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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Uzbekistan is preparing to cancel the double customs duty on a number of imported goods

    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

    Tashkent, May 13 /Xinhua/ — Uzbekistan is considering an initiative to abolish the double rate of customs duties on a number of imported goods, the UzDaily.uz news portal reported on Tuesday.

    As reported, the relevant bill, aimed at introducing amendments and additions to the Customs Code, was approved by deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (lower house of parliament) in the second reading.

    It is indicated that the document proposes abandoning the practice of applying increased duties in cases of import of products from countries that do not have the most favoured nation treatment in trade and economic relations with Uzbekistan, as well as if the country of origin of the goods is not indicated.

    As the deputies noted, the draft law is aimed at eliminating existing gaps in legal regulation, creating a more favorable investment climate and actively attracting foreign investment. In addition, its adoption will bring national legislation closer to the standards of the World Trade Organization and will facilitate the expansion of the country’s foreign economic relations. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Industrial Bank of China issues 10 billion yuan worth of science and technology innovation bonds

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, May 13 (Xinhua) — Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. of China said it successfully issued its first batch of science and technology innovation bonds on the interbank market on Tuesday, which are designed to support lending to science and technology innovation and related enterprises.

    The bond issue volume was 10 billion yuan (US$1.39 billion), the maturity period was three years, and the nominal interest rate was 1.66 percent.

    The bank’s bond issue comes days after the country’s regulators unveiled support measures aimed at stimulating the issuance of sci-tech innovation bonds. The People’s Bank of China (PBOC, the central bank) and the China Securities Regulatory Commission last week announced measures to support the issuance of sci-tech innovation bonds by financial institutions, sci-tech enterprises and financial asset investment companies. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: POET Appoints Ghazi Chaoui, PhD, as Senior Vice President – Global Manufacturing and Digital Transformation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — POET Technologies Inc. (“POET” or the “Company“) (TSX Venture: PTK; NASDAQ: POET), a leader in the design and implementation of highly-integrated optical engines and light sources for artificial intelligence networks, today announced the appointment of Ghazi M. Chaoui, PhD, MBA as its Senior Vice President of Global Manufacturing and Digital Transformation. Dr. Chaoui recently concluded a multi-year assignment as Chief Procurement Officer of Coherent Corp.

    An industry veteran of nearly 40 years, Dr. Chaoui (widely known as “Ghazi”) brings his considerable experience and stellar reputation to POET as it gears up manufacturing in Penang, Malaysia, where he will be stationed, reporting to Dr. Suresh Venkatesan, POET’s Chairman & Chief Executive Officer.   Ghazi will plan, direct, coordinate, and oversee all operations tied to order fulfillment, and ensure the development and implementation of efficient operations and cost-effective systems to meet the high demand for 800G and 1.6T transceivers needed by hyperscalers and AI cluster operators. Sundar Natarajan Yoganandan, POET’s Director of External Manufacturing and NPI, also a resident of Malaysia, will report directly to Ghazi.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Ghazi to the POET team,” said Dr. Venkatesan. “Our relationship with Globetronics in Malaysia is off to a strong start, with a suite of wafer-level assembly and test equipment installed and operational. With full production capacity expected to be on line this quarter, this is the ideal time for Ghazi and Sundar to staff an organization in Penang and establish the systems we need to ensure delivery of optical engines to customers. We have established POET Technologies Sdn. Bhd. as a wholly owned subsidiary and have begun resourcing it accordingly.”

    Ghazi holds PhD and MS degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering and an MBA. He began his career as an R&D lead designer and manager with AT&T Bell Labs and AT&T Microelectronics in Reading, PA. Over the next 40 years Ghazi held key manufacturing and supply chain roles in several countries with Lucent Technologies, Corvis Corporation/Broadwin Communications, Infinera, Oclaro, Teraxion, Kaiam Corp. and Macom Technology Solutions Holdings.

    “I am pleased to be joining POET at this time to help build a great company in photonics and optoelectronics, serving many customers that I know well and interacting with many suppliers with whom I have strong relationships,” said Dr. Chaoui. “By semiconductorizing optical engine assembly, I am confident we can supply high performance optical engines at high volumes on time to customers.”

    About POET Technologies Inc.
    POET is a design and development company offering high-speed optical modules, optical engines and light source products to the artificial intelligence systems market and to hyperscale data centers.  POET’s photonic integration solutions are based on the POET Optical Interposer™, a novel, patented platform that allows the seamless integration of electronic and photonic devices into a single chip using advanced wafer-level semiconductor manufacturing techniques. POET’s Optical Interposer-based products are lower cost, consume less power than comparable products, are smaller in size and are readily scalable to high production volumes. In addition to providing high-speed (800G, 1.6T and above) optical engines and optical modules for AI clusters and hyperscale data centers, POET has designed and produced novel light source products for chip-to-chip data communication within and between AI servers, the next frontier for solving bandwidth and latency problems in AI systems.  POET’s Optical Interposer platform also solves device integration challenges in 5G networks, machine-to-machine communication, self-contained “Edge” computing applications and sensing applications, such as LIDAR systems for autonomous vehicles.  POET is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with operations in Allentown, PA, Shenzhen, China, and Singapore.  More information about POET is available on our website at www.poet-technologies.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This news release contains “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws) and “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements or information are identified with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “potential”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “outlook”, “foresee” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding any potential outcome. Such statements include the Company’s expectations with respect to the success of its senior leadership appointments in Malaysia, the success of its newly established Malaysia subsidiary, the success of its agreement with Globetronics, and the Company’s product development efforts, the performance of its products, operations, meeting revenue targets, and the expectation of continued success in the financing efforts, the capability, functionality, performance and cost of the Company’s technology as well as the market acceptance, inclusion and timing of the Company’s technology in current and future products and expectations regarding its successful development of high speed transceiver solutions and its penetration of the Artificial Intelligence hardware markets.

    Such forward-looking information or statements are based on a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions which may cause actual results or other expectations to differ materially from those anticipated and which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the success of its senior leadership appointments in Malaysia, the success of its newly established Malaysia subsidiary, the success of its agreement with Globetronics, and the completion of its development efforts with its customers, the ability to build working prototypes to the customer’s specifications, and the size, future growth and needs of Artificial Intelligence network suppliers. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including, without limitation, the failure of operations in Malaysia to scale to production as expected, the failure of its technology to meet performance requirements, the failure to produce optical engines on time and within budget, the failure of Artificial Intelligence networks to continue to grow as expected, the failure of the Company’s products to be included in products aimed at AI and datacom networks, operational risks in the completion of the Company’s projects, the ability of the Company to generate sales for its products, and the ability of its customers to deploy systems that incorporate the Company’s products. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information or statements are reasonable, prospective investors in the Company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because the Company can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise this forward-looking information and statements except as required by law.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung’s slim phone offers distinctly marketable feature among obscure AI use cases, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Samsung’s slim phone offers distinctly marketable feature among obscure AI use cases, says GlobalData

    Posted in Technology

    Following the news that Samsung has launched the slim Galaxy S25 Edge phone;

    Anisha Bhatia, Senior Technology Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers her view:

    “Samsung‘s Galaxy S25 Edge is a slim design that will redefine market standards amid competitive pressures. The phone’s sleek profile, measuring just 5.8 mm, stands out as a compelling feature in an era where differentiation is paramount. As original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and telcos navigate the complexities of unclear artificial intelligence (AI) use cases and their monetization, the allure of a marketable feature, such as a slim and lightweight form factor, becomes increasingly significant.

    “The trend towards slimmer smartphones is not a response to consumer demand; it is a strategic tactic by OEMs to carve out a unique identity in an intensely competitive landscape. The $1,099 S25 Edge comes with a hardy titanium body, weighs a light 163 grams, and includes all the multimodal AI features that are available in its parent S25 series of phones. But rival Apple’s anticipated iPhone 17 Air, expected in Fall 2025, is projected to be 5.5mm thin, poised to surpass Samsung in the race for slimness.

    “Apple may leverage the iPhone 17 Air’s slender design to counterbalance its perceived lag in AI features, generating significant market buzz. While the slim phone phenomenon has gained traction in China, its success in other markets, such as Europe and the US, remains uncertain due to varying cultural and consumer preferences. Nevertheless, the global appeal of this trend suggests a burgeoning niche market ripe for exploration by telcos and OEMs alike.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: US tariffs could accelerate supply chain diversification in medtech sector, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    US tariffs could accelerate supply chain diversification in medtech sector, says GlobalData

    Posted in Medical Devices

    The US Trade Representative’s (USTR) plan to reinstate Section 301 tariffs targets Class I and II medical devices, including orthopedic instruments frequently sourced from China. The move is expected to lead to a rise in cost pressures and supply chain risks in the medtech sector. As such, tariff pressures could accelerate supply chain diversification and regional manufacturing in the sector, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    The tariffs, part of a revived Trump-era trade strategy, aim to counter China’s economic influence and encourage domestic manufacturing. However, medtech leaders warn the move could raise healthcare costs and limit patient access to essential technologies.

    Zimmer Biomet has recently announced that proposed US tariffs on medical devices imported from China could reduce its 2025 profits by $60 million to $80 million. Zimmer Biomet’s update reflects the broader implications of geopolitical trade shifts on global healthcare. The global musculoskeletal healthcare company is evaluating mitigation strategies such as supplier diversification, logistics optimization, and potential reshoring.

    Graysen Vigneux, Medical Analyst at GlobalData, commented: “The impact of these tariffs is significant for globally integrated firms like Zimmer Biomet. While intended to boost US production, the immediate effect may be higher costs that ripple through to providers and patients.”

    Many of Zimmer Biomet’s orthopedic instruments, typically low-margin, high-volume products, fall under the tariff scope and cannot be easily transitioned to US manufacturing without major investment and regulatory delay.

    Vigneux concludes: “The US medtech industry, already facing inflation, labor shortages, and stricter regulation, now confronts added financial and strategic uncertainty. Companies must remain agile to navigate shifting trade policy without compromising access or quality.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Asian American became a racial grouping – and why many with Asian roots don’t identify with the term these days

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jennifer Ho, Professor of Asian American Studies, University of Colorado Boulder

    People gather for a rally in New York on March 16, 2023, to protest racism against Asian Americans. Fatih Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

    For the first time, in 1990, May was officially designated as a month honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage. Though the current U.S. administration recently withdrew federal recognition, the month continues to be celebrated by a wide array of people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

    People from the Pacific Islands have their own distinct histories and issues, delineated in part by a specific geography. Yet when we refer to the even broader category of Asian Americans, a concept with a deep yet often unknown history, who exactly are we referring to?

    There are nearly 25 million people of Asian descent who live in the United States, but the term Asian American remains shrouded by cultural misunderstanding and contested as a term among Asians themselves.

    As a professor of Asian American studies, I believe it is important to understand how the label came into being.

    A long history of Asian people in America

    The arrival of people from Asia to the U.S. long predates the country’s founding in 1776.

    After visits to modern-day America that began in the late 16th century, Filipino sailors formed – as early as 1763 – what is believed to be the first Asian settlement in St. Malo, Louisiana.

    But it wasn’t until the 1849 California Gold Rush that Asian immigration to the U.S. – from China – began on a mass scale. That was bolstered in the 1860s by Chinese laborers recruited to build the western portion of the Transcontinental Railroad.

    Starting toward the end of the 19th century, Japanese immigration steadily picked up, so that by 1910 the U.S. Census records a similar number for both communities – just over 70,000. Likewise, a small number of South Asian immigrants began arriving in the early 1900s.

    An exclusionary backlash

    Yet after coming to the U.S. in search of economic and political opportunities, Asian laborers in America were met by a surge of white nativist hostility and violence. That reaction was codified in civil society groups and government laws, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882.

    By 1924, federal law had expanded into a virtual ban on all Asian immigration, and through the first half of the 20th century, a multitude of anti-Asian laws targeted areas including naturalization, marriage and housing, among others.

    In 1933, Chinese Americans in Sacramento, Calif., protested against deportations of Asian people and for higher unemployment insurance benefits.
    Bettmann/Contributor via Getty Images

    From the start, people from Asian countries in the U.S. were generally identified broadly with identifiers such as “Oriental,” a common term at the time mostly for those from China, Japan and Korea.

    As more Asians came to the U.S, other terms were used to denigrate and demean these new immigrants, whose physical appearance, language and cultural norms were distinctly different from their Euro-American neighbors.

    ‘Asian American’ and the birth of a movement

    The desire to claim America was one of the drivers for activists in the 1960s to create the concept of Asian American that we know today.

    The movement began in the charged political context of anti-Vietnam War protests and the Civil Rights Movement for Black equality. Students of Asian heritage at San Francisco State University and the University of California, Berkeley were organizing for the establishment of ethnic studies classes, specifically those that centered on the histories of Asians in the U.S.

    Rejecting the term “oriental” as too limiting and exotic, since oriental literally means “from the East,” the student activists wanted a term of empowerment that would include the Filipino, Chinese, Korean and Japanese students at the heart of this organizing. Graduate students Emma Gee and Yuji Ichioka came up with “Asian American” as a way to bring activists under one radical organizing umbrella, forming the Asian American Political Alliance in 1968.

    A contested term

    Today, the Asian American label has moved beyond its activist roots. The term might literally refer to anyone who traces their lineage from the whole of the Asian continent. This could include people from South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan or Sri Lanka to parts of West Asia like Syria, Lebanon or Iran.

    Yet not all people who identify as Asian actually use the words Asian American, since it is a term that flattens ethnic specificity and lumps together people with as disparate of backgrounds as Hmong or Bangladeshi, for example.

    A 2023 Pew Research Center survey of self-identified Asian adults living in the U.S. revealed that only 16% of people polled said they identified as “Asian American,” with a majority – 52% – preferring ethnic Asian labels, either alone or in tandem with “American.”

    Chinese immigrants play cards while waiting to be called in the immigration offices in New York in the 1940s.
    Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images

    Moreover, unlike the student activists who worked together through their shared Asian American identity, the majority of people of Asian descent living in the U.S. came after the 1965 Immigration Act was passed, which ended all prior anti-Asian immigration laws. This, combined with a subsequent wave of Asian immigration from parts of Asia not represented in the past – including Vietnam, Taiwan and Pakistan – means that most Asian Americans alive today are either immigrants or one generation removed from immigrants.

    As a largely immigrant and recently Americanized group, many Asians therefore may not relate to the struggles of an earlier history of Asians in the U.S. That may contribute to why many don’t connect with the term “Asian American.” Korean immigrants, for instance, may not see their history connected with third-generation Japanese Americans, particularly when considering their homelands have been in conflict for decades.

    For some, Asian American is too broad a term to capture the complexity of Asian-heritage Americans.

    Indeed, Asian Americans come from over 30 countries with different languages, diverse cultures, and histories that have often been in conflict with other Asian nations. Within such a broad grouping as “Asian American,” a wide range of political, socioeconomic, religious and other differences emerge that greatly complicate this racial label.

    Even though the term remains contested, many Asians still see value in the concept. Much like the activists who first created the label in the 1960s, many believe it signifies a sense of solidarity and community among people who – despite their many differences – have been treated like outsiders to the American experience, regardless of how American their roots are.

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

    – ref. How Asian American became a racial grouping – and why many with Asian roots don’t identify with the term these days – https://theconversation.com/how-asian-american-became-a-racial-grouping-and-why-many-with-asian-roots-dont-identify-with-the-term-these-days-255578

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why collect asteroid samples? 4 essential reads on what these tiny bits of space rock can tell scientists

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Mary Magnuson, Associate Science Editor

    The OSIRIS-REx sample return capsule contained rock from the asteroid Bennu. NASA/Keegan Barber

    China’s Tianwen-2 asteroid sample return mission is set to launch this month, May 2025, en route to the asteroid Kamoʻoalewa (2016 HO3). The country could join the United States and Japan, whose space agencies have both successfully retrieved a sample from an asteroid to study back on Earth.

    Several space missions have flown by asteroids before and gotten a peek at their compositions, but bringing a sample back to Earth is even more helpful for scientists. The most informative analyses require having physical samples to poke and prod, shine light at, run through CT scanners and examine under electron microscopes.

    These missions require detailed planning and specialized spacecraft, so to shed light on why agencies go through the trouble, we compiled four stories from The Conversation U.S.’s archive. These articles describe the ways asteroid sample return missions generate new scientific insights at every stage – from the collection process, to the container’s return to Earth, to laboratory analyses.

    1. Ryugu’s colorful history

    The asteroid Ryugu is made of carbon-rich rock. Japan targeted Ryugu for its sample return mission Hayabusa2 in 2020.

    A sealed container that holds a piece of the Ryugu sample from Japan’s Hayabusa2 mission.
    NASA/Robert Markowitz

    As planetary scientist Paul K. Byrne from Washington University in St. Louis described in his article, the Hayabusa2 team shot the asteroid with a metal projectile and collected the dusty debris that floated into space. This process allowed the Hayabusa2 craft to gather a sample to bring home and also get a close-up look at the asteroid’s surface.

    One thing the collection team noticed: The material that flew off the asteroid was redder than the surface they shot at, which had a bluer tinge.

    Some parts of Ryugu appear almost striped – the middle latitudes are redder, while the poles look more blue. The sample collection process gave researchers some hints about why that is.

    “At some point the asteroid must have been closer to the Sun that it is now,” Byrne wrote. “That would explain the amount of reddening of the surface.”



    Read more:
    Touching the asteroid Ryugu revealed secrets of its surface and changing orbit

    2. Return capsules make shock waves

    Similar to how researchers gained valuable data just from the Hayabusa2 collection process, atmospheric scientists didn’t even need to open the OSIRIS-REx sample return capsule to learn something new.

    NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission traveled to the carbon-rich asteroid Bennu and sent home a small capsule containing a sample in September 2023.

    Released from the OSIRIS-REx craft, the sample return capsule hurtled down to Earth in a heavy box about the size of a microwave. Aside from the fact that it had been released from a spacecraft about 63,000 miles (102,000 kilometers) away, the return looked strikingly similar to that of a meteorite hitting Earth.

    Scientists don’t often have the advance notice needed to study how real meteoroids – the term given to meteorites before they hit the ground – behave when they enter the atmosphere, so they jumped on the opportunity to study the capsule as it returned to Earth.

    As physicists Brian Elbing from Oklahoma State University and Elizabeth A. Silber from Sandia National Laboratories discussed in their article, OSIRIS-REx’s reentry was the perfect opportunity to study what happens in the atmosphere when meteoroid-size objects fly through.

    The teams set up networks of sensitive microphones and other instruments – both on the ground and attached to balloons – to log the sound wave frequencies that the capsule generated in the atmosphere. Understanding how waves travel through the atmosphere can help scientists figure out how to detect hazards such as natural disasters.



    Read more:
    NASA’s asteroid sample mission gave scientists around the world the rare opportunity to study an artificial meteor

    3. Building blocks of life on Bennu

    Once the OSIRIS-REx return capsule was safely back on Earth, researchers across the world – including geologist Timothy J. McCoy from the Smithsonian Institution and planetary scientist Sara Russell from the Natural History Museum in the U.K. – got to work running tests on its contents, while handling the sample carefully to avoid contaminating it.

    As they described in their article, McCoy and Russell found the sample was mostly water-rich clay, which they expected from a carbon-rich asteroid. But they also found a surprising amount of salty and brine-related minerals. These minerals form when water evaporates off a rock’s surface.

    Because these minerals – aptly called evaporites – dissolve when they come into contact with moisture, scientists had never seen them in the meteorites that fly through Earth’s atmosphere, even ones with similar compositions to Bennu. The spacecraft’s sample container kept the Bennu sample airtight, so these evaporites stayed intact.

    These results suggest that the asteroid used to be wet and muddy. And a salty, water-rich environment like Bennu may have once been a great place for organic molecules to form. Some scientists predict that Earth got its ingredients for life from a collision with an asteroid like Bennu.



    Read more:
    Bennu asteroid reveals its contents to scientists − and clues to how the building blocks of life on Earth may have been seeded

    4. Looking ahead: Asteroid mining

    Asteroid sample return missions generate lots of scientific insights. They can also help space agencies and companies understand what exactly is out there, available to bring home from asteroids. While carbon-rich asteroids like Bennu and Ryugu aren’t flush with precious metals, other asteroids have more valuable contents.

    Launched in 2023 and currently traveling through space, NASA’s Psyche mission will explore a metallic asteroid. The Psyche asteroid likely contains platinum, nickel, iron and possibly gold – all materials of commercial interest.

    Scientists can learn about the formation and composition of Earth’s core from metallic asteroids like Psyche, which is the mission’s main goal. But as planetary scientist Valerie Payré from the University of Iowa wrote in her article, “The Psyche mission is a huge step in figuring out what sort of metals are out there.”

    For now, commercial asteroid mining operations are science fiction – not to mention legally fraught. But some companies have started considering early-stage plans for how they one day might do it. Asteroid sample missions can lay some early groundwork.



    Read more:
    NASA’s robotic prospectors are helping scientists understand what asteroids are made of – setting the stage for miners to follow someday

    This story is a roundup of articles from The Conversation’s archives.

    – ref. Why collect asteroid samples? 4 essential reads on what these tiny bits of space rock can tell scientists – https://theconversation.com/why-collect-asteroid-samples-4-essential-reads-on-what-these-tiny-bits-of-space-rock-can-tell-scientists-255705

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China and Central Asian countries ready to deepen cooperation in education

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    URUMQI, May 13 (Xinhua) — The first China-Central Asia Education Ministers’ Meeting was held in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Monday, calling for deeper cooperation in areas such as scientific research, vocational education and more.

    Delivering a keynote speech at the meeting, Chinese Education Minister Huai Jinpeng noted that China pays close attention to cooperation with Central Asian countries in the field of education. Over the past two years, the parties have cooperated more closely and achieved fruitful results, he said.

    Regarding deepening China-Central Asia educational cooperation, Huai Jinpeng called for building new platforms for comprehensive exchanges and cooperation, forming a new system of higher education cooperation for joint training of professionals, unleashing the potential of cooperation in vocational education, strengthening cooperation in digital education based on resource sharing, and promoting exchanges between civilizations in China and Central Asian countries.

    As stated by the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek, Kazakhstan and China have developed fruitful cooperation in scientific research and education and actively promoted exchanges between specialists, while the youth of the two countries are showing growing interest in studying in each other’s countries.

    At the meeting, he also stressed the importance of expanding academic interaction, strengthening cooperation in postgraduate education, and enhancing the integration of artificial intelligence in the education process.

    At the meeting, the Minister of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva proposed the development of cooperation in the field of developing a green economy and environmental education, supporting projects on artificial intelligence, digital technologies, e-commerce and innovative business models, as well as the continuous development of relevant projects in the field of biodiversity and climate change.

    The Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan Rahim Saidzod stated that as the level of informatization of the social sphere increases, Tajikistan will actively promote technological innovations and cooperation in various aspects, including neural networks, robotic automated production, 3D printing, etc.

    Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiev noted that Turkmenistan and China maintain an active intercultural dialogue, which has laid a solid foundation for the sustainable development of bilateral cooperation in the field of education.

    The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan Kongratbay Sharipov put forward an initiative to strengthen cooperation in the “China-Central Asia” format in the field of professional education in such specialized areas as agricultural engineering, green logistics, medical technologies, car maintenance, etc.

    Following the meeting, the Working Charter of the Mechanism of the China-Central Asia Education Ministers’ Meeting and the Urumqi Declaration of the China-Central Asia Education Ministers’ Meeting were adopted.

    The meeting announced the establishment of the China-Central Asia Alliance for the Integration of Education and Production and the Central Asian branch of the Global Institute for Teacher Education, as well as the launch of several projects in the research field.

    Meanwhile, a number of memorandums and agreements between educational institutions were signed at the event. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Since the beginning of this year, Chinese-Russian border trade in Manzhouli has brought in 1 million yuan in revenue for local residents.

    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 13 (Xinhua) — Since the beginning of this year, Chinese-Russian border trade in the city of Manzhouli has brought in 1 million yuan in revenue for local residents, the city’s people’s government said on Thursday.

    Manzhouli City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, is located on the border with Russia’s Zabaikalsky Krai. It has a road and railway checkpoint. The local China-Russia Mutual Trade Zone is an important platform for expanding the city’s openness to the outside world. The trading platform in the zone was put into operation in 2016.

    According to current regulations, the value of tax-free goods purchased in the designated area must not exceed 8,000 yuan per person per day. In addition to meeting their own needs, local residents can also resell these goods on the domestic market.

    Local residents are reportedly actively expanding channels for importing goods from Russia and reselling them in China. The most popular Russian goods are consumer goods, handicrafts and agricultural products, including chumiza, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, etc. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: UN chief hails US-China trade dialogue as ‘very positive’ for global economy

    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

    UNITED NATIONS, May 13 (Xinhua) — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the recent trade talks between the United States and China, calling the dialogue a “positive” sign for the global economy.

    “We have always said that we do not want an escalation of the trade war. We want dialogue,” Stephane Dujarric, the UN chief’s spokesman, said at a briefing on Monday.

    “So this is obviously a good start,” he added, referring to the resumption of contacts between the two largest economies.

    S. Dujarric also reiterated A. Guterres’ position that trade conflicts are not beneficial to anyone. “I think the Secretary-General has made it very clear that no one wins in a trade war,” he said.

    A high-level China-US economic and trade meeting was held in Geneva, Switzerland over the weekend, with both sides reaching consensus on several key issues. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Army kills three militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir

    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

    NEW DELHI, May 13 (Xinhua) — The Indian army said on Tuesday it killed three militants in a gunfight in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

    The shootout, according to the military, took place in a forested area of Shopian district, about 75 km south of the city of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

    The military did not reveal the identities of the killed militants. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping congratulates E. Albanese on re-election as Australian Prime Minister

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 13 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday congratulated Anthony Albanese on his re-election as Australian prime minister.

    Xi Jinping said that over the past three years, he has met with Prime Minister Eduardo Albanese and held in-depth discussions with him on strategic, comprehensive and direction-setting issues concerning the development of China-Australia relations.

    These discussions resulted in an important consensus that provided strategic guidance for improving and developing bilateral ties, he added.

    Strengthening cooperation between China and Australia is of great significance to achieving common development and strengthening world peace and stability, Xi said.

    The Chinese President also expressed his willingness to cooperate with E. Albanese to promote the sustainable development of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, bringing great benefits to the peoples of both countries.

    On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Qiang also sent a congratulatory message to E. Albanese, noting that China stands ready to work with the new Australian government to advance a more mature, stable and fruitful China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The heads of the Russian and Turkish foreign ministries discussed V. Putin’s initiative on negotiations on May 15 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

    Moscow, May 13 /Xinhua/ — Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had a telephone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s official website reported.

    “The heads of the foreign policy departments discussed issues related to the initiative of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to begin direct negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement on May 15 in Istanbul,” the ministry reported.

    Speaking to journalists in the Kremlin on the night of May 11, V. Putin proposed that the Ukrainian side resume direct negotiations, which they interrupted in 2022, without preconditions. It is proposed to begin the dialogue on May 15 in Istanbul. Later on May 11, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed to V. Putin on the social network X to hold a personal meeting on May 15 in Turkey to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict. He added that Ukraine also expects a full and long-term ceasefire starting on May 12. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year

    May 13, 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year

    New features include Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store, Magnifier for Mac, Braille Access, and Accessibility Reader; plus innovative updates to Live Listen, visionOS, Personal Voice, and more

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced new accessibility features coming later this year, including Accessibility Nutrition Labels, which will provide more detailed information for apps and games on the App Store. Users who are blind or have low vision can explore, learn, and interact using the new Magnifier app for Mac; take notes and perform calculations with the new Braille Access feature; and leverage the powerful camera system of Apple Vision Pro with new updates to visionOS. Additional announcements include Accessibility Reader, a new systemwide reading mode designed with accessibility in mind, along with updates to Live Listen, Background Sounds, Personal Voice, Vehicle Motion Cues, and more. Leveraging the power of Apple silicon — along with advances in on-device machine learning and artificial intelligence — users will experience a new level of accessibility across the Apple ecosystem.

    “At Apple, accessibility is part of our DNA,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Making technology for everyone is a priority for all of us, and we’re proud of the innovations we’re sharing this year. That includes tools to help people access crucial information, explore the world around them, and do what they love.”

    “Building on 40 years of accessibility innovation at Apple, we are dedicated to pushing forward with new accessibility features for all of our products,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives. “Powered by the Apple ecosystem, these features work seamlessly together to bring users new ways to engage with the things they care about most.”

    Accessibility Nutrition Labels Come to the App Store

    Accessibility Nutrition Labels bring a new section to App Store product pages that will highlight accessibility features within apps and games. These labels give users a new way to learn if an app will be accessible to them before they download it, and give developers the opportunity to better inform and educate their users on features their app supports. This includes VoiceOver, Voice Control, Larger Text, Sufficient Contrast, Reduced Motion, captions, and more. Accessibility Nutrition Labels will be available on the App Store worldwide, and developers can access more guidance on the criteria apps should meet before displaying accessibility information on their product pages.

    “Accessibility Nutrition Labels are a huge step forward for accessibility,” said Eric Bridges, the American Foundation for the Blind’s president and CEO. “Consumers deserve to know if a product or service will be accessible to them from the very start, and Apple has a long-standing history of delivering tools and technologies that allow developers to build experiences for everyone. These labels will give people with disabilities a new way to easily make more informed decisions and make purchases with a new level of confidence.”

    An All-New Magnifier for Mac

    Since 2016, Magnifier on iPhone and iPad has given users who are blind or have low vision tools to zoom in, read text, and detect objects around them. This year, Magnifier is coming to Mac to make the physical world more accessible for users with low vision. The Magnifier app for Mac connects to a user’s camera so they can zoom in on their surroundings, such as a screen or whiteboard. Magnifier works with Continuity Camera on iPhone as well as attached USB cameras, and supports reading documents using Desk View.

    With multiple live session windows, users can multitask by viewing a presentation with a webcam while simultaneously following along in a book using Desk View. With customized views, users can adjust brightness, contrast, color filters, and even perspective to make text and images easier to see. Views can also be captured, grouped, and saved to add to later on. Additionally, Magnifier for Mac is integrated with another new accessibility feature, Accessibility Reader, which transforms text from the physical world into a custom legible format.

    A New Braille Experience

    Braille Access is an all-new experience that turns iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro into a full-featured braille note taker that’s deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. With a built-in app launcher, users can easily open any app by typing with Braille Screen Input or a connected braille device. With Braille Access, users can quickly take notes in braille format and perform calculations using Nemeth Braille, a braille code often used in classrooms for math and science. Users can open Braille Ready Format (BRF) files directly from Braille Access, unlocking a wide range of books and files previously created on a braille note taking device. And an integrated form of Live Captions allows users to transcribe conversations in real time directly on braille displays.

    Introducing Accessibility Reader

    Accessibility Reader is a new systemwide reading mode designed to make text easier to read for users with a wide range of disabilities, such as dyslexia or low vision. Available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro, Accessibility Reader gives users new ways to customize text and focus on content they want to read, with extensive options for font, color, and spacing, as well as support for Spoken Content. Accessibility Reader can be launched from any app, and is built into the Magnifier app for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, so users can interact with text in the real world, like in books or on dining menus.

    Live Captions Arrive on Apple Watch

    For users who are deaf or hard of hearing, Live Listen controls come to Apple Watch with a new set of features, including real-time Live Captions. Live Listen turns iPhone into a remote microphone to stream content directly to AirPods, Made for iPhone hearing aids, or Beats headphones. When a session is active on iPhone, users can view Live Captions of what their iPhone hears on a paired Apple Watch while listening along to the audio. Apple Watch serves as a remote control to start or stop Live Listen sessions, or jump back in a session to capture something that may have been missed. With Apple Watch, Live Listen sessions can be controlled from across the room, so there’s no need to get up in the middle of a meeting or during class. Live Listen can be used along with hearing health features available on AirPods Pro 2, including the first-of-its-kind clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature.

    An Enhanced View with Apple Vision Pro

    For users who are blind or have low vision, visionOS will expand vision accessibility features using the advanced camera system on Apple Vision Pro. With powerful updates to Zoom, users can magnify everything in view — including their surroundings — using the main camera. For VoiceOver users, Live Recognition in visionOS uses on-device machine learning to describe surroundings, find objects, read documents, and more.1 For accessibility developers, a new API will enable approved apps to access the main camera to provide live, person-to-person assistance for visual interpretation in apps like Be My Eyes, giving users more ways to understand their surroundings hands-free.

    Additional Updates

    • Background Sounds becomes easier to personalize with new EQ settings, the option to stop automatically after a period of time, and new actions for automations in Shortcuts. Background Sounds can help minimize distractions to increase a sense of focus and relaxation, which some users find can help with symptoms of tinnitus.
    • For users at risk of losing their ability to speak, Personal Voice becomes faster, easier, and more powerful than ever, leveraging advances in on-device machine learning and artificial intelligence to create a smoother, more natural-sounding voice in less than a minute, using only 10 recorded phrases. Personal Voice will also add support for Spanish (Mexico).2
    • Vehicle Motion Cues, which can help reduce motion sickness when riding in a moving vehicle, comes to Mac, along with new ways to customize the animated onscreen dots on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
    • Eye Tracking users on iPhone and iPad will now have the option to use a switch or dwell to make selections. Keyboard typing when using Eye Tracking or Switch Control is now easier on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro with improvements including a new keyboard dwell timer, reduced steps when typing with switches, and enabling QuickPath for iPhone and Vision Pro.
    • With Head Tracking, users will be able to more easily control iPhone and iPad with head movements, similar to Eye Tracking.
    • For users with severe mobility disabilities, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS will add a new protocol to support Switch Control for Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs), an emerging technology that allows users to control their device without physical movement.
    • Assistive Access adds a new custom Apple TV app with a simplified media player. Developers will also get support in creating tailored experiences for users with intellectual and developmental disabilities using the Assistive Access API.
    • Music Haptics on iPhone becomes more customizable with the option to experience haptics for a whole song or for vocals only, as well as the option to adjust the overall intensity of taps, textures, and vibrations.
    • Sound Recognition adds Name Recognition, a new way for users who are deaf or hard of hearing to know when their name is being called.
    • Voice Control introduces a new programming mode in Xcode for software developers with limited mobility. Voice Control also adds vocabulary syncing across devices, and will expand language support to include Korean, Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Turkish, Italian, Spanish (Latin America), Mandarin Chinese (Taiwan), English (Singapore), and Russian.
    • Live Captions adds support to include English (India, Australia, UK, Singapore), Mandarin Chinese (Mainland China), Cantonese (Mainland China, Hong Kong), Spanish (Latin America, Spain), French (France, Canada), Japanese, German (Germany), and Korean.
    • Updates to CarPlay include support for Large Text. With updates to Sound Recognition in CarPlay, drivers or passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing can now be notified of the sound of a crying baby, in addition to sounds outside the car such as horns and sirens.
    • Share Accessibility Settings is a new way for users to quickly and temporarily share their accessibility settings with another iPhone or iPad. This is great for borrowing a friend’s device or using a public kiosk in a setting like a cafe.

    Celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day with Apple

    Apple Retail is introducing dedicated tables spotlighting accessibility features on a variety of devices in select store locations throughout the month of May. Additionally, Apple offers accessibility sessions year-round through Today at Apple for deeper learning, tips, and feature customization. Sessions can be scheduled at all Apple Store locations worldwide through Group Booking or by visiting a nearby store.

    Apple Music shares the story of artist Kiddo K and the power of music haptics for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, unveils updates to its Haptics playlists, and launches a brand-new playlist featuring ASL interpretations of music videos alongside Saylists playlists.

    Apple Fitness+ welcomes Chelsie Hill as a guest in a Dance workout with Fitness+ trainer Ben Allen. Hill is a professional dancer and founder of Rolettes, an L.A.-based wheelchair dance team that advocates for disability representation and women’s empowerment. The workout is available now in the Fitness+ app.

    Apple TV+ shares a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new Apple Original film Deaf President Now!, which premieres on Apple TV+ on May 16. The documentary tells the story of the greatest civil rights movement most people have never heard about, which unfolded across eight tumultuous days in 1988. At the world’s only Deaf university, four students must find a way to lead an angry mob — and change the course of history.

    Apple Books, Apple Podcasts, Apple TV, and Apple News will spotlight stories of people with disabilities and those who are working to make the world more accessible for everyone.

    The App Store is sharing a collection of apps and games designed to be accessible to everyone, in addition to featuring the story of Klemens Strasser, a developer guided by a philosophy of making accessible apps and games like The Art of Fauna.

    The Shortcuts app adds Hold That Thought, a shortcut that prompts users to capture and recall information in a note so interruptions don’t derail their flow. The Accessibility Assistant shortcut has been added to Shortcuts on Apple Vision Pro to help recommend accessibility features based on user preferences.

    New videos on the Apple Support accessibility playlist include features like Eye Tracking, Vocal Shortcuts, and Vehicle Motion Cues, as well as a library of videos to help everyone personalize their iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro to work best for them.

    About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.

    1. Live Recognition should not be relied on in high-risk or emergency situations, in circumstances where the user may be harmed or injured, or for navigation.
    2. Personal Voice can only be used to create a voice that sounds like the user on device, using their own voice, and for their own personal, noncommercial use.

    Press Contacts

    Will Butler

    Apple

    willbutler@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year

    May 13, 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year

    New features include Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store, Magnifier for Mac, Braille Access, and Accessibility Reader; plus innovative updates to Live Listen, visionOS, Personal Voice, and more

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced new accessibility features coming later this year, including Accessibility Nutrition Labels, which will provide more detailed information for apps and games on the App Store. Users who are blind or have low vision can explore, learn, and interact using the new Magnifier app for Mac; take notes and perform calculations with the new Braille Access feature; and leverage the powerful camera system of Apple Vision Pro with new updates to visionOS. Additional announcements include Accessibility Reader, a new systemwide reading mode designed with accessibility in mind, along with updates to Live Listen, Background Sounds, Personal Voice, Vehicle Motion Cues, and more. Leveraging the power of Apple silicon — along with advances in on-device machine learning and artificial intelligence — users will experience a new level of accessibility across the Apple ecosystem.

    “At Apple, accessibility is part of our DNA,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Making technology for everyone is a priority for all of us, and we’re proud of the innovations we’re sharing this year. That includes tools to help people access crucial information, explore the world around them, and do what they love.”

    “Building on 40 years of accessibility innovation at Apple, we are dedicated to pushing forward with new accessibility features for all of our products,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives. “Powered by the Apple ecosystem, these features work seamlessly together to bring users new ways to engage with the things they care about most.”

    Accessibility Nutrition Labels Come to the App Store

    Accessibility Nutrition Labels bring a new section to App Store product pages that will highlight accessibility features within apps and games. These labels give users a new way to learn if an app will be accessible to them before they download it, and give developers the opportunity to better inform and educate their users on features their app supports. This includes VoiceOver, Voice Control, Larger Text, Sufficient Contrast, Reduced Motion, captions, and more. Accessibility Nutrition Labels will be available on the App Store worldwide, and developers can access more guidance on the criteria apps should meet before displaying accessibility information on their product pages.

    “Accessibility Nutrition Labels are a huge step forward for accessibility,” said Eric Bridges, the American Foundation for the Blind’s president and CEO. “Consumers deserve to know if a product or service will be accessible to them from the very start, and Apple has a long-standing history of delivering tools and technologies that allow developers to build experiences for everyone. These labels will give people with disabilities a new way to easily make more informed decisions and make purchases with a new level of confidence.”

    An All-New Magnifier for Mac

    Since 2016, Magnifier on iPhone and iPad has given users who are blind or have low vision tools to zoom in, read text, and detect objects around them. This year, Magnifier is coming to Mac to make the physical world more accessible for users with low vision. The Magnifier app for Mac connects to a user’s camera so they can zoom in on their surroundings, such as a screen or whiteboard. Magnifier works with Continuity Camera on iPhone as well as attached USB cameras, and supports reading documents using Desk View.

    With multiple live session windows, users can multitask by viewing a presentation with a webcam while simultaneously following along in a book using Desk View. With customized views, users can adjust brightness, contrast, color filters, and even perspective to make text and images easier to see. Views can also be captured, grouped, and saved to add to later on. Additionally, Magnifier for Mac is integrated with another new accessibility feature, Accessibility Reader, which transforms text from the physical world into a custom legible format.

    A New Braille Experience

    Braille Access is an all-new experience that turns iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro into a full-featured braille note taker that’s deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. With a built-in app launcher, users can easily open any app by typing with Braille Screen Input or a connected braille device. With Braille Access, users can quickly take notes in braille format and perform calculations using Nemeth Braille, a braille code often used in classrooms for math and science. Users can open Braille Ready Format (BRF) files directly from Braille Access, unlocking a wide range of books and files previously created on a braille note taking device. And an integrated form of Live Captions allows users to transcribe conversations in real time directly on braille displays.

    Introducing Accessibility Reader

    Accessibility Reader is a new systemwide reading mode designed to make text easier to read for users with a wide range of disabilities, such as dyslexia or low vision. Available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro, Accessibility Reader gives users new ways to customize text and focus on content they want to read, with extensive options for font, color, and spacing, as well as support for Spoken Content. Accessibility Reader can be launched from any app, and is built into the Magnifier app for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, so users can interact with text in the real world, like in books or on dining menus.

    Live Captions Arrive on Apple Watch

    For users who are deaf or hard of hearing, Live Listen controls come to Apple Watch with a new set of features, including real-time Live Captions. Live Listen turns iPhone into a remote microphone to stream content directly to AirPods, Made for iPhone hearing aids, or Beats headphones. When a session is active on iPhone, users can view Live Captions of what their iPhone hears on a paired Apple Watch while listening along to the audio. Apple Watch serves as a remote control to start or stop Live Listen sessions, or jump back in a session to capture something that may have been missed. With Apple Watch, Live Listen sessions can be controlled from across the room, so there’s no need to get up in the middle of a meeting or during class. Live Listen can be used along with hearing health features available on AirPods Pro 2, including the first-of-its-kind clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature.

    An Enhanced View with Apple Vision Pro

    For users who are blind or have low vision, visionOS will expand vision accessibility features using the advanced camera system on Apple Vision Pro. With powerful updates to Zoom, users can magnify everything in view — including their surroundings — using the main camera. For VoiceOver users, Live Recognition in visionOS uses on-device machine learning to describe surroundings, find objects, read documents, and more.1 For accessibility developers, a new API will enable approved apps to access the main camera to provide live, person-to-person assistance for visual interpretation in apps like Be My Eyes, giving users more ways to understand their surroundings hands-free.

    Additional Updates

    • Background Sounds becomes easier to personalize with new EQ settings, the option to stop automatically after a period of time, and new actions for automations in Shortcuts. Background Sounds can help minimize distractions to increase a sense of focus and relaxation, which some users find can help with symptoms of tinnitus.
    • For users at risk of losing their ability to speak, Personal Voice becomes faster, easier, and more powerful than ever, leveraging advances in on-device machine learning and artificial intelligence to create a smoother, more natural-sounding voice in less than a minute, using only 10 recorded phrases. Personal Voice will also add support for Spanish (Mexico).2
    • Vehicle Motion Cues, which can help reduce motion sickness when riding in a moving vehicle, comes to Mac, along with new ways to customize the animated onscreen dots on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
    • Eye Tracking users on iPhone and iPad will now have the option to use a switch or dwell to make selections. Keyboard typing when using Eye Tracking or Switch Control is now easier on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro with improvements including a new keyboard dwell timer, reduced steps when typing with switches, and enabling QuickPath for iPhone and Vision Pro.
    • With Head Tracking, users will be able to more easily control iPhone and iPad with head movements, similar to Eye Tracking.
    • For users with severe mobility disabilities, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS will add a new protocol to support Switch Control for Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs), an emerging technology that allows users to control their device without physical movement.
    • Assistive Access adds a new custom Apple TV app with a simplified media player. Developers will also get support in creating tailored experiences for users with intellectual and developmental disabilities using the Assistive Access API.
    • Music Haptics on iPhone becomes more customizable with the option to experience haptics for a whole song or for vocals only, as well as the option to adjust the overall intensity of taps, textures, and vibrations.
    • Sound Recognition adds Name Recognition, a new way for users who are deaf or hard of hearing to know when their name is being called.
    • Voice Control introduces a new programming mode in Xcode for software developers with limited mobility. Voice Control also adds vocabulary syncing across devices, and will expand language support to include Korean, Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Turkish, Italian, Spanish (Latin America), Mandarin Chinese (Taiwan), English (Singapore), and Russian.
    • Live Captions adds support to include English (India, Australia, UK, Singapore), Mandarin Chinese (Mainland China), Cantonese (Mainland China, Hong Kong), Spanish (Latin America, Spain), French (France, Canada), Japanese, German (Germany), and Korean.
    • Updates to CarPlay include support for Large Text. With updates to Sound Recognition in CarPlay, drivers or passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing can now be notified of the sound of a crying baby, in addition to sounds outside the car such as horns and sirens.
    • Share Accessibility Settings is a new way for users to quickly and temporarily share their accessibility settings with another iPhone or iPad. This is great for borrowing a friend’s device or using a public kiosk in a setting like a cafe.

    Celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day with Apple

    Apple Retail is introducing dedicated tables spotlighting accessibility features on a variety of devices in select store locations throughout the month of May. Additionally, Apple offers accessibility sessions year-round through Today at Apple for deeper learning, tips, and feature customization. Sessions can be scheduled at all Apple Store locations worldwide through Group Booking or by visiting a nearby store.

    Apple Music shares the story of artist Kiddo K and the power of music haptics for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, unveils updates to its Haptics playlists, and launches a brand-new playlist featuring ASL interpretations of music videos alongside Saylists playlists.

    Apple Fitness+ welcomes Chelsie Hill as a guest in a Dance workout with Fitness+ trainer Ben Allen. Hill is a professional dancer and founder of Rolettes, an L.A.-based wheelchair dance team that advocates for disability representation and women’s empowerment. The workout is available now in the Fitness+ app.

    Apple TV+ shares a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new Apple Original film Deaf President Now!, which premieres on Apple TV+ on May 16. The documentary tells the story of the greatest civil rights movement most people have never heard about, which unfolded across eight tumultuous days in 1988. At the world’s only Deaf university, four students must find a way to lead an angry mob — and change the course of history.

    Apple Books, Apple Podcasts, Apple TV, and Apple News will spotlight stories of people with disabilities and those who are working to make the world more accessible for everyone.

    The App Store is sharing a collection of apps and games designed to be accessible to everyone, in addition to featuring the story of Klemens Strasser, a developer guided by a philosophy of making accessible apps and games like The Art of Fauna.

    The Shortcuts app adds Hold That Thought, a shortcut that prompts users to capture and recall information in a note so interruptions don’t derail their flow. The Accessibility Assistant shortcut has been added to Shortcuts on Apple Vision Pro to help recommend accessibility features based on user preferences.

    New videos on the Apple Support accessibility playlist include features like Eye Tracking, Vocal Shortcuts, and Vehicle Motion Cues, as well as a library of videos to help everyone personalize their iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro to work best for them.

    About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.

    1. Live Recognition should not be relied on in high-risk or emergency situations, in circumstances where the user may be harmed or injured, or for navigation.
    2. Personal Voice can only be used to create a voice that sounds like the user on device, using their own voice, and for their own personal, noncommercial use.

    Press Contacts

    Will Butler

    Apple

    willbutler@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FJCU President Prof. Francis Yi-Chen Lan Pays Courtesy Visit to Director General Wu

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Fu Jen Catholic University President Prof. Francis Yi-Chen Lan – a true pride of the Taiwanese community in Sydney – visited the city and paid a return call on Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu.
    President Lan shared highlights from his first year at FJCU and outlined a bold roadmap for the university’s future. He expressed confidence that FJCU is on track to become one of the top universities in Taiwan.
    As 2025 marks FJCU’s centennial anniversary, we warmly wish President Lan every success in leading the university to new heights and further strengthening education ties between Taiwan and Australia.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Auto and Property Insurance Shopping in First Quarter 2025 Elevated Compared to One Year Ago

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Auto insurance shopping in Q1 2025 increased 10% compared to the same period in 2024. Home insurance shopping was up 5% year over year, according to TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) research.

    While the trend of elevated shopping levels has been consistent for some time, a key difference emerged over the last quarter for auto insurance. Higher-risk consumers are once again the most active shoppers for the first time since Q4 2021. Insurers may have returned to traditional practices of focusing rate increases on higher risk segments, rather than across the board.

    As a result, higher-risk customers are still shopping for lower rates, while mid- and low-risk customers may have seen their rates stabilize. These findings and more are included in TransUnion’s latest quarterly Insurance Personal Lines Trends and Perspectives Report.

    “As rates have settled for the majority of auto insurance customers, we are experiencing a return to historical insurance shopping patterns, which correlate price sensitivity closely to relative insurance risk,” said Patrick Foy, senior director of strategic planning for TransUnion’s Insurance business. “However, uncertainty in the cost and availability of parts for vehicle and home repairs, could eventually lead to a return of broad-based price increases, and weather-related catastrophes—while still unpredictable—have also become a far more common and costly phenomenon.”

    The report notes that natural disasters have increased substantially, with 27 observed $1 billion dollar-plus disasters in 2024. This is more than double the 2010-2019 average of 13 disasters per year. The overall 2024 total cost was around $183 billion—also more than double the average annual cost in the 2010s.1 

    Generational shifts in homeownership
    The home insurance landscape is facing other changes as well. In 2009 more than half of Gen X consumers owned homes. However, in 2024, only 41% of Millennials at a similar age were homeowners. This is primarily due to the increasing size and cost of housing inventories that led to delays in homeownership or have priced many young adults out of the housing market entirely.

    As a result, there is a shift in home composition, with two- and even three-generation households becoming more common. Only 38% of credit-active occupants were living alone as of 2024, compared to 45% in 2009. Consumers seem to expect this trend to continue. According to a recent TransUnion consumer survey,18% of Gen X, 26% of Millennials and 35% of Gen Z plan to provide financial support to parents and grandparents in the next five years.2

    “As consumers are readjusting their lifestyles in the face of new economic realities, insurers must also become flexible with their policy offerings,” said Foy. “Multi-generational households represent a different risk profile as well as a different audience segment for their marketing.”

    By acknowledging this emerging trend in household composition, insurers can design products that more effectively price the inherent risks. They can also design advertising campaigns that better reach and resonate with their desired customers.

    Insurers can achieve more effective marketing with TransUnion’s TruAudience® suite of marketing solutions that help with identity resolution, audience building and measurement.

    Read the latest Insurance Personal Lines Trends and Perspectives Report.

    1. Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters | Time Series | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)
    2. 2025 TransUnion Insurance Summit Consumer Survey

    About TransUnion’s Insurance Personal Lines Trends and Perspectives Report
    This quarterly publication examines trends in the personal lines insurance industry, including shopping, migration, violation, credit-based insurance stability and more. The Trends and Perspectives Report research is based almost entirely on TransUnion’s extensive internal data and analyses. It includes information on insurance shopping transactions from October 2023 to March 2025. However, the report excludes shopping data from insurance customers in California, Hawaii (auto), Massachusetts (auto), and Maryland (property), where credit-based insurance scoring information is not used for insurance rating or underwriting.

    About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)
    TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world. http://www.transunion.com/business

     

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 40 civilians, 11 soldiers killed in Indian air strikes in Pakistan last week – military

    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

    ISLAMABAD, May 13 (Xinhua) — At least 40 civilians, including 15 children and seven women, were killed and 121 others were wounded in Indian missile strikes inside Pakistan last week, the Pakistani military said on Tuesday.

    In response, Pakistan’s armed forces launched an operation codenamed “Banyan-ul-Marsoos” (Lead-Covered Wall), according to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army.

    According to ISPR, 11 Pakistani armed forces personnel were killed and 78 others were injured while defending their homeland.

    The statement added that six of those killed were serving in the Pakistan Army and five in the Pakistan Air Force. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 14 people died in India due to poisoning from fake alcohol

    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

    NEW DELHI, May 13 (Xinhua) — At least 14 people have died and six others have been hospitalized after drinking spurious alcohol in India’s northern Punjab state, officials said on Tuesday.

    The tragedy occurred in the Majitha area of the holy Sikh city of Amritsar.

    India has seen a high rate of fatal alcohol poisoning as people often consume cheap, locally produced liquor. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese company Mixue Bingcheng plans to increase imports from Brazil

    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

    ZHENGZHOU, May 13 (Xinhua) — Chinese beverage company Mixue Bingcheng plans to open its first single-origin coffee shop in Brazil this year and increase imports of agricultural products from the country, the company said Monday.

    According to a memorandum of understanding signed between the company and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, the company will expand imports of coffee beans, fruit products and other agricultural products from Brazil.

    Mixue Bingcheng plans to purchase agricultural products from Brazil worth at least 4 billion yuan (about $550 million) over the next three to five years, said Tian Zezhong, head of the Chinese company’s Brazilian branch.

    In addition, Mixue Bingcheng plans to open a plant in Brazil, which will provide 25,000 jobs for local residents.

    Mixue Bingcheng was founded in 1997 and has 46,479 stores worldwide as of the end of 2024. The company’s entry into the Brazilian market is driven by growing demand for high-quality coffee beans and is an example of the growing and diversifying trade partnership between China and Brazil.

    China has been Brazil’s largest trading partner for many years. At the same time, Brazil is China’s number one trading partner in Latin America. Bilateral trade exceeded $180 billion in 2024.

    “Mixue Bingcheng reflects the growing trend of Chinese beverage companies going global. Through supply and distribution around the world, these brands offer consumers affordable premium beverages,” said Chen Zhenjie, deputy head of the China Food Industry Association. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Military Medicine Seminar kicks off in China 2025-05-13 19:05:09 The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Military Medicine Seminar is being held in China’s Xi’an International Convention Center from May 13 to 14, 2025.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BEIJING, May 13 — The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Military Medicine Seminar is being held in China’s Xi’an International Convention Center from May 13 to 14, 2025.

      Heads of military health departments from 11 countries including Russia, Cambodia, Mongolia and Laos and one multilateral organization will conduct exchanges on “Building an SCO Community with a Shared Future: Contributions from Military Medicine” during the event.

      The Seminar focuses on innovative achievements and view exchanges through keynote speeches, sub topics, presentation of traditional Chinese medicine, aiming to provide better ideas and methods for military medicine. Specific topics include organ transplantation, treatment of severe traumatic brain injury, unmanned intelligence, aerospace medicine, and other aspects.

      It is learnt that this is the first exchange activity with the theme of military medicine under the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organization hosted by China.

    loading…

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: New Online Casinos Canada: 7Bit Casino Ranked #1 Newest Canadian Online Casino Of 2025!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The online casino industry in Canada has seen remarkable growth over the past decade, fueled by advancements in technology and a shift toward digital entertainment. High-speed internet and smartphones have made it easier for Canadians to enjoy casino games from home or on the go, leading to a surge in new online casinos entering the market.

    Among these, 7Bit Casino has emerged as a standout choice, offering an impressive array of features tailored to Canadian players.

    JOIN 7BIT CASINO NOW – YOUR JACKPOT AWAITS!

    After testing various new online casinos in Canada, we found 7Bit Casino particularly noteworthy. This platform boasts a game library exceeding 10,000 titles and prioritizes lightning-fast payouts, ensuring players can access their winnings quickly. Whether you’re into slots, table games, or live dealer experiences, 7Bit Casino delivers a diverse and engaging gaming environment that caters to all preferences.

    This article dives deep into why 7Bit Casino ranks as the best new online casino Canada. We’ll cover its game selection, bonuses, payment methods, user interface, customer support, and more. Plus, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to join, a pros and cons table, and answers to common questions about this new online casino in Canada.

    Overview Of 7Bit Casino

    • Game Variety: Over 10,000 games from top providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, and Pragmatic Play.
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    These features position 7Bit Casino as a top-tier new online casino Canada, offering a secure and comprehensive gaming experience.

    Why 7Bit Casino Is The Best New Online Casino In Canada?

    Choosing a new online casino in Canada involves weighing factors like reliability, game variety, bonuses, and customer service. 7Bit Casino excels in these areas, making it a leader among the best new online casinos. Since its establishment in 2014, 7Bit has built a strong reputation in the iGaming industry, continually innovating to meet player needs.

    The casino’s game library is a major draw, with over 10,000 titles from more than 100 developers. This extensive selection ensures that players can find games suited to their tastes, from classic slots to immersive live dealer tables. Additionally, 7Bit Casino supports both fiat and cryptocurrency payments, offering flexibility for Canadian players who prefer traditional methods like Interac or modern options like Bitcoin.

    As a new online casino Canada, it stands out for its diverse offerings. Bonuses are another highlight, with a generous welcome package and regular promotions that keep players engaged. The platform’s commitment to fast payouts—often within 10 minutes for crypto transactions—sets it apart from many new casinos.

    Combined with 24/7 customer support and a user-friendly interface, 7Bit Casino delivers an exceptional experience, making it a top pick for those exploring new online gambling sites.

    Bonuses And Promotions At 7Bit Casino

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    How To Join 7Bit Casino?

    Joining 7Bit Casino is quick and straightforward, taking just a minute to complete. Follow these steps to get started:

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    Once registered, players gain instant access to the VIP club, which offers exclusive bonuses and a personal manager. This seamless process makes 7Bit Casino an attractive option for those seeking a new online casino Canada.

    Pros And Cons Of 7Bit Casino

    Pros Cons
    Over 10,000 games from top providers Some payment methods incur fees
    Generous welcome bonus and promotions No dedicated mobile app
    Supports fiat and cryptocurrencies, including Interac  
    Fast payouts, especially with crypto  
    24/7 customer support  
    Mobile-friendly platform  

    This table summarizes the key advantages and drawbacks, helping players decide if 7Bit Casino is the right new online casino Canada for them.

    Game Selection At 7Bit Casino

    7Bit Casino’s game library is a treasure trove for gaming enthusiasts, offering over 10,000 titles across various categories. Here’s a closer look at what’s available:

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    PLAY SLOTS, TABLE GAMES & MORE – NO LIMITS!

    These games are powered by leading software providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, and BetSoft, ensuring high-quality graphics and smooth gameplay. The use of provably fair technology guarantees transparency, making 7Bit a trusted choice among brand new online casinos Canada. Players can also try many games in demo mode before wagering real money, a feature that enhances the appeal of this new casino website.

    Banking Methods At 7Bit Casino

    7Bit Casino supports a wide range of payment methods, catering to Canadian players with both fiat and cryptocurrency options. Available methods include:

    • Fiat Payments:
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      • E-Wallets: Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz
      • Online Banking: Interac, Rapid Transfer
      • Prepaid Cards: Neosurf
    • Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Bitcoin Cash (BCH)

    Deposits are processed instantly, while withdrawals are notably fast, especially for cryptocurrencies, which can be completed within 10 minutes. Fiat withdrawals, such as those via Interac or credit cards, may take 1-3 business days.

    Interac is particularly popular among Canadian players for its convenience and security, making 7Bit a top choice for those exploring brand new casino sites. The flexibility of payment options ensures that players can choose the method that best suits their needs at this online casino for real money.

    PICK YOUR PAYMENT METHOD AND PLAY NOW!

    User Interface At 7Bit Casino

    7Bit Casino features a modern, user-friendly interface that enhances the gaming experience. The website’s design is intuitive, with games organized into categories like slots, table games, and live dealer options. Players can filter games by provider, type, or popularity, making it easy to find their favorites.

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    Customer Support At 7Bit Casino

    7Bit Casino offers robust customer support, available 24/7 via live chat and email. The support team is responsive and knowledgeable, addressing queries about account management, bonuses, payments, and more. The website also includes a comprehensive FAQ section, distributed across relevant pages, which answers common questions and reduces the need to contact support.

    This level of service ensures that players have a smooth experience, reinforcing 7Bit’s position as one of the best new online casinos for Canadian players.

    User Experience And Reviews

    Player feedback highlights 7Bit Casino’s strengths, including its vast game selection, mobile compatibility, and reliable payouts. Many appreciate the platform’s security features, such as SSL encryption and provably fair games, which contribute to a trustworthy gaming environment. The casino’s Curacao license further bolsters its credibility, positioning 7Bit as a notable new online casino Canada.

    However, some players have reported issues, such as unexpected bonus losses or fees on certain payment methods. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment is positive, with 7Bit earning high ratings (e.g., 4.8/5 from some reviews) for its comprehensive offerings and user-friendly design. This makes it a compelling choice for those exploring the list of new online casinos.

    Is 7Bit Casino Legit In Canada?

    7Bit Casino is a legitimate online casino, licensed by the Government of Curacao, which ensures compliance with international gaming standards. In Canada, online gambling laws vary by province, but it is generally legal for residents to play at offshore casinos like 7Bit. The platform uses SSL encryption to protect player data and offers provably fair games, enhancing its trustworthiness.

    As a new online casino Canada, it provides a secure and compliant option for players. Canadian players can confidently use 7Bit Casino, provided they adhere to local regulations. This legitimacy makes it a reliable option among new online gambling sites.

    Final Thoughts On The Best New Online Casinos Canada

    7Bit Casino stands out as a premier new online casino Canada, offering an unmatched combination of game variety, generous bonuses, and flexible payment options. Its commitment to fast payouts, robust customer support, and a mobile-friendly platform makes it ideal for both new and experienced players. Whether you’re chasing big wins on progressive slots or enjoying live dealer tables, 7Bit delivers a top-notch experience.

    As the online casino industry in Canada continues to grow, 7Bit Casino remains a leader among brand new online casinos. Its comprehensive features and player-focused approach make it a must-try for anyone seeking a new casino website.

    WHY WAIT? JOIN 7BIT CASINO NOW AND START WINNING!

    FAQs

    Is 7Bit Casino legal in Canada?

    Yes, 7Bit Casino is a licensed offshore casino that Canadian players can legally access, though local regulations should be checked.

    What bonuses does 7Bit Casino offer to new players?

    New players receive a 325% match bonus up to 10800 CAD plus 250 free spins across their first four deposits.

    What payment methods are available at 7Bit Casino for Canadian players?

    Options include Interac, VISA, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

    How many games does 7Bit Casino offer?

    The casino provides over 10,000 games, including slots, table games, live dealer options, and specialty games.

    Is there a mobile app for 7Bit Casino?

    No, but the website is fully optimized for mobile devices, offering a seamless experience via browsers.

    What is the customer support like at 7Bit Casino?

    7Bit offers 24/7 support through live chat and email, with a helpful FAQ section for quick answers.

    Email: support@7bitcasino.com

    Disclaimer

    This article does not provide legal or financial advice; it is merely meant to be informative. There are risks associated with gambling, therefore players should use caution. The information is accurate as of May 2025 but may change. Verify details on the official 7Bit Casino website. The article may contain affiliate links, and the author is not responsible for any losses incurred.

    General Disclaimer

    This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only, not legal or financial advice. Content is based on research and user reviews as of writing. No warranties are made, and users must verify information before acting.

    Casino and Gambling Disclaimer

    Online gambling carries risks and isn’t for everyone. Confirm you’re of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. Gambling laws vary, and compliance is your responsibility. We don’t promote gambling; participation is at your risk. 7Bit Casino is a third-party platform, and we’re not liable for losses or disputes.

    Affiliate Disclosure

    This article may include affiliate links, earning us a commission at no cost to you for qualifying actions. These support our content. Our reviews are unbiased, and we recommend only valuable products.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/df527a67-9e77-4bc2-81c2-c664b7b986ff

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c28efcc1-6e19-40f5-af55-9daecc813a1d

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d3d55d6-7f54-4ad1-95ac-064605709b51

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bilibili Inc. Announces Repurchase Right Notification for 1.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bilibili Inc. (“Bilibili” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BILI and HKEX: 9626), an iconic brand and a leading video community for young generations in China, today announced that it is notifying holders of its 1.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027 (CUSIP No. 090040AD8) (the “Notes”) that, pursuant to the Indenture dated as of June 2, 2020 (the “Indenture”) relating to the Notes by and between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee, each holder has the right, at the option of such holder, to require the Company to repurchase all of such holder’s Notes or any portion thereof that is an integral multiple of US$1,000 principal amount for cash on June 15, 2025 (the “2025 Repurchase Right”). Holders of the Notes may exercise the 2025 Repurchase Right from 12:01 a.m., New York City time, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 (the “Repurchase Open Time”) until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Thursday, June 12, 2025 (the “Repurchase Expiration Time”).

    Documents specifying the terms, conditions, and procedures for exercising the 2025 Repurchase Right, including the Company’s 2025 Repurchase Right Notice to holders dated May 13, 2025 (the “Repurchase Right Notice”) will be available through the Depository Trust Company (the “DTC”) and the paying agent, which is Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (the “Paying Agent”). None of the Company, its board of directors, or its employees has made or is making any representation or recommendation to any holder as to whether to exercise or refrain from exercising the 2025 Repurchase Right. Each holder of the Notes must make its own decision whether to exercise the 2025 Repurchase Right with respect to such holder’s Notes and, if so, the principal amount of Notes for which the 2025 Repurchase Right should be exercised.

    The 2025 Repurchase Right entitles each holder of the Notes to require the Company to repurchase all of such holder’s Notes, or any portion thereof that is an integral multiple of US$1,000 principal amount. The repurchase price (the “Repurchase Price”) for such Notes will be an amount in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, June 15, 2025, which is the date specified for repurchase in the Indenture (the “2025 Repurchase Date”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Indenture and the Notes. The 2025 Repurchase Date is an interest payment date under the terms of the Indenture and the Notes. As June 15, 2025 is not a Business Day (as defined in the Indenture), pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, any action to be taken on the 2025 Repurchase Date may be taken on Monday, June 16, 2025, being the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if taken on the 2025 Repurchase Date with no interest accrued in respect of such delay. Accordingly, on Monday, June 16, 2025, the Company will pay accrued and unpaid interest on all of the Notes through June 14, 2025 to all holders who were holders of record as of close of business on June 1, 2025, regardless of whether the 2025 Repurchase Right is exercised with respect to such Notes. As a result, on the 2025 Repurchase Date, there will be no accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes. As of May 13, 2025, there was US$92,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding. If all outstanding Notes are surrendered for repurchase through exercise of the 2025 Repurchase Right, the aggregate cash purchase price will be US$92,000.

    In order to exercise the 2025 Repurchase Right, a holder must deliver the Notes through the transmittal procedures of the DTC between the Repurchase Open Time and the Repurchase Expiration Time, in the following manner:

    • Holders of the Notes that are held through a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee through DTC accounts must contact such nominee and instruct such nominee to exercise the 2025 Repurchase Right by surrendering the Notes on such holders’ behalf through DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program (the “ATOP”) before the Repurchase Expiration Time.
    • Holders of the Notes who are DTC participants and hold the Notes directly through DTC accounts must surrender the Notes electronically through ATOP before the Repurchase Expiration Time, subject to the terms and procedures of ATOP.

    While the Company does not expect any Notes being or to be issued to a holder other than DTC or its nominee in physical certificate, in the event that physical certificates evidencing the Notes are issued to such a holder, any such holder must complete and sign a 2025 Repurchase Notice in the form attached hereto as Annex A in accordance with the instructions set forth therein, have the signature thereon guaranteed and timely deliver such manually signed 2025 Repurchase Notice, together with the certificated evidencing the Notes to be repurchased and all necessary endorsements to the Paying Agent before the Repurchase Expiration Time.

    HOLDERS THAT HOLD THE NOTES THROUGH DTC ACCOUNTS MAY ONLY EXERCISE THE REPURCHASE RIGHT BY COMPLYING WITH THE TRANSMITTAL PROCEDURES OF DTC AND SHOULD NOT SUBMIT A PHYSICAL REPURCHASE NOTICE.

    A holder of the Notes may withdraw such holder’s exercise of the 2025 Repurchase Right with respect to any Notes pursuant to the terms of the 2025 Repurchase Right at any time prior to the Repurchase Expiration Time, which is the second Business Day immediately preceding the 2025 Repurchase Date. If a holder of the Notes has already delivered a Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice (as defined in the Indenture) or a repurchase notice with respect to a Note, such holder may not surrender that Note for conversion until the holder has withdrawn the applicable repurchase notice in accordance with the Indenture. The conversion of the Notes is subject to the provisions regarding conversion contained in the Indenture and the Notes.

    This press release is for information only and is not an offer to purchase, a solicitation of an offer to purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes or any other securities of the Company. The offer to purchase the Notes will be only pursuant to, and the Notes may be surrendered only in accordance with, the Company’s Repurchase Right Notice dated May 13, 2025 and related documents.

    Holders of the Notes should refer to the Indenture for a complete description of repurchase procedures and direct any questions concerning the mechanics of repurchase to the trustee by contacting Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas. Holders of Notes may request the Company’s Repurchase Right Notice from the Paying Agent. The name and address for the Paying Agent as well as the Conversion Agent (as defined in the Indenture) are as follows:

    Conversion Agent:
    Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas
    c/o DB Services Americas, Inc
    5022 Gate Parkway Suite 200
    MS JCK01-218
    Jacksonville, FL 32256
    db.reorg@db.com
    For information call 1-800-735-7777

    Paying Agent:
    Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas
    c/o DB Services Americas, Inc
    5022 Gate Parkway Suite 200
    MS JCK01-218
    Jacksonville, FL 32256
    db.reorg@db.com
    For information call 1-800-735-7777

    HOLDERS OF NOTES AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ THE COMPANY’S REPURCHASE RIGHT NOTICE BECAUSE IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BILIBILI INC. AND THE 2025 REPURCHASE RIGHT.

    Materials filed with the SEC will be available electronically without charge at the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. Documents filed with the SEC may also be obtained without charge at the Company’s investor relations website, http://ir.bilibili.com/.

    About Bilibili Inc.

    Bilibili is an iconic brand and a leading video community with a mission to enrich the everyday lives of young generations in China. Bilibili offers a wide array of video-based content with All the Videos You Like as its value proposition. Bilibili builds its community around aspiring users, high-quality content, talented content creators and the strong emotional bonds among them. Bilibili pioneered the “bullet chatting” feature, a live comment function that has transformed our users’ viewing experience by displaying the thoughts and feelings of audience members viewing the same video. The Company has now become the welcoming home of diverse interests among young generations in China and the frontier for promoting Chinese culture across the world.

    For more information, please visit: http://ir.bilibili.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident,” “potential,” “continue,” or other similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Bilibili’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to those included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. All information provided in this announcement and in the attachments is as of the date of this announcement, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    In China：

    Bilibili Inc.
    Juliet Yang
    Tel: +86-21-2509-9255 Ext. 8523
    E-mail: ir@bilibili.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Helen Wu
    Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
    E-mail: bilibili@tpg-ir.com

    In the United States:

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Brandi Piacente
    Tel: +1-212-481-2050
    E-mail: bilibili@tpg-ir.com

    Annex A

    REPURCHASE NOTICE

    To: Bilibili Inc.

    DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as Trustee

    The undersigned registered owner of this Note hereby acknowledges receipt of a notice from Bilibili Inc. (the “Company”) regarding the right of Holders to elect to require the Company to repurchase the entire principal amount of this Note, or the portion thereof (that is US$1,000 principal amount or an integral multiple thereof) below designated, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture referred to in this Note, at the Repurchase Price to the registered Holder hereof.

    In the case of certificated Notes, the certificate numbers of the Notes to be purchased are as set forth below:

    Certificate Number(s):         
    Dated:            
                
            Signature(s)  
             
                
            Social Security or Other Taxpayer Identification Number  
                
             
            Principal amount to be repaid (if less than all): US$        ,000  
             
            NOTICE: The above signature(s) of the Holder(s) hereof must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the Note in every particular without alteration or enlargement or any change whatever.  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Kingsoft Cloud to Report First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on May 28, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BEIJING, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: KC and HKEX: 3896) (“Kingsoft Cloud” or the “Company”), a leading cloud service provider in China, today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the first quarter 2025 ended March 31, 2025 before the open of U.S. markets on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

    Kingsoft Cloud’s management will host an earnings conference call on Wednesday May 28, 2025 at 8:15 am, U.S. Eastern Time (8:15 pm, Beijing/Hong Kong Time on the same day).

    Preregistration Information
    Participants can register for the conference call by navigating to https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI5f4e481f10a54bdc8e351f2645183b41. Once preregistration has been completed, participants will receive dial-in numbers, direct event passcode, and a unique access PIN.

    To join the conference, simply dial the number in the calendar invite you receive after preregistering, enter the passcode followed by your PIN, and you will join the conference instantly.

    Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.ksyun.com.

    About Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited

    Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: KC and HKEX: 3896) is a leading cloud service provider in China. Kingsoft Cloud has built a comprehensive and reliable cloud platform consisting of extensive cloud infrastructure, cutting-edge cloud products and well-architected industry-specific solutions across public cloud and enterprise cloud.

    For more information, please visit: http://ir.ksyun.com.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited
    Nicole Shan
    Tel: +86 (10) 6292-7777 Ext. 6300
    Email: ksc-ir@kingsoft.com

    The MIL Network –

  • Ukraine’s Zelenskiy insists on face-to-face talks with Putin in Istanbul

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will only attend talks on Ukraine if Russia’s Vladimir Putin is also there, the Ukrainian leader’s top aide said on Tuesday, challenging the Kremlin to show it is genuine about seeking peace.
     
    U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to attend Thursday’s proposed meeting in Istanbul, which has become the focus of his attempts to end the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two. Putin has yet to say if he will take part.
     
    Both Russia and Ukraine have sought to show they are working towards peace after Trump prioritised ending the war, but they have yet to agree any clear path.
     
    Putin on Sunday proposed direct talks with Ukraine after ignoring a Ukrainian proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Trump then publicly told Zelenskiy to accept.
     
    “President Zelenskiy will not meet with any other Russian representative in Istanbul, except Putin,” Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak told Reuters.
     
    His chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said Zelenskiy’s trip to Turkey showed Kyiv was ready for talks but repeated Ukraine’s stance that any negotiations must come after a ceasefire.
     
    “Our position is very principled and very strong,” Yermak said during a visit to Copenhagen.
     
    Moscow has not said if Putin will travel to Turkey.
     
    “We are committed to a serious search for ways of a long-term peaceful settlement,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday but would not comment further on the talks.
     
    Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, unleashing a war that has killed hundreds of thousands of soldiers on both sides. Most of Europe has rallied around Kyiv providing arms and financial aid, while Russia has turned to Iran and North Korea for support.
     
    Trump has demanded the two nations end the war, threatening to walk away from efforts to broker a peace deal unless there are clear signs of progress soon.
     
    TRUMP GOES TO TURKEY?
     
    If Zelenskiy and Putin, who make no secret of their mutual contempt, were to meet on Thursday it would be their first face-to-face meeting since December 2019.
     
    Trump, who is due to visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar this week, unexpectedlyoffered on Mondayto travel to Istanbul, which straddles the divide between Europe and Asia.
     
    “I was thinking about actually flying over there. There’s a possibility of it, I guess, if I think things can happen, but we’ve got to get it done,” Trump said before leaving for his second foreign trip since returning to the White House in January.
     
    “Don’t underestimate Thursday in Turkey,” he added.
     
    Following the offer, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the “way forward for a ceasefire” in Ukraine with his Ukrainian, British, French, Polish, German and EU counterparts.
     
    Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, meanwhile,held talks with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.
     
    FAR APART
     
    Reuters reported last year that Putin was open to discussing a ceasefire with Trump, but that Moscow ruled out making any major territorial concessions and insists Kyiv abandon ambitions to join NATO.
     
    Ukraine has said it is ready for talks but a ceasefire is needed first, a position supported by its European allies.
     
    Kyiv wants robust security guarantees as part of any peace deal and rejects a Russian proposal for restrictions on the size of its military. Territorial issues could be discussed once a ceasefire is in place, it says.
     
    Putin has repeatedly referred to a 2022 deal which Russia and Ukraine negotiated shortly after the Russian invasion but never finalised.
     
    Under the draft agreement, a copy of which Reuters has reviewed, Ukraine should agree to permanent neutrality in return for international security guarantees from the five permanent U.N. Security Council members: Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.
     
    Ukraine and its European allies have told Russia that it would have to accept an unconditional 30-day ceasefire from Monday or face new sanctions. The Kremlin replied, saying it would not respond to ultimatums.
     
    France said on Monday European leaders, who met in Ukraine over the weekend, had asked the European Commission to put together new “massive” sanctions targeting Russia’s oil and financial sector if Russia failed to agree a ceasefire.
     
    Russia’s forces control just under a fifth of Ukraine, including all of Crimea, almost all of Luhansk, and more than 70% of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, according to Russian estimates. It also controls a sliver of Kharkiv region.
     
    Konstantin Kosachev, chairman of the international affairs committee of the Federation Council, the upper house of Russia’s parliament, told the Izvestia media outlet in remarks published on Tuesday that the talks between Moscow and Kyiv can move further than the 2022 negotiations.
     
    “If the Ukrainian delegation shows up at these talks with a mandate to abandon any ultimatums and look for common ground, I am sure that we could move forward,” he said.
     
    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Buryatia declares regional emergency due to forest fires

    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

    Vladivostok, May 13 /Xinhua/ — Due to the difficult forest fire situation, a regional emergency regime has been introduced throughout the Republic of Buryatia from Tuesday. This was reported on the official website of the government of Buryatia on Tuesday.

    According to the report, as of Tuesday morning, there are 22 forest fires in the republic – in the Bauntovsky and Yeravninsky districts on an area of more than 53 thousand hectares. Four new fires were discovered in the past 24 hours, all in the Bauntovsky Evenki district. Four fires were also extinguished in the past 24 hours – in the Bauntovsky Evenki and Zakamensky districts. 533 people are working on extinguishing the fires, 102 units of forest firefighting equipment are involved.

    “Considering the difficult situation, we contacted the federal headquarters with a request to involve additional forces to extinguish the fires. The elimination of fires is complicated by strong wind loads and the fact that the fires are burning in hard-to-reach areas. The introduction of a regional emergency regime will allow forestry departments to involve more equipment, including commercial equipment, to extinguish forest fires,” said Sergei Boroshnoyev, head of the republican forestry agency, at a planning meeting of the head of Buryatia on Monday.

    Since the beginning of the year, 174 forest fires have been registered in Buryatia on a total area of 102.6 thousand hectares. Previously, a municipal emergency regime was in effect in the republic on the territory of the Bauntovsky Evenki and Yeravninsky districts. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 330 Afghan prisoners released from Pakistani jails in a week

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    KABUL, May 13 (Xinhua) — A total of 330 Afghan prisoners held in Pakistani jails have been released and repatriated to their home country, official figures from the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation showed on Tuesday.

    The detainees returned to Afghanistan last week through the Spin Boldak border crossing in the southern Kandahar province, the department said.

    Over the past year, Pakistan has released thousands of Afghans from prison and sent them back to Afghanistan.

    Nearly 7 million Afghan refugees, most of them undocumented migrants, currently live abroad. Most of them live in Afghanistan’s neighbors Iran and Pakistan. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In Turkey, V. Zelensky is ready to meet only with V. Putin

    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

    Kyiv, May 13 /Xinhua/ – As part of the peace settlement in Istanbul, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to meet only with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Interfax-Ukraine reports, citing Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, as saying on Tuesday.

    He explained that a meeting at a lower level was pointless because even people with ministerial status could hardly discuss fundamental issues or make specific decisions.

    On the night of May 11, V. Putin proposed that Ukraine resume direct peace talks between the two countries on May 15 in Istanbul. V. Zelensky called this initiative a “good sign” and called on the Russian leader to hold a personal meeting in Turkey. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chinese Culture Festival 2025 to open in Hong Kong with contemporary dance “Dongpo: Life in Poems” in June (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    　　The Chinese Cultural Festival (CCF) 2025, organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), will open in June with “Dongpo: Life in Poems”, a contemporary dance performance by the China Oriental Performing Arts Group. Directed by international acclaimed choreographer and visual artist Shen Wei, the production is inspired by the poetry and life of Su Dongpo, a literary master in the Song dynasty. The performance, to be staged in Hong Kong, as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges that boldly explores the integration of Chinese and Western arts, will showcase the remarkable talent and patriotic spirit of Su, while confidently presenting the beauty of traditional Chinese culture to the world. 

    　　Su, a polymath in literature, calligraphy and painting in Chinese history, remains a celebrated figure 1 000 years later. His classic verses are still widely recited and resonate deeply today. “Dongpo: Life in Poems” goes beyond the usual linear narrative of dance drama. Instead, it revolves around 12 of Su’s poems that epitomise the poet’s life philosophy from over 3 000 works, while reinterpreting Su’s multifaceted legacy through contemporary dance. Divided into six acts, the selected poems, each of which touches on a different aspect of the poet’s life philosophy, are integrated to convey the poetic culture and texture with famous lines displayed onstage in calligraphic form. The poetic verses are about magnificent landscapes and graceful rivers, patriotic sentiments and timeless human nature and value. They range from the heroic emotion in “To the east, the Yangtze River constantly flows, bringing with its waves numerous ancient heroes” to the profound thoughts for his deceased wife in “Life and death have separated us for 10 years”; the world of compassion in “May all of us far apart be blessed with longevity”, and optimism in “I don’t mind leading a life in a raincoat”. By merging “cognitive essence” and “aesthetic realm”, this approach is designed to transcend linguistic barriers, allowing audiences to explore Su’s spiritual world through a contemporary lens. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Qifu Technology to Hold Annual General Meeting on June 30, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, China, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Qifu Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: QFIN; HKEx: 3660) (“Qifu Technology” or the “Company”), a leading AI-empowered Credit-Tech platform in China, today announced that it will hold an annual general meeting of shareholders (the “AGM”) at 10:00 a.m. on June 30, 2025 (Beijing time) at the address of 13/F Lujiazui Finance Plaza, No. 1217 Dongfang Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 200122, People’s Republic of China for the purposes of considering and, if thought fit, (i) changing the Company’s English name from “Qifu Technology, Inc.” to “Qfin Holdings, Inc.”; (ii) adopting an amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of the Company; (iii) re-appointing Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP as the auditor of the Company to hold office until the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company and to authorize the Board to fix their remuneration for the year ending December 31, 2025; and (iv) re-electing Mr. Xiangge Liu as a director of the Company at this annual general meeting and retain office until his retirement pursuant to the Company’s memorandum and articles of association.

    The board of Directors of the Company has fixed the close of business on May 27, 2025, Hong Kong time, as the record date (the “Shares Record Date”) of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares with a par value of US$0.00001 each (the “Class A Ordinary Shares”). Holders of record of the Class A Ordinary Shares as of the Shares Record Date are entitled to attend and vote at the AGM and any adjourned meeting thereof.

    Holders of record of the Company’s American Depositary Shares (the “ADSs”) as of the close of business on May 27, 2025, New York time, who wish to exercise their voting rights for the underlying Class A Ordinary Shares represented by their ADSs must give voting instructions directly to The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary of the ADSs, if the ADSs are held by holders on the books and records of the Depositary or indirectly through a bank, brokerage or other securities intermediary if the ADSs are held by any of them on behalf of holders.

    The notice of the AGM, which sets forth the resolutions to be submitted to shareholder approval at the meeting, is available on the Company’s website at: https://ir.qifu.tech.  

    About Qifu Technology

    Qifu Technology is a leading AI-empowered Credit-Tech platform in China. By leveraging its sophisticated machine learning models and data analytics capabilities, the Company provides a comprehensive suite of technology services to assist financial institutions and consumers and SMEs in the loan lifecycle, ranging from borrower acquisition, preliminary credit assessment, fund matching and post-facilitation services. The Company is dedicated to making credit services more accessible and personalized to consumers and SMEs through Credit-Tech services to financial institutions.

    For more information, please visit: https://ir.qifu.tech.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    Any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as the Company’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Qifu Technology may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in announcements made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including the Company’s business outlook, beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, which factors include but not limited to the following: the Company’s growth strategies, the Company’s cooperation with 360 Group, changes in laws, rules and regulatory environments, the recognition of the Company’s brand, market acceptance of the Company’s products and services, trends and developments in the credit-tech industry, governmental policies relating to the credit-tech industry, general economic conditions in China and around the globe, and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties is included in Qifu Technology’s filings with the SEC and announcements on the website of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Qifu Technology does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

    For more information, please contact:

    Qifu Technology
    E-mail: ir@360shuke.com

    The MIL Network –