NewzIntel.com

Category: China

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kamchatka crab becomes tourism brand for border town Hunchun

    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

    CHANGCHUN, May 11 (Xinhua) — The May Day holiday has ended, but the tourism boom in the border city of Hunchun is still going strong. Tourists from all over China come here to taste the freshest seafood imported from Russia.

    The city of Hunchun /Jilin Province, Northeast China/ is located at the junction of the state borders of China, Russia and the DPRK. The Hunchun checkpoint is 42 km from the Russian port of Posyet and 71 km from the port of Zarubino.

    Every morning, trucks loaded with fresh Russian seafood arrive at the Hunchun checkpoint, bringing seafood from the deep sea to the tables of the city’s restaurants.

    The 145-meter-long “Seafood Street” is the place most often visited by tourists. There are more than 20 specialized shops on both sides of this street. It not only sells a variety of seafood, but also provides comprehensive services such as processing, packaging and delivery.

    When entering any store, a visitor will be able to see a wide range of seafood of different varieties and characteristics, such as Kamchatka crabs, hairy crabs and Sakhalin spizulas, among which Kamchatka crabs are the most popular.

    Various cooking methods such as steaming, pepper-frying and char-grilling make seafood more delicious.

    Liu Mengni, a tourist from Beijing, tasted various seafood dishes to write a guidebook for a food tour of Hunchun and posted it on social media. “The seafood here is very fresh, the meat is very tasty. I will definitely come here again!” she said.

    Thanks to logistics networks, namely transportation by rail and air, fresh Kamchatka crabs can be delivered from Hunchun to all over the country on the same day.

    In the Northeast Asia Cross-Border E-Commerce Industrial Park in Hunchun City, there is a Kamchatka crab shop covering an area of more than 1,000 square meters.

    Wang Hai, the person in charge of the store, said that they have established close cooperation with Russian companies and the Kamchatka crabs caught from the depths of the sea are delivered to his store in original packaging.

    “Kamchatka crab is delicious and affordable. At peak times, our store can receive over ten thousand customers daily,” said Wang Hai.

    In addition, the Chinese businessman also promotes the sale of king crab through live broadcasting on social media. “Now we can sell about 100 king crabs daily in just two hours through live broadcasting. We have regular customers in Guangdong, Yunnan and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. You can place an order online and the goods will be delivered in about 24 hours,” he added.

    In 2016, the Hunchun border crossing received official status as an import point for chilled fresh seafood and edible aquatic animals, becoming the main channel for delivering Russian Kamchatka crab to China.

    Hunchun Mayor Zhang Linguo said that more than 1.5 million crabs enter China through the Hunchun checkpoint every year. The Kamchatka crab has already become a tourist brand for Hunchun.

    As it became known, this year the local authorities will actively promote the construction of a “smart port” and improve logistics services in order to further reveal the city’s potential in developing the maritime economy. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: G20 is too elite. There’s a way to fix that though – economists

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Danny Bradlow, Professor/Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria

    The G20 claims to be “the premier forum for international economic cooperation”.

    But is it?

    As scholars of global economic governance, we are sceptical of this claim. Here are our main reasons.

    • The G20 is insufficiently representative of the 193 member states of the United Nations plus the small number of non-member states.

    • It is a self-selected group of 19 countries and the European and African Unions.

    • It has no mandate to act or speak on behalf of the international community.

    • It has no transparent or formal mechanisms through which it can communicate with actors who do not participate in the G20 but have a stake in its deliberations and their outcomes.

    The growing tensions in the world make it more urgent to improve the efficacy of the G20. Firstly, because there is growing evidence of the loss of interest in global cooperation. Secondly, because rich states are cutting their official development assistance and are failing to meet their commitments to help countries deal with loss and damage from climate impacts and make their economies more resilient to shocks.

    And thirdly, because rich countries are also reluctant to discuss financing sustainable and inclusive development in forums like the upcoming Fourth Financing for Development Conference or the UN, where all states can participate. They prefer exclusive forums like the G20.

    Here, after briefly describing the structure of the G20, we argue that its lack of representation is a major problem. We offer a solution and argue that, as chair of the G20 this year, South Africa is well placed to promote this solution.

    What is the G20 and how does it function?

    The G20 was established in the late 1990s in the wake of the East Asian financial crisis. Its members were invited by the US and Germany based on a proposal from the Canadian government. Initially only finance ministers and central bank governors of major advanced and emerging economies were involved. After the financial crisis of 2008-2009 it was upgraded to summit level with the same membership.

    A summit is held annually, under the leadership of a rotating presidency.

    The group accounts for 67% of the world’s population, 85% of global GDP, and 75% of global trade. The membership comprises 19 of the “weightiest” national economies plus the European Union and the African Union. The 19 national economies are the G7 (US, Japan, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Canada), plus Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. These countries are permanently “in”. The remaining 90% of countries in the world are excluded unless invited as “special guests” on an ad hoc basis.

    Representatives of a select group of international organisations including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Trade Organization also participate, together with those from some UN entities.

    The G20’s work is managed by a troika consisting of the current president with the assistance of the past president and the incoming president. In 2025 this troika consists of South Africa as the current chair, Brazil as the past chair and the US, which will become the G20 president in 2026. The G20 has no permanent secretariat.

    The consistency in G20 membership has proven to be an advantage because it helps foster a sense of familiarity, understanding and trust at the technical level among the permanent members. This is helpful in times of crisis and in dealing with complex problems.

    But its exclusivity and informal status have limited its ability to address major challenges such as the global response to the economic and health consequences of the COVID pandemic. This is because an effective response required agreement and coordinated action by all states and not just those in the G20.

    A solution

    We think that the governance model of the Financial Stability Board offers a solution.

    The Financial Stability Board was established under the umbrella of the G20 in 2009. Its job is to coordinate international financial regulatory standard-setting, monitor the global financial system for signs of stress, and to make recommendations that can help avert potential financial crises.

    It is also an exclusive club. Its membership consists of the financial regulatory authorities in the G20 countries plus those in a few other countries that are considered financially systemically important.

    However, unlike the G20, the Financial Stability Board has made a systematic effort to learn the views of non-members. It has established six Regional Consultative Groups, one each for the Americas, Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States, Europe, Middle East and North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa.

    The objective is to expand and formalise the Financial Stability Board’s outreach activities beyond its membership and to better reflect the global character of the financial system.

    The regional consultative groups operate in a framework which promotes compliance within each region with the Financial Stability Board’s policy initiatives. The framework enables the group members to share among themselves and with the board their views on common problems and solutions and on the issues on the board’s agenda.

    Importantly, each regional group is co-chaired by an official from a Financial Stability Board member and an official from a non-member institution.

    Applying this model to the G20 would allow the current G20 membership to continue, while obliging the members to establish a consultation process with regional neighbours. This would create a limited form of representation for all the world’s states.

    It would also empower the smaller and weaker members of the G20 because it would enable them to speak with more confidence and credibility about the challenges facing their region.

    This arrangement would also establish a limited form of G20 accountability towards the international community.

    Next steps

    As chair of the G20 chair for 2025, South Africa is well placed to promote this solution to the group’s representation problem. It should work with the African Union to establish an African G20 regional consultative group. South Africa and the African Union could invite each African regional organisation to select one representative to serve on the initial consultative group.

    South Africa could also commit to convey the outcomes of G20 regional consultative group meetings to the G20.

    South Africa can then use this example to demonstrate to the G20 the value of having a G20 regional consultative group and advocate that other regions should adopt the same approach.

    Danny Bradlow, in addition to his position at the University of Pretoria, is the Senior G20 Advisor, South African institute of International Affairs.

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

    – ref. G20 is too elite. There’s a way to fix that though – economists – https://theconversation.com/g20-is-too-elite-theres-a-way-to-fix-that-though-economists-255783

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: G20 is too elite. There’s a way to fix that though – economists

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Danny Bradlow, Professor/Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria

    The G20 claims to be “the premier forum for international economic cooperation”.

    But is it?

    As scholars of global economic governance, we are sceptical of this claim. Here are our main reasons.

    • The G20 is insufficiently representative of the 193 member states of the United Nations plus the small number of non-member states.

    • It is a self-selected group of 19 countries and the European and African Unions.

    • It has no mandate to act or speak on behalf of the international community.

    • It has no transparent or formal mechanisms through which it can communicate with actors who do not participate in the G20 but have a stake in its deliberations and their outcomes.

    The growing tensions in the world make it more urgent to improve the efficacy of the G20. Firstly, because there is growing evidence of the loss of interest in global cooperation. Secondly, because rich states are cutting their official development assistance and are failing to meet their commitments to help countries deal with loss and damage from climate impacts and make their economies more resilient to shocks.

    And thirdly, because rich countries are also reluctant to discuss financing sustainable and inclusive development in forums like the upcoming Fourth Financing for Development Conference or the UN, where all states can participate. They prefer exclusive forums like the G20.

    Here, after briefly describing the structure of the G20, we argue that its lack of representation is a major problem. We offer a solution and argue that, as chair of the G20 this year, South Africa is well placed to promote this solution.

    What is the G20 and how does it function?

    The G20 was established in the late 1990s in the wake of the East Asian financial crisis. Its members were invited by the US and Germany based on a proposal from the Canadian government. Initially only finance ministers and central bank governors of major advanced and emerging economies were involved. After the financial crisis of 2008-2009 it was upgraded to summit level with the same membership.

    A summit is held annually, under the leadership of a rotating presidency.

    The group accounts for 67% of the world’s population, 85% of global GDP, and 75% of global trade. The membership comprises 19 of the “weightiest” national economies plus the European Union and the African Union. The 19 national economies are the G7 (US, Japan, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Canada), plus Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. These countries are permanently “in”. The remaining 90% of countries in the world are excluded unless invited as “special guests” on an ad hoc basis.

    Representatives of a select group of international organisations including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Trade Organization also participate, together with those from some UN entities.

    The G20’s work is managed by a troika consisting of the current president with the assistance of the past president and the incoming president. In 2025 this troika consists of South Africa as the current chair, Brazil as the past chair and the US, which will become the G20 president in 2026. The G20 has no permanent secretariat.

    The consistency in G20 membership has proven to be an advantage because it helps foster a sense of familiarity, understanding and trust at the technical level among the permanent members. This is helpful in times of crisis and in dealing with complex problems.

    But its exclusivity and informal status have limited its ability to address major challenges such as the global response to the economic and health consequences of the COVID pandemic. This is because an effective response required agreement and coordinated action by all states and not just those in the G20.

    A solution

    We think that the governance model of the Financial Stability Board offers a solution.

    The Financial Stability Board was established under the umbrella of the G20 in 2009. Its job is to coordinate international financial regulatory standard-setting, monitor the global financial system for signs of stress, and to make recommendations that can help avert potential financial crises.

    It is also an exclusive club. Its membership consists of the financial regulatory authorities in the G20 countries plus those in a few other countries that are considered financially systemically important.

    However, unlike the G20, the Financial Stability Board has made a systematic effort to learn the views of non-members. It has established six Regional Consultative Groups, one each for the Americas, Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States, Europe, Middle East and North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa.

    The objective is to expand and formalise the Financial Stability Board’s outreach activities beyond its membership and to better reflect the global character of the financial system.

    The regional consultative groups operate in a framework which promotes compliance within each region with the Financial Stability Board’s policy initiatives. The framework enables the group members to share among themselves and with the board their views on common problems and solutions and on the issues on the board’s agenda.

    Importantly, each regional group is co-chaired by an official from a Financial Stability Board member and an official from a non-member institution.

    Applying this model to the G20 would allow the current G20 membership to continue, while obliging the members to establish a consultation process with regional neighbours. This would create a limited form of representation for all the world’s states.

    It would also empower the smaller and weaker members of the G20 because it would enable them to speak with more confidence and credibility about the challenges facing their region.

    This arrangement would also establish a limited form of G20 accountability towards the international community.

    Next steps

    As chair of the G20 chair for 2025, South Africa is well placed to promote this solution to the group’s representation problem. It should work with the African Union to establish an African G20 regional consultative group. South Africa and the African Union could invite each African regional organisation to select one representative to serve on the initial consultative group.

    South Africa could also commit to convey the outcomes of G20 regional consultative group meetings to the G20.

    South Africa can then use this example to demonstrate to the G20 the value of having a G20 regional consultative group and advocate that other regions should adopt the same approach.

    – G20 is too elite. There’s a way to fix that though – economists
    – https://theconversation.com/g20-is-too-elite-theres-a-way-to-fix-that-though-economists-255783

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: if Jacinta Nampijinpa Price became Liberal deputy it would be a wild ride

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s confirmation she will run for Liberal deputy has put the members of an already shell-shocked party into a new spin.

    Tuesday’s leadership contest, where the numbers are said to be tight, is a battle for the direction of the party as much as one between the two personalities.

    It’s essentially a contest between the moderates and the conservatives. Sussan Ley, deputy for the past three years, carries the flag for the moderates (although she is aligned to the old Scott Morrison faction, which is led by Alex Hawke, one-time Morrison numbers man).

    Her opponent, Angus Taylor, who’s been shadow treasurer, leads the conservatives.

    Neither Ley nor Taylor has impressed during the last term, but that’s become beside the point.

    Taylor has embraced the ambitious Price, who has defected (amid great bitterness) from the Nationals, to boost his support as part of a joint ticket.

    Whether the combination will work for or against Taylor’s chances remains to be seen. There are fears in the Ley camp it may attract some undecideds, but it possibly could frighten off others.

    Price was elevated spectacularly to national prominence as the most effective “no” campaigner against the Voice. She is forceful and articulate, and the conservative base of the Coalition loves her.

    But, leaving aside the complication that she’s a senator, her performance in the Voice campaign doesn’t automatically translate into qualifications for deputy which, if done properly, is a demanding, multi-faceted job.

    The Liberal deputy needs deep roots in the party, not having just arrived in controversial circumstances. They have to do a lot of work with the party organisation, not just the parliamentary party.

    In the latter, the deputy is there in part to protect the leader’s back and to keep track of the mood of colleagues, which requires having long-standing relationships of familiarity and trust with them.

    Some would argue the ideal deputy is a person who does not have their eyes on the leadership, which Price clearly has.

    The deputy needs a broad grasp of policy areas, because they will be a high profile public spokesperson for the party, and will be hit with questions on every issue that’s running.

    The deputy also has to be comfortable with media across the spectrum, because that’s part of the job. Price’s natural home has been on Sky News. On Sunday, she appeared on Sky’s highly opinionated program Outsiders.

    If the Liberals are to get themselves back into shape, they must seek to regain their appeal in the urban areas that went teal in 2022, and to women. Indeed, they have to tap into professional women in those places. It is unlikely Price, unless she undergoes a major political makeover, would be attractive to that constituency.

    In their bid for the support of women, the Liberals need a root-and-branch debate about how to get more women candidates, but Price is already totally against quotas.

    If Price becomes deputy it will be a wild ride for the party – and for its leader.

    Other names mooted as possible deputies are Dan Tehan, from Victoria, who’s been immigration spokesman, and Queenslander Ted O’Brien, the energy spokesman. Either would be less fraught for the party than Price. O’Brien would have the problem of being welded on to the nuclear policy, which will be at least overhauled and perhaps ditched by the Liberals.

    Ley is set to have a running mate, but the name has not yet been disclosed.

    Another option would be for the loser out of Ley and Taylor to become deputy. Awkward, but perhaps the cleanest way forward. Ley is used to the role; Taylor would be entitled to stay shadow treasurer and would be at the centre of things (what things are left).

    Nationals’ identity battle

    In the Nationals, the leadership contest – to be decided Monday – is also a battle over identity.

    The Nationals under David Litteproud held almost all their seats at the election but one-time resources minister Matt Canavan – a Barnaby Joyce supporter back in the day – says they need a new direction.

    Critical to his pitch are energy and climate issues. The Nationals signed up reluctantly to net zero emissions by 2050 in the Morrison prime ministership, when Joyce was leader (although he indicated he personally didn’t favour doing so). They were dragged to the deal with great reluctance.

    Canavan, who is a senator, said in his leadership pitch, “We should scrap the futile and unachievable goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Net zero makes everything more expensive and it is not helping the environment given that the US, China and India are no longer even paying lip service to it.”

    Littleproud, describing the challenge as “healthy for our democracy”, is favoured to see off the Canavan bid. Regardless, it is a reminder the Nationals remain a divided party, as they have been for years.

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

    – ref. View from The Hill: if Jacinta Nampijinpa Price became Liberal deputy it would be a wild ride – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-if-jacinta-nampijinpa-price-became-liberal-deputy-it-would-be-a-wild-ride-255964

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Death toll from Sri Lanka bus plunge rises to 15

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    COLOMBO, May 11 (Xinhua) — The death toll has risen to 15 and more than 20 others were injured when a bus plunged off a cliff in Kotmale in Sri Lanka’s Central Province on Sunday morning, police said.

    The victims were taken to district hospitals. An investigation into the causes of the accident has been launched, police said.

    Road accidents are common in Sri Lanka. According to official data, they often involve buses.

    As of April 2, a total of 592 Sri Lankans have died in 565 fatal road accidents recorded this year, police said earlier. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: UN chief welcomes ceasefire between India and Pakistan

    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 11 (Xinhua) — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan.

    “The Secretary-General welcomes the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan as a positive step towards ending the current hostilities and easing tensions,” UN chief spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

    “He hopes that the agreement will help to establish a lasting peace and create an environment conducive to resolving broader, long-standing issues between the two countries,” said S. Dujarric.

    The press secretary added that the world organization is ready to support efforts aimed at strengthening peace and stability in the region.

    Earlier on Saturday, Pakistan and India announced an immediate ceasefire after days of military strikes against each other. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Bill Gates to donate nearly all wealth over next 20 years

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

    Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, receives an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Seattle, the United States, on Nov. 13, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Bill Gates will donate “virtually all” of his wealth to the Gates Foundation, committing $200 billion over the next 20 years in what represents the largest philanthropic pledge in modern history.

    The foundation, marking its 25th year, announced Thursday that Gates will channel his personal fortune through the organization to advance its global health and development mission. The commitment establishes 2045 as the date when the foundation will spend down its assets and cease operations.

    “There are too many urgent problems to solve for me to hold onto resources that could be used to help people. That is why I have decided to give my money back to society much faster than I had originally planned,” wrote Gates. “I will give away virtually all my wealth through the Gates Foundation over the next 20 years to the cause of saving and improving lives around the world.”

    The accelerated timeline was affirmed by the foundation’s board of directors with a change to the foundation’s charter, which had previously said the organization would sunset 20 years after Gates’ death. The $200 billion pledge exceeds the foundation’s current endowment, with the remainder to come from Gates’ personal fortune over time.

    The Gates Foundation said the shift in its sunset date stems from both urgency and opportunity. The organization aims to build on the remarkable global health and development progress between 2000 and 2025, a period that saw child mortality decrease by half, deaths from deadly infectious diseases significantly reduced and hundreds of millions of people rise out of poverty.

    “A few years ago, I began to rethink that timeline. More recently, with input from our board, I now believe we can achieve the foundation’s goals on a shorter timeline, especially if we double down on key investments and provide more certainty to our partners,” Gates wrote.

    The foundation said its strategies will remain the same. It plans to work with partners over the next two decades on three main goals: help end preventable deaths of moms and babies; ensure the next generation grows up without having to suffer from deadly infectious diseases; lift millions of people out of poverty, putting them on a path to prosperity.

    “The truth is, there have never been more opportunities to help people live healthier, more prosperous lives. Advances in technology are happening faster than ever, especially with artificial intelligence on the rise,” Gates wrote. “Even with all the challenges that the world faces, I’m optimistic about our ability to make progress — because each breakthrough is yet another chance to make someone’s life better.”

    The foundation announced its largest budget ever earlier this year, aligning with its commitment to reach annual distributions of $9 billion by 2026.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Putin proposes resumption of peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul

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

    Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a press conference at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, May 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Kai)

    Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed on Sunday the resumption of direct negotiations with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul.

    In a statement to journalists at the Kremlin, Putin said Russia remains committed to serious negotiations with Ukraine to address the root causes of the ongoing conflict and lay the groundwork for a lasting and stable peace.

    He noted that the possibility of a ceasefire agreement could be discussed during the proposed negotiations, but stressed that any such ceasefire must be genuine and observed by both parties.

    On Saturday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that Kiev is ready for a “full and unconditional” 30-day ceasefire with Russia starting Monday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction between China and Russia can serve as an example of modern equal relations between the two countries – 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

    Moscow, May 11 (Xinhua) — The comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction between China and Russia can serve as an example of modern equal relations between the two countries, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Sunday while speaking to reporters in the Kremlin following talks with foreign leaders who attended celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

    “Our comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction with the People’s Republic of China can serve as a true example of modern equal relations in the 21st century. PRC President Xi Jinping was the main guest at the ceremonial events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory,” he said.

    The Russian President called the negotiations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who was in Moscow on a state visit, “exceptionally fruitful.”

    V. Putin also confirmed that in September he will pay a return official visit to China and take part in celebrations dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory over militaristic Japan.

    “It is deeply symbolic and logical that the main and, in essence, the most important commemorative events associated with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe and Asia will take place in Moscow and Beijing – in the capitals of states whose peoples went through the most difficult trials and paid the highest price in the name of the common Victory,” the leader of the Russian state emphasized. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 122 Afghans released from Pakistani jails return home

    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 11 (Xinhua) — A total of 122 Afghan nationals released from Pakistani prisons have returned to their homeland, state-run Radio Television Afghanistan reported on Saturday.

    All former prisoners were sent to their home provinces after receiving necessary assistance at checkpoints, the statement said.

    Hundreds of Afghan prisoners released from Pakistani jails have returned home since January this year. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran will not back down from its nuclear rights – Foreign 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

    DOHA, May 11 (Xinhua) — Iran will not give up its nuclear rights in talks with the United States, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday, a day before the start of the fourth round of proximity talks in Oman.

    Speaking at the fourth Arab-Iranian Dialogue Conference in Doha, A. Araghchi reaffirmed that Iran has always been a committed party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and defends its right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, including uranium enrichment.

    “We do not seek to possess nuclear weapons, and weapons of mass destruction have no place in Iran’s military doctrine,” he said. “For this reason, we were among the initiators of the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in West Asia.”

    The Foreign Minister stressed that Iran continues negotiations with the United States and other countries.

    If the goal of these talks is to ensure that Iran does not have nuclear weapons, then an agreement is achievable, he said. But if the goal is to strip Iran of its nuclear rights or make other unrealistic demands, then Iran will never back down.

    Iranian and US delegations have already held three rounds of indirect talks. The first and third were held on April 12 and 26 in the Omani capital Muscat, and the second was held on April 19 in Rome. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israel carries out 60 airstrikes on Gaza in 24 hours

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    JERUSALEM, May 11 (Xinhua) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday said it carried out airstrikes on 60 terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours.

    The statement added that, based on intelligence from the Shin Bet, the IDF killed the militants and destroyed terrorist infrastructure both above and below ground.

    Two militants were reportedly killed in the northern Gaza Strip after approaching Israeli armored forces, posing a threat to them.

    At the same time, IDF armored forces operating in Rafah and along the Morag corridor in the southern Gaza Strip struck a mined complex from which several militants were operating, posing a threat to the troops, the statement said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia is ready for serious negotiations with Ukraine to establish long-term peace – 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

    MOSCOW, May 11 (Xinhua) — Russia is ready to hold serious talks with Ukraine to eliminate the root causes of the conflict and establish long-term peace, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Sunday in a statement to reporters in the Kremlin.

    “We are committed to serious negotiations with Ukraine. Their purpose is to eliminate the root causes of the conflict and to establish a long-term, durable peace in the historical perspective,” he said.

    As the Russian leader noted, Moscow’s proposal for negotiations is on the table, and the decision is up to Kiev. In his opinion, those who want peace cannot but support this proposal from Russia. “There are military actions, a war, and we propose to resume negotiations that were interrupted by someone else. What’s wrong with that? Those who really want peace cannot but support this,” he emphasized.

    V. Putin also expressed gratitude to foreign partners who are making efforts for a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis. Among them, he named China, Brazil, African and Middle Eastern countries, and the new US administration. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: E-commerce park launched in Lhasa to boost trade with South Asia

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

    A maiden flight from Lhasa to Pokhara is seen at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport in Lhasa, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, March 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A new cross-border e-commerce industrial park opened on Friday in Lhasa, southwest China, as part of efforts to deepen trade and economic ties with South Asia, local authorities said.

    The industrial park, located in the capital of the Xizang Autonomous Region, was designed to be a comprehensive platform for product display, warehousing, logistics, customs clearance and financial settlement services, according to Ye Haiying, director of the city’s commerce bureau.

    Spanning 16,000 square meters, the park has already attracted 12 cross-border e-commerce firms.

    Goods are first consolidated in two major domestic trade hubs — Guangzhou and Yiwu — before being routed through Lhasa and shipped to a 1,800-square-meter overseas warehouse in Nepal, Ye said.

    The overseas warehouse has reduced delivery times from 60 days when shipped by sea to just 20 days. Logistics efficiency has improved by 50 percent, and overall costs have fallen 20 percent, giving companies a competitive edge as they expand into South Asian markets, Ye noted.

    Lhasa’s location and multimodal transport links make it a well-positioned logistics hub.

    The park is expected to attract more enterprises going forward, supporting local plateau industries and facilitating the flow of goods imported from South Asia, Ye said.

    The project is part of China’s broader efforts to enhance connectivity with South Asian economies. Official data shows that the total volume of trade between China and South Asian countries neared 200 billion U.S. dollars in 2023 — double the amount recorded in 2013. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping to Attend Opening Ceremony of Fourth China-CELAC Forum Ministerial Meeting

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Xinhua | 11.05. 2025

    Keywords: Xi Jinping, China Forum Meetings, Chairman of the People’s Republic of China, PRC, Opening Ceremony, Participation, Selak, Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Community of States, Caribbean, Speech, Will Take, Beijing, Announced, May, Will Speak

    BEIJING, May 11 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend and deliver a speech at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing on May 13, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced Sunday. -0-

    Source: Xinhua

    Xi Jinping to Attend Opening Ceremony of Fourth China-CELAC Forum Ministerial Meeting Xi Jinping to Attend Opening Ceremony of Fourth China-CELAC Forum Ministerial Meeting

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China to Strengthen Social Support for Children in Need

    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) — The Chinese government recently released a document aimed at strengthening social support for children in difficult situations.

    The document, titled “Considerations on Further Strengthening the Work to Ensure the Welfare of Children in Difficulty,” was released by the Office of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

    It is necessary to give additional impetus to the work of meeting basic life needs and providing medical care and rehabilitation services to these children, the document emphasizes.

    The Views call for equal access to education for children, improved special education services and improved educational assistance measures. It also highlights the importance of establishing a mental health system and strengthening protection for the personal safety of children.

    In addition, it is important to improve the state system of guardianship and trusteeship and to clarify the role of social security institutions in providing such support to children, the document says.

    According to the document, local authorities must, considering ensuring the welfare of children in need as an important component of work in the field of population, include this issue in the plan for socio-economic development and in the agenda, increase the corresponding investments, and carry out coordinated activities in this direction. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: E-commerce industrial park opens in Lhasa to boost trade with South Asia

    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

    LHASA, May 11 (Xinhua) — A new cross-border e-commerce industrial park opened in Lhasa, capital of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, on Friday as part of efforts to deepen economic and trade ties with South Asia, local authorities said.

    The industrial park was designed as a comprehensive platform for product display, warehousing, logistics, customs clearance and financial settlement, the city’s Commerce Department said.

    The 16,000 square meter park is already home to 12 cross-border e-commerce companies.

    The goods are reportedly first consolidated in two major domestic trading hubs, Guangzhou and Yiwu, before being routed through Lhasa and shipped to an 1,800-square-meter overseas warehouse in Nepal.

    The overseas warehouse has reduced delivery time from 60 days by sea to just 20 days. Logistics efficiency has increased significantly and overall costs have been reduced, giving companies a competitive advantage when entering South Asian markets.

    The park will attract more businesses in the future and facilitate the flow of goods imported from South Asia, the city’s Commerce Department said.

    The project is part of China’s broader efforts to strengthen ties with South Asia. Official data showed that trade between China and South Asian countries will reach nearly $200 billion in 2023, double the level in 2013. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s AG600 Amphibious Plane Passes Crosswind Test

    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 self-developed AG600 large amphibious aircraft has successfully completed takeoff and landing tests on ground in crosswind conditions, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

    The positive test result, which demonstrated the AG600’s reliability during crosswind takeoff and landing, is of great importance for further enhancing its adaptability to challenging conditions and expanding its range of applications, said AVIC, the country’s leading aircraft manufacturer.

    The tests were conducted in Shilinhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, north China. The results of these tests fully confirmed the safety and reliability of the AG600 in strong crosswind conditions, AVIC emphasized. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Comment: China remains firm in upholding international economic and trade order

    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) — At the request of the U.S. side, a high-level China-U.S. economic and trade meeting began in Geneva, Switzerland on Saturday. China decided to start talks with the U.S. side after taking into full consideration global expectations, national interests and requests from U.S. enterprises and consumers.

    China has strong resilience and broad policy instruments to protect its legitimate rights and interests. It is willing to cooperate with the international community to jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism, protectionism and economic coercion.

    Whether the path ahead involves negotiations or confrontation, one thing is clear: China’s determination to protect its development interests is unwavering, and its position on upholding the global economic and trade order remains unchanged.

    The reckless abuse of tariffs by the United States grossly violates World Trade Organization rules and destabilizes the global economic order. These punitive tariffs, which serve no legitimate purpose, represent a deliberate attempt to destroy the multilateral trading system, harming the legitimate interests of countries around the world.

    For the United States itself, its tariff offensive amounts to economic self-harm. Failing to address underlying structural problems, it has fueled financial market volatility, fueled domestic inflation, undermined industrial capacity, and raised the risk of recession.

    As the world’s two largest economies, China and the United States have a deep interest in ensuring the strength and stability of their trade ties. American business and academic circles have consistently emphasized that international trade is not a zero-sum game but should promote mutual benefit and common success. American policymakers should listen to these rational and objective opinions and take concrete steps to restore the China-US trade relationship to a path of healthy and stable growth.

    Given the growing demands for economic stability, the decision to sit down at the negotiating table is a positive and necessary step to resolve differences and prevent further escalation. However, as China has consistently emphasized, meaningful dialogue can only be conducted on the basis of mutual respect, equal consultation, and mutual benefit.

    If Washington is truly committed to resolving trade disputes through dialogue, it must first acknowledge that its tariff policies are harming not only the global trading system, but also its own economy and citizens.

    The United States must abide by the established rules of international trade and uphold the principles of fairness. Negotiations must never become a pretext for further coercion or extortion, and China will firmly reject any proposal that threatens fundamental principles or undermines the broader cause of global equality.

    Faced with US protectionism and economic bullying, China has taken decisive countermeasures and secured multilateral support from the UN and other international organizations to strengthen its call for justice. China’s actions not only protect its own legitimate rights to development, but also the common interests of the entire international community, especially small and developing countries.

    China has taken note that some countries are also negotiating with the United States. It must be emphasized that appeasement cannot bring peace, nor can compromise earn respect. Upholding principled positions and defending justice remain the right ways to protect one’s legitimate interests.

    At its core, this is not just a trade dispute – it is a clash of two fundamentally different visions in the era of economic globalization. One is based on openness, cooperation and shared growth, while the other is guided by confrontation, isolation and a zero-sum mentality.

    The negotiations in Switzerland are a crucial step towards solving the problem. However, its final solution requires sufficient strategic patience and persistence, as well as firm support for justice from the international community.

    China entered the Geneva talks confident in its economic fundamentals. Its economy grew 5.4 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025. Total merchandise imports and exports exceeded 43 trillion yuan (about $5.94 trillion) in 2024, with a more diversified set of trading partners and an improved export structure.

    Meanwhile, innovation policy and market viability are working together. New fiscal and monetary policies – from interest rate cuts to targeted support for innovation and social security – have further strengthened growth prospects and increased China’s ability to withstand external shocks.

    At a time when globalization is under threat and protectionism is on the rise, China has decided not to turn inward. Instead, it has redoubled its efforts to open up, with renewed determination to push forward trade and investment liberalization and create opportunities for shared development around the world.

    China’s position is clear: No matter how the global landscape changes, it will remain committed to openness and use the security of its own development to help offset the uncertainty facing the rest of the world.

    There are no winners in trade and tariff wars. A stable and constructive relationship between China and the United States is in the interests of both countries and the world. It is through continuous dialogue, responsible management of differences, and deepening win-win cooperation between the world’s two largest economies that the global economy can gain the confidence and momentum it sorely needs. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s PPI down 2.7 pct in April

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

    A worker works at a workshop of CRRC Qiqihar Co., Ltd. in Qiqihar, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, April 16, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s producer price index (PPI), which measures costs for goods at the factory gate, went down 2.7 percent year on year in April, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Saturday.

    In April, the purchasing price of industrial products dropped by 2.7 percent year on year, the NBS data showed.

    NBS statistician Dong Lijuan attributed the decline primarily to imported international factors and seasonal decrease in prices of certain energy products.

    On a monthly basis, the PPI edged down 0.4 percent in April, according to the NBS data.

    For the January-April period, the PPI fell by an average of 2.4 percent compared with the same period last year. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: World Brand Moganshan Conference highlights innovation in global journeys of Chinese brands

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

    The ongoing 2025 World Brand Moganshan Conference in Deqing County, east China’s Zhejiang Province, is emphasizing innovation as a major driving force in expanding the global reach of Chinese brands.

    Themed “Brands Bring Better Future for the World,” the event offers Chinese brands a global stage to share their brand stories and fosters shared opportunities, common development and mutually beneficial cooperation.

    Conference attendees have emphasized the importance of brand building in nurturing new quality productive forces. They further noted that recent initiatives have shown positive outcomes — with innovation being a key driver.

    Take Wensli Group, a well-known Chinese silk producer established in 1975, as an example. Admired for its industry-leading silk double-sided printing process, Wensli has not only maintained long-term partnerships with many luxury brands but also created new growth opportunities.

    Notably, Wensli’s mini-program enables customers to instantly create a unique, self-designed scarf pattern. Leveraging AI-generated content, the scarf can be produced in just two hours, with minimal release of carbon emissions or wastewater.

    “With the help of technology, we can customize 100,000 unique silk scarves for each of the 8 billion people in the world,” said Tu Hongyan, chairperson of Wensli. She added that innovation has transformed Wensli from importing technologies and services to exporting its own independent, new technologies.

    Wensli’s journey mirrors the development trajectory of many Chinese brands.

    “Chinese brands have transitioned from followers to creators and leaders in new models and standards. Consequently, the image of Chinese brands has acquired new significance on the global stage,” said Shan Fan, president of the Brand University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg, Germany.

    The Chinese fashion industry has also seen Bosideng Group, a leading down jacket manufacturer, take its brand global.

    Its first overseas store opened in London ahead of the 2012 Olympics. Since then, its products have graced the runways of New York, Milan and London, shining a spotlight on Chinese down jackets in the global arena.

    “The robust growth of the Chinese economy, its rising cultural confidence, swift progress in technological innovation, and growing international influence have all paved the way for Chinese brands to thrive,” said Gao Dekang, chairman and chief executive officer of Bosideng Group.

    Despite mounting obstacles in international trade, Chinese brands have remained resolute in their pursuit of global presence.

    “To venture overseas, we have to tackle numerous challenges, such as obtaining the necessary certifications, arranging logistics and building our brand reputation. The overseas markets are highly diverse, and we stick to one unbreakable rule — we must adapt to local conditions and respect the differences,” said Wang Pu, co-founder of Chinese beverage company Chi Forest.

    In 2020, Chi Forest officially entered mainstream distribution channels in Singapore. Now, the company’s products have entered more than 40 countries and regions, including the United States and Australia, Wang added.

    Held for three consecutive years, the World Brand Moganshan Conference has developed into a vital platform for Chinese brands to enhance their visibility and explore new cooperation opportunities.

    Over 50 parallel activities also form part of the 2025 conference, including a main forum, a launch event for brand value evaluation, and several themed high-end dialogues.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: HKSAR chief executive leaves for Middle East trip with trade delegation

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

    John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), left here Saturday for a five-day trip to Qatar and Kuwait with a trade delegation, the first time that mainland entrepreneurs have joined a Hong Kong trade delegation on an overseas visit.

    The visit was aimed at strengthening ties with the Middle East in finance, trade, investment, and innovation technology, among other areas, and promoting Hong Kong’s cooperation with local political and business communities.

    The delegation comprises over 50 representatives, including more than 30 leaders from Hong Kong’s business and professional sectors and over 20 entrepreneurs from mainland provinces such as Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong in finance, trade, infrastructure, innovation technology, energy and logistics.

    The visit marked Lee’s second trip to the Middle East since taking office as the HKSAR chief executive. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China powers ahead at Intersolar Europe 2025

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

    An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 12, 2024 shows a partial view of a 50-megawatt molten-salt solar thermal power plant in Naomaohu Township of Hami City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The 2025 Intersolar Europe exhibition, one of the world’s most influential events in the photovoltaic (PV) industry, concluded in Munich on Friday after a three-day run. Chinese companies as major highlights of the event won widespread acclaim for their cutting-edge products and system integration capabilities.

    The exhibition hosted over 2,700 companies from more than 50 countries and regions, including around 850 from China. These Chinese exhibitors showcased a wide array of innovations ranging from high-efficiency PV modules to energy storage systems, EV charging infrastructure, and integrated energy solutions.

    Markus Elsaesser, founder and CEO of Solar Promotion GmbH, the event’s organizer, said that Chinese companies were “not only key product suppliers but also supplying very cost-effective solutions so that we can advance with the decarbonization of Europe.”

    According to a report entitled the Global Market Outlook for Solar Power 2025-2029, released during the event by SolarPower Europe, China accounted for roughly half of both the world’s new solar capacity additions and cumulative installations in 2024. The report hailed China’s contributions to global decarbonization, noting that its sustained investments have accelerated solar technology advancements worldwide.

    “The commitment of China to Europe is actually pretty strong at the moment, really providing the necessary models that we have to actually increase installation,” said Christophe Lits, senior market analyst at SolarPower Europe.

    He noted that China, as the world’s largest solar application market, plays a vital role in Europe’s energy transition not only by supplying quality products but also through local production and technology partnerships, fostering strong Europe-China industrial ties.

    Solar technology giant LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. showcased a new solar panel that won its top technology award during the event. The panel was recognized for maintaining high energy conversion efficiency even in low-light conditions such as cloudy days, and for improved fire safety through structural innovations.

    This photo taken on Jan. 4, 2024 shows solar panels installed on the roof of a residential house in Berlin, Germany. [Photo/Xinhua]

    “The European market is highly receptive to new PV technologies. We are encouraged to increase our R&D investment continuously,” said Liu Yuxi, president of the global marketing center at LONGi Green Energy. He expected opportunities for China-Europe cooperation to continue to expand as renewables take up a growing share of Europe’s energy mix.

    Amid high energy prices in Europe, some Chinese companies are actively exploring the integration of solar technology into household appliances to better meet consumers’ demand for green living.

    Visitors to the event were attracted to a model home outfitted with a fully integrated green energy system showcased by TCL, a global technology company headquartered in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, neighboring Hong Kong. The setup combines rooftop solar panels with indoor inverters and storage units to smartly distribute power to heat pumps, EV chargers, and other home applications.

    The integrated household energy system has been rolled out in some residential projects in Europe, according to Zhang Shengyang, General Manager of TCL SunPower Global, who is experienced in the home appliances business. He saw home energy solutions as a potential growth engine in the European market.

    Still reeling from the massive blackout that hit Spain and Portugal on April 28, attendees turned their focus to energy storage — one of the exhibition’s standout themes that drew heavy interest and high footfall.

    Major Chinese players such as CATL, Huawei, and Trina Solar showcased their latest solutions. CATL debuted a new container-sized modular storage unit capable of charging about 150 electric vehicles or powering an average German household for six years.

    “As the share of weather-dependent renewables rises, so does the need for flexible energy storage,” said Ji Yu, senior director of project management of ESS CATL. He said that Chinese storage firms are rapidly integrating into local markets and forging diverse partnerships.  

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s property market recovery boosted by new ‘quality homes’ standards

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

    This photo taken on March 15, 2024 shows the construction site of a residential complex under an urban renewal project in Jing’an District of east China’s Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s property market is showing renewed signs of recovery, with both new home sales and second-hand transactions increasing, fueled in part by a rising demand for high-quality housing spurred by newly introduced national standards for “quality homes.”

    Released by China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the upgraded national standards for residential projects, which came into effect on May 1, cover seven aspects that include living environment, building space, structure, indoor environment and building equipment.

    Among the most notable provisions are a minimum ceiling height of three meters for new residential buildings, mandatory elevators in structures with four or more floors, and enhanced sound insulation for walls and floors.

    Many industry insiders believe that meeting these new standards for a “quality home” is becoming a key selling point for properties that are up to standard, drawing increased interest from prospective buyers.

    Market revival 

    During the recent five-day May Day holiday, which marked the first public holiday after the new standards were implemented, China’s real estate market in many regions maintained the recovery momentum seen in the first quarter of 2025, with several first- and second-tier cities posting robust transaction figures.

    In Shanghai, one of China’s most important regional real estate markets, total home sales during the holiday, including new and second-hand properties, rose 36 percent year on year. New home transactions were up 12 percent, while second-hand home sales surged by 44 percent.

    Similarly, south China metropolis Shenzhen recorded 826 new commercial housing subscriptions from May 1 to 5, with 317 units completing online contracts, up 23.89 percent year on year.

    According to the data released by the China Index Academy, during the May Day holiday, Beijing saw a total of 302 new residential properties signed online, covering 34,200 square meters, marking year-on-year increases of 114 percent and 107 percent, respectively.

    In Yantai, a coastal city in east China’s Shandong Province, demand for high-quality homes was on full display during the May Day holiday. All 100 units of the first phase of a residential project named Boshiyayuan were sold on May 1, its launch day.

    “This project impressed us with its planning, layout and amenities,” said a homebuyer surnamed Zheng. “Each unit has a private elevator, and the community features a basketball court, gym, swimming pool, yoga studio and communal dining hall. Even the aluminum front door with high-level insulation met our expectations.”

    More and more homebuyers like Zheng are increasingly shifting their focus from simply “having a place to live” to seeking “livable quality,” according to Ding Zuyu, president of the property research institution CRIC.

    Expectations for intelligent home systems, eco-friendly designs, thoughtful architecture and well-rounded facilities are driving a new wave of residential consumption.

    Guan Chong, general manager of the Shanghai branch of Jinmao, a Hong Kong-listed developer, said quality homes and well-designed communities offer homeowners a low-carbon, healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle, and such products have already been launched in major cities including Shanghai, Beijing and Nanjing — and have received positive feedback from homebuyers.

    “Many of our homeowners have experienced technology-driven living and chose to purchase or upgrade to another similar property,” the executive said. “This clearly demonstrates that quality homes will always have a place in the market and can effectively unleash demand for better housing.”

    Quality-driven transformation 

    On the supply side, changes are also underway. So far this year, industry insiders have observed a trend of “downsizing and upgrading” on the land supply side, which signals a significant increase in the availability of high-quality homes in the near future.

    Many cities have proactively adjusted their land supply structures by reducing overall volume and focusing on premium plots. A growing number of “small but refined” parcels are being released to better support high-quality residential development.

    In Hangzhou, capital city of east China’s Zhejiang Province and a major regional property market, for example, about 90 percent of residential land parcels sold this year have a planned construction area of less than 90,000 square meters. These plots typically feature complete supporting infrastructure and moderate floor area ratios, making them well-suited for building quality housing.

    According to industry insiders, the new standards have the potential to drive further transformation in the real estate sector.

    “The new standards raise the ceiling height by 20 centimeters, an adjustment that takes into account the increasing average height of Chinese residents and significantly improves the space,” said Zeng Yu, senior architect at the China Academy of Building Research.

    Zeng explained that the added height not only enhances the vertical dimension of indoor space, but also improves natural lighting and ventilation. This change, Zeng noted, boosts convenience and functional flexibility, while providing greater capacity for diverse interior design, technological upgrades and evolving lifestyle needs.

    Yu Tian, marketing general manager of Poly Developments and Holdings Group’s Shanghai branch, believes the new national standards will have a significant impact on the development of the real estate sector.

    “These new standards encourage property developers to focus on product standards, research and development, and iteration, continuously increasing the use of new products, materials, technologies, next-generation information technologies and smart construction methods. This more segmented and diverse market will unlock the potential of demand for upgraded housing,” Yu added.

    He Xinyu, general manager of Chengdu Ruihetai research institute of industrial and urban development, echoed this view. “In the long term, the new standards will guide the real estate sector to shift from its previous focus on high turnover to a focus on high quality, pointing the way forward for both real estate companies and their upstream and downstream partners,” said He.

    The introduction of these new standards also opens a pathway for the renovation of older properties. By aligning with the new norms, outdated residential buildings can be transformed through improvements such as the installation of elevators, noise reduction measures, senior-friendly renovations and better amenities. This could lead to significant value increases for older communities.

    Chen Jie, a professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, said that, as a result, these initiatives are expected to boost the market value of second-hand homes, benefiting both homeowners and prospective buyers by improving the overall quality of the housing stock.

    For the first time, the phrase “quality homes” featured in the government work report unveiled during this year’s “two sessions,” the annual meetings of China’s top legislature and top political advisory body.

    Guided by this trend, nearly 10 provincial-level regions, including Beijing, Shandong, Shanxi, Jiangsu, Guizhou and Sichuan, have focused on building high-quality housing systems by leveraging their regional characteristics. These efforts span the entire value chain, from standard-setting and land supply to construction techniques.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Vollering claims final stage to seal overall win in Vuelta Femenina

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

    Demi Vollering (FDJ-Suez) retained her La Vuelta Femenina (Women’s Tour of Spain) title in style on Saturday, winning the last stage of the race to confirm her position at the top of the overall classification.

    The 2024 champion assured this year’s title when she rode off the front of an elite group of riders one kilometer from the finish at the top of the tough Alto de Cotobello to win the demanding 152.6-kilometer stage, which contained three mountains, and confirming her dominance as the best climber in the race.

    The final kilometers of the stage, held in the northern Spanish region of Asturias, were ridden in pouring rain, with Vollering’s group chasing down a breakaway of Mavi Garcia (Liv-AlUla-Jayco) and Evita Muzic (FDJ-Suez).

    With the breakaway swallowed up, Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx-Protime) set a strong pace up the final climb of the day, looking to pressure Vollering and Marlen Reusser (Movistar) but was unable to shake either when the race entered the last kilometer.

    Vollering then rode off the front to win her second mountain stage of the race after claiming Thursday’s climb to the Lagunas de Neila, with Reusser finishing 11 seconds behind and Van der Breggen 25 seconds down.

    The trio also shared the same positions in the overall classification with Vollering a minute and one second ahead of Reusser and a minute and 16 seconds on Van der Breggen, who returned to racing this year after three years coaching.

    “I am very happy that I could win both mountain stages. My team was so strong again so strong, and we were always in control. I’m really happy about the whole performance with the whole team,” said Vollering in her post-race interview.

    The champion admitted she “was waiting for the last steep part to go for the win. I didn’t have to risk anything today, I just wanted to win the stage again.”

    “I knew I had to wait, and that was not easy because I really wanted to go, but finally, on the last kilometer I threw in my attack and gave it everything until the finish line,” she said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Flick focused on Clasico win in La Liga

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

    FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said Saturday that his players would not be looking at the La Liga table ahead of Sunday’s fourth match of the season against Real Madrid.

    Barca goes into the game having won the first 3 meetings between the two Spanish giants, with the most recent triumph in the Copa del Rey final a fortnight ago.

    A fourth win would put Flick’s side 7 points clear of Madrid at the top of La Liga, but Flick told the press that assuring the title was not the first thought in his players’ minds.

    “If you ask the players, they always want to win a Clasico. The standings don’t matter (…) We’re focused on this game to give it everything,” he insisted.

    Flick insisted his players were in good shape, despite the efforts they made in Tuesday’s 4-3 Champions League defeat away to Inter Milan, after 120 minutes of football.

    “This has nothing to do with them lacking energy because they have it. They’re doing a fantastic job, and we want to continue like that,” he said, adding that the squad had discussed matters after Tuesday’s European disappointment.

    “We’ve been talking about the players’ feelings. It’s also important to talk about these things openly. In a game like El Clasico, you have to give 100 percent and be at your best. We want to be active, dominant. Madrid is a fantastic team, but we’re playing at home and our fans support us,” commented the German. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Wang/Zheng suffer narrow defeat in first round of Italian Open

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

    Wang Xinyu (R) and Zheng Saisai react during the women’s doubles round of 32 match between Wang Xinyu/Zheng Saisai of China and Chan Hao-Ching of Chinese Taipei/Giuliana Olmos of Mexico at the WTA Italian Open in Rome, Italy, May 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing)

    China’s Wang Xinyu and Zheng Saisai lost to Chan Hao-ching of Chinese Taipei and Giuliana Olmos of Mexico in three sets in the first round of the women’s doubles at the WTA Italian Open on Saturday.

    It was the first meeting between the two pairs. In the opening set, Wang and Zheng started out trailing 4-1. They rallied to level the score at 4-4, only for Chan and Olmos to hold serve in the ninth game and edge ahead 5-4.

    In the crucial 10th game, Wang fired an ace and, together with Zheng, saved two break points. However, they couldn’t hold off their opponents and dropped the set 6-4.

    Wang and Zheng responded strongly in the second set. They earned an early break in the opening game and then consolidated with a solid service hold to go up 2-0. Although their opponents managed to get on the board in the third game, Wang and Zheng took control from there, dominating the rest of the set to take it 6-1.

    In the deciding match tiebreak, Wang and Zheng carried their momentum forward, racing to a 3-0 start and later extending their lead to 7-3. But Chan and Olmos mounted a comeback, reeling off seven straight points to seal the win, 10-7. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese men’s 4x400m team breaks national record at 2025 World Athletics Relays

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

    Team China celebrate after the men’s 4x400m relay heat at the World Athletics Relays Guangzhou 2025 in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, May 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

    Team China set a new national record in the men’s 4x400m in 3 minutes and 1.87 seconds at the 2025 World Athletics Relays on Saturday in rain.

    The competition serves as a main qualification for relay events at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, features 6 events including men’s, women’s and mixed 4x100m and 4x400m. The top 14 teams in each event (except for mixed 4x100m) will earn berths for Tokyo 2025.

    According to the rules, the top 14 teams in men’s and women’s 4x100m, 4x400m and mixed 4x400m consist of 8 spots booked Saturday and 6 spots Sunday. In each event, the top 2 teams in each of the 4 heats qualified for the finals and Tokyo 2025, with the remaining teams competing for 6 other spots per event in the second qualification round Sunday.

    The Chinese squad for the men’s 4x400m, composed of rookies Liang Baotang, Li Yiqing, Zhang Qining and Fu Haoran, finished second in Heat 1, breaking the national record, reaching the final and qualifying for Tokyo 2025.

    “My mind was blank when I was running, just to do my best,” said the fourth leg Fu, who caught up to the second place by surpassing a Spainish runner.

    Mixed 4x100m is a newly-introduced event for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, yet was not included in Tokyo 2025. In the event’s global debut, Team Canada finished first in qualification with a time of 40.90 seconds. The Chinese quartet of Huang Shuping, Kong Lingyao, Chen Jinfeng and Chen Guanfeng qualified for the final by clocking 41.30 seconds.

    “It’s interesting to mix and mingle boys and girls in 4X100m. We are really excited and happy for the introduction of the event,” said Chen Guanfeng.

    Veteran Xie Zhenye led Team China in men’s 4x100m, and the squad clocked 38.30 seconds to finish third in Heat 4, only 0.005 seconds shy of Team Italy, who finished second in the heat. South Africa and Japan set a new world-leading mark with 37.84 seconds.

    Drama unfolded in the women’s 4x100m as China’s third-leg runner Liang Xiaojing and fourth-leg runner Ge Manqi made a mistake in passing the baton, finishing sixth in the heat.

    Elsewhere, the United States made a world-leading mark of 3 minutes and 11.37 seconds in the mixed 4x400m. Spain set a new women’s 4x100m national record of 42.18 seconds. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Zhang Haiqin shines at 2025 Asian Weightlifting Championships

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

    Zhang Haiqin of China competes during the women’s 55kg competition at 2025 Asian Weightlifting Championships in Jiangshan, east China’s Zhejiang Province, May 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Hou Zhaokang)

    China’s Zhang Haiqin dominated the women’s 55kg category, sweeping 3 golds and breaking the world junior record at the 2025 Asian Weightlifting Championships in Jiangshan, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on Saturday.

    The rising star, born in 2005, successfully completed all 6 attempts. Zhang lifted 99kg in the snatch to win her first gold, followed by a commanding 126kg in the clean and jerk, securing the victory with a record-breaking total of 225kg. Her excellent feat rewrote the Asian and world junior records.

    China’s Wang Hao seized an early lead in the men’s 61kg division, winning snatch gold with 142kg. However, DPR Korea’s Pak Myongjin staged a thrilling comeback in the clean and jerk. While Wang managed 163kg in his opening attempt, Pak powered through 170kg, edging ahead by one kilogram in total to claim golds in both the clean and jerk and overall. China’s Wang Min collected three bronze medals.

    China’s Zheng Xinhao opened strong in the men’s 67kg class, winning snatch gold with 147kg. However, his campaign faltered in the clean and jerk, managing only his opening 170kg for bronze. Vietnam’s Tran Minh Tri capitalized on the opportunity, clinching the total gold with 318kg against Zheng’s 317kg. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China ready to play constructive role in Pakistan-India ceasefire efforts: FM

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

    BEIJING, May 10 — China hopes for and supports an early ceasefire between Pakistan and India, and is willing to continue playing a constructive role in this regard, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a phone call with Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister.

    As a neighbor of both Pakistan and India, China is concerned about the escalation of the conflict between the two countries, Wang said.

    China believes that Pakistan will respond to the current situation with calm, and make decisions in line with its fundamental and long-term interests, he added.

    Dar said that Pakistan is willing to achieve a ceasefire with India, and will respond to any acts that violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    Noting that Pakistan stands on the front line of the international fight against terrorism, Wang said China supports its continued firm counterterrorism efforts.

    MIL OSI China News –