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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Ricketts, colleagues introduce bill to counter the People’s Republic of China’s strategic placement of military bases around the world

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) introduced the Combating PRC Overseas and Unlawful Networked Threats through Enhanced Resilience (COUNTER) Act to combat the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) attempts to strengthen its global reach by expanding its overseas basing efforts. The COUNTER Act is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.).
    “China is using the placement of new military bases in strategically important countries around the world to expand their military and economic power,” said Senator Coons. “A successful long-term plan to deal with our global pacing threat in Beijing must include a comprehensive approach to stop China from gaining more military footholds by working with our partners and allies across the globe. The bipartisan COUNTER Act will push our government to come up with the tailored solutions we need to face this growing challenge.”
    “Communist China’s growing military footprint across the world poses a serious threat. We cannot afford to be reactionary to Xi Jinping’s military expansion and his desire to project power globally. The COUNTER Act will ensure that we have the urgency, strategy, and coordination necessary to potentially mitigate the next overseas PLA military base from developing,” said Senator Ricketts.
    “China is rapidly expanding its global footprint, and we need to do more to address the threat this poses to our national security and the security of our allies,” said Senator Kaine. “This bipartisan legislation would help ensure that the U.S. government has a comprehensive strategy to counter China’s establishment of new military bases around the world.”
    “The Chinese Communist Party is aggressively working to undermine the United States and spread its authoritarian influence to strategic countries by building military bases and undermining national security and global stability,” said Senator Cornyn. “The COUNTER Act would enhance our understanding of their devious plans and sharpen our efforts to thwart future CCP footholds, and I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to push back against their hostile actions.”
    The PRC has significantly increased its efforts in recent years to establish an overseas network of military and transportation bases, which would allow the People’s Liberation Army to project and expand military power. The COUNTER Act would begin to mitigate the threat this poses to the United States and our allies by requiring a comprehensive intelligence assessment of the PRC’s global basing activities, as well as a strategy from the State Department and the Department of Defense to address them. The legislation would also create an interagency task force to implement the strategy and identify proactive measures to counteract both current and future Chinese attempts to add military bases in strategic countries.
    Specifically, the COUNTER Act would: 
    Require an assessment from the Director of National Intelligence analyzing the risk of PRC global basing to the U.S and allied power projection and freedom of movement
    Require a strategy from the State Department and the Department of Defense identifying current or future PRC basing locations
    a comprehensive list of U.S. government activity aimed at addressing PRC global basing in each location
    an identification of resource or personnel constraints limiting the U.S. response
    an identification of the most effective practices to persuade foreign governments to terminate plans for hosting a PRC base in their territory

    Establish an interagency task force to counter the PRC’s global basing expansion and prevent new locations
    Require a report every four years on updates to PRC basing intentions and subsequent updates to U.S. strategy
    Senator Coons is the Ranking Member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Senator Ricketts is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
    A one-pager on the bill is available here. 
    The text of the bill is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tariff baiting will not be able to stop China’s intensive development – Consul General of the PRC in Khabarovsk Jiang Xiaoyang

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Vladivostok, May 15 (Xinhua) — Tariff baiting will not be able to stop China’s intensive development, and the US attempts to change fundamental trends in the Chinese economy and undermine China’s development through extreme pressure and tariff blackmail are doomed to failure, said Jiang Xiaoyang, China’s Consul General in Khabarovsk.

    “Recently, the US government, ignoring widespread opposition both at home and abroad, has been increasingly wielding the tariff baton on the world stage, primarily targeting China. China has clearly demonstrated its determination to resist and its willingness to stand firm. As the world’s second-largest economy and second-largest consumer market, China has a solid economic foundation, obvious advantages, and huge development potential,” Jiang Xiaoyang wrote in an article published in the Pacific Star on May 13.

    The Chinese diplomat is convinced that the stability of the political course serves as a reliable support for China in countering the trade war imposed by the United States. By adhering to the principles of “protecting international norms and steadily promoting openness,” China demonstrates the strategic determination and responsibility of a great power. “We have long predicted a new round of pressure from the United States. A series of emergency measures have already demonstrated their effectiveness, and we still have enough room to adjust political instruments,” Jiang Xiaoyang points out.

    China’s robust foreign trade has a strong ability to withstand risks, he continued. In 2024, China’s total import and export volume reached 43.85 trillion yuan (about 6.16 trillion US dollars), setting another historical record. In terms of trade turnover, China has ranked first in the world for the seventh consecutive year. China has more than 230 countries and regions as trading partners, with China becoming the main trading partner for more than 150 of them. Having signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions, China is actively building a global network of high-standard free trade zones. In addition, in recent years, China has consistently implemented the strategy of diversifying import and export markets. Last year, the share of trade with countries that joined the Belt and Road Initiative in China’s total foreign trade exceeded 50 percent.

    A large domestic market provides a reliable backbone for the Chinese economy in withstanding external shocks. Chinese President Xi Jinping noted: “The Chinese economy is an ocean, not a small pond.” The super-large market with a population of over 1.4 billion people has tremendous development stability, powerful potential, and ample room for strategic maneuver. In recent years, China has accelerated the formation of a new “dual circulation” model, which has contributed to the steady strengthening of the domestic demand base. In 2024, the total retail sales of consumer goods in the country reached 48.8 trillion yuan (about 6.85 trillion US dollars), an increase of 3.5 percent year on year. The consumer market shows a tendency to expand in scale, optimize the structure, and actively develop new forms of consumption.

    Jiang Xiaoyang emphasizes that the complete industrial system is a powerful pillar of China’s economic development. China has the most comprehensive and large-scale industrial system in the world, covering all UN industrial categories and almost all major industrial products. The country is able to ensure a stable supply of various types of industrial products with high efficiency and low cost. China ranks first in the world in terms of production volumes of more than 40 percent of the 500 major industrial products of global significance. China has already formed complete production and supply chains in sectors such as new energy vehicles and electronic information.

    The diplomat points out that scientific and technological innovation is a key driving force behind the high-quality development of the Chinese economy. In recent years, China has been consistently building industrial industries of the future and making breakthroughs in key technologies. New achievements are constantly being reported in the field of scientific and technological innovation, and new industries of strategic importance are rapidly developing. Last year, Chinese enterprises made new breakthroughs in many fields, including artificial intelligence, aerospace, integrated circuits, big data, and 5G. The added value of large and medium-sized high-tech manufacturing increased by 8.9 percent, and the added value share of key industries of the digital economy in GDP reached 10 percent.

    China has consistently followed the path of peaceful development and adhered to the strategy of opening up based on mutual benefit and win-win. Today’s China has both a strong will to safeguard its core interests and a broad outlook on deepening reform and opening up.

    According to Jiang Xiaoyang, China and Russia are good neighbors, sincere friends and reliable partners. Mature, solid and stable Sino-Russian relations are not affected by temporary factors, and remain an unchangeable element in a changing and turbulent world. The development of cooperation between China and Russia relies on such advantages as strong political trust, perfect interaction mechanisms, deep popular support and broad development prospects.

    “We are willing to further deepen all-round cooperation with the Russian side, expand mutual openness, share innovative achievements, and promote the security, stability, and smoothness of global industrial and supply chains through high-level Chinese-Russian cooperation, so as to jointly advance the building of a more beautiful world,” Jiang Xiaoyang concludes the article. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Trade de-escalation between China and the US is positive news for global trade — Russian Foreign Ministry

    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 15 /Xinhua/ — Trade de-escalation between China and the United States is positive news for global trade, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

    Recently, China and the United States held high-level trade and economic talks in Geneva, Switzerland, and issued a joint statement. The talks reached an important consensus on significantly reducing bilateral tariff levels. Both sides reached a number of agreements, which were reflected in the joint statement.

    “The trade de-escalation between China and the US is positive news for global trade,” said M. Zakharova, answering questions at a briefing. “This step largely reduces the fears that have grown in recent months about a global economic recession due to the reduction in the volume of international trade in goods, including due to the sharp increase in mutual tariffs.”

    According to M. Zakharova, a positive effect is already noticeable in the form of stabilization of global financial markets and restoration of supply chains of products that were hit hardest by the “tariff tornado.”

    The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry added that the agreements reached by China and the United States on the creation of a mechanism for economic and trade consultations could in the future serve as a basis for developing balanced decisions in the trade and economic sphere that would take into account the interests of the two countries.

    “Such a dialogue, built on the principles of pragmatism and, of course, mutual respect, is capable of setting constructive parameters for the further development of bilateral relations in this area,” concluded M. Zakharova. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In Kyrgyzstan, the growth of prices and tariffs since the beginning of the year amounted to 2.2 percent.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BISHKEK, May 15 (Xinhua) — In January-April 2025, the growth of consumer prices and tariffs in Kyrgyzstan compared to December 2024 amounted to 2.2 percent, the country’s National Statistical Committee reported on Thursday.

    At the same time, prices for food products and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 3.9%, for alcoholic beverages and tobacco products by 2.3%, tariffs for services provided to the population by 1.1%, while prices for non-food products, on the contrary, decreased by 0.3%.

    An increase in consumer prices and tariffs in January-April of this year compared to December of the previous year was observed in all regions of the republic.

    As noted, in April of this year, compared to the previous month, the growth of consumer prices and tariffs in the country amounted to 0.4 percent. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Huizenga, Foster, Moolenaar, and Krishnamoorthi Introduce the Chip Security Act to Detect and Prevent Illegal AI Chip Smuggling

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

    Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL), Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party John Moolenaar (R-MI), Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford (R-AR), House Intelligence Committee Member Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), House Intelligence Committee Member Darin LaHood (R-IL), and House Foreign Affairs Committee Member Ted Lieu (D-CA), introduced the Chip Security Act.

    The Chip Security Act would require advanced chip manufacturers to implement technical security measures to detect and prevent smuggling to unauthorized countries and end-users. This legislation responds to ongoing reports of AI chips being smuggled into China, where they are used to power state-controlled AI projects. Despite export controls, smuggling networks and front companies continue to move U.S.-made chips into restricted countries.

    “American innovation and AI computing technology has the potential to change everything from how we complete daily tasks to unlocking the next era of scientific breakthroughs” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “In order for the United States to maintain our technological advantage, we must employ safeguards to help ensure these advanced AI chips are not being shipped to bad actors who would use them for nefarious purposes. The Chips Security Act is a bipartisan solution that strengthens our ability to protect American interests as well as our technological advances.”

    “As Congress’ chip designer, AI programmer, and PhD physicist, I know that we have the technical tools to prevent powerful AI technology from getting into the wrong hands. With advanced AI chips being smuggled into China and posing a national security risk, Congress must act,” said Congressman Bill Foster. “I’m proud to lead the effort on this bipartisan legislation, which is an important step in protecting our exports and ensuring that U.S. technology is not used to undermine democracy and global stability.”

    “For too long, the Chinese Communist Party has exploited weaknesses in our export control enforcement system—using shell companies and smuggling networks to divert sensitive U.S. technology, fuel the PLA’s military advancement, and extend its surveillance capabilities to further its repression,” said Congressman John Moolenaar, Chairman of the China Select Committee. That puts our national security and our leadership in artificial intelligence at risk. This bipartisan bill closes those gaps with real safeguards to keep our most advanced chips out of the wrong hands. I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and we’re committed to getting this legislation across the finish line and signed into law.”

    “This bipartisan legislation will help ensure our most advanced technologies don’t end up in the wrong hands,” said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ranking Member of the China Select Committee. “I’m proud to join my colleagues, including Congressman Foster—whose deep expertise and leadership on science and national security issues continue to strengthen our country—in introducing this commonsense measure.”

    The bill would require:

    • Location Verification: High-end AI chips must have the ability to identify their location before they are exported.
    • Mandatory Reporting: Companies exporting these products must report any credible information about the diversion of the product, including if the location has changed.
    • Additional Technical Requirements: Requires the Secretary of Commerce to assess second-level security mechanisms to prevent misuse or diversion of these chips.
    • Enforcement: Provides the Secretary of Commerce enforcement capabilities to verify that the exported chips have not been diverted.

    This issue was highlighted in the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party’s recent report on DeepSeek.

    The Chip Security Act legislative text is available here. Companion legislation to the Chip Security Act has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Newhouse, Republican Colleagues Issue Joint Statement on Clean Energy Tax Credits

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

    Headline: Newhouse, Republican Colleagues Issue Joint Statement on Clean Energy Tax Credits

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) joined Reps. Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Mark Amodei (NV-02), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Gabe Evans (CO-08), Dave Joyce (OH-14), Nick LaLota (NY-01), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Young Kim (CA-40), Don Bacon (NE-02), and David Valadao (CA-22) in issuing a joint statement regarding the clean energy tax provisions in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

    “We commend the Ways and Means Committee for including reasonable phase-out schedules for certain clean energy tax credits. While many of these provisions reflect a commitment to American energy dominance through an all-of-the-above energy strategy, we must ensure certainty for current and future energy investments to meet the nation’s growing power demand and protect our constituents from higher energy costs. 

    To fully realize the intent of these phase-out schedules, we ask House leadership to consider three thoughtful changes to the energy tax credits section. 

    First, the Foreign Entity of Concern provisions are overly prescriptive and risk undermining U.S. competitiveness—particularly against China—by restricting domestic energy production. These provisions should be revised to allow companies additional time to reorganize their supply chains, ensuring a strategic and successful transition.  

    Second, the current “placed in service” standard does not align with the Committee’s thoughtful phase-out schedule. Replacing it with a “start construction” standard is essential to supporting the energy development needed to meet the growing power demand and protect thousands of high-quality American jobs in communities across the country.  

    Finally, the transferability of energy tax credits should remain available throughout the entire phase-out period established by the Committee, providing businesses with the flexibility necessary to make long-term investments in American energy. 

    We appreciate the Ways and Means Committee putting America first by investing in American energy dominance, but the last thing any of us want is to provoke an energy crisis or cause higher energy bills for working families. We urge the Committee to consider these important changes in this critical part of our One Big Beautiful Bill.” 

    This was first reported today as an exclusive by POLITICO.  

    ###  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Not every US president gets a free private jet, but the Gulf states have boosted US economic dominance for decades

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Adam Hanieh, Professor of Political Economy and Global Development, Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, University of Exeter

    After signing a US$142 billion (£107 billion) arms deal with Saudi Arabia, Donald Trump said the US bond with that country was “more powerful than ever”. He was also reportedly quite pleased with the gift of a private jet from Qatar.

    But these arrangements are just the latest developments in a long history of the Gulf monarchies supporting the architecture of American global power. And while the six Gulf states (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman) have recently started redirecting their energy and trade ties eastward, especially towards China, they remain deeply embedded in the US-led financial order.

    As I explore in my recent book, Crude Capitalism, the Gulf states were instrumental in the rise of American global economic dominance.

    With oil emerging as the dominant fossil fuel through the second half of the 20th century, the Gulf’s nationalised petroleum industries generated vast amounts of income. Much of this was invested back into the US financial markets, particularly treasury bonds (essentially a long-term loan to the US government). This gave the US access to cheap foreign capital and reinforced the global dominance of the dollar.

    Put simply, the Gulf states were not peripheral to the US’s growing financial power – they were an essential contributor.

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

    This arrangement also involved a political bargain: US military protection for the Gulf monarchies in exchange for investment flows and energy stability. The result was a web of US military bases across the region and a deep alignment between authoritarian Gulf regimes and western strategic interests.

    But much has changed in the past two decades. China’s rise as a global manufacturing hub has driven a huge increase in oil consumption, shifting the direction of the Gulf’s oil exports away from the US and western Europe towards China and east Asia.

    These energy ties have been accompanied by much deeper trade interdependence and a huge increase in Chinese investments in the Gulf. In 2005, China was responsible for just 9% of the Gulf’s imports. Today, that figure is over 20%, while the US and EU’s share has fallen from 45% to 16%. China has also recently overtaken the US as the largest foreign investor in Saudi Arabia.

    From Beijing’s perspective, the Gulf is a critical energy lifeline. From the Gulf’s side, China’s continuing demand for oil, gas and petrochemicals is a vital part of its economic future.

    For the moment, that economic situation looks pretty robust. In 2024, Gulf countries held around US$800 billion in foreign reserves (foreign currencies and other assets), which is more than India or Switzerland. Their sovereign wealth funds (a state owned investment fund) manage another US$4.9 trillion of assets.

    Private wealth, including that held by ruling families, stood at US$2.8 trillion in 2022, and is expected to reach US$3.5 trillion by 2027.

    Much of this money is invested domestically, in sectors including infrastructure, real estate and renewable energy. But an astonishing amount flows directly into US markets.

    Oil be back

    According to US Treasury data, total Gulf holdings of American securities (bonds, stocks and corporate debt) rose from US$611 billion in 2017 to over US$1 trillion in 2024. Outside of Canada and financial hubs like London and Ireland, the Gulf is now the largest foreign investor in the US stock market.

    Another route through which Gulf wealth flows back into the US is via military procurement. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the Gulf states accounted for 22% of all global arms imports between 2019 and 2023 – more than any other region in the world.

    Riyadh, money to build.
    Kashif Hameed/Shutterstock

    The US supplies the overwhelming majority of these weapons. In this way, Gulf spending supports the American military industry, and in return, these states become more closely tied to the US military’s umbrella.

    These deep military, financial and strategic ties help explain the real focus of Trump’s visit to the Gulf. Much of the discussion will have centred on massive investment pledges made by Gulf states to the US – including Saudi Arabia’s promise to invest up to US$600 billion, and the UAE’s commitment to a US$1.4 trillion investment over ten years.

    And such pledges reflect a broader agenda which involves expanding deals in artificial intelligence, critical minerals, energy infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.

    So Trump travelling to the region is not just about private jets and spectacle. It is about the continuing relevance of a structural relationship essential to American power, and a deepening financial integration between the Gulf and the US.

    For even as the Gulf reorients its energy flows eastward, it remains deeply tied to US finance, the US military industry and US assets. In an era of weakening US global power – and the possible spectre of a deeper clash with China – this is what will define Trump’s visit.

    Adam Hanieh does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Not every US president gets a free private jet, but the Gulf states have boosted US economic dominance for decades – https://theconversation.com/not-every-us-president-gets-a-free-private-jet-but-the-gulf-states-have-boosted-us-economic-dominance-for-decades-256655

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Philippine elections leaves the Marcos-Duterte family feud still dominating politics

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By John Sidel, Professor of International and Comparative Politics, London School of Economics and Political Science

    With 317 congressional seats and nearly 18,000 local positions at stake, the May 12 midterm election results in the Philippines mean different things to people across the archipelago. But even a few hours after the unofficial results came in, the brute facts had already become clear.

    Local elections for municipal and city mayorships, provincial governorships and congressional seats predictably produced victories for entrenched local “dynasties”. The advantages of incumbency – control over the patronage resources and regulatory powers of the state – ensured reelection for many sitting mayors, governors and congress members.

    Midterm elections in the Philippines also include half of the seats in the nationally elected 24-member Senate. They thus serve simultaneously as tests for presidents halfway through their single six-year terms and previews of the next presidential election, in this case in 2028.

    The latest mid-terms have been notable for their – ultimately ambiguous – implications for a major family feud at the top of the country’s politics. This feud pits the family of current president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. against that of his vice-president, Sara Duterte.

    The elections have failed to strengthen either family decisively, so their bitter rivalry is likely to continue throughout the remainder of Marcos’s term.

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    This family feud dates back to late 2021. At that time, Duterte agreed to run as Marcos’s running mate for presidential elections the following year despite her clear lead in nationwide voter preference surveys.

    The Marcos-Duterte ticket won a landslide victory. They benefited from the endorsement and assistance of the incumbent president, Rodrigo Duterte, whose enduring popularity extended to his daughter Sara.

    But following Marcos’s inauguration in late June 2022, a rift between the two families began to open up. Marcos settled into his presidential role and began to distance himself from the signature policies of his predecessor.

    Instead of cultivating close ties with China, Marcos strengthened relations with the US. And instead of continuing Duterte’s so-called “war on drugs”, Marcos publicly spotlighted corruption in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

    By 2024, Marcos began to signal his government’s willingness to cooperate with the International Criminal Court in its investigation of Duterte’s role in the thousands of extrajudicial killings undertaken in the war on drugs. Then, in March 2025, Duterte was arrested and transferred to The Hague. He is due to stand trial in the coming months.



    Read more:
    Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte arrested for crimes against humanity – a blow against impunity

    Relations between the president and his vice-president have also broken down. Sara Duterte resigned from her cabinet post in 2024 amid corruption allegations, with subsequent months seeing escalating public hostilities between Marcos and herself. These included claims of death threats and assassination plots.

    The House of Representatives voted by a clear majority to impeach Duterte in February 2025, setting the stage for a Senate trial later in the year. Against this backdrop, the midterms served as a kind of pre-trial proxy war between the two families.

    The Dutertes fielded ten candidates for Senate, the so-called “Duterten”. They also endorsed two of the 12 candidates in the Marcos-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas (Alliance for a New Philippines). The campaign was dominated by mudslinging between the two camps in the media and on social media. And the final results have proved decidedly mixed.

    On the one hand, pro-Duterte voters came out in a show of force to support candidates in the slate backed by the former president. This was foreshadowed by Marcos’s declining popularity following the arrest of his predecessor and the impeachment of his vice-president.

    Longtime Duterte lieutenant, Christopher “Bong” Go, won reelection and the most votes of all candidates. Duterte’s former police chief, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, also secured another term with a third-place showing.

    The sixth-placed winner was Rodante Marcoleta, another Duterte-backed candidate. He is a television broadcaster and member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, an independent church whose nearly 3 million members have long been viewed as a single solid voting bloc.

    Two Alyansa candidates, Imee Marcos, the president’s estranged sister, and Camille Villar, daughter of wealthy real-estate mogul and former senator Manuel “Manny” Villar, also won seats with the explicit blessings of the Dutertes.

    On the other hand, the Marcos camp won more seats and some added strength in its battle with the Dutertes for control of the Senate ahead of Sara Duterte’s trial. Erwin Tulfo, a popular television news anchor and Marcos’s former secretary of social welfare and development, won the fourth-place seat.

    He was accompanied by four former senators also affiliated with Alyansa. These included ex-PNP chief Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, longtime television personality Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Pia Cayetano with her base in wealthy Taguig City, and former action film star Lito Lapid.

    But, overall, the mid-terms do not seem to have improved the prospects for the successful conviction of Sara Duterte. Alongside the winning Alyansa candidates, voters also returned two prominent opposition candidates, Paolo “Bam” Aquino and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, to the Senate. They oppose both the Marcos administration and the Duterte camp.

    At the same time, there are questions about the allegiances of several of the 12 senators already seated. This adds an additional challenge in the search for the 16 senators required to secure impeachment.

    Duterte – and her father, just reelected as Davao’s mayor while awaiting trial in The Hague – also still enjoy support among many voters, especially in their southern home base in Mindanao.

    The 24 elected members of the Senate are sensitive to public opinion and their own reelection prospects in 2028 and beyond. So, many of them will probably choose to hedge their bets and see where the winds are blowing as the trial unfolds.

    The family feud dominating the national political scene looks set to remain unresolved over the months and years ahead.

    John Sidel does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Philippine elections leaves the Marcos-Duterte family feud still dominating politics – https://theconversation.com/philippine-elections-leaves-the-marcos-duterte-family-feud-still-dominating-politics-256383

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China slams US for abusing export controls on Huawei chips

    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 15 (Xinhua) — China’s Ministry of Commerce on Thursday condemned the United States for abusing export controls on Ascend chips developed by Chinese tech company Huawei, vowing to take strong measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

    “The US has abused its export controls and imposed stricter restrictions on Chinese chip products based on baseless allegations,” said Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian, commenting on a recent US claim that the use of Huawei’s Ascend chips anywhere in the world violates US export controls.

    She further noted that the US actions seriously violate the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, seriously threaten the stability of the chip industrial chain and supply chain, and seriously undermine market rules and the international trade and economic order.

    The restrictions will also not be conducive to the long-term, mutually beneficial and sustainable cooperation between the two countries’ companies for their further development, she said, demanding that the US immediately correct its wrongdoings, promising to take decisive steps to protect the rights and interests of Chinese companies. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi congratulates president of Togo on assuming office

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

    BEIJING, May 15 — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday extended congratulations to Jean-Lucien Savi de Tove on assuming the presidency of Togo.

    Also on Wednesday, Xi sent a congratulatory message to Faure Gnassingbe on his assuming office as the president of Togo’s Council of Ministers.

    Xi said that friendly relations between China and Togo have been jointly established and carefully nurtured by the generations of leaders of both countries.

    Over half a century, the two sides have always adhered to sincerity, friendship, equality, mutual trust and win-win cooperation, he said.

    He also noted that the two countries have always firmly supported each other on matters of their core interests and major concerns, and have become a model of equality among nations, regardless of size, as well as unity and cooperation in the Global South.

    During the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing, China and Togo have elevated bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral ties, he said.

    Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Togo relations and is willing to work with Togo’s leaders to take the implementation of the FOCAC Beijing Summit outcomes as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship, expand cooperation in various fields, and continuously enrich the connotation of the comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to better benefit the people of both countries.

    Also on Wednesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang sent a congratulatory message to Faure Gnassingbe on his assuming office as the president of Togo’s Council of Ministers.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China-Singapore Joint Maritime Exercise Promotes Cooperation, Enhances Joint Capabilities: Chinese Defense Ministry

    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 15 (Xinhua) — The ongoing joint maritime exercise between China and Singapore is of great significance to further deepening practical cooperation and enhancing joint maritime capabilities, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin said Thursday.

    The exercise, dubbed China-Singapore Cooperation 2025, runs from May 9 to 16 at Singapore’s Changi Naval Base and in the waters and airspace east of Singapore.

    Under the joint command and planning of the two sides, the tasks of firing at sea targets from naval artillery, replenishing supplies at sea, joint search and rescue and other operations were practiced, Jiang Bin said.

    He added that the exercises allowed testing the ability of the participating forces to carry out military-tactical command coordination and joint actions.

    The exercises, the fourth in a row, also included seminars, ship visits, and cultural and sports events. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China International Fair for Trade in Services to be held in Beijing in September

    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 15 (Xinhua) — The 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services will open in Beijing on Sept. 10, Zhao Qizhou, an official with the Beijing Bureau of Commerce, announced at a press conference on Thursday.

    Starting this year, the fair will be held annually on the second Wednesday of September, he added.

    The upcoming fair will be held in the 3 square kilometer Shougang Park, the venue for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

    The fair’s honorary guest country will be Australia. The event will last only five days – the first three days are for professional visitors, and the last two – for the general public.

    The fair is organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the People’s Government of Beijing. The event covers sectors such as finance, culture, tourism, education, sports, supply chain and medical services.

    The China International Fair for Trade in Services, which was first held in 2012, brings together enterprises from all over the world.

    Last year, it was attended by representatives of more than 450 Fortune 500 companies, other leading global companies, representatives of 85 countries and international organizations. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Beijing and Minsk connected by regular freight service as part of China-Europe railway transportation

    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 15 (Xinhua) — A train carrying 55 containers departed from Beijing for Minsk on Thursday morning, marking the opening of regular rail service between the capitals of China and Belarus.

    The train carries 293 tons of auto parts and other goods manufactured in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region from Beijing to Minsk

    The train will cross the Chinese-Mongolian border at the Ereenhot checkpoint and reach its destination in 15 days.

    The launch of the new Beijing-Minsk flight is expected to facilitate the entry of large Chinese-made goods into the global market and enhance their influence in the international market. At the same time, it will also contribute to ensuring smooth trade in the Belt and Road countries and promoting their economic prosperity. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The world’s largest ro-ro vessel was delivered to a customer in China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    SHANGHAI, May 15 (Xinhua) — The world’s largest ro-ro vessel Anji Ansheng was delivered to its customer in Shanghai on Thursday.

    The vessel, which can carry up to 9,500 cars, was built by SAIC Anji Logistics Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of SAIC Motor Corporation Limited. The giant car carrier features high load-carrying capacity and high energy efficiency.

    Later on Thursday evening, the Anji Ansheng, loaded with more than 7,000 SAIC MG passenger cars and other new energy vehicles (NEVs), will set off for Europe. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China urges US to suspend Section 232 tariffs

    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 15 (Xinhua) — China has called on the United States to suspend its tariff measures imposed as a result of the Article 232 investigation as soon as possible, He Yongqian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, said Thursday.

    Speaking at a press conference, He Yongqian noted that the US’s Section 232 tariff measures on imported automobiles, steel and aluminum, as well as its Section 232 investigation into imported pharmaceuticals, are typical manifestations of unilateralism and protectionism.

    Such actions not only harm the rights and interests of other countries and undermine the rules-based multilateral trading system, but also do not benefit the US’s own industry, the spokeswoman for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said.

    China calls on the US to end the Article 232 tariff measures as soon as possible and properly address the concerns of all parties concerned through equal dialogue, He Yongqian concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: V. Zelensky arrived in Turkey, while V. Putin decided not to participate in peace talks in Istanbul

    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

    ANKARA, May 15 (Xinhua) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived here on Thursday to meet his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan amid renewed diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine.

    His visit to Turkey follows calls from Russian President Vladimir Putin to resume stalled peace talks in Istanbul.

    V. Zelensky stated that he is ready to take part in direct peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, but only on the condition that V. Putin also takes part in them.

    “I am waiting for who will arrive from Russia, and then I will determine what steps Ukraine should take. The signals from them in the media are not convincing yet,” V. Zelensky said late on Wednesday.

    However, the Kremlin announced that Putin would not join the Russian delegation at the talks in Istanbul on Thursday, and Russia would be represented by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky.

    Speaking at an informal NATO meeting in Antalya, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said: “The talks that will take place in Istanbul will probably allow us to open a new page.”

    The last direct talks between Ukraine and Russia took place in Istanbul in March 2022, but the parties failed to agree on a cessation of hostilities. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping congratulates Togolese President on taking office

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 15 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday congratulated Jean-Lucien Savy de Tove on his assumption of office as president of Togo.

    Also on Wednesday, the Chinese leader sent a congratulatory message to Faure Gnassingbe on his assumption of office as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Togo.

    Xi Jinping noted that the friendly relations between China and Togo were jointly established and carefully nurtured by generations of leaders from both countries.

    For more than half a century, both sides have always adhered to sincerity, friendship, equality, mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation, the message said.

    Xi also noted that the two countries have always firmly supported each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, and have become a model of equality among countries regardless of size, as well as a model of unity and cooperation among countries in the Global South.

    At the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FCAC) summit held in Beijing, China and Togo elevated their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral ties, Xi noted.

    He stated that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Togolese relations and expressed his readiness to work with the leaders of Togo to use the implementation of the results of the Beijing FCAS Summit as an opportunity to promote traditional friendship, expand cooperation in various fields and continuously enrich the content of the comprehensive strategic partnership for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.

    Also on Wednesday, Chinese State Council Premier Li Qiang sent a congratulatory message to F. Gnassingbe on his assumption of office as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Togo. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Taobao in Russian launched in Kazakhstan

    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 15 (Xinhua) — Major Chinese online trading platform Taobao, which topped the ranking of the most downloaded mobile apps in 16 foreign countries, has taken another step in expanding its business overseas. As it became known to the Xinhua news agency correspondent on Thursday, the Taobao platform has already started operating in Kazakhstan, allowing consumers to receive information about goods and their prices in Russian, as well as pay for purchases in the national currency without resorting to online translators.

    In recent years, the fast-growing Central Asian e-commerce market has attracted increasing interest from global e-commerce merchants. For many Chinese companies looking to enter the Central Asian market, Kazakhstan is the first port of call.

    This is the first time that Taobao has launched a multilingual app in a non-English speaking country. Using a more iconic language improves the consumer experience and increases the desire to make a purchase, as confirmed by the first week of Taobao’s Russian language operation in Kazakhstan. According to Taobao’s Kazakhstan division, over 70 percent of its new users who made their first order were native Russian speakers.

    “For a long time, the bulk of our overseas customers were members of the Chinese diaspora and students from China. But since last year, we have noticed that Taobao has become popular with a large number of local consumers as well,” the division said, emphasizing that improving the consumer experience for this category of customers will be one of the key areas of work this year.

    In addition to the Russian-language app, the company also introduced free delivery for orders over 99 yuan and returns to the place of residence for the first time in Kazakhstan. Thus, a resident of Almaty who bought a Chinese-made down jacket on Taobao can expect the order to be delivered within 10 days and, if something is not right, can return it to a nearby pick-up point. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: China to drive global ethylene capacity additions through 2030, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    China to drive global ethylene capacity additions through 2030, says GlobalData

    Posted in Oil & Gas

    China is set to drive the global ethylene capacity additions, occupying a share of more than 36% by 2030, as both demand and supply of ethylene are expected to grow in the country, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report “Ethylene Market Analysis and Forecast by Products, Capacity Additions, Top Countries and Active and Upcoming Projects to 2030,” reveals that the total ethylene capacity of under-construction and pre-construction projects in China is expected to be around 33.30 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) by 2030.

    Nivedita Roy, Oil and Gas Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The high-capacity addition of ethylene in China can be attributed to several factors, including the significant investments in petrochemical infrastructure and robust economic growth. The country’s expanding middle class and industrial development are major demand drivers of ethylene-based products that range from consumer goods to construction materials.”

    To meet the growing demand for ethylene, China is planning to expand its production capacity. As a result, the ethylene supply in the country is projected to rise from 36.66 mtpa in 2024 to 51.80 mtpa in 2030.

    In China, the major ethylene capacity addition is expected from the “Shandong Yulong Petrochemical Longkou Ethylene Plant 3”, boasting a capacity of 5.20 mtpa. Located in Longkou city, the plant is expected to become operational by 2030. Shandong Yulong Petrochemical Ltd is the operator of this project with 100% equity stake.

    The “SABIC Fujian Petrochemical Zhangzhou Ethylene Plant” and “Huajin Aramco Petrochemical Panjin Ethylene Plant” represent other significant capacity additions in the country with 1.80 mtpa, and 1.65 mtpa, respectively. Both projects are anticipated to commence operations in 2026.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ukraine, Russia prepare for peace talks in Istanbul as Zelensky meets Erdogan

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

    Ukrainian and Russian delegations were expected to meet for peace talks on Thursday, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prepared for a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.

    Upon arriving in Ankara, Zelensky told reporters that Ukraine’s delegation included top-level representatives from the Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry, military, and intelligence agencies.

    “We have a top-level delegation,” he said, although he noted that the composition of the Russian delegation had not yet been officially communicated.

    Zelensky also emphasized that decisions on the next steps in the negotiation process would be made after his discussions with Erdogan. “We need to understand what level of the Russian delegation (we’re dealing with) and what mandate they have,” he said.

    The talks followed a proposal from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15. Zelensky confirmed his participation and expressed hope of meeting with Putin, but the Russian leader has yet to show up.

    Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking in Doha, Qatar on Thursday, said he might attend the talks in Istanbul on Friday. “If something (a development) happens and it’s appropriate, I might go on Friday,” he said.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was in Antalya for a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting, said Trump supports any initiative that could bring about a just peace.

    “There is no military solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” Rubio said. “We want to see progress made in the coming days.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/CHINA – The opening of new churches in China: a sign of perseverance on the path of faith

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    xinde.org

    Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – The opening of new churches in the People’s Republic of China is a concrete sign of the perseverance of Chinese Catholic communities on the path of faith that continues under the varied circumstances of history. This is what the Chinese bishops, priests, and lay people are convinced of.”The 33-meter-high bell tower of the new church is like a sign that helps us to fix our gaze on the Kingdom of Heaven, and it also reminds us of the urgency of putting down firm Christian roots in the fertile soil of Chinese culture, in order to express our faith through the witness of Christian life,” said the Bishop of Hankou/Wuhan, Franciscan Father Francis Cui Qingqi, in his homily at the inauguration of the new Church of Christ the King in the city of Xiaogan, in the Chinese province of Hubei.The solemn inauguration liturgy, which took place on May 10, was attended by 32 priests as concelebrants and about 1,000 faithful from the local Catholic community. Representatives of the local authorities were also present at the Holy Mass. The new church complex includes a rectory and a parish center for pastoral activities. The church has an area of 525 square meters and can accommodate more than 500 worshippers. It is a “place of prayer and a source of grace,” according to the bishop. With its 33-meter-high bell tower, the church will also become a new landmark for the city and will soon be known throughout the province. Also on May 10, after celebrating the election of the new Pope Leo XIV, the small but proud parish of Guzhai in the Archdiocese of Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, consecrated the new church, dedicated to Our Lady of China in preparation for the patronal feast on May 13. Bishop Paul Meng Ningyou reviewed the history of the small rural parish and praised the pastoral and missionary zeal of the priest and parishioners. “You have experienced opportunities and difficulties, which always go hand in hand. It is true that we are facing an aging community. But thanks to the communion and synodality of the parish, which also includes migrant workers, I have seen a blessed parish full of life,” said Bishop Paul, who described the lay people as the “driving force” of the parish and invited them to participate in leading prayer and managing parish activities. Finally, everyone prayed for the help of Jesus and the help of the Virgin Mary on the path of growth and witness to which the entire ecclesial community is called. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 15/5/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Garamendi, Sen. Mark Kelly, Sen. Young, Rep. Trent Kelly Introduce SHIPS for America Act to Boost American Shipbuilding, Strengthen US Economy and National Security

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

    WASHINGTON D.C – Today, Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-8), Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Senator Todd Young (R-IN), and Representative Trent Kelly (R-MS-1) re-introduced the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, comprehensive legislation to revitalize the United States shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries.

    There are currently 80 U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce while China has 5,500. The SHIPS for America Act aims to close this gap and boost the U.S. Merchant Marine by establishing national oversight and consistent funding for U.S. maritime policy, making U.S.-flagged vessels commercially competitive in international commerce by cutting red tape, rebuilding the U.S. shipyard industrial base, and expanding and strengthening mariner and shipyard worker recruitment, training, and retention.  

    “With China’s growing influence in the global maritime sector, the United States can no longer afford to overlook our maritime industries. The SHIPS for America Act will give our shipyards and merchant mariners the tools they need to rebuild America’s maritime industry and create good-paying American jobs,” said Congressman John Garamendi. “I’m proud to lead this effort alongside Senator Kelly, Senator Young, and Representative Kelly to strengthen America’s national security, economic strength, and global leadership on the high seas.” 

    “After decades of dangerously neglecting our shipbuilding industry, we’re finally doing something about it. The SHIPS for America Act is the most ambitious effort in a generation to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries and counter China’s dominance over the oceans,” said Senator Kelly, a U.S. Navy veteran and the first U.S Merchant Marine Academy graduate to serve in Congress. “Building and staffing more U.S.-flagged ships will create good-paying American jobs, make our supply chains more resilient, lower costs, and strengthen our ability to resupply our military at times of war. We’ll keep working with our colleagues in Congress, this administration, and our partners in the industry to make our country safer and competitive by passing the SHIPS for America Act.”  

    “America has been a maritime nation since our founding, and seapower was a significant contributor to our rise to being the most powerful nation on earth. Unfortunately, the bottom line now is America needs more ships. Shipbuilding is a national security priority and a stopgap against foreign threats and coercion. Our bill will revitalize the U.S. maritime industry, grow our shipbuilding capacity, rebuild America’s shipyard industrial base, and support nationwide workforce development in this industry. This legislation is critical to our warfighting capabilities and keeping pace with China,” said Senator Young, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate.  

    The SHIPS for America Act would:    

    • Coordinate U.S. maritime policy by establishing the position of Maritime Security Advisor within the White House, who would lead an interagency Maritime Security Board tasked with making whole-of-government strategic decisions for how to implement a National Maritime Strategy. The bill also establishes a Maritime Security Trust Fund that would reinvest duties and fees paid by the maritime industry into maritime security programs and infrastructure supporting maritime commerce.    

    • Establish a national goal of expanding the U.S.-flag international fleet by 250 ships in 10 years by creating the Strategic Commercial Fleet Program, which would facilitate the development of a fleet of commercially operated, U.S.-flagged, American crewed, and domestically built merchant vessels that can operate competitively in international commerce.  

    • Enhance the competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce by establishing a Rulemaking Committee on Commercial Maritime Regulations and Standards to cut through the U.S. Coast Guard’s bureaucracy and red tape that limits the international competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels, modify duties to make cargo on U.S.-flag vessel’s more competitive, requiring that government-funded cargo move aboard U.S.-flag vessels, and requiring a portion of commercial goods imported from China to move aboard U.S.-flag vessels starting in 2030.  

    • Expand the U.S. shipyard industrial base, for both military and commercial oceangoing vessels, by establishing a 25 percent investment tax credit for shipyard investments, transforming the Title XI Federal Ship Financing Program into a revolving fund, and establishing a Shipbuilding Financial Incentives program to support innovative approaches to domestic ship building and ship repair.    

    • Accelerate U.S. leadership in next-generation ship design, manufacturing processes, and ship energy systems by establishing the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation and supporting regional hubs for maritime innovation across the country by establishing a Maritime Prosperity Zone program.    

    • Make historic investments in maritime workforce by supporting a Maritime Workforce Promotion and Recruitment Campaign, allowing mariners to retain their credentials through a newly established Merchant Marine Career Retention Program, investing in long-overdue infrastructure needs for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and supporting State Maritime Academies and Centers for Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. The bill also makes long-overdue changes to streamline and modernize the U.S. Coast Guard’s Merchant Mariner Credentialing system.    

    The legislation will be introduced in two pieces in the Senate, the SHIPS for America Act and the Building SHIPS in America Act.  

    Background:  

    Since introducing the SHIPS for America Act in December, the urgency to boost American shipbuilding has emerged as a priority of bipartisan consensus this year, particularly after the USTR revealed its findings regarding China’s shipbuilding dominance and President Trump’s signing of his shipbuilding executive order.  

    Sen. Kelly earned his B.S. degree in marine engineering and nautical science from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) and later an M.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from the United States Naval Postgraduate School. He spent 25 years in the United States Navy as a pilot and is the first ever USMMA alumnus to serve in Congress. In 2023, he was elected chair of the USMMA Board of Visitors for the 118th Congress.  

    See a full list of endorsing statements from maritime leaders and stakeholders here.  

    ### 

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Gold prices drop sharply by Rs 2,375 per 10 grams; silver also falls

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Gold buyers in India have a reason to cheer as prices of the yellow metal saw a significant drop on Thursday.
     
    According to the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), the price of 24-carat gold fell by Rs 2,375 per 10 grams, bringing it down to Rs 91,484 from Rs 93,859.
     
    The decline wasn’t limited to just 24-carat gold. The price of 22-carat gold also dropped, now standing at Rs 83,799 per 10 grams, down from Rs 85,975. Similarly, 18-carat gold saw its price fall to Rs 68,613 from Rs 70,394 per 10 grams.
     
    This marks a sharp turnaround from just a few weeks ago, when on April 22, the price of 24-carat gold had surged close to the Rs 1 lakh mark.
     
    Silver mirrored the downtrend seen in gold. Prices for one kilogram of silver declined by Rs 2,297 to Rs 94,103 from Rs 96,400 per kg.
     
    The fall in precious metal prices extended to the futures market as well. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures for June 5 dropped 1 per cent to Rs 91,325, while silver futures for July 4 declined by a similar margin to Rs 94,458 per kg.
     
    Market analysts attribute the fall in gold prices to easing global trade tensions, particularly between the United States and China, which had previously driven gold and silver prices higher.
     
    As geopolitical uncertainty decreases, the appeal of safe-haven assets like gold tends to weaken.
     
    In international markets, gold has dropped to its lowest level in a month. On COMEX, it was trading down by 1.1 per cent at $3,141.35 per ounce — a steep decline from its recent peak of around $3,500 per ounce recorded on April 22.
     
    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping’s article on improving work style will be published in Qiushi magazine

    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 15 (Xinhua) — An article by General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping on implementing the spirit of the Eight-Point Guidelines adopted by the CPC Central Committee to improve work style is expected to be released on Friday.

    The article by Xi Jinping, who is also the President of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, will be published in the 10th issue of Qiushi magazine in 2025.

    “Qiushi” is the leading journal of the CPC Central Committee. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iranian President Condemns Trump’s Anti-Tehran Statements

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TEHRAN, May 15 (Xinhua) — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has strongly condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent anti-Tehran remarks, calling them evidence of his inability to understand the true character of the Iranian people.

    M. Pezeshkian made this statement on Wednesday evening at a meeting with representatives of the Iranian elite and cultural figures in the province of Kermanshah after D. Trump’s statements in Riyadh the day before. This is stated in a statement published on the website of the Iranian president’s office.

    On Tuesday, Trump called Iran the “most destructive force” in the Middle East and accused it of fomenting regional instability, vowing that the United States would never allow the country to possess nuclear weapons.

    In response, M. Pezeshkian stated that these statements by D. Trump testify to his inability to understand the “truth, honor, generosity and selflessness” of the Iranian people.

    He added that while D. Trump was portraying Iran as a source of regional instability, thousands of women and children were killed as a result of Israeli bombing of the Gaza Strip, whose residents are also deprived of water and medicine.

    According to the Iranian president, over the past 47 years, the United States and its allies have been straining every nerve to bring the Iranian government and people to their knees, but they have not succeeded and will not succeed.

    Expressing confidence in Iran’s resilience, the president said his country would continue to develop, relying on its scientists, intellectuals and entrepreneurs. Although Iran does not seek war, it will never trade its honor and glory for peace, Pezeshkian concluded. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: International Energy Forum of Uzbekistan held in Tashkent

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Tashkent, May 15 /Xinhua/ — The International Energy Forum of Uzbekistan was held in Tashkent on May 13-15.

    As the organizers reported, the forum covered all strategically important sectors of the fuel and energy complex and created a unique platform for dialogue, partnership and implementation of innovative solutions in the fuel and energy complex. The relevant events create unique opportunities for developing partnerships and concluding strategic agreements. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: CLIK announces to collaborate with an advanced technology company under the Tencent SSV initiatives, to jointly promote 24-hour instant device service for senior citizens in Hong Kong; and also announces change to board composition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – CLIK will collaborate with Flash Mutual, an advanced technology company under the Tencent SSV initiatives, to jointly promote 24-hour instant device services for senior citizens in Hong Kong
       
    – Tencent SSV is an initiative launched by Tencent, a world leading internet and technology company, aiming to leverage its unique digital platform and technology to drive Sustainable Social Value (SSV) globally
       
    – CLIK also announces the appointment of Mr. Lam Kai Yuen, Gabi as the new independent director

    Hong Kong, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Click Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: CLIK) (“Click” or the “Company” or “we” or “our”), signed a cooperation agreement with Flash Mutual Technology (International) Company Limited (“Flash Mutual”) in which both parties agreed to jointly promote 24-hour instant device service for senior citizens in Hong Kong.

    Flash Mutual is a national high-tech enterprise headquartered in Guangdong, China. Being an advanced technology partner under the Tencent Sustainable Social Value (“Tencent SSV”) initiatives, Flash Mutual aims to provide integrated digital solutions for the elderly, students, and the disabled by the use of artificial intelligence.

    Tencent SSV is an initiative under Tencent, a world leading internet and technology company, aiming to use its unique digital platform and technology to drive sustainable social value globally and to improve lives of billions of people every day.

    By leveraging the use of AI, instant device service offers round-the-clock smart monitoring for senior citizens to enhance their safety and to provide timely assistance when necessary.

    Together with the government-sponsored Community Care Service Voucher scheme for elderly (CCSV scheme) recently entered into, CLIK expects the partnership to generate significant cross-selling synergies and boost revenue.

    CLIK considers the collaboration as an opportunity to further strengthen its elderly service business, aiming to offer a comprehensive one-stop solution for senior citizens in Hong Kong.

    Change in board composition

    CLIK today announced the appointment of Mr. Lam Kai Yuen as an independent director, a member of the audit committee, compensation committee, nominating committee and corporate governance committee of the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”), following the resignation of Mr. Moy Yee Wo Matthew as an independent director, the chairman of the audit committee, a member of the compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee of the Board, effective 14 May 2025. Due to personal commitments, Mr. Moy will be re-designated as a consultant, focusing on investor relations, to continue serving the Company and confirmed that there was no disagreement with the Board, the Company or any of its affiliates on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.

    The Board has also approved that Mr. Tse Wah Ping, who has served as an independent director of CLIK since October 2024, will replace Mr. Moy as the chairman of the audit committee of the Board, effective 14 May 2025.

    “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Lam on Board and believe his wealth of experience in management can bring invaluable insights to help guiding the Company ahead.” stated Mr. Chan Chun Sing, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CLIK. “We are also grateful to Mr. Moy for his services throughout his tenure and look forward to his further contribution in the new role,” continued Mr. Chan.

    Following the aforementioned changes, the Board now consists of four directors, including three independent directors. The audit committee of the Board is comprised of Mr. Tse Wah Ping, Ms. Chik Wai Chun and Mr. Lam Kai Yuen.

    About Click Holdings Limited

    We are a fast-growing human resources solutions provider based in Hong Kong, aiming to match our client’s human resources shortfall through our proprietary AI-empowered talent pool by one “click”. Our key businesses primarily include nursing solution (mainly seniors) services, logistics solution services and professional solution services.

    For more information, please visit https://clicksc.com.hk.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “is/are likely to,” “potential,” “continue” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov.

    For enquiry, please contact:

    Click Holdings Limited
    Unit 709, 7/F., Ocean Centre
    5 Canton Road
    Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
    Hong Kong
    Email: jack.wong@jfy.hk
    Phone: +852 2691 8900

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: Developing countries should unite against US tariff abuses – think tank

    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

    GENEVA, May 15 (Xinhua) — The United States uses tariffs as a strategic tool to extract concessions beyond trade, Carlos Correa, executive director of the South Center, said in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua.

    He warned that such unilateral measures could cause serious harm to developing countries if not met with a strong and coordinated response.

    The South Centre, an intergovernmental think tank of the Global South, is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The organisation seeks to advance the common interests of the countries of the South while respecting their diversity.

    Correa criticized the unilateral imposition of US tariffs, noting that they have caused serious harm to developing economies, especially the least developed countries. “The consequences could be very significant: loss of jobs, even the closure of some industries and farms, rising debts and interest rates if the situation continues,” he added.

    He also refuted the American narrative that the US trade deficit is caused by unfair practices of other countries, pointing to structural problems in the American economy. He warned that the US uses tariffs for selfish purposes, such as preferential access to mineral resources, which undermines the interests of most developing countries.

    No country should ignore the international trading system, Correa stressed, calling on developing countries to strengthen cooperation to solve problems “created by one country.”

    He noted that only through dialogue and collective action can the Global South protect its common interests and contribute to a balanced world economy. “Our advice to developing countries remains: do not avoid dialogue, but protect your interests and support a multilateral system that is effective in ensuring that rules serve not just one large economy, but the economies of all countries within the system,” Correa said.

    Underlining the continued importance of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Correa called it the most comprehensive platform for coordination and dispute resolution. He called on developing countries to actively participate in WTO reforms to enhance the transparency and inclusiveness of the organization, thereby strengthening its legitimacy and effectiveness.

    Correa also praised China’s active role in promoting South-South cooperation. “China has made active efforts to promote South-South cooperation, which has opened up broad opportunities for increasing trade among developing countries,” he said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s service trade fair to open in September

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

    BEIJING, May 15 — The 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) is scheduled to open on Sept. 10 in Beijing, with Australia invited as the guest country of honor.

    Starting this year, the fair will adopt a fixed schedule, opening on the second Wednesday of September every year, Zhao Qizhou, an official with the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau, told a press conference on Thursday.

    It will be held at Shougang Park, a 3-square-kilometer industrial heritage site and a previous venue of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

    The fair consists of sectors including finance, culture and tourism, education, sports, supply chain and healthcare services.

    The event will run for five days — the first three days designated for professional visitors and the last two for public access.

    The Global Trade in Services Summit, co-hosted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, China’s Ministry of Commerce and the Beijing municipal government, will be held on Sept. 10.

    Since its inception in 2012, CIFTIS has brought together enterprises from around the world to share opportunities stemming from China’s opening up and development of trade in services.

    Last year’s edition attracted over 450 Fortune 500 enterprises and companies taking the lead in their respective industries, as well as participants from 85 countries and international organizations.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: SHELL PLC – REPORT ON PAYMENTS TO GOVERNMENTS FOR THE YEAR 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Shell plc – Report on Payments to Governments for the year 2024

    Basis for preparation – Report on Payments to Governments for the year 2024
    This Report provides a consolidated overview of the payments to governments made by Shell plc and its subsidiary undertakings (hereinafter referred to as “Shell”) for the year 2024 as required under the UK’s Reports on Payments to Governments Regulations 2014 (as amended in December 2015). These UK Regulations enact domestic rules in line with Directive 2013/34/EU (the EU Accounting Directive (2013)) and apply to large UK incorporated companies like Shell that are involved in the exploration, prospection, discovery, development and extraction of minerals, oil, natural gas deposits or other materials. This Report is also filed with the National Storage Mechanism (https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism) intended to satisfy the requirements of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. This Report is also published pursuant to article 5:25e of the Dutch FMSA (Wft) and is furnished with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) according to Section 13(q) under the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

    This Report is available for download from www.shell.com/payments.

    Legislation
    This Report is prepared in accordance with The Reports on Payments to Governments Regulations 2014 as enacted in the UK in December 2014 and as amended in December 2015.

    Reporting entities
    This Report includes payments to governments made by Shell plc and its subsidiary undertakings (Shell). Payments made by entities where Shell has joint control are excluded from this Report.

    Activities
    Payments made by Shell to governments arising from activities involving the exploration, prospection, discovery, development and extraction of minerals, oil and natural gas deposits or other materials (extractive activities) are disclosed in this Report. It excludes payments related to refining, natural gas liquefaction or gas-to-liquids activities. For a fully integrated project, which does not have an interim contractual cut-off point where a value can be attached or ascribed separately to the extractive activities and to other processing activities, payments to governments are not artificially split but are disclosed in full.

    Government
    Government includes any national, regional or local authority of a country, and includes a department, agency or entity that is a subsidiary of a government, including a national oil company.

    Project
    Payments are reported at project level, except those payments that are not attributable to a specific project which are reported at entity level. Project is defined as operational activities which are governed by a single contract, licence, lease, concession or similar legal agreement, and form the basis for payment liabilities with a government. If such agreements are substantially interconnected, those agreements are to be treated as a single project.

    “Substantially interconnected” means forming a set of operationally and geographically integrated contracts, licences, leases or concessions or related agreements with substantially similar terms that are signed with a government giving rise to payment liabilities. Such agreements can be governed by a single contract, joint venture, production sharing agreement or other overarching legal agreement. Indicators of integration include, but are not limited to, geographic proximity, the use of shared infrastructure and common operational management.

    Payment
    The information is reported under the following payment types:

    Production entitlements
    These are the host government’s share of production in the reporting period derived from projects operated by Shell. This includes the government’s share as a sovereign entity or through its participation as an equity or interest holder in projects within its sovereign jurisdiction (home country). Production entitlements arising from activities or interests outside of its home country are excluded.

    In certain contractual arrangements, typically a production sharing contract, a government through its participation interest may contribute funding of capital and operating expenditure to projects, from which it derives production entitlement to cover such funding (cost recovery). Such cost recovery production entitlement is included.

    In situations where a government settles Shell’s income tax obligation on behalf of Shell by utilising its share of production entitlements (typically under a tax-paid concession), such amount will be deducted from the reported production entitlement.

    Taxes
    These are taxes paid by Shell on its income, profits or production (which include resource severance tax and petroleum resource rent tax), including those settled by a government on behalf of Shell under a tax-paid concession. Payments are reported net of refunds. Consumption taxes, personal income taxes, sales taxes, property and environmental taxes are excluded.

    Royalties
    These are payments for the rights to extract oil and gas resources, typically at a set percentage of revenue less any deductions that may be taken.

    Dividends
    These are dividend payments other than dividends paid to a government as an ordinary shareholder of an entity unless paid in lieu of production entitlements or royalties. For the year ended December 31, 2024, there were no reportable dividend payments to a government.

    Bonuses
    These are payments for bonuses. These are usually paid upon signing an agreement or a contract, or when a commercial discovery is declared, or production has commenced, or production has reached a milestone.

    Licence fees, rental fees, entry fees and other considerations for licences and/or concessions
    These are fees and other sums paid as consideration for acquiring a licence for gaining access to an area where extractive activities are performed. Administrative government fees that are not specifically related to the extractive sector, or to access to extractive resources, are excluded. Also excluded are payments made in return for services provided by a government.

    Infrastructure improvements
    These are payments which relate to the construction of infrastructure (road, bridge or rail) not substantially dedicated for the use of extractive activities. Payments which are a social investment in nature, for example building of a school or hospital, are excluded.

    Other
    Operatorship
    When Shell makes a payment directly to a government arising from a project, regardless of whether Shell is the operator, the full amount paid is disclosed even where Shell as the operator is proportionally reimbursed by its non-operating venture partners through a partner billing process (cash-call).

    When a national oil company is the operator of a project to whom Shell makes a reportable payment, which is distinguishable in the cash-call, it is included in this Report.

    Cash and in-kind payments
    Payments are reported on a cash basis. In-kind payments are converted to an equivalent cash value based on the most appropriate and relevant valuation method for each payment, which can be at cost or market value, or such value as stated in the contract. In-kind payments are reported in both volumes and the equivalent cash value.

    Materiality level
    For each payment type, total payments below £86,000 to a government are excluded from this Report.

    Exchange rate
    Payments made in currencies other than US dollars are translated for this Report based on the foreign exchange rate at the relevant quarterly average rate.

    Report on Payments to Governments [1]

    Summary report (in USD)
    Countries Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Europe              
    Germany         –         243,935,441         –         –         –         –         243,935,441
    Italy         –         4,128,063         74,213,782         –         80,220,786         –         158,562,631
    Norway         2,083,221,642         1,300,962,023         –         –         122,391         –         3,384,306,056
    United Kingdom         –         -16,649,747         –         –         11,483,529         –         -5,166,218
    Asia              
    Brunei         3,983,642         44,229,620         8,660,091         –         –         –         56,873,353
    China         –         10,343,616         –         –         –         –         10,343,616
    India         –         -17,715,638         –         –         –         –         -17,715,638
    Kazakhstan         –         242,741,780         –         –         –         –         242,741,780
    Malaysia         2,317,002,807         305,924,901         500,008,822         –         –         –         3,122,936,530
    Middle East              
    Oman         633,711,368         3,954,062,451         –         –         900,000         –         4,588,673,819
    Qatar         1,801,453,896         1,507,244,066         –         –         30,538,723         –         3,339,236,685
    Oceania              
    Australia         –         1,277,737,693         468,579,450         –         13,412,457         266,428         1,759,996,028
    Africa              
    Egypt         –         41,164,348         –         1,836,435         –         –         43,000,783
    Nigeria         3,804,949,166         648,734,398         780,231,463         –         102,925,166         –         5,336,840,193
    Sao Tome and Principe         –         –         –         1,300,000         –         –         1,300,000
    Tanzania         –         –         –         –         140,000         –         140,000
    Tunisia         –         24,904,580         4,941,633         –         –         –         29,846,213
    North America              
    Canada         –         172,567,072         4,697,991         –         1,423,783         –         178,688,846
    Mexico         –         –         –         –         21,527,002         –         21,527,002
    USA         –         53,238,500         1,187,594,021         –         80,678,527         860,822         1,322,371,870
    South America              
    Argentina         53,082,051         1,984,309         143,969,668         –         123,276         –         199,159,304
    Brazil         327,688,819         656,740,954         1,147,687,680         9,540,351         1,556,282,443         –         3,697,940,247
    Colombia         –         –         –         –         489,880         –         489,880
    Trinidad and Tobago         362,690,585         561,771         2,210,566         300,000         13,719,070         –         379,481,992
    Total         11,387,783,976         10,456,840,201         4,322,795,167         12,976,786         1,913,987,033         1,127,250         28,095,510,413

    [1] The figures in this Report are rounded.

    Germany

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments              
    FEDERAL CENTRAL TAX OFFICE         –         294,891,077         –         –         –         –         294,891,077
    MUNICIPALITY OF COLOGNE         –         -2,763,591         –         –         –         –         -2,763,591
    MUNICIPALITY OF DINSLAKEN         –         -386,534         –         –         –         –         -386,534
    MUNICIPALITY OF GELSENKIRCHEN         –         -483,145         –         –         –         –         -483,145
    MUNICIPALITY OF OSTSTEINBEK         –         584,685         –         –         –         –         584,685
    MUNICIPALITY OF WESSELING         –         -3,943,262         –         –         –         –         -3,943,262
    TAX AUTHORITY HAMBURG         –         -43,963,789         –         –         –         –         -43,963,789
    Total         –         243,935,441         –         –         –         –         243,935,441
                   
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Entity level payment              
    DEUTSCHE SHELL HOLDING GmbH         –         243,935,441         –         –         –         –         243,935,441
    Total         –         243,935,441         –         –         –         –         243,935,441

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report.

    Italy

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments              
    CALVELLO MUNICIPALITY         –         –         884,083         –         –         –         884,083
    CORLETO PERTICARA MUNICIPALITY         –         –         1,964,671         –         –         –         1,964,671
    GORGOGLIONE MUNICIPALITY         –         –         302,257         –         –         –         302,257
    GRUMENTO NOVA MUNICIPALITY         –         –         505,190         –         –         –         505,190
    MARSICO NUOVO MUNICIPALITY         –         –         378,893         –         –         –         378,893
    MARSICOVETERE MUNICIPALITY         –         –         126,298         –         –         –         126,298
    MONTEMURRO MUNICIPALITY         –         –         126,298         –         –         –         126,298
    REGIONE BASILICATA         –         –         44,157,199         –         79,302,465         –         123,459,664
    TESORERIA PROVINICIALE DELLO STATO         –         4,128,063         22,264,135         –         718,305         –         27,110,503
    VIGGIANO MUNICIPALITY         –         –         3,504,758         –         200,016         –         3,704,774
    Total         –         4,128,063         74,213,782         –         80,220,786         –         158,562,631
                   
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Projects              
    ITALY UPSTREAM ASSET         –         4,128,063         74,213,782         –         80,220,786         –         158,562,631
    Total         –         4,128,063         74,213,782         –         80,220,786         –         158,562,631

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report. 

    Norway

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements   Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments                
    EQUINOR ASA         853,946,278 [A]         –         –         –         –         –         853,946,278
    PETORO AS         1,229,275,364 [B]         –         –         –         –         –         1,229,275,364
    SKATTEETATEN         –           1,300,962,023         –         –         –         –         1,300,962,023
    SOKKELDIREKTORATET         –           –         –         –         122,391         –         122,391
    Total         2,083,221,642           1,300,962,023         –         –         122,391         –         3,384,306,056
                     
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements   Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Projects                
    ORMEN LANGE         2,083,221,642 [C]         –         –         –         –         –         2,083,221,642
    Entity level payment                
    A/S NORSKE SHELL         —           1,300,962,023         –         –         122,391         –         1,301,084,414
    Total         2,083,221,642           1,300,962,023         –         –         122,391         –         3,384,306,056

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report.

    [A] Includes payment in kind of $853,946,278 for 12,291 thousand barrels of oil equivalent (kboe) valuated at market price. 

    [B] Includes payment in kind of $1,229,275,364 for 17,693 kboe valuated at market price. 

    [C] Includes payment in kind of $2,083,221,642 for 29,984 kboe valuated at market price.

    United Kingdom

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments              
    HM REVENUE AND CUSTOMS         –         -16,649,747         –         –         –         –         -16,649,747
    NORTH SEA TRANSITION AUTHORITY         –         –         –         –         11,355,210         –         11,355,210
    THE CROWN ESTATE SCOTLAND         –         –         –         –         128,319         –         128,319
    Total         –         -16,649,747         –         –         11,483,529         –         -5,166,218
                   
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Projects              
    BRENT AND OTHER NORTHERN NORTH SEA PROJECTS         –         -32,113,820         –         –         563,325         –         -31,550,495
    ONEGAS WEST         –         –         –         –         3,232,597         –         3,232,597
    UK EXPLORATION PROJECTS         –         –         –         –         1,117,783         –         1,117,783
    UK OFFSHORE OPERATED         –         –         –         –         2,119,313         –         2,119,313
    WEST OF SHETLAND NON-OPERATED         –         –         –         –         1,076,456         –         1,076,456
    Entity level payment              
    SHELL U.K. LIMITED         –         15,464,073         –         –         3,374,055         –         18,838,128
    Total         –         -16,649,747         –         –         11,483,529         –         -5,166,218

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report. 

    Brunei

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments              
    MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMY         –         44,229,620         –         –         –         –         44,229,620
    PETROLEUM AUTHORITY OF BRUNEI DARUSSALEM         3,983,642         –         8,660,091         –         –         –         12,643,733
    Total         3,983,642         44,229,620         8,660,091         –         –         –         56,873,353
                   
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Entity level payment              
    SHELL DEEPWATER BORNEO B.V.         –         39,001,133         –         –         –         –         39,001,133
    SHELL EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION BRUNEI B.V.         3,983,642         5,228,487         8,660,091         –         –         –         17,872,220
    Total         3,983,642         44,229,620         8,660,091         –         –         –         56,873,353

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report. 

    China

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments              
    TIANJIN MUNICIPAL TAXATION BUREAU         –         5,911,867         –         –         –         –         5,911,867
    YULIN MUNICIPAL TAXATION BUREAU         –         4,431,749         –         –         –         –         4,431,749
    Total         –         10,343,616         –         –         –         –         10,343,616
                   
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Entity level payment              
    SHELL CHINA EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION COMPANY LIMITED         –         10,343,616         –         –         –         –         10,343,616
    Total         –         10,343,616         –         –         –         –         10,343,616

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report. 

    India

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments              
    INCOME TAX DEPARTMENT         –         -17,715,638         –         –         –         –         -17,715,638
    Total         –         -17,715,638         –         –         –         –         -17,715,638
                   
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Entity level payment              
    BG EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION INDIA LIMITED         –         -17,715,638         –         –         –         –         -17,715,638
    Total         –         -17,715,638         –         –         –         –         -17,715,638

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report.

    Kazakhstan

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments              
    WEST KAZAKHSTAN TAX COMMITTEE         –         242,741,780         –         –         –         –         242,741,780
    Total         –         242,741,780         –         –         –         –         242,741,780
                   
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Projects              
    KARACHAGANAK         –         242,741,780         –         –         –         –         242,741,780
    Total         –         242,741,780         –         –         –         –         242,741,780

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report.

    Malaysia

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements   Taxes Royalties   Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments                  
    BRUNEI NATIONAL PETROLEUM COMPANY SENDIRIAN BERHAD         301,048,915 [A]         –         –           –         –         –         301,048,915
    LEMBAGA HASIL DALAM NEGERI         –           305,924,901         –           –         –         –         305,924,901
    MALAYSIA FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS         –           –         469,060,363 [B]         –         –         –         469,060,363
    PETROLEUM SARAWAK EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION SDN. BHD.         74,656,856 [C]         –         –           –         –         –         74,656,856
    PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD         990,078,563 [D]         –         30,948,459           –         –         –         1,021,027,022
    PETRONAS CARIGALI SDN. BHD.         951,218,473 [E]         –         –           –         –         –         951,218,473
    Total         2,317,002,807           305,924,901         500,008,822           –         –         –         3,122,936,530
                       
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements   Taxes Royalties   Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Projects                  
    SABAH GAS (NON-OPERATED)         –           16,208,714         3,017,327           –         –         –         19,226,041
    SABAH INBOARD AND DEEPWATER OIL         1,435,194,825 [F]         158,435,164         303,452,674 [G]         –         –         –         1,897,082,663
    SARAWAK OIL AND GAS         881,807,982 [H]         116,047,586         193,538,821 [I]         –         –         –         1,191,394,389
    Entity level payment                  
    SABAH SHELL PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED         –           4,502,043         –           –         –         –         4,502,043
    SARAWAK SHELL BERHAD         –           3,394,907         –           –         –         –         3,394,907
    SHELL ENERGY ASIA LIMITED         –           2,616,753         –           –         –         –         2,616,753
    SHELL OIL AND GAS (MALAYSIA) LLC         –           595,653         –           –         –         –         595,653
    SHELL SABAH SELATAN SENDRIAN BERHAD         –           4,124,081         –           –         –         –         4,124,081
    Total         2,317,002,807           305,924,901         500,008,822           –         –         –         3,122,936,530

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report.

    [A] Includes payment in kind of $301,048,915 for 3,355 thousand barrels of oil equivalent (kboe) valuated at market price. 

    [B] Includes payment in kind of $342,702,511 for 3,909 kboe valuated at market price and $126,357,852 for 6,336 kboe valuated at fixed price. 

    [C] Includes payment in kind of $59,554,178 for 3,011 kboe valuated at fixed price and $15,102,678 for 201 kboe valuated at market price. 

    [D] Includes payment in kind of $783,520,240 for 8,933 kboe valuated at market price and $209,732,743 for 10,921 kboe valuated at fixed price.

    [E] Includes payment in kind of $624,146,940 for 7,163 kboe valuated at market price and $327,071,533 for 16,397 kboe valuated at fixed price.

    [F] Includes payment in kind of $1,435,194,825 for 15,977 kboe valuated at market price.

    [G] Includes payment in kind of $297,371,578 for 3,339 kboe valuated at market price.

    [H] Includes payment in kind of $596,358,454 for 30,329 kboe valuated at fixed price and $288,623,948 for 3,675 kboe valuated at market price.

    [I] Includes payment in kind of $126,357,852 for 6,336 kboe valuated at fixed price and $45,330,933 for 570 kboe valuated at market price.

    Oman

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements   Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments                
    MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINERALS         633,711,368 [A]         –         –         –         –         –         633,711,368
    MINISTRY OF FINANCE         –           3,954,062,451         –         –         900,000         –         3,954,962,451
    Total         633,711,368           3,954,062,451         –         –         900,000         –         4,588,673,819
                     
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements   Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Projects                
    BLOCK 6 CONCESSION         –           3,954,062,451         –         –         –         –         3,954,062,451
    BLOCK 10 CONCESSION         633,711,368 [A]         –         –         –         400,000         –         634,111,368
    BLOCK 11 CONCESSION         –           –         –         –         250,000         –         250,000
    BLOCK 55 CONCESSION         –           –         –         –         250,000         –         250,000
    Total         633,711,368           3,954,062,451         –         –         900,000         –         4,588,673,819

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report.

    [A] Includes payment in kind of $60,839,756 for 4,551 kboe valuated at fixed price and of $572,871,612 for 7,095 kboe valuated at the government’s selling price.

    Qatar

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments              
    QATARENERGY         1,801,453,896         1,507,244,066         –         –         30,538,723         –         3,339,236,685
    Total         1,801,453,896         1,507,244,066         –         –         30,538,723         –         3,339,236,685
                   
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Projects              
    PEARL GTL         1,801,453,896         1,507,244,066         –         –         30,538,723         –         3,339,236,685
    Total         1,801,453,896         1,507,244,066         –         –         30,538,723         –         3,339,236,685

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report.

    Australia

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments              
    AUSTRALIAN TAXATION OFFICE         –         1,277,737,693         –         –         –         –         1,277,737,693
    BANANA SHIRE COUNCIL         –         –         –         –         217,920         –         217,920
    FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND RESOURCES         –         –         111,989,284         –         –         –         111,989,284
    QUEENSLAND REVENUE OFFICE         –         –         356,590,166         –         –         –         356,590,166
    QUEENSLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND SCIENCE         –         –         –         –         935,554         –         935,554
    QUEENSLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND MINES         –         –         –         –         581,472         –         581,472
    RESOURCES SAFETY AND HEALTH QUEENSLAND         –         –         –         –         1,359,992         –         1,359,992
    WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL         –         –         –         –         10,317,519         266,428         10,583,947
    Total         –         1,277,737,693         468,579,450         –         13,412,457         266,428         1,759,996,028
                   
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Projects              
    NORTH WEST SHELF         –         –         111,989,284         –         –         –         111,989,284
    QGC         –         583,570,540         356,590,166         –         13,412,457         266,428         953,839,591
    Entity level payment              
    SHELL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD         –         694,167,153         –         –         –         –         694,167,153
    Total         –         1,277,737,693         468,579,450         –         13,412,457         266,428         1,759,996,028

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report. 

    Egypt

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments              
    EGYPTIAN GENERAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION         –         41,164,348         –         1,836,435         –         –         43,000,783
    Total         –         41,164,348         –         1,836,435         –         –         43,000,783
                   
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Projects              
    EGYPT OFFSHORE DEVELOPMENT         –         41,164,348         –         540,000         –         –         41,704,348
    Entity level payment              
    SHELL EGYPT N.V.         –         –         –         1,296,435         –         –         1,296,435
    Total         –         41,164,348         –         1,836,435         –         –         43,000,783

    [I] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report. 

    Nigeria

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements   Taxes   Royalties   Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments                    
    FEDERAL INLAND REVENUE SERVICE         –           648,734,398 [A]         –           –         –         –         648,734,398
    NATIONAL AGENCY FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING INFRASTRUCTURE         –           –           –           –         3,931,917         –         3,931,917
    NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION         –           –           –           –         97,260,899         –         97,260,899
    NIGERIAN NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION         3,804,949,166 [B]         –           –           –         –         –         3,804,949,166
    NIGERIAN UPSTREAM PETROLEUM REGULATORY COMMISSION         –           –           780,231,463 [C]         –         1,732,350         –         781,963,813
    Total         3,804,949,166           648,734,398           780,231,463           –         102,925,166         –         5,336,840,193
                         
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements   Taxes   Royalties   Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Projects                    
    EAST ASSET         1,300,681,939 [D]         –           –           –         –         –         1,300,681,939
    PSC 1993 (OML 133)         –           136,652,153 [E]         –           –         –         –         136,652,153
    PSC 1993 (OPL 212/OML 118, OPL 219/OML 135)         649,948,707 [F]         303,125,852 [G]         452,170,096 [H]         –         32,015,797         –         1,437,260,452
    WEST ASSET         1,854,318,520 [I]         –           –           –         –         –         1,854,318,520
    Entity level payment                    
    SHELL NIGERIA EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION COMPANY LIMITED             –           –           –         440,468         –         440,468
    THE SHELL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY OF NIGERIA LIMITED             208,956,393           328,061,367             70,468,901           607,486,661
    Total         3,804,949,166           648,734,398           780,231,463           –         102,925,166         –         5,336,840,193

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report.

    [A] Includes payment in kind of $439,778,005 for 5,293 kboe valuated at market price.

    [B] Includes payment in kind of $3,804,949,166 for 80,289 kboe valuated at market price.

    [C] Includes payment in kind of $452,170,096 for 5,432 kboe valuated at market price. 

    [D] Includes payment in kind of $1,300,681,939 for 49,766 kboe valuated at market price. 

    [E] Includes payment in kind of $136,652,153 for 1,654 kboe valuated at market price. 

    [F] Includes payment in kind of $649,948,707 for 7,916 kboe valuated at market price. 

    [G] Includes payment in kind of $303,125,852 for 3,639 kboe valuated at market price. 

    [H] Includes payment in kind of $452,170,096 for 5,432 kboe valuated at market price. 

    [I] Includes payment in kind of $1,854,318,520 for 22,607 kboe valuated at market price.

    Sao Tome and Principe

      Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments              
    AGÊNCIA NACIONAL DO PETRÓLEO DE SÃO TOMÉ E PRÍNCIPE         –         –         –         1,300,000         –         –         1,300,000
    Total         –         –         –         1,300,000         –         –         1,300,000
                   
      Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Projects              
    DW BLOCK 4         –         –         –         1,300,000         –         –         1,300,000
    Total         –         –         –         1,300,000         –         –         1,300,000

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report.

    Tanzania

      Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments              
    PETROLEUM UPSTREAM REGULATORY AUTHORITY         –         –         –         –         140,000         –         140,000
    Total         –         –         –         –         140,000         –         140,000
                   
      Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Projects              
    BLOCK 1 AND 4         –         –         –         –         140,000         –         140,000
    Total         –         –         –         –         140,000         –         140,000

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report. 

    Tunisia

      Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties   Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments                
    ENTREPRISE TUNISIENNE D’ACTIVITÉS PÉTROLIÈRES         –         –         2,140,627 [A]         –         –         –         2,140,627
    LE RECEVEUR DES FINANCES DU LAC         –         24,904,580         2,801,006           –         –         –         27,705,586
    Total         –         24,904,580         4,941,633           –         –         –         29,846,213
                     
      Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties   Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Projects                
    HASDRUBAL CONCESSION         –         24,904,580         4,941,633 [A]         –         –         –         29,846,213
    Total         –         24,904,580         4,941,633           –         –         –         29,846,213

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report.

    [A] Includes payment in kind of $2,140,627 for 37 kboe valuated at market price. 

    Canada

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments              
    GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA         –         –         656,638         –         119,099         –         775,737
    MINISTRY OF FINANCE (BRITISH COLUMBIA)         –         –         2,915,313         –         625,526         –         3,540,839
    MINISTRY OF JOBS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION (BRITISH COLUMBIA)         –         –         –         –         679,158         –         679,158
    PROVINCIAL TREASURER OF ALBERTA         –         60,864,405         –         –         –         –         60,864,405
    RECEIVER GENERAL FOR CANADA         –         111,702,667         1,126,040         –         –         –         112,828,707
    Total         –         172,567,072         4,697,991         –         1,423,783         –         178,688,846
                   
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Projects              
    ATHABASCA OIL SANDS         –         172,567,072         –         –         –         –         172,567,072
    FOOTHILLS         –         –         1,126,040         –         –         –         1,126,040
    GREATER DEEP BASIN         –         –         656,638         –         119,099         –         775,737
    GROUNDBIRCH         –         –         2,915,313         –         1,304,684         –         4,219,997
    Total         –         172,567,072         4,697,991         –         1,423,783         –         178,688,846

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report. 

    Mexico

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments              
    FONDO MEXICANO DEL PETRÓLEO PARA LA ESTABILIZACIÓN Y EL DESARROLLO         –         –         –         –         17,154,483         –         17,154,483
    SERVICIO DE ADMINISTRACIÓN TRIBUTARIA         –         –         –         –         4,372,519         –         4,372,519
    Total         –         –         –         –         21,527,002         –         21,527,002
                   
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Entity level payment              
    MEXICO EXPLORATION DEEPWATER         –         –         –         –         21,527,002         –         21,527,002
    Total         –         –         –         –         21,527,002         –         21,527,002

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report.

    USA

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments              
    ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES         –         –         –         –         243,408         –         243,408
    COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA         –         -400,000         –         –         –         –         -400,000
    INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE         –         53,638,500         –         –         –         –         53,638,500
    LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT         –         –         –         –         –         860,822         860,822
    OFFICE OF NATURAL RESOURCES REVENUE         –         –         1,187,594,021         –         80,435,119         –         1,268,029,140
    Total         –         53,238,500         1,187,594,021         –         80,678,527         860,822         1,322,371,870
                   
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Projects              
    ALASKA EXPLORATION         –         –         –         –         243,408         –         243,408
    GULF OF AMERICA (CENTRAL)         –         –         1,076,187,269         –         282,312         –         1,076,469,581
    GULF OF AMERICA (WEST)         –         –         111,406,752         –         126,720         –         111,533,472
    GULF OF AMERICA EXPLORATION         –         –         –         –         80,026,087         –         80,026,087
    Entity level payment              
    SHELL EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION COMPANY         –         -400,000         –         –         –         –         -400,000
    SHELL OFFSHORE INC.         –         –         –         –         –         860,822         860,822
    SHELL PETROLEUM INC.         –         53,638,500         –         –         –         –         53,638,500
    Total         –         53,238,500         1,187,594,021         –         80,678,527         860,822         1,322,371,870

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report. 

    Argentina

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements   Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments                
    AGENCIA DE RECAUDACIÓN Y CONTROL ADUANERO         –           1,984,309         –         –         –         –         1,984,309
    GAS Y PETRÓLEO DEL NEUQUÉN S.A.         53,082,051 [A]         –         –         –         –         –         53,082,051
    PROVINCIA DE SALTA         –           –         2,475,819         –         –         –         2,475,819
    PROVINCIA DEL NEUQUÉN         –           –         141,493,849         –         123,276         –         141,617,125
    Total         53,082,051           1,984,309         143,969,668         –         123,276         –         199,159,304
                     
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements   Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Projects                
    ACAMBUCO         –           –         2,475,819         –         –         –         2,475,819
    ARGENTINA UNCONVENTIONAL PROJECTS         53,082,051 [A]         1,984,309         141,493,849         –         123,276         –         196,683,485
    Total         53,082,051           1,984,309         143,969,668         –         123,276         –         199,159,304

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report.

    [A] Includes payment in kind of $53,082,051 for 785 kboe valuated at market price.

    Brazil

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements   Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments                
    AGÊNCIA NACIONAL DO PETRÓLEO GÁS NATURAL E BIOCOMBUSTÍVEIS         –           –         –         9,540,351         –         –         9,540,351
    MINISTÉRIO DA FAZENDA         –           –         1,147,687,680         –         1,556,282,443         –         2,703,970,123
    PRÉ-SAL PETRÓLEO S.A.         327,688,819 [A]         –         –         –         –         –         327,688,819
    RECEITA FEDERAL DO BRASIL         –           656,740,954         –         –         –         –         656,740,954
    Total         327,688,819           656,740,954         1,147,687,680         9,540,351         1,556,282,443         –         3,697,940,247
                     
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements   Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Projects                
    BASIN EXPLORATION PROJECTS         –           –         –         9,540,351         3,244,993         –         12,785,344
    BC-10         –           –         31,254,519         –         1,251,598         –         32,506,117
    BIJUPIRA AND SALEMA         –           –         –         –         501,608         –         501,608
    BM-S-9, BM-S-9A, BM-S-11, BM-S-11A AND ENTORNO DE SAPINHOÁ         29,716,011 [B]         –         882,483,636         –         1,551,284,244         –         2,463,483,891
    LIBRA PSC         297,972,808 [C]         –         233,949,525         –         –         –         531,922,333
    Entity level payment                
    SHELL BRASIL PETROLEO LTDA.         –           656,740,954         –         –         –         –         656,740,954
    Total         327,688,819           656,740,954         1,147,687,680         9,540,351         1,556,282,443         –         3,697,940,247

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report.

    [A] Includes payment in kind of $327,688,819 for 4,585 kboe valuated at market price. 

    [B] Includes payment in kind of $29,716,011 for 410 kboe valuated at market price. 

    [C] Includes payment in kind of $297,972,808 for 4,175 kboe valuated at market price.

    Colombia

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments              
    AGENCIA NACIONAL DE HIDROCARBUROS         –         –         –         –         489,880         –         489,880
    Total         –         –         –         –         489,880         –         489,880
                   
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Projects              
    COLOMBIA EXPLORATION (OPERATED)         –         –         –         –         489,880         –         489,880
    Total         –         –         –         –         489,880         –         489,880

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report.

    Trinidad and Tobago

    Government report (in USD) [1]
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Governments              
    MINISTRY OF FINANCE         –         561,771         –         –         –         –         561,771
    MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND ENERGY INDUSTRIES         362,690,585         –         2,210,566         300,000         13,719,070         –         378,920,221
    Total         362,690,585         561,771         2,210,566         300,000         13,719,070         –         379,481,992
                   
    Project report (in USD)
      Production entitlements Taxes Royalties Bonuses Fees Infrastructure improvements Total
    Projects              
    BLOCK 5C         84,428,910         –         –         –         1,714,071         –         86,142,981
    CENTRAL BLOCK         –         561,771         2,210,566         –         900,921         –         3,673,258
    COLIBRI         120,876,414         –         –         –         3,332,208         –         124,208,622
    DEEPWATER ATLANTIC AREA         –         –         –         –         537,570         –         537,570
    EAST COAST MARINE AREA         99,098,428         –         –         –         2,100,156         –         101,198,584
    EXPLORATION         –         –         –         300,000         2,017,530         –         2,317,530
    MANATEE         –         –         –         –         847,999         –         847,999
    NORTH COAST MARINE AREA 1         58,286,833         –         –         –         2,268,615         –         60,555,448
    Total         362,690,585         561,771         2,210,566         300,000         13,719,070         –         379,481,992

    [1] For the definitions of any terms used in this chart (e.g. activities and payment types), please refer to pages 1-2 of this Report.

    Cautionary note
    The companies in which Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this Report “Shell”, “Shell Group” and “Group” are sometimes used for convenience to reference Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities. ‘‘Subsidiaries’’, “Shell subsidiaries” and “Shell companies” as used in this Report refer to entities over which Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. The terms “joint venture”, “joint operations”, “joint arrangements”, and “associates” may also be used to refer to a commercial arrangement in which Shell has a direct or indirect ownership interest with one or more parties. The term “Shell interest” is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in an entity or unincorporated joint arrangement, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

    The MIL Network –