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Category: China

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why doesn’t Australia make more medicines? Wouldn’t that fix drug shortages?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Coomber, PhD Candidate, Pharmaceutical Supply Chains, The University of Queensland

    IM Imagery/Shutterstock

    About 400 medicines are in short supply in Australia. Of these, about 30 are categorised as critical. These are ones with a life-threatening or serious impact on patients, and with no readily available substitutes.

    Since 2024, there has been a nationwide shortage of sterile fluid. This continues to affect health care across Australia.

    However, medicine shortages in Australia are not new. We know from past experience that six classes of medications are the most likely to go short: antibiotics, anaesthesia and pain relief treatments, heart and blood pressure medications, hormonal medications, cancer treatments and epilepsy medications.

    So, could we prevent medication shortages if Australia made more medicines?

    Why are there so many shortages?

    Australia has a very small pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. It mainly makes vaccines and some generic medications (ones no longer protected by a patent). In fact, Australia imports 90% of its medications.

    Most raw ingredients are also imported, including the active pharmaceutical ingredient. This is the ingredient that has a therapeutic effect, such as salbutamol to manage asthma or atorvastatin to lower cholesterol. Australia also imports the inactive ingredients known as excipients. These include fillers, bulking agents and preservatives.

    Then there are medication delivery devices (such as inhalers or syringes) and packaging (which has to be sterile) to source.

    A shortage in one ingredient or component – in Australia or internationally – will affect the production and supply of the finished product. This can lead to shortages.

    Often, there are limited sources (or a single source) for medication components. This makes supply chains particularly vulnerable.

    Australia is a small player, globally

    Australia is a small market for pharmaceuticals, compared with other OECD countries.

    So during a shortage of medications, raw materials or other components, suppliers prioritise larger and therefore more valuable markets.

    Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) has an underpinning pricing mechanism to provide affordable medicines for Australians. But this also makes the market less attractive to medication manufacturers.

    Therefore, countries where markets are bigger, and offer larger profit margins, are more attractive. This restricts the type and range of medications offered to the Australian market, including when supplies are short.

    Australia needs medicines, raw ingredients and sterile packaging, all of which can be in short supply.
    RGtimeline/Shutterstock

    So could ramping up local manufacture help?

    The answer is maybe.

    But developing Australia’s limited pharmaceutical manufacturing would take many years to reach a level and capacity for sustainable supply.

    Increasing local manufacturing would address access to some medicines. However, domestic manufacturers also need access to raw ingredients. These could also be made locally.

    For pharmaceutical manufacturing to be viable and profitable in Australia there must be “economies of scale”.

    Considerations include the availability of raw materials, production costs (including labour), access and availability of infrastructure and specialist facilities. To justify their investments, companies will ultimately need to sell enough product to cover these and other costs.

    But Australian manufacturers struggle to achieve economies of scale due to the small domestic market. So they would need to export some of their products to supplement domestic sales.

    To boost Australia’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, all states and territories would need a coordinated approach to planning and investment. This would also need bipartisan political support and a strategic long-term commitment.

    What could we do in the short term?

    Health authorities stockpiling medicines is the obvious short-term solution to Australian medication shortages. However, we’d need to carefully manage the stored medicines to ensure supply meets demand. We’d also need to make sure medicines are used before they expire. If not carefully managed, a stockpile risks unnecessary expense and waste.

    Currently, state and territories manage the use of medications in their own hospitals. However, we could standardise medication use in hospitals nationally. With co-operation among states and territories this would allow manufacturers and suppliers to better plan production and distribution of medicines. Not only would this provide more certainty for suppliers, it would reduce the states and territories competing with each other for medicines in short supply.

    We also need to review the pricing mechanism for medicines to make the Australian market more attractive for pharmaceutical imports. This would also help Australia move higher up the priority list when medicines are in short supply.

    Peter Coomber is currently employed by Queensland Health as Senior Director Central Pharmacy, and is a RAAF Reservist Pharmaceutical Officer.

    Lisa Nissen receives funding from NHMRC/MRFF and other state and commonwealth research grant schemes. Lisa was previously the state president for the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (Qld) branch (2008-2015) and a member of the national board. She has previously held positions on the TGA advisory committee for vaccines and advisory committee on scheduling of medicines. Lisa is a current member of AHPRA’s Scheduled Medicines Expert Committee.

    – ref. Why doesn’t Australia make more medicines? Wouldn’t that fix drug shortages? – https://theconversation.com/why-doesnt-australia-make-more-medicines-wouldnt-that-fix-drug-shortages-255766

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Meteorites and marsquakes hint at an underground ocean of liquid water on the Red Planet

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hrvoje Tkalčić, Professor, Head of Geophysics, Director of Warramunga Array, Australian National University

    UAESA / MBRSC / Hope Mars Mission / EXI / Andrea Luck, CC BY

    Evidence is mounting that a secret lies beneath the dusty red plains of Mars, one that could redefine our view of the Red Planet: a vast reservoir of liquid water, locked deep in the crust.

    Mars is covered in traces of ancient bodies of water. But the puzzle of exactly where it all went when the planet turned cold and dry has long intrigued scientists.

    Our new study may offer an answer. Using seismic data from NASA’s InSight mission, we uncovered evidence that the seismic waves slow down in a layer between 5.4 and 8 kilometres below the surface, which could be because of the presence of liquid water at these depths.

    The mystery of the missing water

    Mars wasn’t always the barren desert we see today. Billions of years ago, during the Noachian and Hesperian periods (4.1 billion to 3 billion years ago), rivers carved valleys and lakes shimmered.

    As Mars’ magnetic field faded and its atmosphere thinned, most surface water vanished. Some escaped to space, some froze in polar caps, and some was trapped in minerals, where it remains today.

    Four billion years ago (top left), Mars may have hosted a huge ocean. But the surface water has slowly disappeared, leaving only frozen remnants near the poles today.
    NASA

    But evaporation, freezing and rocks can’t quite account for all the water that must have covered Mars in the distant past. Calculations suggest the “missing” water is enough to cover the planet in an ocean at least 700 metres deep, and perhaps up to 900 metres deep.

    One hypothesis has been that the missing water seeped into the crust. Mars was heavily bombarded by meteorites during the Noachian period, which may have formed fractures that channelled water underground.

    Deep beneath the surface, warmer temperatures would keep the water in a liquid state – unlike the frozen layers nearer the surface.

    A seismic snapshot of Mars’ crust

    In 2018, NASA’s InSight lander touched down on Mars to listen to the planet’s interior with a super-sensitive seismometer.

    By studying a particular kind of vibration called “shear waves”, we found a significant underground anomaly: a layer between 5.4 and 8 kilometres down where these vibrations move more slowly.

    This “low-velocity layer” is most likely highly porous rock filled with liquid water, like a saturated sponge. Something like Earth’s aquifers, where groundwater seeps into rock pores.

    We calculated the “aquifer layer” on Mars could hold enough water to cover the planet in a global ocean 520–780m deep — several times as much water as is held in Antarctica’s ice sheet.

    This volume is compatible with estimates of Mars’ “missing” water (710–920m), after accounting for losses to space, water bound in minerals, and modern ice caps.

    Meteorites and marsquakes

    We made our discovery thanks to two meteorite impacts in 2021 (named S1000a and S1094b) and a marsquake in 2022 (dubbed S1222a). These events sent seismic waves rippling through the crust, like dropping a stone into a pond and watching the waves spread.

    The crater caused by meteorite impact S1094b, as seen from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
    NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona

    InSight’s seismometer captured these vibrations. We used the high-frequency signals from the events — think of tuning into a crisp, high-definition radio station — to map the crust’s hidden layers.

    We calculated “receiver functions,” which are signatures of these waves as they bounce and reverberate between layers in the crust, like echoes mapping a cave. These signatures let us pinpoint boundaries where rock changes, revealing the water-soaked layer 5.4 to 8 kilometres deep.

    Why it matters

    Liquid water is essential for life as we know it. On Earth, microbes thrive in deep, water-filled rock.

    Could similar life, perhaps relics of ancient Martian ecosystems, persist in these reservoirs? There’s only one way to find out.

    The water may be a lifeline for more complex organisms, too – such as future human explorers. Purified, it could provide drinking water, oxygen, or fuel for rockets.

    Of course, drilling kilometres deep on a distant planet is a daunting challenge. However, our data, collected near Mars’ equator, also hints at the possibility of other water-rich zones – such as the icy mud reservoir of Utopia Planitia.

    What’s next for Mars exploration?

    Our seismic data covers only a slice of Mars. New missions with seismometers are needed to map potential water layers across the rest of the planet.

    Future rovers or drills may one day tap these reservoirs, analysing their chemistry for traces of life. These water zones also require protection from Earthly microbes, as they could harbour native Martian biology.

    For now, the water invites us to keep listening to Mars’ seismic heartbeat, decoding the secrets of a world perhaps more like Earth than we thought.

    Hrvoje Tkalčić receives funding from The Australian Research Council.

    Weijia Sun works for Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He receives funding from National Key R&D Program of China.

    – ref. Meteorites and marsquakes hint at an underground ocean of liquid water on the Red Planet – https://theconversation.com/meteorites-and-marsquakes-hint-at-an-underground-ocean-of-liquid-water-on-the-red-planet-255408

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEW CAUCUS: New Bipartisan Build America Caucus Launches to Support Pro-Growth Policies

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

    The new caucus brings together key lawmakers across the ideological spectrum

    Watershed moment for the pro-growth, abundance movement as Congress readies federal action

    WASHINGTON – Today, more than a dozen bipartisan members launched the bipartisan Build America Caucus, a first-of-its-kind effort in Congress to advance pro-growth policies. While momentum for the abundance agenda has grown in cities and states, this caucus marks the first coordinated push to bring that vision to Capitol Hill. The caucus includes nearly 30 members from across the ideological spectrum, many of whom hold key committee assignments, putting the group in a strong position to pass meaningful legislation. Rep. Josh Harder will serve as Chair.

    The Build America Caucus will prioritize:

    • Unleashing American energy through permitting and transmission reform
    • Making housing affordable by incentivizing states and cities to build more homes
    • Speeding up American infrastructure projects by streamlining requirements and cutting red tape

    “Voters have lost faith in government because they don’t see results – they see gridlock, red tape, and delay,” said Chair Josh Harder. “It’s time to get back to building. Housing costs are out of control, our energy grid is strained, and foreign adversaries are racing ahead in critical manufacturing. The Build America Caucus is bringing Republicans and Democrats together to deliver real, pro-growth solutions. Our mission is simple: pass effective legislation that unleashes America’s full potential.”

    “It’s time to rebuild America with purpose and urgency,” said Rep. Gus Bilirakis. “I am proud to be a part of the Build America Caucus which will bring together bipartisan voices committed to modernizing our infrastructure, removing needless bureaucratic red tape, reducing costs and ensuring taxpayer dollars go further. Our country needs smart investment, faster timelines, and real results that strengthen our economy and improve lives across the country.” 

    “One of the cruelest ironies in America is that we have more laws restricting the supply of affordable housing than expanding it,” said Rep. Ritchie Torres. “That’s neither progressive nor pro–working class. It’s time for every elected official to embrace an agenda of abundance—an abundance of opportunity for all Americans. The Build America Caucus is fighting to make America work for working people. It’s time to put building over bureaucracy—and progress over process.”

    “Too many families in the Central Valley are struggling due to slow-moving infrastructure projects and the growing unaffordability of housing costs and energy,” said Rep. David Valadao. “To revitalize the American Dream, we need to focus on growth by streamlining rules and regulations, prioritizing innovation, and incentivizing competition. I’m proud to join my colleagues on the bipartisan Build America Caucus to deliver real results for our hardworking families.”

    “Our communities need affordable housing, reliable infrastructure, and clean energy — and they need them now, not years from now,” said Rep. Sharice Davids. “I’m joining the bipartisan Build America Caucus to help cut unnecessary red tape and make sure we’re building a stronger, more affordable future for Kansas and the country.”

    “I am proud to join my colleagues on the Build America Caucus as we work to strengthen our economy and streamline pro-growth policies in Congress,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse. “By cutting bureaucratic red tape and onerous regulations we will identify real solutions to unleash American energy, mitigate the housing affordability crisis, and create good-paying jobs here at home.”

    “I came to Congress to solve problems, and I’m ready to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get s**t done,” said Rep. George Whitesides. “We need to move from a focus on process to a focus on outcomes – how much housing are we building, how many roads are we fixing, how much clean energy infrastructure are we creating, how many rural homes are we connecting to broadband, how many acres of forest are we treating for wildfire risk? It is the outcomes that will dictate whether we are really creating positive impacts for our constituents, and I’m ready to make some progress!”

    “To meet America’s growing demand for energy, housing, and infrastructure, Congress needs to make sure that policies and regulations are supporting, not hindering, the ability to build what America needs,” said Rep. Chuck Edwards. “Unnecessary red tape slows down growth and stifles innovation. As a member of the Build America Caucus, I look forward to fixing how Washington works by making processes more efficient and reasonable so that energy production and the building of our nation’s houses and infrastructure are not stuck in bureaucracy.”

    “Building more affordable housing, developing clean energy, and improving our infrastructure are all key to American growth in the 21st century,” said Rep. Joe Neguse. “That’s why I’m proud to join with a bipartisan group of my colleagues in forming the Build America Caucus, to move America forward by investing in innovation and implementing practical solutions that address the consequential challenges of our time.”

    “America’s strength lies in our workers, our businesses, and our abundant natural resources, but outdated laws and regulations too often hold our country back,” said Rep. Michael McCaul. “I’m proud to join the bipartisan Build America Caucus to drive growth, restore U.S. energy leadership, and unleash our nation’s full potential.”

    “America was built by doers who put bold ideas into action. But for too long, American innovation and production has been tied up in overburdensome regulation and bureaucratic red tape,” said Rep. Adam Gray. “The status quo doesn’t work anymore. It’s time to enact pro-growth policies that will harness American energy resources, increase our housing supply and encourage economic development. I’m proud to represent the Central Valley as a member of the bipartisan Build America Caucus to finally deliver on America’s promise of opportunity for all.”

    “Building more housing, mass transit, and clean energy is essential to making life more affordable and connected. But outdated processes are driving up costs and delaying the projects communities desperately need,” said Rep. Laura Friedman. I’m proud to join the Build America Caucus to help break through the gridlock and give local governments the tools to build more homes, better infrastructure, and clean power — so we can actually meet this moment.”

    “Housing is unaffordable, federally funded projects are delayed, and we’re not thinking clearly about long-term solutions,” said Rep. Janelle Bynum. “We’ve got to cut the red tape, build smarter, and deliver real solutions for the Americans. That’s why I’m proud to join the bipartisan Build America Caucus to help tackle the structural challenges holding back our growth.”

    “To lower costs and compete with China, we need to build more — more housing, stronger roads and bridges, and better energy infrastructure,” said Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet. “Having worked in local government and led a local non-profit, I have seen firsthand how the best of ideas can be derailed by red tape. I look forward to working with Republicans and Democrats with the Build America Caucus to turbocharge American innovation, lower costs, and create good-paying jobs in mid-Michigan.”

    “America prides itself on accomplishing big things, whether it be winning world wars, sending man to the moon, or discovering the next medical breakthrough,” said Rep. Scott Peters. “Unfortunately, we have gotten in our own way with excessive red tape and process that delays progress. The Build America Caucus will be laser-focused on taking on our country’s most fundamental challenges, like the housing shortage, the need for a more reliable grid and cheaper energy, and ensuring America continues to be at the forefront of scientific discovery. I am excited to work with my colleagues from both parties to update our laws to meet the challenges of today and encourage America to build again.”

    “America needs to build 5 million homes and 5 Hoover Dams’ worth of nuclear power this decade,” said Rep. Jake Auchincloss. “The status quo won’t deliver that speed and scale, so Congress needs to take action and relieve bottlenecks in housing and energy that lower prices for the middle class.”

    “In my past life, I built things in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and I’m committed to building a bright future for our constituents,” said Rep. Rob Bresnahan. “I am ready to bring my real-world experience to the policy-making sphere, and I look forward to working with my fellow members of the Build America Caucus to find bipartisan ways to streamline permitting for transportation and energy projects, and ensure we have the workforce to deliver on these projects.”

    “This caucus isn’t about making government bigger or smaller. It’s about making government work better, so we can bring down the cost of housing, build schools for the next generation, and make sure clean energy projects are a reality – not just an idea,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “With my experience cutting through red tape as General Treasurer and getting projects over the finish line, I’m excited to be a part of a bipartisan coalition working to bring a results-oriented mentality to Washington.”

    The members of the Build America Caucus are: Reps. Jake Auchincloss, Gus Bilirakis, Rob Bresnahan, Nikki Budzinski, Janelle Bynum, Sharice Davids, Chuck Edwards, Laura Friedman, Adam Gray, Josh Harder, Jim Himes, Jeff Hurd, Jen Kiggans, Seth Magaziner, Nicole Malliotakis, Celeste Maloy, Mike McCaul, Kristen McDonald Rivet, Joe Neguse, Dan Newhouse, Jay Obernolte, Scott Peters, Brittany Pettersen, Pat Ryan, Andrea Salinas, Haley Stevens, Ritchie Torres, David Valadao, and George Whitesides. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Lightning: Vice Premier of the State Council of China said that China and the US have taken an important step in resolving differences through equal dialogue and consultation

    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

    Xinhua | 12.05. 2025

    Keywords:

    Source: Xinhua

    Flash: Vice Premier of the State Council of China said that China and the US have taken an important step in resolving differences through equal dialogue and consultation Flash: Vice Premier of the State Council of China said that China and the US have taken an important step in resolving differences through equal dialogue and consultation

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: V. Zelensky proposed to V. Putin to meet in person on May 15 in Turkey

    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 11 (Xinhua) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday proposed on social network X to Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold a personal meeting in Turkey on May 15 to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict.

    He expressed hope that official Moscow would accept his proposal.

    V. Zelensky added that Ukraine also expects a complete and long-term ceasefire starting on May 12.

    On Sunday night, V. Putin proposed that Ukraine resume direct peace talks between the two countries on May 15 in Istanbul. V. Zelensky called the Russian leader’s initiative “a good sign,” but noted that Kyiv is ready for dialogue provided that Russia agrees to the 30-day ceasefire proposed by Ukraine on Saturday, starting May 12. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran and Uzbekistan Sign Four Documents on Expanding Bilateral Cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TEHRAN, May 11 (Xinhua) — Iran and Uzbekistan signed four documents in Tehran on Sunday to expand bilateral cooperation, Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported.

    According to the report, the signing took place during a meeting of delegations from the two countries, which included high-ranking officials, including Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, who is visiting the Islamic Republic.

    According to IRNA, these four documents include an intergovernmental protocol on the implementation of a preferential trade agreement, a memorandum of understanding on quarantine and plant protection, a memorandum of understanding in the field of halal standardization, and an intergovernmental roadmap for bilateral cooperation for the period 2025-2027.

    During the meeting, M.R. Aref said that Iran is determined to improve relations with Uzbekistan in all areas, viewing “the numerous cultural and historical commonalities between the two countries as valuable assets” for developing bilateral ties in the economy, energy, tourism, culture, science and trade, as well as between representatives of the private sector.

    A. Aripov, for his part, pointed out that Iran is a “close friend and reliable partner” of Uzbekistan in the region. He noted that in 2024, the volume of bilateral trade reached 500 million US dollars.

    The Prime Minister of Uzbekistan stressed that the expansion of cooperation between the two countries should be future-oriented and based on long-term planning. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: U.S. Announces China Trade Deal in Geneva

    Source: The White House

    Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent:“I’m happy to report that we made substantial progress between the United States and China in the very important trade talks. First, I want to thank our Swiss host. The Swiss government has been very kind in providing us this wonderful venue, and I think that led to a great deal of productivity we’ve seen. We will be giving details tomorrow, but I can tell you that the talks were productive. We had the vice premier, two vice ministers, who were integrally involved, Ambassador Jamieson, and myself. And I spoke to President Trump, as did Ambassador Jamieson, last night, and he is fully informed of what is going on. So, there will be a complete briefing tomorrow morning.”

    U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer:“This was, as the Secretary pointed out, a very constructive two days. It’s important to understand how quickly we were able to come to agreement, which reflects that perhaps the differences were not so large as maybe thought. That being said, there was a lot of groundwork that went into these two days. Just remember why we’re here in the first place — the United States has a massive $1.2 trillion trade deficit, so the President declared a national emergency and imposed tariffs, and we’re confident that the deal we struck with our Chinese partners will help us to work toward resolving that national emergency.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s railway construction has been highly efficient in the first four months

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 11 (Xinhua) — China’s railway projects saw strong progress in the first four months of this year, giving new impetus to the steady recovery and positive momentum of the Chinese economy, the operator of China Railways said Sunday.

    Fixed asset investment in China’s railway sector rose 5.3 percent year-on-year from January to April to 194.7 billion yuan (about $27 billion), according to data from China State Railway Corporation (CSRC).

    According to the KGZhK, during the said period, railway authorities focused on strengthening connectivity, eliminating gaps and strengthening chains in the railway network, strengthening supervision over safety, quality, environmental protection and project investment, ensuring high-quality and highly efficient promotion of railway projects.

    During this time, progress has been made in building railway infrastructure in various parts of the country, including the Lanzhou-Hezuo railway in Gansu Province, northwest China, and a river tunnel in Tianjin, north China.

    The KGZhK promised that the corporation will continue to conduct scientific and orderly work on planning and implementing railway projects, and will actually increase the efficiency of investments in order to accelerate the construction of modern railway infrastructure in the country. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China successfully launches new constellation of remote sensing satellites

    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

    TAIYUAN, May 11 (Xinhua) — China on Sunday launched a new group of remote sensing satellites into space from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China’s Shanxi Province.

    The Yaogan-40-02 satellite group was launched at 21:27 Beijing time using a modified version of the Long March-6 launch vehicle and successfully entered the designated orbit, the cosmodrome said.

    These spacecraft will be primarily used to measure electromagnetic field parameters and test related technologies.

    The current launch was the 574th flight mission for the Long March series of launch vehicles. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McCaul, Huizenga Introduce Legislation to Modernize Missile Technology Export Controls

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee — and Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.) announced the introduction of H.R. 3068, the Missile Technology Control Revision Act. The legislation modernizes missile technology export controls by removing unnecessary regulatory barriers — bolstering U.S. national security while ensuring our allies are equipped to address shared security threats in a timely manner. 

    “The Chinese Communist Party is working at lightning speed to advance its military apparatus — and it does not play fair,” said Rep. McCaul. “The Mission Technology Control Revision Act empowers the United States and its allies to meet that generational challenge head-on by removing burdensome red tape that slows down the transfer of critical military technologies. I urge my colleagues to support this important bill that will strengthen crucial partnerships like the AUKUS defense pact and deter the CCP’s malign activity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”

    “The threats our nation faces have evolved over time; therefore, our approach to keeping America safe must evolve as well,” said Rep. Bill Huizenga. “We cannot allow bureaucratic red tape to hinder our national security. By modernizing the Missile Technology Control Regime to meet the security challenges of today, we can strengthen our defense capabilities and increase our cooperation with our allies, especially Australia and the United Kingdom. The Missile Technology Control Revision Act can act as a force multiplier that allows the United States and our closest allies to address the security challenges we face today and in the future.” 

    Background:

    The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) was signed in 1987 and is a non-binding political arrangement designed to curtail exports and proliferation of WMD delivery vehicles and the underlying technologies. Unfortunately, the MTCR has no independent means to verify whether states adhere to its guidelines or a mechanism to penalize member states if they violate them.  

    The MTCR was established to prevent the proliferation of missile systems capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction, but in practice, its strict implementation through the Arms Export Control Act has often limited the United States’ ability to share certain missile-related technologies, such as advanced drones and space launch systems, with close allies. At the same time, countries like China and Russia, which have a history of violating MTCR norms, have continued to export similar technologies with fewer constraints. This disparity has complicated U.S. efforts to deepen defense cooperation and technology sharing through alliances like NATO, Five Eyes, and AUKUS. 

    Reps. McCaul and Huizenga’s legislation amends the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to allow for expedited defense trade with countries the president determines to be eligible for a defense trade exemption. Additionally, the bill includes a statement of policy that the US shall no longer apply a “presumption of denial” for MTCR items to NATO, major non-NATO allies, and Five Eyes members.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE begins Qatar visit

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee met Qatar’s leaders and government officials and learnt about the latest developments of the country’s sovereign wealth fund on the first day of a visit to Qatar.

    Leading a business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises, Mr Lee in the morning, met respectively the Amir, head of state of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Minister of Communications & Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai to exchange views on strengthening bilateral relations and economic co-operation between Hong Kong and Qatar.

    The Chief Executive said that Qatar and Hong Kong are economic powerhouses in the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region respectively. Noting that Qatar is Hong Kong’s third-largest trading partner in the Middle East with bilateral trade in goods worth US$1.6 billion last year, Mr Lee said that there is plenty of room for further growth in trade and business between the two places.

    He also expressed his anticipation that during this visit, multiple memoranda of understanding and agreements will be made between Hong Kong and Qatar, covering various areas including trade and investment promotion, financial services, innovation and technology (I&T), and cultural tourism, with a view to further enhancing co-operation among the governments and institutions of the two places.

    Mr Lee noted that Hong Kong, as a functional platform of the Belt & Road Initiative, is committed to deepening international exchanges and co-operation and leveraging its strengths as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to facilitate and add value to government and business projects along the Belt & Road through the city’s world-class professional services.

    He also said that the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Belt & Road Initiative align in their values and aspirations for achieving high-quality development through all-round co-operation, embracing economic diversification and innovation, as well as fostering friendship and facilitating exchanges.

    The Chief Executive supplemented that both Hong Kong and Qatar attach great importance to technological development and regard artificial intelligence as an engine of new economic development, and that he hoped Hong Kong and Qatar would enhance collaboration through joint research and exchanges, joint ventures, and cross-border investments to achieve mutual benefits.

    In addition, Mr Lee visited the Qatar Investment Authority to learn about the development of Qatar’s financial sector. Established in 2005, the authority is Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund. It manages and grows Qatar’s financial assets, with an aim to diversify Qatar’s economic development and ensure the country’s long-term financial sustainability. Mr Lee received an in-depth briefing on the operation and investment strategies of the sovereign wealth fund, and explored with the authority the development and co-operation opportunities for both sides in finance and the economy.

    In the afternoon, he attended a luncheon hosted by an international financial group, where he gained insights into the group’s analysis of Qatar’s banking and financial services industry, as well as its capital markets.

    Pointing out that Hong Kong is an international financial centre now moving towards also becoming an international green finance hub, Mr Lee said that last year the total amount of green and sustainable debt issued in Hong Kong exceeded US$84 billion, with green and sustainable bonds accounting for approximately US$43 billion. It captured around 45% of the total Asian market, ranking first in the region for seven consecutive years. He highlighted that under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises complement each other’s strengths, and that Hong Kong would give full play to its bridging role in attracting international investments to China and “going global” with Mainland enterprises. He welcomed Qatari enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s broad and deep capital markets, professional financial services and seamless connectivity with the Mainland market to raise international funds for their sustainable infrastructure projects.

    Afterwards, Mr Lee led the delegation to visit Lusail City, the second-largest city in Qatar, to understand how the city integrates I&T with urban planning and infrastructure development. Lusail City is one of Qatar’s flagship smart cities, focusing on information and communication technology, with the aim of developing into a model for intelligent living, urban evolution and diverse cultural landscapes. He noted that Hong Kong, as the world’s third-largest financial centre, offers world-class professional services that can support Qatar’s investment needs, adding that Hong Kong and Qatar can explore co-operation and exchanges in areas such as sustainable urban development.

    Next on the itinerary is a visit to the National Museum of Qatar to learn about the country’s history and cultural heritage as well as a dinner hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the State of Qatar Cao Xiaolin.

    The Chief Executive and his delegation will continue their visit to Qatar tomorrow by meeting local political and business leaders before departing for Kuwait.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: R.T. Erdogan expressed Turkey’s readiness to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    ANKARA, May 11 (Xinhua) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday expressed the Turkish side’s readiness to host direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine after the Russian side proposed holding them in Istanbul.

    According to a statement from R. T. Erdogan’s office, the corresponding statement was made during his separate telephone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron.

    During the conversation with V. Putin, the head of Turkey touched upon issues of Turkish-Russian relations, as well as broader regional and global issues. He welcomed the Russian leader’s recent proposal to resume peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15 and stated that “Türkiye is ready to accept talks aimed at achieving a long-term solution,” the chancellery specified.

    R. T. Erdogan stressed that a window of opportunity has opened for achieving peace and noted that the establishment of a comprehensive ceasefire will create the necessary conditions for productive negotiations.

    In a conversation with E. Macron, the Turkish president emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation on the issue of launching negotiations on permanent peace and supporting the process of restoring Ukraine.

    Noting that a historic turning point has arrived on the path to ending the war between Ukraine and Russia and that this opportunity must be seized, R. T. Erdogan told E. Macron that Turkey is ready to make any contribution, including organizing negotiations, to achieve a ceasefire and lasting peace.

    Speaking to reporters in the Kremlin earlier on Sunday, Putin proposed resuming direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15. The Russian leader stressed that Russia is committed to serious talks with Ukraine that are designed to address the root causes of the ongoing conflict and to establish a long-term, lasting peace in the historical perspective.

    In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it a good sign that Russia had begun to think about ending the war, but, according to him, the very first step towards this should be the beginning of a full, long-term and reliable ceasefire from May 12.

    In 2022, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators held direct talks in Istanbul but failed to reach an agreement to halt hostilities. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Restrict animal movement as Foot and Mouth Disease spreads

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Department of Agriculture has urged all farmers to limit or eliminate the movement of animals in the country following the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) to Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

    The disease was first reported in KwaZulu-Natal.

    “Two new cases, outside of KZN, have been confirmed. One farm in Mpumalanga, which was identified as part of trace-forward exercises, from a positive auction in Utrecht, KwaZulu Natal. Although these animals showed no clinical signs of disease, further investigation has confirmed that the virus has spread to adjacent camps on the same farm. There are no indications that other farms have become infected, but veterinary services are continuing with clinical inspection and testing of livestock on farms in the area. 

    “Another farm was reported in Gauteng. Clinical signs suspicious of FMD were noted in a feedlot that received animals from an auction in Heidelberg. Samples were collected and prioritised for testing. Laboratory results for these samples are positive and confirmed that this is the same virus that is circulating in parts of KwaZulu-Natal,” the department said.

    An epidemiological investigation is underway to “trace back and trace forward all other animals that were bought and sold at the same auction”.

    As a result of the outbreak, China has now suspended South African imports of cloven-hoofed animals and related products, including beef.

    Caution to livestock owners and traders

    The department has called on livestock owners to note the incubation period for FMD.

    “This is a period of two to14 days, within which animals can appear clinically healthy, before they start showing clinical signs generally associated with FMD. 

    “This highlights the importance of keeping newly bought animals separated from the resident herd for at least 28 days, even if a health attestation was issued for the animals. The health attestation and 28-day separation have been a legal requirement since October 2022.

    “The department urges all livestock farmers in the whole country to limit animal movement as far as possible. We request auctioneers and livestock owners to be vigilant when buying cloven hoofed animals from provinces where there are active FMD outbreaks. No cloven-hoofed animals should be accepted from areas under restriction for FMD in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga,” the department said.

    Furthermore, it remains the legal obligation of livestock owners to ensure the health of their animals.

    Adverse health symptoms must be reported to the local State Veterinarian immediately.

    “Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act imposes a legal duty on any owner or manager of animals to take all reasonable steps to prevent their animals from becoming infected with any disease and to prevent the spread of any disease from their animals or land to other animals or other properties.

    “Essential biosecurity measures include limiting and/or postponing the introduction of new animals if at all possible and, if absolutely necessary, only introducing animals from known clean farms with a health declaration, preventing nose-to-nose contact of farm animals with animals outside the farm, maintaining secure farm boundaries, restricting access for people and vehicles as much as possible,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russian and Turkish leaders discussed initiative on direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine 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 11 /Xinhua/ — Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday, the Kremlin press service reported.

    “The Russian President’s initiative to resume direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations, which are proposed to be held in Istanbul starting on May 15, was discussed in detail,” the statement said.

    “Recep Tayyip Erdogan fully supported this Russian proposal, emphasizing his readiness to provide the Istanbul platform. The Turkish side will provide all possible assistance in organizing and holding negotiations aimed at achieving sustainable peace,” the Kremlin noted.

    In addition, according to the Kremlin, V. Putin shared his impressions of the results of the celebratory events held in Moscow in honor of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the international contacts at the highest level that took place during these days.

    According to the Kremlin, the leaders of the two countries also expressed mutual interest in further expanding trade and investment ties, including the implementation of joint strategic projects in the energy sector.

    Earlier, V. Putin proposed resuming direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15.

    Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said on Sunday that Russia’s proposed talks on the situation in Ukraine should take into account the results of the talks that were interrupted in 2022 and the situation “on the ground.” –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: No tsunami warning issued after magnitude 6.2 earthquake off Indonesia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    JAKARTA, May 11 (Xinhua) — A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Aceh province in western Indonesia on Sunday, but no strong waves were generated, according to the country’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency.

    The tremors occurred at 15:57 local time, with the epicenter located 21 km southwest of Aceh Barat Daya County at a depth of 45 km.

    The agency did not issue a tsunami warning because the earthquake was not expected to generate high waves.

    Local residents felt strong tremors, but there were no preliminary reports of major damage, a senior official at Aceh’s disaster management agency told Xinhua. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: More than 20 killed as bus plunges into ravine in Sri Lanka

    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

    COLOMBO, May 11 (Xinhua) — More than 20 people were killed and several injured when a bus fell into a chasm in Kotmale in Sri Lanka’s Central Province on Sunday morning, police said.

    The victims are under close supervision by doctors at the hospital.

    The Sri Lanka Transport Department has sent a team to the scene to investigate the incident.

    Police said they were also investigating the incident.

    Road accidents are common in Sri Lanka. A total of 592 people have died in 565 fatal road accidents as of April 2 this year. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: White Paper: 70% of Chinese Want to Lose Weight

    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

    GUANGZHOU, May 11 (Xinhua) — Public awareness of weight control is growing in China, with 70 percent of Chinese hoping to lose weight and more than 60 percent willing to spend time and effort to achieve the goal.

    This is according to a white paper on health and weight control for Chinese adults, which was released at an obesity prevention conference held in Foshan City, south China’s Guangdong Province, on Saturday.

    The white paper notes that half of Chinese adults who have assessed their weight find that it does not correspond to their actual body mass index (BMI). Specifically, 14 percent of Chinese adults rate their weight as healthy, but are actually overweight according to BMI measurement.

    Such inaccuracy in self-assessment makes it difficult to prevent and control cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes and other chronic diseases, indicating a lack of public understanding of the health risks of obesity, said Liang Xiaofeng, deputy head of the Chinese Society of Preventive Medicine.

    According to the National Health Commission of China, 34.3 percent of Chinese adults are currently overweight and 16.4 percent are obese. The data predicts that by 2030, 70.5 percent of Chinese adults will be overweight or obese if no action is taken to combat the threat. This will result in medical costs of US$61 billion.

    In response, authorities launched a three-year nationwide campaign to create a favorable environment for weight control in June 2024. More hospitals have been encouraged to set up obesity prevention and control centers to provide inpatient weight loss services, with near-full coverage expected by June 2025.

    The white paper added that more than half of China’s population is now taking active steps to control their weight by choosing diets lower in oil, salt and sugar and choosing suitable meal replacements.

    It also calls for more active, comprehensive and sustainable social support through the creation of a knowledge system on weight control and the adoption of scientific and effective measures aimed at the real needs of the population. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China to Establish New IPR Rapid Service Center

    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 11 (Xinhua) — China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (NIPA) recently approved the establishment of a new national-level rapid service center for intellectual property rights (IPR) protection in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, the NIPA said.

    The new center will be located in Futian District, home to more than 2,000 fashion enterprises and an industrial cluster valued at more than 120 billion yuan (about $16.6 billion).

    According to the GUIS, the new center, which specializes in IPR protection work in the fashion and design industry, will offer local businesses expedited intellectual property services for filing design patent applications, ensuring timely protection of their innovations and preventing imitation or infringement by competitors.

    The GUIS reported that the processing period from filing an application to receiving permission to issue a patent can be reduced to three months thanks to the services provided by this center. As a rule, the process of obtaining a patent for an industrial design from filing an application to receiving permission takes about six months.

    There are currently 48 such centers operating in China, specializing in different industries such as toys, small goods, furniture, etc. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE leads delegation to begin visit programme to Qatar

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (May 11) led a business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to commence its visit programme to Qatar. He met with leaders and government officials of Qatar and leant about the latest development of the country’s sovereign wealth fund. He also exchanged views with representatives of a local financial institution. He inspected Qatar’s town planning and visited local cultural and tourism facilities.
     
    In the morning, Mr Lee met respectively with the Amir of Qatar, Mr Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the head of state of Qatar; the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Mr Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani; and the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mr Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, to exchange views on strengthening bilateral relations and economic co-operation between Hong Kong and Qatar.
     
    Mr Lee said that Qatar and Hong Kong are economic powerhouses in the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region respectively. Noting that Qatar is Hong Kong’s third-largest trading partner in the Middle East with bilateral trade in goods worth US$1.6 billion last year, Mr Lee said that there is plenty of room for further growth in trade and business between the two places. He also expressed his anticipation that during this visit, multiple memoranda of understanding and agreements will be made between Hong Kong and Qatar, covering various areas including trade and investment promotion, financial services, innovation and technology (I&T), and cultural tourism, with a view to further enhancing co-operation among the governments and institutions of the two places.
     
    Mr Lee said that Hong Kong, as a functional platform of the Belt and Road Initiative, is committed to deepening international exchanges and co-operation and leveraging its strengths as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to facilitate and add value to government and business projects along the Belt and Road through the city’s world-class professional services. He also said that the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Belt and Road Initiative align in their values and aspirations for achieving high-quality development through all-round co-operation, embracing economic diversification and innovation, as well as fostering friendship and facilitating exchanges.
     
    Mr Lee also highlighted that both Hong Kong and Qatar attach great importance to technological development and regard artificial intelligence as an engine of new economic development. He said he hoped that Hong Kong and Qatar would enhance collaboration through joint research and exchanges, joint ventures, and cross-border investments to achieve mutual benefits.
     
    Mr Lee also visited Qatar Investment Authority this morning to learn about the development of Qatar’s financial sector. Established in 2005, the Qatar Investment Authority is Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund. It manages and grows Qatar’s financial assets, with an aim to diversify Qatar’s economic development and ensure the country’s long-term financial sustainability. Mr Lee received an in-depth briefing on the operation and investment strategies of the sovereign wealth fund, and explored with the Qatar Investment Authority the development and co-operation opportunities for both sides in finance and the economy.
     
    In the afternoon, Mr Lee attended a luncheon hosted by an international financial group, where he gained insights into the group’s analysis of Qatar’s banking and financial services industry, as well as its capital markets.
     
    Noting that Hong Kong, an international financial centre now moving towards also becoming an international green finance hub, Mr Lee said that last year the total amount of green and sustainable debt issued in Hong Kong exceeded US$84 billion, with green and sustainable bonds accounting for approximately US$43 billion. It captured around 45 per cent of the total Asian market, ranking first in the region for seven consecutive years. Mr Lee said that under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises complement each other’s strengths, and that Hong Kong would give full play to its bridging role in attracting international investments to China and “going global” with Mainland enterprises. He welcomed Qatari enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s broad and deep capital markets, professional financial services and seamless connectivity with the Mainland market to raise international funds for their sustainable infrastructure projects.
     
    Afterwards, Mr Lee led the delegation to visit Lusail City, the second-largest city in Qatar, to understand how the city integrates I&T with urban planning and infrastructure development. Lusail City is one of Qatar’s flagship smart cities, focusing on information and communication technology, with the aim of developing into a model for intelligent living, urban evolution and diverse cultural landscapes. Mr Lee said that Hong Kong, as the world’s third-largest financial centre, offers world-class professional services that can support Qatar’s investment needs. He also noted that Hong Kong and Qatar can explore co-operation and exchanges in areas such as sustainable urban development.
     
    Mr Lee will later visit the National Museum of Qatar to learn about the country’s history and rich cultural heritage. The museum, which opened in 2019, is dedicated to vividly presenting the story of Qatar and its people in an innovative and immersive way.
     
    The delegation led by Mr Lee will attend a dinner hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the State of Qatar, Mr Cao Xiaolin. Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to the Embassy for its strong support to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai, and for making meticulous arrangements for the visit.
     
    Mr Lee will lead the delegation to continue its visit to Qatar tomorrow (May 12) to meet with local political and business leaders before departing for Kuwait.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to establish new fast IPR protection service center to foster innovation

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

    BEIJING, May 11 — China’s network of fast intellectual property rights (IPR) protection service centers is set to expand, as a new national-level center has this week been approved for establishment in the innovation hub of Shenzhen, the country’s top IP regulator said.

    The new center will be based in the city’s Futian district, a central business area that is home to over 2,000 fashion industry enterprises and features an industrial cluster valued at 120 billion yuan (about 16.6 billion U.S. dollars).

    According to the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), the center will offer local enterprises expedited IP services for their design patent applications — ensuring timely protection of their innovations and preventing imitation or infringement by competitors.

    The processing period from application submission to patent authorization can be reduced to within three months through the services provided by this center, the CNIPA told Xinhua. Generally, it takes around six months for a design patent to complete the process from application to authorization.

    Design is a major patent type in China. Latest data showed that 638,000 design patents were authorized in China in 2023. The country also ranked first in the world in terms of international design patent applications in 2024.

    The efficient services that will be offered by the Futian center will help attract more fashion design talent to the district, enhance their design competitiveness, and support the innovative growth of local small and medium-sized fashion enterprises — ultimately driving high-quality development, the CNIPA noted.

    China currently has 48 national-level fast IPR protection service centers, focusing on small commodities and packaged consumer goods in county-level industrial clusters that have a fast product update cycle and strong demand for design protection. Such centers have been built in places like Yiwu in east China, a hub for small commodities, and south China’s Shantou, renowned as the “toy capital” of China.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Magnitude 6.0 earthquake hits Indonesia’s North Sumatra province – GFZ

    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

    HONG KONG, May 11 (Xinhua) — An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 jolted Indonesia’s North Sumatra province at 08:57 GMT on Sunday, the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) said.

    The epicenter of the tremors, according to preliminary data, was located at a point with coordinates of 3.73 degrees north latitude and 97.03 degrees east longitude. The hypocenter was located at a depth of 89.4 km. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Parliamentary elections begin in Albania

    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

    TIRANA, May 11 (Xinhua) — Voting for parliamentary elections began across Albania on Sunday.

    A total of 3.7 million eligible voters, including those living abroad, will cast their ballots to elect 140 members of parliament from 11 political parties and coalitions.

    There are more than 5,225 polling stations across the country, which opened at 07:00 local time /05:00 GMT/ and are due to close at 19:00 local time /17:00 GMT/.

    These are Albania’s first parliamentary elections since the country formally began negotiations to join the European Union in July 2022. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: China’s Global Initiatives Shape the Architecture of a Just World — Tajik Expert

    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

    Dushanbe, May 11 (Xinhua) — China’s three global initiatives – in development, security and civilization – together with the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind reflect Beijing’s strategic vision of building a just, sustainable and multipolar world, Guzel Maitdinova, director of the Center for Geopolitical Studies at the Russian-Tajik (Slavic) University, said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

    In her opinion, the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Russia from May 7 to 10, as well as his participation in the events marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow, became an important milestone in the practical promotion of Chinese initiatives and strengthening the concept of a community with a common future for mankind in international affairs.

    G. Maitdinova noted that the PRC Chairman has repeatedly emphasized the need to counter unilateralism, bullying and power politics. This position, according to her, demonstrates China’s commitment to the principles of a fair global order and the prevention of the dominance of one center of power. China and Russia advocate multipolarity, where each state has the right to a sovereign choice of development path. Support by developing countries of each other’s foreign policies in this context reflects their common strategy of countering a unipolar world order.

    Speaking about the economic dimension, the expert emphasized the importance of President Xi Jinping’s statement on joint responsibility with Russia for protecting the multilateral trading system and the stability of global supply chains. In her opinion, this demonstrates the desire of China and Russia to form a new economic architecture free from sanctions pressure and dictates from Western structures.

    Commenting on the call of the PRC Chairman for consolidation of the Global South and protection of interests of developing countries, G. Maitdinova stated that Beijing and Moscow play a key role in forming a new international order based on equality and cultural diversity. China, in particular, advocates reform of international institutions and fair distribution of resources and access to technologies and markets.

    The expert emphasized that Xi Jinping’s active bilateral and multilateral meetings in Moscow with leaders of other countries reflect China’s course toward expanding partnerships with developing countries and forming an alternative agenda for global interaction. These contacts confirm China’s status as a responsible global actor capable of uniting countries on the basis of mutual benefit and collective security.

    According to G. Maitdinova, Xi Jinping’s visit gave impetus to the practical implementation of China’s three initiatives and strengthened the idea of a community with a common future for humanity. It became an expression of China’s readiness to take the lead in promoting fair and sustainable principles of global governance. “China not only formulates ideas, but also implements them in concrete steps, laying the foundation for the formation of a fairer and more balanced international order,” she concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Pakistan opens airspace for all types of flights

    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 11 (Xinhua) — Pakistan has fully opened its airspace for all types of flights, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said on Saturday.

    “Pakistan’s airspace is fully open for all types of flights,” a PAA spokesman told Xinhua, assuring travellers that all airports are currently operating normally.

    The resumption of flights follows a ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India that eased concerns after missile strikes and heightened security measures led to restricted airspace and a temporary suspension of flights earlier in the week.

    The representative advised passengers to check with their airlines for the latest information on flight schedules and operational changes.

    The full resumption of airport operations is expected to help stabilise air travel both domestically and internationally, bringing relief to airlines, airport staff and passengers affected by flight cancellations and delays during the heightened tensions. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: V. Zelensky called V. Putin’s proposal to resume direct peace talks a “good sign”

    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 11 (Xinhua) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday called Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to resume direct peace talks between the two countries a “good sign” in a Telegram post.

    “It is a good sign that Russians are finally thinking about ending the war. Everyone in the world has been expecting this for a long time,” V. Zelensky wrote.

    At the same time, he stressed that the first step to a real end to any armed conflict is a ceasefire. The Ukrainian President expressed hope that Russia would agree to the ceasefire proposed by Kiev on Saturday from May 12. After that, Ukraine will be ready to sit down at the negotiating table, V. Zelensky added.

    On Sunday night, V. Putin proposed that Ukraine resume direct peace talks on May 15 in Istanbul without putting forward preconditions. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s passenger car retail sales up 14.5 pct in April 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 11 (Xinhua) — China’s passenger car retail sales rose 14.5 percent year on year to nearly 1.76 million units in April 2025, data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) showed Sunday.

    This puts the figure just slightly below the record high of 1.81 million units set in April 2018, one of the highest April figures in recent years, the association said.

    Since the beginning of 2025, retail sales of passenger cars in the country amounted to 6.87 million units, which is 7.9 percent more than a year earlier.

    According to the CPCA, thanks to policies aimed at stimulating consumption, governments in many provinces and cities across the country have introduced preferential conditions for purchasing cars.

    In addition, improved financial support and the launch of a series of events such as auto shows have also contributed to growth in China’s auto market, the association said. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Corn sowing enters peak period in China’s Inner Mongolia

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

    Corn sowing enters peak period in China’s Inner Mongolia

    Updated: May 11, 2025 17:58 Xinhua
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 10, 2025 shows farmers laying out drip lines in the fields in Kunduhua village in Qianjiadian Town of Horqin District, Tongliao City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Benefiting from May’s timely rainfalls, Tongliao, a granary of eastern Inner Mongolia, has entered the peak period of corn sowing. It is reported that Tongliao’s corn planting area in 2025 is expected to reach 20 million mu (approximately 1.33 million hectares), an increase of 180,000 mu (12,000 hectares) compared to the previous year. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows farmers operating tractors equipped with Beidou navigation system for plowing in Horqin Left Wing Rear Banner of Tongliao City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows farmers operating tractors equipped with Beidou navigation system in the fields in Horqin Left Wing Rear Banner of Tongliao City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Farmers operate a tractor equipped with Beidou navigation system for sowing in Horqin Left Wing Rear Banner of Tongliao City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on May 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 8, 2025 shows farmers operating a tractor equipped with Beidou navigation system for corn sowing in Fengtian Town of Horqin District, Tongliao City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows a farmer operating a tractor equipped with Beidou navigation system for plowing in Horqin Left Wing Rear Banner of Tongliao City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows a farmer operating a tractor equipped with Beidou navigation system for plowing in Horqin Left Wing Rear Banner of Tongliao City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows farmers operating tractors equipped with Beidou navigation system for plowing in Horqin Left Wing Rear Banner of Tongliao City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows farmers operating tractors equipped with Beidou navigation system in the fields in Horqin Left Wing Rear Banner of Tongliao City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sinner wins in return from doping ban at ATP Italian Open

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

    Top seed and current world No. 1 Jannik Sinner secured a straight-sets victory in his comeback match, defeating Argentina’s Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-4 in the second round of the ATP Italian Open on Saturday.

    The Italian had served a three-month ban for his two doping offences after accepting the punishment following a case resolution agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency in February this year. He tested positive for clostebol in March 2024.

    Sinner’s doping ban officially ended on May 5. As the top seed in Rome, he received a first-round bye and made his debut on clay this season.

    In the opening set, Sinner built a 4-2 lead in the first six games. Both players then held serve comfortably by winning four straight points in the next two games, before Sinner consolidated his advantage with a hold in the ninth game to take the set 6-3.

    The second set was tighter, with both players holding serve through the first six games for 3-3. In a tense seventh game, Sinner finally converted his fourth break point. However, Navone immediately broke back in the following game. Sinner responded strongly, breaking once more and then holding serve to close out the set 6-4.

    “I feel like that we prepared ourselves in the best possible way. Of course, I was missing the feedback of official matches, which are the best feedbacks a player can get. So now I have a bigger picture of what I’m doing well and what I have to improve,” Sinner said in his post-match press conference, adding that his main target for this tournament is to win one or two more matches to gauge his current level.

    In the third round, Sinner will face Dutch lucky loser Jesper de Jong. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Bayern crowned title with 2-0 win on Muller’s farewell night

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

    Bayern Munich sealed its Bundesliga title celebrations with a 2-0 home win over Borussia Monchengladbach in the 33rd round match on an emotional night that marked Thomas Muller’s final game in red on Saturday.

    All eyes were on Muller as he led the team out for his 750th and final appearance at the Allianz Arena. The veteran, who has won 13 Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues with the club, received a roaring ovation and was honored with a fan choreography.

    After a quiet start, Michael Olise brought Bayern to life in the 31st minute. Cutting inside from the right, he curled a shot past Monchengladbach goalkeeper Jonas Omlin for Harry Kane to open the scoring. The goal was Kane’s 25th of the season, making him the first Bayern player to reach that mark in each of his first two Bundesliga campaigns.

    Monchengladbach had its moments, with Tim Kleindienst, Rocco Reitz and Tomas Cvancara all testing Manuel Neuer, who returned from injury to put in an impeccable performance. The Bayern captain made several fine saves from close range to keep his clean sheet intact.

    Muller came close to scoring himself on several occasions but was unable to find the net on his special night. He was taken off in the 84th minute to a standing ovation from all sides of the stadium as his teammates lined up for a guard of honor.

    In the dying moments of the game, Olise capped a remarkable evening by finishing off a slick move involving Leroy Sane to make it 2-0.

    “I’m not sure who felt the emotions more, Thomas or the Bayern fans. In the years to come, we’ll truly realize just how important he was for this club,” said Bayern coach Vincent Kompany.

    Elsewhere, bottom club Holstein Kiel was relegated to the second tier after a 2-1 defeat at fourth-placed Freiburg. Bochum was also relegated as Mainz moved into the top six with a 4-1 win. Leipzig shared the spoils with Werder Bremen and has no chance of qualifying for the Champions League. Heidenheim shocked Union Berlin 3-0 to move into the relegation play-off zone, while Hoffenheim was held to a 2-2 draw by Wolfsburg. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: De Arrascaeta strike keeps Flamengo top in Brazil’s Serie A

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

    Giorgian de Arrascaeta continued his prolific scoring form as leader Flamengo recorded a 1-0 home win over Bahia in Brazil’s Serie A championship on Saturday.

    Flamengo took the lead at the Maracana stadium when Michael Oliveira delivered an inch-perfect cross from the left wing and De Arrascaeta timed his run to perfection to head home.

    The Uruguay international midfielder has now scored seven times and provided three assists in seven league outings for Flamengo this season.

    Flamengo controlled the match thereafter but had to endure a tense final 15 minutes after midfielder Gerson was sent off for an ugly challenge on Erick Pulga.

    The result leaves Flamengo top of the 20-team Brazilian Serie A standings with 17 points from eight games, ahead of second-placed Bragantino on goal difference.

    Bahia, which had won each of its previous three games, is sixth, five points off the pace.

    In other Brazilian Serie A fixtures on Saturday, Mirassol won 2-1 at home to Corinthians, Vitoria prevailed 2-1 at home to Vasco da Gama, Gremio was held to a 1-1 home draw by Bragantino, and hosts Fortaleza romped to a 5-0 victory over Juventude. 

    MIL OSI China News –