the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC – 8 AD), and died at the age of about 50. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese and Russian universities develop cooperation in the field of music education

    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 16 (Xinhua) — Tianjin Foreign Studies University (TFU) and the Volgograd State Conservatory named after P.A. Serebryakov recently signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation, which marked the beginning of in-depth cooperation between the parties in the field of music education. The signing of this document took place in the city of Tianjin in northern China.

    The agreement was signed at the opening ceremony of the relevant course as part of the event on the visit to China of the Russian delegation of teachers “Chinese Language Bridge”, organized by the Center for International Language Exchange and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China with the assistance of TUIL, the Zhongxinshe news agency reports.

    TUIA Rector Li Yingying noted the solid foundation of cooperation between TUIA and Russian universities, stating that the current cooperation will open up new opportunities for the parties in the field of music education.

    Representatives of the Volgograd State Conservatory named after P. A. Serebryakov, in turn, expressed hope for broader cooperation with TUIYA in academic, research and cultural activities in the future. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: V. Putin appointed O. Salyukov as Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, May 16 /Xinhua/ — Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces Oleg Salyukov from his post and appointed him Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council. The corresponding decree was published on the official Internet portal of legal information on Thursday.

    O. Salyukov was born on May 21, 1955 in Saratov. From 2010 to 2014, he held the post of Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. In May 2014, by decree of the President of the Russian Federation, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces. This year, O. Salyukov commanded the parade in honor of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Japan’s GDP fell 0.7 percent year-on-year in Q1

    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

    TOKYO, May 16 (Xinhua) — Japan’s economy contracted 0.7 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025 amid stagnant private consumption and a drop in exports, government data showed Friday.

    Real gross domestic product (GDP) growth showed its first quarterly decline in four quarters, the cabinet said.

    In quarterly terms, GDP for the period from January to March, taking into account inflation, fell by 0.2 percent, according to the preliminary report of the Cabinet of Ministers.

    Over the quarter, exports fell by 0.6 percent, while imports, which have a negative impact on GDP, grew by 2.9 percent.

    Private consumption, which accounts for more than half of Japan’s economic output, rose 0.04 percent as prices rose.

    Nominal GDP increased by 0.8 percent compared to the October-December period, or by 3.1 percent year-on-year. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tel Aviv hosts business event aimed at developing Chinese-Israeli cooperation in healthcare

    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 16 (Xinhua) — A business event aimed at promoting cooperation between Chinese and Israeli enterprises in the healthcare sector was held in Tel Aviv, Israel on Thursday.

    The event, hosted by the China-Israel Innovation Industrial Park in Changzhou, eastern China, was attended by more than 100 representatives from government, business, technology and medical sectors from both countries. During the event, Chinese and Israeli companies signed technology cooperation agreements, and several Israeli firms entered into agreements to join the innovation park.

    Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Israel Xiao Junzheng stressed that technological innovation is a key factor in the healthy development of China-Israel relations.

    China, with its vast single market, comprehensive industrial system and growing innovation ecosystem, complements Israel’s strengths in original research and its excellent innovation environment, he said.

    Over the past decade, the park has become a “key window” for Chinese-Israeli scientific cooperation, especially in health care, according to Shen Dong, a senior official in the city of Changzhou. He noted that the park has attracted about 300 Israeli companies and joint ventures. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Re-elected Australian government wants more cooperation with China: Trade Minister

    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

    CANBERRA, May 16 (Xinhua) — Australia’s re-elected federal government led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wants to “do more business with China,” Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell told the Australian Financial Review (AFR) on Thursday.

    Australia will resist pressure from the United States to impose tariffs on imports from China and make decisions based on its national interests, the official said.

    “We don’t want to do less business with China, we want to do more business with China,” Farrell said. “We will make decisions about how to continue to engage with China based on our national interests, not on what Americans may or may not want,” he added.

    According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian exports to China in 2023 were worth A$219 billion (US$140.2 billion), while exports to the United States were worth only A$33.5 billion (US$21.4 billion).

    Mr Albanese, whose ruling Labour Party won the May 3 election, confirmed on Monday that Mr Farrell would remain in the role of trade and tourism minister, a post he has held since 2022.

    The latter told AFR that Australia had offered to negotiate with the United States to lift the 10 percent tariff imposed by President Donald Trump in April, but Canberra would not make a deal for the sake of a deal. “We will only make a deal if it is in our national interest. We want a good deal and we are prepared to wait and be patient,” the minister said.

    Mr Farrell also said Australia would soon finalise a new proposal to the European Union in talks on a free trade agreement, which stalled in 2023 but was revived in response to US tariffs. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Investments Have Become ‘Indispensable Driver’ of Hungary’s Economic Growth – Orban

    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

    BUDAPEST, May 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese investment has become an “indispensable engine” of Hungary’s economic growth, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Thursday.

    He made the remarks at a press conference here, where he also announced the decision of leading Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD to locate the headquarters of its European subsidiary and a new research and development centre in Budapest.

    “We are living in an era of transformation,” said Orbán. “New technologies, new consumer demands and new producers have emerged. And we, Hungarians, do not want to be left out of this new era. That is why we have made a strategic decision: Hungarian industry must enter the era of electric vehicles.”

    V. Orban noted that Hungary cannot enter the new technological era alone. “We need partners. And we can enter this new era only with Chinese-Hungarian strategic cooperation, because China is the leader in technology in this industry,” the Hungarian Prime Minister added.

    He also stressed the importance of the country’s “connectivity strategy.” “Hungary aims to become a meeting point for Eastern and Western capital, trade and innovation,” he said.

    Hungary’s trade has doubled in the last decade, and China has consistently ranked among the country’s top three investors. “In some years, China has even been Hungary’s number one investor,” Orban said. “This means that Chinese investment has become an important, even indispensable, engine of the country’s economic growth.”

    The Prime Minister also noted major infrastructure projects being implemented with China’s support, such as the Budapest-Belgrade railway. “China plays a decisive role in financing Hungary’s modernization,” Orbán emphasized. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ASEAN, Republic of Korea pledged to enhance comprehensive strategic partnership

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    BANGKOK, 16 May 2025 – Senior officials of ASEAN and the Republic of Korea (ROK) reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) at the 29th ASEAN-ROK Dialogue held today in Bangkok.
     
    The Meeting acknowledged the positive momentum of ASEAN-ROK cooperation following the establishment of the CSP in conjunction with the 35th anniversary of Dialogue Relations in 2024. Substantive progress has been achieved across a wide range of areas of cooperation under the ASEAN-ROK Plan of Action (POA) 2021-2025, including political and security cooperation, trade and investment, digital transformation, tourism, energy, environment, disaster management, education, culture, youth and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides looked forward to the finalisation of the successor POA for the term 2026–2030, which is expected to be adopted by the Foreign Ministers of both sides in July 2025 during the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with the ROK.
     
    The ROK expressed its support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and priorities this year under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”. The ROK also affirmed its continued support for ASEAN Community-building efforts and ASEAN Centrality, including the implementation of the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future that will be adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit.
     
    ASEAN and the ROK renewed their commitment to strengthening cooperation under the CSP. Focus will be placed on key areas such as trade and investment, including through the upgrade of the ASEAN-ROK Free Trade Are (AKFTA), digital transformation, cybersecurity, clean energy, ASEAN Power Grid, smart cities, climate change and environmental, education and youth empowerment, and narrowing the development gap. ASEAN welcomed the ROK’s implementation of various initiatives under the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI) to further enhance cooperation.
     
    Both sides also agreed to continue advancing practical cooperation in the four priority areas of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), in accordance with the Joint Statement on Cooperation on the AOIP adopted at the 24th ASEAN-ROK Summit in 2023.
     
    The Meeting exchanged views on international and regional issues, including the situations on the Korean Peninsula, in South China Sea, in Myanmar, in Ukraine and in the Middle East. Both sides emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation amidst the ongoing global uncertainties, including the need to uphold multilateralism and the open and free trading system.
     
    The 29th ASEAN-ROK Dialogue was co-chaired by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SOM Leader of Thailand, Eksiri Pintaruchi, and Deputy Minister for Political Affairs, SOM Leader of the ROK, Chung Byung-won. It was attended by Senior Officials of ASEAN Member States and the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community. Timor-Leste attended as Observer.
     

    The post ASEAN, Republic of Korea pledged to enhance comprehensive strategic partnership appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Richemont posts robust performance for the year ended 31 March 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT PURSUANT TO ART. 53 LR
    16 MAY 2025

    Please find below the Highlights and Chairman’s commentary from Richemont FY25 Annual Results Announcement.

    RICHEMONT POSTS ROBUST PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

    Group highlights

    • Group sales at € 21.4 billion; Q4 sales up 8% (+7% constant) with Jewellery Maisons up at double digits
    • Operating profit at € 4.5 billion including € 72 million of non-recurring costs 
    • Sustained focus on nurturing Maisons’ growth, investing in distribution, manufacturing assets and craftsmanship  
    • Renewed executive leadership, with appointment of Group CEO and expansion of Senior Executive Committee expertise to include Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier CEOs, as well as dedicated Group Chief People Officer
    • Completion of key strategic steps, with the addition of Italian jewellery Maison Vhernier and the finalisation of the sale of YNAP to Mytheresa in April 2025; Richemont now holds a 33% stake in newly created LuxExperience  

    Financial highlights

    • Full year sales up 4% at actual and constant exchange rates, led by high single-digit increase at Jewellery Maisons 
    • Double-digit growth across all regions, except for Asia Pacific, further rebalancing the Group’s regional mix
    • Operating profit down by 7%, or by 4% at constant exchange rates, resulting in a 20.9% operating margin
      • Strong performance at Jewellery Maisons, with sales up 8% at actual and constant exchange rates; operating margin at 31.9%
      • Sales at Specialist Watchmakers lower by 13% at actual and constant exchange rates, leading to a 5.3% operating margin
      • ‘Other’ business area’s sales up 7% at actual and constant exchange rates, operating margin at -3.7%; Fashion & Accessories Maisons margin impacted by inventory provisioning
    • € 3.8 billion profit for the year from continuing operations; € 1.0 billion loss from discontinued operations mainly due to the non-cash write-down of YNAP (improved against € 1.3 billion communicated in H1)
    • Robust net cash position of € 8.3 billion, supported by € 4.4 billion cash flow generated from operating activities
    • Proposed increase in dividend to CHF 3.00 per 1 ‘A’ share / 10 ‘B’ shares

    Key financial data (audited)

      2025 2024 change
    Sales € 21 399 m € 20 616 m +4%
    Gross profit € 14 319 m € 14 036 m +2%
    Gross margin 66.9% 68.1% -120 bps
    Operating profit € 4 467 m € 4 794 m -7%
    Operating margin 20.9% 23.3% -240 bps
    Profit for the year from continuing operations € 3 762 m € 3 818 m -1%
    Loss for the year from discontinued operations € (1 012) m € (1 463) m  
    Profit for the year € 2 750 m € 2 355 m  
    Earnings per ‘A’ share/10 ‘B’ shares, diluted basis € 4.671 € 4.077   
    Cash flow generated from operating activities € 4 443 m € 4 696 m -€ 253 m
    Net cash position € 8 257 m € 7 450 m  

    Chairman’s commentary

    Overview of results
    Richemont delivered a robust performance for the financial year ended 31 March 2025. In a persistently uncertain macroeconomic and geopolitical environment, we maintained our focus on nurturing Maisons’ current and future growth, investing in our distribution network, manufacturing assets and quality craftsmanship. Group sales increased by 4% at actual and constant exchange rates to € 21.4 billion, led by high single-digit growth at the Jewellery Maisons over the year. Operating profit came in at € 4.5 billion, down by 7% at actual rates, or by 4% at constant exchange rates.

    After a resilient first half, sales performance accelerated in the second part of the year, with a 10% rise in the third quarter followed by +8% in the fourth quarter at actual exchange rates. Over the year, most regions grew at double digits at both actual and constant exchange rates, more than offsetting the decline in Asia Pacific, led by China, illustrating the value of our balanced regional footprint. Notable growth rates included Europe at +10%, the Americas at +16%, Japan at +25% and Middle East & Africa at +15% at actual exchange rates. Direct to client sales rose further driven by both retail and online, overall representing 76% of Group sales.

    Our Jewellery Maisons – Buccellati, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Vhernier since October – saw their sales reach € 15.3 billion, growing by 8% at actual and constant exchange rates. This sales increase, combined with disciplined operating costs and targeted price increases, helped mitigate the impact of higher raw materials costs, notably gold, on our profitability. Our Jewellery Maisons delivered a € 4.9 billion operating result, up 4% versus the prior year, corresponding to a solid margin at close to 32%.

    As discussed in our first half report in November, the global watch market experienced a slowdown affecting volumes. This was led by demand weakness in China, with greater resilience of high-end price segments. While the watch market remained subdued in the second half, some improvement was visible outside of China. In this challenging context, our Specialist Watchmakers reported a 13% decline in sales at actual and constant exchange rates over the year, impacted by their high exposure to Asia Pacific, particularly to China, while the other regions showed resilience. The rate of decline was softer in the second half of the year, with notable growth in the Americas. While the Maisons demonstrated discipline on operating expenses, the overall decline in sales had a significant impact on production and fixed operating costs absorption. In addition, with our headquarters and most of our production located in Switzerland, the strengthening Swiss franc weighed on our operating result. Consequently, the Specialist Watchmakers’ operating result was down to € 175 million for the year, corresponding to a 5.3% margin.

    Sales at our ‘Other’ business area reached € 2.8 billion, an increase of 7% at actual and constant exchange rates, underpinned by faster growth in the second half. All regions other than Asia Pacific grew, with notable double-digit performances in the Americas, Europe and Middle East & Africa. Alaïa recorded another year of strong growth, and Peter Millar maintained its solid momentum. Overall, ready-to-wear sales rose by double-digits across the Maisons, with notably an encouraging performance from Chloé. Operating result was a € 102 million loss for the year, resulting in a margin of -3.7%. Within this, Fashion & Accessories Maisons posted a -2% operating margin when excluding targeted inventory provisioning.

    At Group level, operating profit came in at € 4.5 billion, including € 72 million of non-recurring charges. Operating margin was 20.9%.

    Profit for the year from continuing operations reached € 3.8 billion, down by 1%. The overall profit for the year amounted to € 2.8 billion, up 17%, after taking into account a € 1.0 billion loss for the year from discontinued operations, primarily reflecting the write-down of the carrying value of YOOX NET-A-PORTER (‘YNAP’) assets in the context of the sale to Mytheresa.

    The Group maintained a robust balance sheet, with a net cash position of € 8.3 billion at year end, up € 807 million versus the prior year. It excludes YNAP’s net cash position of € 0.2 billion presented as assets and liabilities of disposal group held for sale.

    Strengthening of our operations and portfolio of Maisons
    We are delighted to have welcomed Italian jewellery Maison Vhernier as part of Richemont’s Jewellery portfolio during the year. Vhernier is renowned for the distinctive modern aesthetic of its creations, and we are now working on the Maison’s integration and development to ensure that its full potential can be realised over time, as we have effectively been doing with our Italian high-end shoe Maison Gianvito Rossi which celebrated its first anniversary as part of our Fashion & Accessories (‘F&A’) portfolio with a very encouraging performance.

    It is also a pleasure to report that G/FORE, previously under Peter Millar’s umbrella since its acquisition in 2018, was added to Richemont’s F&A portfolio as a distinct Maison in February 2025. This marks a significant milestone for the Maison, whose products are sold in top golf shops, resorts, department stores and dedicated retail boutiques, reflecting its remarkable success to date.

    On 1 June 2024, Nicolas Bos, formerly Chief Executive Officer (‘CEO’) of Van Cleef & Arpels, was appointed CEO of Richemont and joined the Senior Executive Committee (‘SEC’), with direct oversight of all the Maisons, functions and regions. On 14 February 2025, the SEC was further strengthened with the appointments of Marie-Aude Stocker as Chief People Officer, alongside Catherine Rénier (CEO, Van Cleef & Arpels) and Louis Ferla (CEO, Cartier). Marie-Aude’s extensive background in luxury HR will be important to address our strategic resource management needs, while Catherine and Louis bring invaluable operational insights from their respective leadership roles.

    Following his appointment as CEO of Specialist Watchmaker Maison Jaeger-LeCoultre, Jérôme Lambert stepped down from the SEC and the Board of Directors, whilst Boet Brinkgreve, CEO of Laboratoire de Haute Parfumerie et Beauté, stepped down from the SEC when leaving the Group at the end of April 2025.

    YOOX NET-A-PORTER (‘YNAP’) 

    The closing of the transaction for the sale of 100% of YNAP to leading luxury multi-brand digital group Mytheresa occurred just outside of our FY25 reporting period, on 23 April 2025, following fulfilment of customary conditions, including regulatory approvals.

    At transaction closing, Richemont sold YNAP to Mytheresa with a cash position of € 555 million and no financial debt in exchange for shares issued by Mytheresa representing 33% of the fully diluted share capital of the newly combined group which has been listed under the new trade name LuxExperience from 1 May 2025. As per the terms of the agreement, Richemont provided a € 100 million revolving credit facility to finance YNAP’s corporate needs.

    We look forward to LuxExperience’s future success, as the closing of the transaction paves the way for both the Mytheresa and YNAP teams, their brand partners and clients alike to fully benefit from the enhanced value propositions and expanded global reach offered by the combined businesses.

    Dividend

    Based upon the performance of the year and net cash position of € 8.3 billion at the end of March 2025, the Board proposes to pay an ordinary dividend of 3.00 Swiss francs per 1 ‘A’ share (and CHF 0.30 per ‘B’ share), a 9% increase in the ordinary dividend over the prior year, subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’) on 10 September 2025.

    Annual General Meeting and Board changes

    The 2024 AGM in September saw Nicolas Bos, CEO of Richemont, elected as Executive Director of the Board, and Gary Saage as Non-executive Director, assuming the role of Chairman of the Audit Committee from Josua (Dillie) Malherbe.

    Shareholders also re-elected Wendy Luhabe as the ‘A’ shareholders’ representative and all Board members who stood for re-election for a further one-year term. Bram Schot succeeded Dillie as Non-executive Deputy Chairman of the Board and following the departure of Maria Ramos and Clay Brendish on 31 March, succeeded Clay as Chairman of the Compensation Committee.

    Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to Dillie for his contributions as Non-executive Deputy Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Audit Committee and for accepting to remain on the Audit and Strategic Security Committees, and to Maria and Clay for their invaluable contributions in their respective roles over the years.

    As indicated in the 2022 Annual Report, recognising shareholder expectations, we decided at the time to initiate a comprehensive tender process for our external audit function under the supervision of the Audit Committee. Having carefully considered the results of the tender, on 29 November 2024 we announced that the Audit Committee had recommended to the Board to propose to shareholders that KPMG be appointed as the new auditors of the Company for the financial year ending 31 March 2026 at the next AGM in September 2025.

    Concluding remarks

    Fiscal Year 2025 was a year of progress underscoring the Group’s strategic focus amidst a complex, fast-evolving global landscape. Whilst our Specialist Watchmakers’ performance mostly reflected weakness in their largest region, the Group’s performance was robust overall, driven by remarkable growth at our Jewellery Maisons and retail, and improved momentum at our ‘Other’ activities.

    We continued to invest in future growth by further strengthening our distribution network, enhancing our manufacturing capacity, and contributing to the nurturing and preservation of unique artisan skills. We also delivered on several strategic fronts, successfully completing the acquisition of Vhernier, and enabling Gianvito Rossi to further expand its brand globally, after having joined the Group last year. We are also pleased to have found a good home for YNAP, whose strengths Mytheresa will harness to create a new global leader in digital luxury.

    With a renewed leadership team and governance structure, the completion of seamless management transitions across several Maisons, and our teams of talented professionals committed to creativity and innovation, we are well-positioned to guide Richemont through its next phase of development.

    As I have said before, ongoing global uncertainties will continue to require strong agility and discipline. Richemont has solid foundations for sustained value creation over time, built upon our leading Maisons’ unique heritage and innovative craftsmanship, coupled with an increasingly balanced and tailored regional presence that allows us to better connect with and enchant clients. Our long-term perspective, underpinned by a healthy balance sheet, constitutes a proven formula that has delivered seven-fold sales growth over the past 25 years, and remains central to our strategy.

    Our achievements this year would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our teams and the invaluable collaboration of our partners. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to each of them for their significant contributions to Richemont’s success. I also wish to take this opportunity to thank our valued clients for their enduring trust and appreciation for the distinctive character and timeless appeal of our Maisons’ creations.

    Johann Rupert
    Chairman

    Compagnie Financière Richemont SA

    About Richemont 

    At Richemont, we craft the future. Our unique portfolio includes prestigious Maisons distinguished by their craftsmanship and creativity. Richemont’s ambition is to nurture its Maisons and businesses and enable them to grow and prosper in a responsible, sustainable manner over the long term.

    Richemont operates in three business areas: Jewellery Maisons with Buccellati, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Vhernier; Specialist Watchmakers with A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis and Vacheron Constantin; and Other, primarily Fashion & Accessories Maisons with Alaïa, Chloé, Delvaux, dunhill, G/FORE, Gianvito Rossi, Montblanc, Peter Millar, Purdey, Serapian as well as Watchfinder & Co. Find out more at https://www.richemont.com/.

    Disclaimer

    This document contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Richemont’s forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company’s business and performance, the economy and other future conditions and forecasts of future events, circumstances and results. Our retail stores are heavily dependent on the ability and desire of consumers to travel and shop and a decline in consumer traffic could have a negative effect on our comparable store sales and/or average sales per square foot and store profitability resulting in impairment charges, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Reduced travel resulting from economic conditions, retail store closure orders of civil authorities, travel restrictions, travel concerns and other circumstances, including disease epidemics and other health-related concerns, could have a material adverse effect on us, particularly if such events impact our customers’ desire to travel to our retail stores. International conflicts or wars, including resulting sanctions and restrictions on importation and exportation of finished products and/or raw materials, whether self-imposed or imposed by international countries, non-state entities or others, may also impact these forward-looking statements. If international tariffs are imposed or increased, materials and goods that Richemont imports may face higher prices, which could lead to reduced margins or increased prices that could cause decreased consumer demand. As with any projection or forecast, forward-looking statements are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Group’s control. Richemont does not undertake to update, nor does it have any obligation to provide updates of, or to revise, any forward-looking statements.

    © Richemont 2025

    This announcement does not contain full details and should not be used as a basis for any investment decision in relation to the Company’s shares. Please find the full announcement available in PDF below: 

    Richemont FY25 Annual Results PDF EN | Richemont FY25 Annual Results PDF FR (abridged)

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Russia-Ukraine peace talks to be held in Istanbul amid lingering differences

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

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at a press conference at the Ukrainian Embassy in Ankara, Türkiye, May 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that a Ukrainian delegation would attend the upcoming peace talks in Istanbul with a commitment to ending the conflict with Russia, though he would not personally show up at the negotiating table.

    At the Ukrainian embassy in Ankara following talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Zelensky told reporters that Ukraine would send a delegation to Istanbul.

    Zelensky said Ukraine remained committed to dialogue but expressed doubts about Moscow’s intentions. He told reporters that Ukraine did not see “any decision-makers” from the Russian delegation who will be present at the talks.

    The delegation will be led by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, alongside professionals, including military and intelligence officers, Zelensky remarked, noting that Ukraine is awaiting confirmation from both Washington and Moscow on the exact schedule for the talks, which are expected to take place either Thursday or Friday.

    On top of that, Zelensky stressed that he is ready for discussions if an unconditional ceasefire will be discussed at the level of leaders.

    Meanwhile, Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation and senior aide to President Vladimir Putin, stated that his team has the necessary competencies to conduct negotiations and will focus on “finding possible solutions” and common ground through a constructive approach.

    Speaking outside the Russian consulate in Istanbul, the diplomat said that Russia views the fresh negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul as a “continuation” of the peace process disrupted in 2022, claiming that his team’s objective is to secure a lasting peace by “addressing the underlying causes of the conflict.”

    Addressing reporters separately after a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Türkiye’s Antalya, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that both Russia and Ukraine have, in principle, expressed their willingness for a ceasefire. However, each has its own considerations: Ukraine favors an immediate, unconditional ceasefire, while Russia maintains that certain modalities must first be understood and agreed upon.

    Fidan said the Ukraine-Russia negotiations have now reached a certain stage, urging both parties to make concessions and take steps towards establishing a common peace.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also attending the NATO meeting, said Washington supports a negotiated settlement. “We will see what happens over the next couple of days in that regard, but we want to see progress,” he said.

    The Istanbul talks follow a proposal by Putin on Sunday to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine. Zelensky has previously said he is open to a face-to-face meeting with Putin. However, the Kremlin said Putin would not attend the talks.

    The last direct talks between Ukraine and Russia took place in Istanbul in March 2022, where the two sides failed to agree to halt the fighting. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: India, Japan notify WTO of possible retaliation against US tariffs

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

    India and Japan have recently notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of potential retaliatory measures in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum.

    The European Union(EU) and Britain had submitted similar notifications to the WTO earlier.

    WTO documents show that both India and Japan argue that the U.S. tariffs, imposed since March 2018, constitute safeguard measures under the WTO Agreement on Safeguards, although they were not officially notified by the United States to the WTO. In line with this agreement, the two countries, respectively, stated that they reserve the right to suspend concessions and other obligations by imposing additional tariffs on selected U.S. imports.

    India estimates that the tariffs will affect 7.6 billion U.S. dollars worth of its relevant exports to the United States, generating 1.91 billion dollars in duties. India has vowed to impose “an equivalent amount of duty collected from products originating in the United States” as part of its proposed suspension of concessions.

    Japan’s WTO notification reveals that its retaliatory measures will target not only U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, but also American import restrictions on automobiles and auto parts.

    The proposed suspension of concessions will take the form of an equivalent increase in duties on selected U.S. products, said the notification, adding that the details, based on the most recent export data, will be provided to the WTO prior to the implementation.

    The United States began imposing 25 percent tariffs on steel and 10 percent on aluminum imports in March 2018 under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act, citing “national security concerns.”

    In February 2020, these tariffs were extended to derivative steel and aluminum products.

    Starting from March 12, 2025, the Trump administration raised tariffs on aluminum from 10 percent to 25 percent and ended duty-free quotas, exemptions and exclusions for steel and aluminum tariffs.

    These measures have triggered widespread condemnation and opposition. The EU and Britain have also notified the WTO that they reserve the right to suspend the substantially equivalent concessions. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Messi, Garnacho back for Argentina World Cup qualifiers

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

    Captain Lionel Messi has returned to Argentina’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia, the Argentine football association said on Thursday.

    Argentina’s Lionel Messi tries to maneuver around Australia’s Kye Rowles during a friendly match at Workers’ Stadium on Thursday in Beijing. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The 37-year-old missed the team’s March qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to an adductor injury but has since returned to action for his club Inter Miami.

    Albiceleste manager Lionel Scaloni also recalled Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho and Strasbourg left-back Valentin Barco, who were both overlooked for the previous matches.

    But there was no place in the preliminary 28-man squad for Roma forward Paulo Dybala or River Plate defenders Marcos Acuna and German Pezzella.

    Argentina will meet Chile in Santiago on June 5 and Colombia in Buenos Aires five days later.

    The reigning World Cup and Copa America champion currently leads the 10-team South American World Cup qualifying group with 31 points from 14 games.

    The top six teams will earn an automatic spot at football’s showpiece tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada next year. The seventh-ranked side will advance to an intercontinental playoff.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: International Construction Machinery Exhibition Opens in Central China

    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

    CHANGSHA, May 16 (Xinhua) — The fourth Changsha International Construction Machinery Exhibition (CICM) opened Thursday in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province, with over 1,800 exhibitors from around the world displaying their advanced mechanical equipment and technologies.

    Held under the theme of “Exclusivity, Intelligence and Greenness,” this year’s exhibition featured global industry leaders such as Caterpillar and Hitachi, as well as Chinese construction machinery giants Sany and Zoomlion.

    The event, with an exhibition area of 300,000 square meters, features exhibits such as mechanical engineering products powered by new energy sources, unmanned technologies and other high-tech equipment. The range of exhibit names covers equipment used in construction, emergency rescue, mining, agriculture and the transportation sector.

    According to available information, about 760 international buyers from more than 20 countries and regions around the world will also visit this exhibition to seek purchasing opportunities.

    Mori Tsunetaka, representative of Hitachi Construction Machinery in China, said at the opening ceremony that over the past years, the CCMWST has become a world-renowned industry event and a world-class platform for market participants.

    Noting that the Chinese market remains a top priority for Hitachi in the firm’s global strategy, Mori Tsunetaka said the company will increase its investment in China and provide stronger technological and resource support.

    This year, the exhibition, which runs until May 18, will also feature forums, technical exchange events and business partner search presentation meetings.

    China’s machinery industry showed steady growth in 2024, largely due to the country’s large-scale equipment upgrade program and a series of policies aimed at stimulating economic growth. According to the All-China Federation of Machinery Industry, the added value of large enterprises in the industry increased by 6 percent in 2024 compared with 2023. Large enterprises are defined as those with annual revenue from their main business activities of at least 20 million yuan (about $2.78 million).

    Changsha is known as a construction machinery manufacturing hub, with major domestic giants in the field based here, including Sany, Zoomlion and Sunward. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Indonesia plans to export rice, provide humanitarian aid due to sufficient stocks

    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

    JAKARTA, May 16 (Xinhua) — The Indonesian government on Thursday announced a plan to export rice and also send it as humanitarian aid to needy countries as it has enough stocks to meet domestic demand.

    Indonesian Vice Agriculture Minister Sudariono said the government had discussed the possibility of exporting 2,000 tonnes of rice per month to Malaysia. However, an agreement has not yet been signed.

    The government is also exploring the possibility of using surplus rice to provide humanitarian aid, including to Palestine. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Qatar, US sign major deals to boost cooperation

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

    Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (2nd R) and U.S. President Donald Trump (2nd L) witness the signing of a series of deals at the Amiri Diwan in Doha, Qatar, on May 14, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Qatar and the United States signed on Wednesday a series of deals to boost bilateral cooperation following a meeting between the two heads of state, according to a statement from the Emiri Diwan, the administrative office of the Qatari emir.

    The two sides signed a purchase agreement for Boeing aircraft, which is described by the White House in a fact sheet elaborating on some of the deals as a “historic” sale order worth 96 billion U.S. dollars, with Qatar Airways’ acquisition of up to 210 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft.

    Qatar and the U.S. also signed a statement of intent on defense cooperation, outlining over 38 billion dollars in potential investments, including support for burden-sharing at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and future defense capabilities related to air and maritime security.

    In addition, two letters of offer and acceptance were signed, one for U.S. General Atomics MQ-9B drones and the other for a counter-drone system developed by U.S. defense firm Raytheon, with the U.S. securing agreements valued at about 3 billion dollars in total, according to the White House fact sheet.

    A joint declaration of cooperation between the two governments was also signed.

    Prior to the signing ceremony, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and U.S. President Donald Trump held talks on a range of bilateral issues, with a particular focus on investment, energy, military, and security cooperation.

    They also discussed regional and international developments, particularly those in the Middle East, with the Qatari emir emphasizing the importance of promoting peace and stability in the region.

    The meeting came during Trump’s visit to the Gulf state, part of his first major overseas tour since taking office in January — a trip that also includes stops in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israeli airstrikes kill at least 80 in Gaza, cancer hospital knocked out of service

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

    Palestinians inspect a site of an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza Strip, on May 15, 2025. At least 80 Palestinians were killed and dozens of others wounded in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Thursday, said Palestinian medical sources. [Photo/Xinhua]

    At least 80 Palestinians were killed and dozens of others wounded in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Thursday, said Palestinian medical sources.

    The Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported that 54 people, including women and children, were killed in strikes on the southern city, according to a press statement.

    According to Gaza-based health authorities, the Gaza European Hospital, the only hospital providing medical follow-up care to cancer patients in the enclave, was out of service due to recent Israeli attacks.

    The Israeli attacks “caused significant damage to infrastructure, such as sewage lines, damage to internal departments, and destruction of roads leading to the hospital,” the authorities said in a press statement.

    Meanwhile, medical sources told Xinhua that 26 others were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City and other areas in northern Gaza.

    The airstrikes came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Tuesday that the Israeli military would enter Gaza “with full force” in the coming days to press forward with efforts to defeat Hamas.

    Israel resumed large-scale military operations in Gaza on March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire. Since then, 2,876 Palestinians have been killed and more than 7,800 injured, according to health officials in Gaza.

    The total Palestinian death toll since the war erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, has reached 53,010, the officials said on Thursday.

    Israel is using a policy of “reducing space and emptying populated areas to pressure citizens,” Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza, told Xinhua on Thursday.

    He also claimed that thousands of people spent the night in the streets amid threats of strikes on schools and shelters housing the displaced, adding that Israeli forces were obstructing emergency teams from reaching victims and systematically destroying Civil Defense infrastructure. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese-built Croatia’s largest solar power project breaks ground

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

    Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic (2nd R, Front) and Chinese Ambassador to Croatia Qi Qianjin (2nd L, Front) visit the construction site of the Korlat solar project in Korlat, Croatia, on May 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The groundbreaking ceremony for Croatia’s largest photovoltaic power project, to be constructed by Chinese companies, was held Thursday in Korlat. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic expressed hope that the Korlat solar project would further deepen cooperation and enhance ties between the two countries.

    The project, located in Korlat, a small settlement within the city of Benkovac in Zadar County, will be constructed by a Chinese consortium, consisting of China’s Norinco International Cooperation Ltd. (Norinco International) and the Shandong Electric Power Engineering Consulting Institute.

    In his speech at the ceremony, Plenkovic also highlighted the successful collaboration on the Chinese-built Senj Wind Farm and expressed his pleasure in renewing cooperation with Chinese partner companies.

    For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Croatia Qi Qianjin said that the Korlat project would significantly boost regional economic development, create jobs, improve livelihoods, and support Croatia’s energy transition and green development.

    He expressed his hope that Norinco International would earnestly fulfill its responsibilities as the contractor, operate in compliance with regulations, and deliver another high-quality project that satisfies all parties.

    In October last year, the consortium won the tender to build the Korlat solar power project, with an installed capacity of 99 megawatts.

    Upon completion, it is expected to generate 165 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity annually, meeting the electricity needs of approximately 50,000 households, while also reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 150,000 tons per year. The project is scheduled to be connected to the grid in April 2026.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: BFCM – Issuer Call Notice – SERIES 85 (ISIN CODE XS0207764712)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Issuer Call Notice

    15 May, 2025

    To :
    1. BNP Paribas, as (the “Fiscal Agent, Principal Paying Agent and Listing Agent in Luxembourg’’);
    2. Paying Agent and Listing Agent in the Netherlands;
    3. The Noteholders of the below mentioned Notes;
    4. Luxembourg Stock Exchange; and
    5. Euronext Amsterdam.

    Dear Sirs,

    Banque Fédérative du Crédit Mutuel
    € 750,000,000 Undated Deeply Subordinated Fixed to Floating Rate Notes (the “Notes”)

    (ISIN Code: XS0207764712)

    Banque Fédérative du Crédit Mutuel is the issuer (the “Issuer’’) of the Notes.

    In accordance with the terms and conditions of the Notes (the ‘’Conditions’’), the Issuer hereby gives notice that it is exercising in whole its right to call the Notes pursuant to the Issuer General Call Option under Conditions 6. (i) of the Annex 1 to the Listing Particulars (“Issuer Call Option”) of the Notes.

    We, the Issuer, instruct you as Fiscal Agent, to authorise the Central Securities Depository to cancel the Notes redeemed on 16 June, 2025 (“Optional Redemption Date”).

    For the purposes of the Issuer Call:

    (i) the Issuer Call Date will be 16 June, 2025; and
    (ii) the Optional Redemption Amount(s) or Early Redemption Amount: EUR 1,000 per Denomination.

    Unless otherwise defined in this notice, capitalised terms used in this notice shall have the meaning given to them in the Listing Particulars dated 14 December, 2004, as applicable, relating to the Notes.

    Yours faithfully,

    For and on behalf of

    Banque Fédérative du Crédit Mutuel

    By: Eric CUZZUCOLI

    Duly authorised

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s rail passenger traffic hits record high in January-April 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 16 (Xinhua) — China’s rail passenger traffic rose 5.9 percent year-on-year to a record 1.46 billion person-times from January to April, data released by China State Railway Corporation (CSRC) showed Thursday.

    According to the KGZhK, in January-April the average daily number of passenger trains running in the country was 11,224, which is 7.1 percent more than a year earlier.

    In order to meet market demand, KGZhK sent 367 special tourist trains.

    According to the results of the first four months of this year, KGZhK served about 5.69 million foreign passengers, which is 32.1 percent more in annual terms, statistics show. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: How to Attract More People to the ‘Living Room of the Highland City’

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    With the advent of the tourist season, the Tibet Museum has become a popular place to visit, attracting many tourists every day to experience the unique cultural charm of Xizang.

    As the only first-class national museum in Xizang integrating the functions of collection storage, exhibition, research, education and service, the Tibet Museum was opened in October 1999 to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 40th anniversary of democratic reform in Xizang. The museum has a rich collection of more than 520,000 exhibits, including statues, thangkas, ancient books and documents, porcelain and jade ware, ritual objects, of which more than 40,000 are valuable cultural relics.

    On May 13, the correspondent visited the museum, where he observed a continuous flow of visitors. In the ethnic culture section, visitors were particularly interested in national costumes and models of traditional buildings. Thanks to the object exhibits and reconstructions of scenes, tourists get an authentic idea of Tibetan folk culture.

    Photo: Zhao Zhenyu

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Optimization of visa-free regime attracts more tourists to China

    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

    On May 2, 43 Lao tourists taking advantage of the visa-free regime for ASEAN tour groups traveling to Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, successfully cleared customs and entered China through Mohan Railway Port, Yunnan Province, in less than 15 minutes.

    Thanks to the continuous optimization of a series of visa-free measures such as 240-hour visa-free transit and regional visa-free regimes, China Travel remained extremely popular during the May Day holiday this year, with more and more travelers coming to China to discover the country.

    On the afternoon of May 1, at the arrival hall of Changle International Airport in Fuzhou City, US citizen Majid, with the assistance of border guards, successfully obtained a 240-hour temporary stay permit. “Fast processing and excellent service!” he said.

    These were the first May holidays after the introduction of 240-hour visa-free transit. Thanks to the comprehensive application of various visa-free measures, the average daily passenger flow here exceeded 5,300 people.

    On December 17 last year, the State Administration of Immigration comprehensively relaxed and optimized the visa-free transit policy, implementing a 240-hour visa-free regime for citizens of 54 countries. The number of entry points to which this policy applies was increased, and foreign tourists can now travel between provinces within the permitted stay zones.

    “The 240-hour visa-free transit not only extends the stay, but also allows for more cities in different regions, making travel planning more flexible,” said Majid. This time, in addition to experiencing the culture and cuisine of Fujian Province, he also plans to visit West Lake in Hangzhou.

    During the May holidays, the route “Hong Kong and Macao to Guangdong via Zhuhai” has become a popular destination among tourists from Southeast Asian countries.

    Around 7 a.m. on May 1, a group of tourists from Southeast Asia were waiting to clear customs at the arrival hall of the Gongbei border checkpoint. “I have been to China many times,” said Aye from the Philippines. “The Chinese people are very friendly, and I feel very comfortable here every time.”

    Since China introduced a trial visa-free regime for citizens of the Republic of Korea on November 8, 2024, more and more Koreans have been visiting China for tourism, business and family purposes.

    “Going forward, the National Administration for Immigration plans to implement more effective entry-exit and stay policies, and implement new measures to simplify procedures for border crossings, so as to make exchanges between Chinese and foreign citizens more convenient and effectively promote the ‘mutual circulation’ of China and the rest of the world,” said Lin Yongsheng, director of the policy and regulation department of the National Administration for Immigration.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Waste-to-energy in Australia: how it works, where new incinerators could go, and how they stack up

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Abbas, Associate Dean (Research), University of Sydney

    Martin Mecnarowski, Shutterstock.

    Every year, Australia buries millions of tonnes of waste in landfills. But these sites are filling fast, recycling has its own limitations, and most waste export is banned. So councils and state governments are looking for alternatives.

    Several large-scale incinerators have been proposed, to turn municipal solid waste into electricity. One is already up and running in Perth’s outer suburbs.

    The A$1.5 billion Parkes Energy Recovery project planned for New South Wales would be Australia’s biggest. However, community backlash over potential health risks could put the plan in doubt.

    As chemical engineers, we recognise the potential benefits of this technology. Modern facilities operating around the world show these processes can be efficient, safe and environmentally controlled. However, minimal risk does not mean zero risk. Understanding both the benefits and challenges is crucial to address community concerns.

    What is waste-to-energy?

    Waste-to-energy, also known as energy-from-waste, can transform waste otherwise destined for landfill into electricity, heat or fuel.

    This does not replace recycling. Instead, it offers a solution for materials that are difficult or impossible to recycle. Care must be taken, however, to ensure waste-to-energy technologies complement rather than supplant recycling efforts.

    How does it work?

    There are three main types of waste-to-energy technologies:

    1. Thermal: use heat to generate steam, which spins turbines to create electricity. The heat can come from burning waste, producing carbon dioxide, water and ash. Alternatively, solid waste can be turned into gas (hydrogen and carbon monoxide). This process is known as gasification.

    2. Biological: use microorganisms to break down organic matter in the waste stream, producing biogas, mainly methane. This is then used for power or heat generation.

    3. Chemical: use processes such as pyrolysis or hydrothermal liquefaction to convert hard-to-recycle materials into fuels or chemicals. These can feed into industrial and manufacturing processes.

    What’s holding Australia back?

    When most Australians hear about making energy from waste, they think of
    old-fashioned incinerators. Those outdated facilities released smoke and toxins into the air.

    But modern incinerators use advanced air pollution control systems that capture harmful emissions.

    Some use static electricity to remove dust or smoke particles from the gas stream. Other pollution control systems include acid gas scrubbers, catalytic converters and fabric filters.

    This can cut emissions of fine particles by up to 99%.

    The volume of waste sent to landfill is also reduced by up to 90%. What remains includes incinerator bottom ash and fly ash. Often these can be reused in making concrete, pavement and other construction materials. But regulatory issues will need to be overcome before this can happen in Australia.

    Introducing the Parkes project

    The Parkes Energy Recovery project, announced in March, promises to process around 600,000 tonnes of waste a year. This should generate at least 60 megawatts of electricity – enough to power 80,000 homes.

    To receive development approval, the project must comply with stringent environmental and health standards. This includes preparing an Environmental Impact Statement and Human Health Risk Assessment. The NSW Environment Protection Authority may then issue an Environment Protection Licence. Such a licence requires ongoing monitoring and frequent audits.

    Extensive community consultation is underway.

    Other projects around Australia

    There are two waste-to-energy plants in Western Australia, one at Kwinana and another under construction at East Rockingham. A third plant has been given the go-ahead in Victoria, at Maryvale.

    Kwinana received its first delivery of waste in July 2024.

    Licences to build other major waste-to-energy facilities have been issued in Victoria. Various proposals are also being considered in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.

    Australia’s first standalone, large-scale waste-to-energy plant in WA | ABC News.

    Taking tips from overseas

    A shortage of landfill sites in cities across Europe and Asia originally promoted investment in waste-to-energy technology. These power plants are now commonplace in Germany, the Netherlands and Japan, substantially reducing reliance on landfill.

    The Amager Bakke plant in Copenhagen shows how such facilities can also enrich a community. This award-winning building doubles as a public recreation space, complete with a rooftop ski slope.

    In China, the proposed Shenzhen East Waste-to-Energy Plant could process 5,000 tonnes of waste a day. That works out to 1.8 million tonnes of waste a year, if run continuously.

    One of the world’s largest waste-to-energy plants is in Shenzhen, China (Dezeen)

    Waste-to-energy and the circular economy

    Waste-to-energy technology is useful in the transition to a circular economy. This is an economy where resources are continually cycled through the system and never wasted.

    Reusing, recycling and reducing waste must remain top priorities. Waste-to-energy technology should then be used as a last resort, extracting value from hard- or impossible-to-recycle materials.

    It’s certainly better than sending waste to landfill. When buried underground, waste can leach toxins into soil, ground and surface water. The potent greenhouse gas methane is also released when food rots in landfill.

    Over-reliance on waste-to-energy could supplant more sustainable circular recycling efforts. But incineration plants are being scaled back in Europe, as the focus shifts to reuse.

    Copenhagen’s power plant is also a ski slope (The Impossible Build)

    The case for waste-to-energy

    Despite its potential, waste-to-energy technology remains controversial in Australia. Some local communities remain concerned about emissions and potential long-term health risks. Environmental groups also question the potential effects on recycling rates.

    Nevertheless, growing awareness of the limitations of recycling, increasing landfill levies, bans on waste exports, and ambitious federal and state circular economy strategies are making waste-to-energy a more pragmatic option. Stringent regulation and community consultation will be necessary to get these projects off the ground.

    Responsible use of modern waste-to-energy technology can generate electricity and heat for homes with minimal emissions, and can extend benefits that serve local communities. It can also complement Australia’s renewable energy targets while taking a better approach to managing waste.

    Professor Ali Abbas is Associate Dean (Research) at the University of Sydney Faculty of Engineering. He is Australia’s Chief Circular Engineer (Circular Australia), and Founder and Executive Director Innovation at Scimita Group, a Deep Tech Innovation House working in sustainable technologies. He has previously advised government and industry on energy-from-waste and circular economy topics.

    Dominic Bui Viet is a Research Fellow at The University of Sydney in the Faculty of Engineering. He has previously received funding from a Cooperative Research Centre projects grant to conduct research into pyrolysis technologies for waste management.

    Eric Sanjaya is a Research Fellow at The University of Sydney, Faculty of Engineering. He has previously advised government and industry on energy-from-waste and circular economy topics

    – ref. Waste-to-energy in Australia: how it works, where new incinerators could go, and how they stack up – https://theconversation.com/waste-to-energy-in-australia-how-it-works-where-new-incinerators-could-go-and-how-they-stack-up-254395

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Transparent, Standardized, and Simplified Review Process for Solar PV Applications, while Keeping Ecological Considerations in Mind

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    On March 31, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) announced revisions to several key regulations and associated forms to uphold the public’s right to information, clarify approval standards for local governments, and protect residential living environments. These revised regulations include the Regulations on Registration of the Electricity Industry, Regulations on Registration of Power Generation Equipment for Self-Use, Regulations for the Installation and Management of Renewable Energy Generation Equipment, and the Guidelines for Landscape and Ecological Impact Review of Ground-Mounted Solar PV Installations. These updates aim to enhance communication and coordination with local communities by requiring developers to hold public briefings during the application process, standardizing consent forms and criteria for local governments, and mandating appropriate buffer distance between solar facilities and nearby residences to maintain quality of life.

    The MOEA further explained that, to ensure local communities are well-informed, it convened relevant central agencies, local governments, and industry associations to revise the Regulations on Registration of Electricity Industry. Under the amended rules, solar developers are required to conduct public briefings in the villages or neighborhoods where the highest concentration of solar panels, step-up substations, or energy storage facilities will be located, prior to submission of an establishment permit application. Developers must submit records and sign-in sheets to strengthen local participation and clarify project details.

    In addition, the MOEA has revised the Regulations on Registration of the Electricity Industry to provide consistent standards for local governments when approving solar power businesses. As part of these amendments, a standardized Checklist for Local Government Approval of Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation Businesses has been introduced, providing consistent criteria to enhance administrative efficiency across different jurisdictions.

    To protect the quality of residential environments, the MOEA has also updated the Guidelines for Landscape and Ecological Impact Review of Ground-Mounted Solar PV Installations, explicitly requiring an appropriate buffer distance between solar facilities and residential areas. In line with these changes, corresponding amendments have also been made to the Regulations on Registration of the Electricity Industry, Regulations on Registration of Power Generation Equipment for Self-Use, and Regulations for the Installation and Management of Renewable Energy Generation Equipment. These updates ensure that all types of installations must fully consider potential impacts on landscape and ecology, as a way of supporting inclusive and harmonious development.

    Lastly, the MOEA reaffirmed that these regulatory improvements are designed to foster harmony in local communities, as well as their co-existence, co-prosperity, and synergy with solar energy development, building a friendly environment and realizing a sustainable, win-win future for all stakeholders.

    Spokesperson
    Wu, Chih-Wei, Deputy Director General
    Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs
    Tel: (02) 2775-7750 / 0922-339-410
    Email: cwwu@moeaea.gov.tw

    Contact for Further Information
    Liao, Shih-Wei, Deputy Division Chief
    Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs
    Tel: 0920-091-081
    Email: swliau@moeaea.gov.tw

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: World’s largest car carrier built by China sets sail

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

    An aerial drone photo taken on May 15, 2025 shows the naming ceremony of the car carrier Anji Ansheng at Shanghai Haitong International Automotive Terminal in east China’s Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua]

    SHANGHAI, May 15 — Anji Ansheng, China’s domestically built ocean-going car carrier and the world’s largest such carrier in terms of capacity, set sail on its maiden voyage to Europe on Thursday evening, carrying approximately 7,000 China-made vehicles.

    The departure from Shanghai marks a milestone achievement, surpassing a record set just weeks earlier by BYD Shenzhen, which is a domestically built car carrier from the major Chinese automaker BYD. That vessel had previously held the title of the world’s largest car carrier in operation.

    “The fact that this record has been broken again in less than a month reflects the rapid rise of China’s mid-to-high-end manufacturing sector, and the resilience and vitality of the country’s foreign trade despite complex global conditions,” said Gao Yuning, deputy director of the School of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua University.

    Anji Ansheng measures 228 meters in length and 37.8 meters in width, with a maximum capacity of carrying 9,500 standard vehicles, said Zhuang Jingxiong, general manager of SAIC Anji Logistics Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of SAIC Motor Corporation Limited.

    The vessel integrates advanced energy-saving technologies and intelligent low-carbon systems, achieving world-class energy efficiency. It is also incorporated with a methanol-refueling design, laying the foundation for achieving carbon neutrality in the future.

    “China’s large-scale construction and delivery of vehicle carriers are propelling the country’s ocean-going auto transport capacity to new heights,” said Zheng Hehui, deputy general manager of China Merchants Industry Holdings, a subsidiary of the China Merchants Group.

    According to SAIC, the company had delivered over 5.5 million vehicles to international markets by the end of 2024, placing it among China’s top car exporters. SAIC’s annual overseas sales have surpassed 1 million units for three consecutive years.

    China’s automobile exports exceeded 6.4 million units in 2024, maintaining the top global position for a second consecutive year, according to the General Administration of Customs of China.

    Data from January to April 2025 shows that the country exported more than 1.93 million vehicles during the period, a year-on-year increase of 6 percent.

    Take the Shanghai Haitong International Automotive Terminal — from where Anji Ansheng set sail — as an example. Despite global trade uncertainties in the first four months this year, the port exported 740,000 vehicles during the period, a year-on-year increase of 25.1 percent.

    “This momentum reflects not only the rising competitiveness of Chinese brands but also the strong capabilities of China’s auto industry,” Cui Dongshu, secretary general of the China Passenger Car Association, said.

    China’s growing competitiveness was also evident at the recent 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, which attracted more than 12,000 overseas dealers.

    “China is doing a great job in terms of technology, and the cars are very reliable. People have confidence in Chinese cars. I think they see Chinese cars as offering a good balance between price and quality,” said Agustin Garcia, CEO of Spain’s Sarmovil Auto Group.

    SAIC’s Anji Logistics now operates one of the world’s leading vehicle shipping fleets. By 2026, its ocean-going fleet will grow to 22 vessels, with routes covering Western Europe, Mexico, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other key export destinations for Chinese automakers.

    “For automakers, owning a fleet ensures stable export operations, reduces transportation costs, and guarantees timely delivery of products to overseas customers,” said Xie Xiaowen, an expert from the China Communications and Transportation Association.

    MG cars produced by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC) are parked next to the car carrier Anji Ansheng to be shipped in east China’s Shanghai on May 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 15, 2025 shows the car carrier Anji Ansheng at Shanghai Haitong International Automotive Terminal in east China’s Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Cars are driven onto the car carrier Anji Ansheng at Shanghai Haitong International Automotive Terminal in east China’s Shanghai, May 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 15, 2025 shows the car carrier Anji Ansheng at Shanghai Haitong International Automotive Terminal in east China’s Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on May 15, 2025 shows the ceremony of the maiden voyage of the car carrier Anji Ansheng at Shanghai Haitong International Automotive Terminal in east China’s Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A panoramic aerial drone photo taken on May 15, 2025 shows the car carrier Anji Ansheng at Shanghai Haitong International Automotive Terminal in east China’s Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China always firm supporter for UN peacekeeping: defense minister

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

    Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun has expressed China’s support for the reform and transformation of United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations during a meeting in Berlin.

    Delivering a speech at the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 on Wednesday, Dong said China has always been a firm supporter and a constructive contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, noting that such missions have offered hope for peace to people suffering from the scourge of war.

    Highlighting China’s commitment to building a community with a shared future for mankind and to promoting universal security and common well-being, Dong said that China supports the reform and transformation of UN peacekeeping operations. He put forward a six-point proposal aimed at strengthening global peacekeeping efforts.

    China will work with various parties to act on the Global Security Initiative, and advocate the principles of solidarity, cooperation, and universal and mutual benefits in addressing security issues, Dong said.

    He stressed the necessity of unswerving support for the UN’s central role and its important function in maintaining world peace and security.

    China will step up its efforts in UN peacekeeping operations, Dong said, calling on all countries to offer firm support.

    In addition, Dong stressed that China will support the training of professional peacekeeping personnel, adding that China will host senior-level strategic seminars and more training courses to help participating countries enhance their operational capabilities.

    China will also optimize the composition and capabilities of the Chinese peacekeeping standby force, and advance continuous innovation in UN peacekeeping operations, facilitating the utilization of new technologies.

    During his visit, Dong also held talks with the secretary-general and the under-secretary-general of the UN, and defense leaders from countries including France, Germany, Italy, and Nepal. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China urges action to ensure Nakba becomes history through two-State solution

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

    China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Geng Shuang, on Thursday called for urgent steps to realize a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian question, stressing that only through the implementation of the two-State solution can the Nakba be consigned to history.

    “Seventy-seven years ago, more than half of the Palestinian people were expelled or fled from their homes during the Arab-Israeli war, and they have since embarked on the arduous journey of striving for their legitimate rights and interests. Today, 77 years later, the historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people has not only remained unaddressed, but has even worsened,” said Geng at a United Nations commemoration marking the 77th anniversary of the Nakba.

    Highlighting the devastating impact of the 19-month-long conflict in Gaza, Geng said more than 53,000 Palestinians had lost their lives and two million people now face “an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe” under an intensifying Israeli siege.

    The continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank and rising settler violence are “relentlessly squeezing the space for the Palestinian people and eroding the basis of the two-State solution,” he said.

    “The question of Palestine, at the core of the Middle East issue, bears on the peace, stability, and long-term security of the region. The implementation of the two-State solution is the only viable way to resolve the question,” said Geng. “The imperative now is to immediately realize a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and alleviate the humanitarian disaster.”

    He urged Israel to comply with UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, respect the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures and advisory opinion, and “immediately cease all military attacks and violations of international law, especially international humanitarian law, lift the blockade of Gaza, stop settlement activities in the West Bank, and curb settler violence.”

    “A major power with significant influence over the party concerned should uphold an impartial and objective position, and take tangible actions to calm the fighting in Gaza and ease tensions in West Bank,” he said.

    Reaffirming China’s long-standing position, Geng reiterated the country’s support for an independent State of Palestinian “based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital,” as well as Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations.

    He also expressed support for the Gaza recovery and reconstruction plan jointly launched by Egypt and other Arab countries, and the high-level conference on the two-State solution to be held by France and Saudi Arabia in June, “which will give new impetus to its implementation.”

    “China will continue to work tirelessly with all peace-loving countries to promote the implementation of the two-State solution and to realize a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the question of Palestine at an early date, so that the Nakba day will forever remain in the past,” Geng said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China slams US abuse of export restrictions on Huawei chips

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

    China’s commerce ministry on Thursday condemned the U.S. for abusing export control measures targeting Chinese tech giant Huawei’s Ascend chips, pledging to take resolute measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

    “The United States has abused its export control measures and imposed stricter restrictions on Chinese chip products under unfounded allegations,” said spokesperson He Yongqian in response to recent U.S. announcement that using Huawei’s Ascend chips anywhere in the world violates U.S. export controls.

    She said the announcement is a typical non-market and unilateral bullying practice, which fully exposes the unilateralist and protectionist nature of the United States.

    The U.S. move has severely undermined Chinese companies’ legitimate rights, threatened the stability of global semiconductor supply chains, violated market rules and disrupted international trade order, He told the media.

    The restrictions would also jeopardize the long-term, mutually beneficial and sustainable cooperation between Chinese and U.S. firms, she said, urging the United States to immediately correct its wrongdoings and vowing to take resolute steps to protect the rights and interests of Chinese firms. 

    MIL OSI China News –