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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI Global: In talking with Tehran, Trump is reversing course on Iran – could a new nuclear deal be next?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Jeffrey Fields, Associate Professor of the Practice of International Relations, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

    A mural on the outer walls of the former US embassy in Tehran depicts two men in negotiation. Majid Saeedi/Getty Images

    Negotiators from Iran and the United States are set to meet again in Oman on April 26, prompting hopes the two countries might be moving, albeit tentatively, toward a new nuclear accord.

    The scheduled talks follow the two previous rounds of indirect negotiations that have taken place under the new Trump administration. Those discussions were deemed to have yielded enough progress to merit sending nuclear experts from both sides to begin outlining the specifics of a potential framework for a deal.

    The development is particularly notable given that Trump, in 2018, unilaterally walked the U.S. away from a multilateral agreement with Iran. That deal, negotiated during the Obama presidency, put restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear program in return for sanctions relief. Trump{,} instead turned to a policy that involved tightening the financial screws on Iran through enhanced sanctions while issuing implicit military threats.

    But that approach failed to disrupt Iran’s nuclear program.

    Now, rather than revive the maximum pressure policy of his first term, Trump – ever keen to be seen as a dealmaker – has given his team the green light for the renewed diplomacy and even reportedly rebuffed, for now, Israel’s desire to launch military strikes against Tehran.

    Jaw-jaw over war-war

    The turn to diplomacy returns Iran-US relations to where they began during the Obama administration, with attempts to encourage Iran to curb or eliminate its ability to enrich uranium.

    Only this time, with the U.S. having left the previous deal in 2018, Iran has had seven years to improve on its enrichment capability and stockpile vastly more uranium than had been allowed under the abandoned accord.

    As a long-time expert on U.S. foreign policy and nuclear nonproliferation, I believe Trump has a unique opportunity to not only reinstate a similar nuclear agreement to the one he rejected, but also forge a more encompassing deal – and foster better relations with the Islamic Republic in the process.

    The front pages of Iran’s newspapers in a sidewalk newsstand in Tehran, Iran, on April 13, 2025.
    Alireza/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

    There are real signs that a potential deal could be in the offing, and it is certainly true that Trump likes the optics of dealmaking.

    But an agreement is by no means certain. Any progress toward a deal will be challenged by a number of factors, not least internal divisions and opposition within the Trump administration and skepticism among some in the Islamic Republic, along with uncertainty over a succession plan for the aging Ayatollah Khamenei.

    Conservative hawks are still abundant in both countries and could yet derail any easing of diplomatic tensions.

    A checkered diplomatic past

    There are also decades of mistrust to overcome.

    It is an understatement to say that the U.S. and Iran have had a fraught relationship, such as it is, since the Iranian revolution of 1979 and takeover of the U.S. embassy in Tehran the same year.

    Many Iranians would say relations have been strained since 1953, when the U.S. and the United Kingdom orchestrated the overthrow of Mohammad Mossadegh, the democratically elected prime minister of Iran.

    Washington and Tehran have not had formal diplomatic relations since 1979, and the two countries have been locked in a decadeslong battle for influence in the Middle East. Today, tensions remain high over Iranian support for a so-called axis of resistance against the West and in particular U.S. interests in the Middle East. That axis includes Hamas in Palestine, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.

    For its part, Tehran has long bristled at American hegemony in the region, including its resolute support for Israel and its history of military action. In recent years that U.S. action has included the direct assaults on Iranian assets and personnel. In particular, Tehran is still angry about the 2020 assassination of Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

    Standing atop these various disputes, Iran’s nuclear ambitions have proved a constant source of contention for the United States and Israel, the latter being the only nuclear power in the region.

    The prospect of warmer relations between the two sides first emerged during the Obama administration – though Iran sounded out the Bush administration in 2003 only to be rebuffed.

    U.S. diplomats began making contact with Iranian counterparts in 2009 when Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns met with an Iranian negotiator in Geneva. The so-called P5+1 began direct negotiations with Iran in 2013. This paved the way for the eventual Iran nuclear deal, or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in 2015. In that agreement – concluded by the U.S., Iran, China, Russia and a slew of European nations – Iran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear program, including limits on the level to which it could enrich uranium, which was capped well short of what would be necessary for a nuclear weapon. In return, multilateral and bilateral U.S. sanctions would be removed.

    Many observers saw it as a win-win, with the restraints on a burgeoning nuclear power coupled with hopes that greater economic engagement with the international community that might temper some of Iran’s more provocative foreign policy behavior.

    Yet Israel and Saudi Arabia worried the deal did not entirely eliminate Iran’s ability to enrich uranium, and right-wing critics in the U.S. complained it did not address Iran’s ballistic missile programs or support for militant groups in the region.

    Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, draws a red line on a graphic of a bomb while discussing Iran at the United Nations on Sept. 27, 2012.
    Mario Tama/Getty Images

    When Trump first took office in 2016, he and his foreign policy team pledged to reverse Obama’s course and close the door on any diplomatic opening. Making good on his pledge, Trump unilaterally withdrew U.S. support for the JCPOA despite Iran’s continued compliance with the terms of the agreement and reinstated sanctions.

    Donald the dealmaker?

    So what has changed? Well, several things.

    While Trump’s withdrawal from the JCPOA was welcomed by Republicans, it did nothing to stop Iran from enhancing its ability to enrich uranium.

    Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, eager to transform its image and diversify economically, now supports a deal it opposed during the Obama administration.

    In this second term, Trump’s anti-Iran impulses are still there. But despite his rhetoric of a military option should a deal not be struck, Trump has on numerous occasions stated his opposition to U.S. involvement in another war in the Middle East.

    In addition, Iran has suffered a number of blows in recent years that has left it more isolated in the region. Iranian-aligned Hamas and Hezbollah have been seriously weakened as a result of military action by Israel. Meanwhile, strikes within Iran by Israel have shown the potential reach of Israeli missiles – and the apparent willingness of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to use them. Further, the removal of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria has deprived Iran of another regional ally.

    Tehran is also contending with a more fragile domestic economy than it had during negotiations for JCPOA.

    With Iran weakened regionally and Trump’s main global focus being China, a diplomatic avenue with Iran seems entirely in line with Trump’s view of himself as a dealmaker.

    A deal is not a given

    With two rounds of meetings completed and the move now to more technical aspects of a possible agreement negotiated by experts, there appears to be a credible window of opportunity for diplomacy.

    This could mean a new agreement that retains the core aspects of the deal Trump previously abandoned. I’m not convinced a new deal will look any different from the previous in terms of the enrichment aspect.

    There are still a number of potential roadblocks standing in the way of any potential deal, however.

    As was the case with Trump’s meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his first term, the president seems to be less interested in details than spectacle. While it was quite amazing for an American leader to meet with his North Korean counterpart, ultimately, no policy meaningfully changed because of it.

    On Iran and other issues, the president displays little patience for complicated policy details. Complicating matters is that the U.S. administration is riven by intense factionalism, with many Iran hawks who would be seemingly opposed to a deal – including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz. They could rub up against newly confirmed Undersecretary of Defense for policy Elbridge Colby and Vice President JD Vance, both of whom have in the past advocated for a more pro-diplomacy line on Iran.

    As has become a common theme in Trump administration foreign policy – even with its own allies on issues like trade – it’s unclear what a Trump administration policy on Iran actually is, and whether a political commitment exists to carry through any ultimate deal.

    Top Trump foreign policy negotiator Steve Witkoff, who has no national security experience, has exemplified this tension. Tasked with leading negotiations with Iran, Witkoff has already having been forced to walk back his contention that the U.S. was only seeking to cap the level of uranium enrichment rather than eliminate the entirety of the program.

    For its part, Iran has proved that it is serious about diplomacy, previously having accepted Barack Obama’s “extended hand.”

    But Tehran is unlikely to capitulate on core interests or allow itself to be humiliated by the terms of any agreement.

    Ultimately, the main question to watch is whether a deal with Iran is to be concluded by pragmatists – and then to what extent, narrow or expansive – or derailed by hawks within the administration.

    Jeffrey Fields receives funding from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

    – ref. In talking with Tehran, Trump is reversing course on Iran – could a new nuclear deal be next? – https://theconversation.com/in-talking-with-tehran-trump-is-reversing-course-on-iran-could-a-new-nuclear-deal-be-next-254770

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: More hydrogen fuel projects approved

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Environment & Ecology Bureau (EEB) said the Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel, led by the bureau, has given agreement-in-principle to eight more applications of trial projects on hydrogen fuel technology at its meeting today.

    The first project entails an application jointly submitted by International New Energy Industry Alliance, Wing Tat Cargo & Trading (HK), H2 Powertrains and Ontime International Logistics (HK) Co, involving 10 hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) goods vehicles for cross-boundary transport.

    The second one is an application submitted by Wilson Logistics to try out two HFC goods vehicles for cross-boundary transport.

    The third project concerns an application submitted by Kam Wai Tourist Bus (HK) Company to try out two HFC coaches for local passenger services.

    The fourth one pertains to an application submitted by China Travel Tours Transportation Services HK, Allenbus Automotive Technology Co and REFIRE Hong Kong to test out two HFC coaches for cross-boundary passenger services.

    The fifth application was submitted by Affluent Coach Services Company to test out two HFC coaches for local passenger services.

    The sixth one concerns an application jointly submitted by the Hong Kong & China Gas Company (HKCGC) and CIMC Enric Hong Kong, involving the provision of electricity with hydrogen power generation equipment for charging electric vehicles at a North Point commercial building.

    The seventh is an application jointly submitted by the HKCGC and the Housing Society on extracting hydrogen from the existing towngas network at a Shau Kei Wan construction site to generate electricity for charging electric vehicles and providing electricity for the site office.

    The final application was jointly submitted by the HKCGC and the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation to extract hydrogen from the existing towngas network at the Science Park to generate electricity for charging electric vehicles.

    The bureau pointed out that to date, the working group has given agreement-in-principle in stages to a total of 26 applications of hydrogen energy trial projects.

    Among them, the three HFC street washing vehicles from the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department have passed the examination with the Certificate of Roadworthiness issued.

    Furthermore, Sinopec (Hong Kong) has completed all commissioning and testing for the public hydrogen filling station at Au Tau, Yuen Long, and expects to launch the operational trials in the first half of this year.

    At today’s meeting, the EEB and the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department briefed the working group on the latest implementation progress of the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong, which includes the Government introducing the Gas Safety (Amendment) Bill 2025 to the Legislative Council to cover safety regulations on hydrogen fuel, and organising the International Hydrogen Development Symposium 2025.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bennigans Bar announces world-class lineup for City of Derry Jazz Festival

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Bennigans Bar announces world-class lineup for City of Derry Jazz Festival

    25 April 2025

    Bennigans Bar, one of Derry’s most iconic music venues, has unveiled what promises to be its strongest programme to date for the upcoming City of Derry Jazz Festival. Taking place from 30th April to 5th May 2025, this year’s lineup features an exceptional blend of international talent, cherished local performers, and rising stars from across the jazz spectrum and beyond.

    Renowned as one of the festival’s most popular Jazz Hubs, alongside The Playhouse and The Guildhall, Bennigans has established itself as an essential destination for discerning jazz enthusiasts. The venue’s intimate atmosphere and commitment to musical excellence have made it a magnet for both performers and audiences seeking authentic jazz experiences during the annual celebration.

    Getting the festival off to a spectacular start on Wednesday, 30th April at 8pm will be the Garage Boys, who are returning to Derry from their home in Las Vegas. Festival-goers can expect a high-energy performance and eclectic sound from these returning favourites. This opening gig is free to the public.

    Each day will begin with a one-set performance followed by a jam session, creating opportunities for spontaneous collaboration among visiting musicians. Thursday, 1st May begins with the John Leighton Trio & Jam Session at 5pm, led by Bennigans’ owner and renowned pianist, offering a free platform for musicians and audiences to connect through improvisational jazz. Later that evening at 10pm, The Rubber Plants take the stage with their dynamic Led Zeppelin tribute performance for a ticket price of £15.

    The musical journey continues on Friday, 2nd May, starting at 4pm with the Joseph Leighton Trio & Jam Session. This free event showcases the talent of one of Ireland’s most promising six-stringers. At 8pm, the Murray Brothers Quartet take to the stage with their unique blend of swing and bebop. Brothers Conor and Michael Murray are no strangers to Bennigans, having played at the venue many times in their formative years. Now living in London and Amsterdam respectively, they return with new inspiration and a passion for the artform and will be joined by John Leighton on piano and Andrew McCoubrey on drums, tickets are priced at £15. The day concludes at 11pm with Dublin’s instrumental funk four-piece Chief Keegan, bringing their deep grooves and danceable jams to the bar for £15.

    Saturday, 3rd May offers another free John Leighton Trio & Jam Session at 4pm, followed by one of the festival’s most anticipated highlights at 8pm – the Kevin Brady Trio featuring Bill Carrothers. One of the most interesting and unique jazz trios to have emerged in the last ten years, this international collaboration between Irish jazz musician Kevin Brady, US pianist/composer Bill Carrothers, and bassist Dave Redmond has been critically acclaimed for its dynamism and musicality. Brady formed the trio in 2006 with the clear aim of creating and producing new contemporary jazz, and the impact was immediate. Since then, Brady, Carrothers & Redmond have toured regularly and consolidated their worldwide reputation as a compelling live act, winning the appreciation of discerning jazz audiences across the USA, Europe, UK, China and the Azores. Tickets for this exceptional performance are available now for £15.

    Saturday culminates at 11pm with the Jack McHale Trio, an electric guitar-driven ensemble with keys and drums. They play Blues, Funk ‘n’ Soul and are known to rock out on some seriously heavy riffs. Attendees can expect to hear tracks from the likes of James Brown, The Allman Brothers, Howlin’ Wolf, and Sly and the Family Stone, delivered with high energy and a good party vibe. Tickets are also £15.

    Sunday, 4th May begins with the free Lucian McCauley Trio & Jam Session at 4pm. The Lucian McCauley trio consists of Lucian McCauley on piano, James Leaver-Whitfield on bass, and Theo Hayhurst on drums. Lucian McCauley is a young local jazz pianist studying Jazz Piano at the Guildhall School of Music in London and one of the city’s emerging talents. As a trio, they are influenced by the great piano trios of Brad Mehldau, Bill Evans, and McCoy Tyner. Their sound relies heavily on interplay and improvisation. In terms of repertoire, the trio enjoy breathing new life into enduring jazz standards by the likes of Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington, as well as showcasing exciting new compositions by the band.

    The evening features the hard-swinging Shuffle Boil Quartet at 8pm for £15. The ensemble gathers four of Ireland’s most well-known and experienced jazz musicians to explore the repertoire of Thelonious Monk, one of the 20th Century’s most unique composers.

    This is followed by acclaimed jazz vocalist Sara Oschlag at 11pm for £15. Sara’s honest stage presence, clear, unaffectedly expressive voice, and effortless sense of swing have made her a firm favourite with jazz audiences across the UK. An effortlessly hip, intelligent interpreter of songs in the jazz tradition, her vocal influences include both singers and instrumentalists, showcasing her understanding and love for the history and language of jazz.

    The festival concludes at Bennigans on Monday, 5th May at 4pm with The Men Who Knew Too Much, festival regulars who are celebrated for their vibrant, eclectic repertoire, with tickets available for £5 on the door. This is the perfect wind-down to the weekend. Come and listen to the relaxing sounds of Percy Robinson on dobro guitar and vocals, Egon Callery on guitar and vocals, and Sean McCarron on saxophones and percussion.

    John Leighton, owner of Bennigans Bar, is enthusiastic about this year’s lineup: “We’ve curated what I believe is our strongest programme yet, showcasing the incredible diversity within jazz and its related genres. The mix of established performers, emerging talents, and our signature jam sessions creates the perfect environment for musical discovery and celebration. I’m particularly excited to welcome American jazz pianist Bill Carrothers, who’ll be performing with the Kevin Brady Trio in what promises to be one of the festival’s standout moments.”

    Aisling McCallion, Jazz Festival Coordinator with Derry City and Strabane District Council, praised Bennigans contribution to the festival: “We’re delighted to have Bennigans Bar as one of our Jazz Hubs during the City of Derry Jazz Festival. The combination of international talent alongside our homegrown musicians reflects the festival’s ethos of celebrating jazz in all its forms while nurturing local artistic development. The jam sessions in particular have become legendary for creating those magical, spontaneous moments that festival attendees remember for years to come.”

    Tickets for all paid events are available now through the City of Derry Jazz Festival website or directly from Bennigans Bar. Early booking is advised as these intimate performances typically sell out quickly.

    The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is organised and funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Diageo and EY. 

    For more information go to cityofderryjazzfestival.com and for regular updates follow the City of Derry Jazz festival on Facebook Instagram and X @derryjazzfest.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Construction industry specialists presented the results of their research at a conference at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Opening of the conference. In the presidium, from left to right: Olga Pastukh, Andrey Nikulin, Evgeny Korolev, Director of the Soil Testing Center, Head of the Geotechnics Department of SPbGASU Anatoly Osokin

    The III National (All-Russian) Scientific and Technical Conference “Prospects of Modern Construction” was held at the Construction Faculty of St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering from April 21 to 23.

    The welcoming part of the plenary session opened with the showing of two videos, the first of which introduced the conference participants to our university. The other video was prepared by the creative team of the construction faculty for the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and told about how the university lived during the difficult years of the Leningrad blockade.

    The moderator, Deputy Dean for Research, Associate Professor of the Department of Architectural and Construction Structures Olga Pastukh addressed the participants of the plenary session. Olga Aleksandrovna introduced the members of the conference organizing committee and invited them to visit the exhibition dedicated to safety in the construction industry that opened as part of the conference.

    On behalf of and on behalf of the rector of SPbGASU Evgeny Rybnov, the vice-rector for research activities Evgeny Korolev delivered a welcoming speech. Evgeny Valerievich noted that the conference could become a driver for the development of the national project “Infrastructure for Life”. The project, aimed at improving the comfort of housing, ensuring the safety of the urban environment, requires new, scientifically sound scientific solutions that will be implemented in practice.

    The Vice-Rector also emphasized the successes of the SPbGASU construction faculty team. Thus, on April 16, by decree of the President of Russia, Rashid Mangushev, professor of the geotechnical department, was awarded the title of “Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation”. Separate words of greeting were addressed to young researchers, whose presence in the hall, according to the Vice-Rector, is the key to the sustainability of science and the university. In conclusion, Evgeny Valerievich wished everyone fruitful work and constructive discussions.

    Dean of the Faculty of Construction Andrey Nikulin spoke about the activities of our university. Andrey Nikolaevich also introduced the faculty he heads, informed about its departments, laboratories, and partners.

    At the plenary session, the round table “Fire-safe construction – in the hands of youth” and six sections, scientists and specialists in the construction industry informed about new promising research results, exchanged experiences and ideas, and expanded their circle of professional acquaintances.

    The chairman of the metal and wooden structures section, head of the metal and wooden structures department, Yegor Danilov, spoke about the work of the section: “The section, which worked for three days, brought together more than 300 listeners, and about 90 people spoke as authors of reports. Among the participants were representatives of three construction companies, specialists from universities from Vologda, Yoshkar-Ola, Novocherkassk and other Russian cities, three foreign guests (Kazakhstan, China). The current problems of ensuring the spatial rigidity of modern multi-story wooden buildings, technical aspects of improving the standards of metal structures were discussed, and new methods for calculating joints were proposed. All days of the conference were eventful. The exchange of experience was extremely useful for both the students and the respected scientists-speakers.”

    Associate Professor of the Department of Technosphere Safety Olga Gorbunova was the Deputy Chairperson of the Occupational Safety in Construction section at the conference. According to her, the section was held in two stages: on the first day, representatives of professional communities in the field of occupational safety and faculty from universities in our country presented scientific reports, and on the second day, students did so. The topics of the reports touched upon current issues of ensuring human safety in the modern world, and issues of ensuring occupational safety in the construction industry. Olga Vladimirovna named some of the topics of student research: “The effects of man-made accidents using fuel oil on the state of the environment”; “Use of vacuum waste removal systems for collecting hazardous medical waste”; “On a unified system of cadastral control and fire safety”.

    Mikhail Zhavoronkov, Deputy Chairman and Associate Professor of the Department of Construction Materials and Metrology, reported on what was happening in the section on technology of building materials and metrology: “15 reports were announced. The work was held in a mixed mode: some reports were presented in person, and some – remotely. The speakers were teachers, postgraduates and master’s students of the department of TSMiM SPbGASU and other universities, representatives of organizations carrying out scientific and practical activities in the areas of work of the section. The reports were devoted to the study of the properties of concrete made using various fillers, various binders and using special additives; issues of formation of micro- and macrostructure of these concretes; development of a quality management system in construction, shortcomings of modern regulatory documentation and ways to overcome them. Of great interest were the works describing the properties of dispersion-reinforced concrete and dedicated to counteracting the explosive destruction of concrete during heating.”

    The reports at the section of the Department of Structural Mechanics raised issues of modeling geotechnical structures and earthquake-resistant construction.

    The section of the departments of construction organization and construction production technology started with the speeches of the heads of departments Roman Motylev and Anton Gaido, who spoke about the main areas of their scientific work. Particular attention was drawn to the reports “Formation of a resource-saving complex of machines for the construction of a roadbed by hydromechanization” by Vladimir Vanzha (associate professor of the Kuban State Agrarian University), “Application of modular heat-protective panels to ensure the reliability of installation of steel structures in the conditions of the Far North” by Milana Raslambekova (master’s student of St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering) and others. The participants of the scientific section noted the breadth of topics of the reports and the relevance of the choice of research topics by master’s and postgraduate students of the departments.

    Representatives of various Russian universities took part in the work of the section of the Department of Architectural and Building Structures. The presentations of Irina Chernyshkova (Associate Professor of the South-Russian Polytechnic University) on the topic of “Acoustic Features of Atrium Spaces” and Nikolay Cherepanov (Student of the St. Petersburg State University of Railway Engineering) on the topic of “Requirements for Architectural Structures of a Building for the Integration of Unmanned Delivery into an Urban Environment” aroused particular interest among the audience and a lively professional discussion.

    The students also presented reports on modular technologies, recycled materials and structures, the features of thermal insulation materials for various building structures and unique construction in the Arctic zone.

    In addition to the engineering and technical aspects of construction, there were reports on the renovation of industrial heritage from the point of view of architectural and urban planning, innovation, environmental and socio-economic aspects. Olga Pastukh and Qu Rulan (candidate of architecture, senior lecturer at Zhengzhou University, China) analyzed both the experience of historical Russian cities and the influence of Soviet urban planning ideas on the growth and development of industrial cities in China in the mid-20th century, as well as their current state. Their presentation was prepared based on the results of a joint research project, “The Influence of Soviet Urban Planning Concepts and Ideas on the Formation and Development of Industrial Cities in China in the Mid-20th Century.”

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Iran nuclear deal: future stability of Middle East hangs on its success but initial signs are not good

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Simon Mabon, Professor of International Relations, Lancaster University

    For the second week in a row, senior officials from the United States and Iran will get together to take part in talks about the Iranian nuclear programme. It’s the second round in the latest negotiations – the first having taken place in Oman on April 12.

    But recent statements from both the White House and senior Iranian officials, including a difference of opinion on where the talks should be held, suggest that rapid diplomatic successes may not be forthcoming.

    Donald Trump’s stance on Iran has been unsurprisingly belligerent. It was the first Trump administration that withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and imposed the policy of “maximum pressure” on Iran. Since returning to the Oval Office, Trump has reimposed this policy of maximum pressure.



    Read more:
    Donald Trump backs out of Iran nuclear deal: now what?

    Posting on X, the US special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, declared that “Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program”. He also called for verification of any missiles stockpiled in the Islamic republic.

    Iranian officials vociferously rejected these US demands, with the foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, asserting that the missile programme is not for discussion.

    Tehran needs a deal

    There is little doubt that Iran wants a deal, perhaps even needs a deal. It has been hit hard by sanctions over the past decade, which have hollowed out the country’s middle class.

    Israel’s military strikes on Iran and its allies over the past year have eroded the ideological and military clout of the Islamic Republic and wider “axis of resistance”. With the weakening of many of its allies, Iran’s missiles possess even greater importance as a deterrence.

    The strong line taken by the Trump administration leaves little room for manoeuvre. It risks further emboldening hardline elements in Iran, who are perhaps less willing to engage diplomatically. But any belligerent rhetoric from voices in Iran risks pouring fuel on an already incendiary situation.

    At the same time, the Islamic Republic faces a range of serious pressures domestically, such as that seen in the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, as well as increasingly vocal opposition from abroad – notably from the self-proclaimed Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of the Shah who was ousted in 1979.

    Though Iran may want a deal, it cannot capitulate – particularly after the events of the last year. And nor should it.

    US weighs its strategy

    Hawks in the US, Israel and elsewhere have, of course, heralded the Trump administration’s stance. Fears of an Iranian nuclear programme continue to drive the actions of Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and others – although reports have just emerged that proposed Israeli strikes on targets in Iran were vetoed by Trump in favour of more negotiation.

    While the Gulf states would once have celebrated a tough stance on Iran, the situation is different now. Iran’s long-time rival, Saudi Arabia, has put aside decades of animosity in the hope of a more prosperous shared future.

    In a 2023 agreement mediated by China, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to normalise relations, reopening embassies and embarking on a series of coordinated military exercises. For Saudi Arabia, and in particular its crown prince and de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman, regional stability is essential in realising the ambitious Vision2030 programme – which leans heavily into global investor confidence and trust.

    As a result, the kingdom undertook a pragmatic shift in its regional affairs, embarking on a process of diplomatic rapprochement that surprised many observers. Riyadh has also taken steps towards normalisation with Israel, though the ongoing destruction of Gaza has paused such moves, at least for now.

    At the same time as the nuclear negotiations take place, Israeli strikes on targets in Syria continue. The fall of the Assad regime at the end of 2024 – and the back seat taken by its long-time supporter, Russia – has dramatically altered the political landscape of Syria.

    Though its former president, Bashar al-Assad, has found refuge in Russia, Moscow has taken a watching brief, eager not to antagonise Syria’s new regime and jeopardise its strategically important military bases on the Mediterranean coast. Members of groups previously favoured by the Assad regime, notably the Alawi communities, have fled to the Russian naval base at Latakia in search of protection.

    But thousands of others have been killed amid increasing violence as the forces of the new regime, led by Ahmad al-Shara, seek to extinguish all remnants of the Assad regime – a series of events that looks eerily similar to what occurred in Iraq 20 years ago, when the process of “de-Ba’athification” attempted to remove all traces of Saddam Hussein’s regime from public life.

    Fragile regional order

    The situation across the region is precarious, with the actions of global powers continuing to reverberate. While Washington puts pressure on Tehran and Moscow waits, the scope for Chinese influence in the region increases.

    Ironically, Trump’s tariffs on China may push Beijing further into the Middle East, seeking to capitalise on available opportunities. Its Belt and Road Initiative positions the Middle East firmly within China’s strategic interests. This is likely to open up a new front in the rivalry between Washington and Beijing.

    All the while, it is the people of the Middle East who continue to pay the heaviest price. Ongoing wars and insecurity, fears of a regional conflict, and precarious political conditions – as well as rising food prices and healthcare pressures – are creating a perfect storm that heightens the pressures and challenges of daily life.

    Simon Mabon receives funding from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. He is a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

    – ref. Iran nuclear deal: future stability of Middle East hangs on its success but initial signs are not good – https://theconversation.com/iran-nuclear-deal-future-stability-of-middle-east-hangs-on-its-success-but-initial-signs-are-not-good-254817

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: China unveils pro-employment measures for college graduates, youths

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

    BEIJING, April 25 — China unveiled a raft of measures on employment support for 2025 college graduates and the youth, according to a circular released on Friday.

    The circular was jointly issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Finance.

    “College graduates and other youths are valuable human resources,” said the circular, noting that every effort must be undertaken to provide them with employment support.

    The circular stressed expanding employment opportunities through multiple channels, such as increasing market-driven job creation and stabilizing public-sector employment.

    Organizations that employ 2025 graduates, graduates unemployed within two years after leaving school, or registered unemployed youth aged 16-24 are eligible for a one-off job expansion subsidy, according to the circular. This policy remains effective until Dec. 31, 2025.

    The circular said that the one-off subsidy policy for state-owned enterprises hiring graduates will extend to Dec. 31, 2026.

    The circular encourages young people to seek opportunities in grassroots sectors and supports youth entrepreneurship.

    The country also aims to train 1 million graduates and youths in 2025 to improve their employability, according to the circular.

    It also stressed the need to strengthen employment services and create a favorable employment environment, including launching campaigns to rectify irregularities in the human resources market.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s western regions unveil new dynamics in economic cooperation with Vietnam

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

    CHONGQING, April 25 — A shipment of fresh lemons departing from Tongnan District of southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, can now arrive in Vietnam in just two days, covering a journey of some 1,300 km.

    The first delivery of 28 tonnes of chilled fresh lemons from Tongnan to Vietnam was made recently on a cross-border highway truck via the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor.

    “This route slashes transit time from six days to two days, ensuring Vietnamese consumers enjoy fresher produce,” said Hu Zaiyang, manager of a local fruit dealer.

    This vibrant trade scene underscores the deepening economic ties between China’s western regions and Vietnam. From electronic components to fruits and flowers and from smart home appliances to daily necessities, trade volume between the two sides has surged, buoyed by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

    Vietnam has remained the largest ASEAN trade partner among China’s western provincial-level regions. Chongqing’s 2024 trade with Vietnam hit 39.77 billion yuan (about 5.5 billion U.S. dollars), accounting for a third of its total trade volume with ASEAN.

    Youyiguan Port in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, a gateway to Vietnam, is piloting a brand new customs supervision model, using intelligent means to improve efficiency and capacity of customs clearance.

    In the future, the port will operate customs clearance around the clock and goods can be delivered from Nanning, the regional capital of Guangxi, to Vietnam’s Bac Giang within 24 hours, said Shi Lei, deputy director of Youyiguan Customs.

    Beyond trade, investment cooperation has continued to bring benefits to the people of both sides. In Bac Ninh and Bac Giang, Vietnam, modern industrial parks invested and constructed by Chinese new energy and electronics manufacturing firms are driving local employment and growth.

    Chongqing’s 2024 investments in Vietnam jumped 33.4 percent to 33.16 million U.S. dollars in sectors like general equipment and automotive manufacturing. As of the end of 2024, Chongqing had 24 investment projects in Vietnam, with cumulative factual investments totaling 213.4 million U.S. dollars.

    In Vietnam’s Ha Tinh province, CISDI Group Co., Ltd., based in Chongqing, set up its branch as early as 2013. The company has taken charge of multiple key metallurgical projects in the country. Among them, the blast furnace of Formosa Ha Tinh Steel, which CISDI planned, designed and took part in constructing and operating, has now become one of the most competitive integrated steel complexes in Southeast Asia, generating over 10,000 job opportunities for local people.

    This elevated Ha Tinh from a traditional agricultural province to an industrial powerhouse in central Vietnam.

    Since 2007, Sichuan-based Tongwei Co., Ltd. has established and acquired five standardized feed production companies in Vietnam, with total investments exceeding 500 million yuan. The first feed mill it invested in, Tongwei Vietnam Feed Co., Ltd., has become one of the top-selling single feed factories in Vietnam by sales volume.

    “The BRI fosters mutual growth,” said Xiao Shengyong, Tongwei’s chief tax officer, highlighting technology transfers and aquaculture partnerships.

    The two countries recently signed 45 cooperation documents, covering connectivity, artificial intelligence, customs inspection and quarantine, and agricultural trade, among others.

    With the gradual implementation of the cooperation documents, Vietnam-China relations will enter a more mature and stable development stage, which will be not only reflected in policy communication and high-level interaction, but also in people’s daily life, said Vo Dai Luoc, former director of Vietnam’s Institute of World Economics and Politics.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China deepens international collaboration to push forward deep-space exploration

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

    SHANGHAI, April 25 — China, with an open stance, is collaborating with the international community to drive breakthroughs in deep-space exploration and foster resource sharing, striving to build a shared future in space.

    On the occasion of Space Day of China, which is celebrated annually on April 24, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced a series of international collaboration initiatives to advance deep-space exploration.

    Seven institutions from six countries — France, Germany, Japan, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States — have been authorized to borrow the lunar samples collected by China’s Chang’e-5 mission for scientific research.

    In 2020, the Chang’e-5 mission retrieved samples from the moon weighing about 1,731 grams, which were the first lunar samples in the world in over 40 years, helping advance humanity’s knowledge about the moon.

    Shan Zhongde, head of the CNSA, said China’s lunar exploration program has always adhered to the principles of equality, mutual benefits, peaceful utilization and win-win cooperation, sharing achievements with the international community.

    He added that CNSA will continue to accept international applications for lunar sample research, expressing hope that global scientists will make new discoveries that expand human knowledge and benefit humanity.

    With the advancement of China’s lunar exploration program, international cooperation continues to deepen. The CNSA announced that the Chang’e-8 mission, which is scheduled for launch around 2029, will carry payloads from 11 countries and regions and one international organization.

    Developers of the instruments to be aboard the Chang’e-8 are from Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.

    The Chang’e-8 mission will target the Leibnitz-Beta Plateau near the lunar south pole region, working with the earlier Chang’e-7 mission to conduct scientific exploration and in-situ resource utilization experiments. These efforts will lay the groundwork for the future International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).

    The ILRS, initiated by China, is a scientific experimental facility consisting of sections on the lunar surface and in lunar orbit, and is projected to be built in two phases: a basic model to be built by 2035 in the lunar south pole region, and an extended model to be built in the 2040s.

    A total of 17 countries and international organizations, and more than 50 international research institutions, have joined the ILRS, according to Bian Zhigang, deputy director of the CNSA.

    Bian stressed that the ILRS will offer new opportunities and platforms for fostering global cooperation, technological innovation and shared development.

    China welcomes international partners to participate in various stages of the ILRS and at all levels of the mission. This will promote the use of space technology to benefit humanity and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity in the field of outer space, he said.

    Amjad Ali, a senior official with the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) of Pakistan, said that the CNSA leads in inclusive space exploration, enabling emerging space nations like Pakistan to rise.

    The Chang’e-8 mission will carry a 30-kilogram lunar rover developed by SUPARCO, contributing to terrain mapping and regolith analysis.

    “The CNSA-SUPARCO partnership strengthens intercultural dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful collaboration, proving that shared dreams can unite nations among the stars,” he added.

    Humanity can reach deeper space through collaboration from lunar soil to Martian surface.

    China aims to launch the Tianwen-3 Mars sample-return mission around 2028, with the primary scientific goal of searching for signs of life. The retrieval of samples from Mars is the most technically challenging space exploration mission since the Apollo program, and no such retrieval has ever been accomplished, said Liu Jizhong, chief designer of the mission.

    Despite this mission’s considerable challenges and limited resources, China still plans to allocate 20 kilograms of resources for international collaboration.

    China invites global partners to jointly advance Mars exploration and research, thereby expanding humanity’s understanding of the red planet, said CNSA.

    Joining hands, humanity can unlock mysteries beyond the stars.

    An astronomical satellite jointly developed by China and France has detected a gamma-ray burst dating back 13 billion years, likely originating from the collapse of an early star forming a black hole or a neutron star. This discovery offers humanity a glimpse into the universe’s infancy.

    The discovery made by the Space-based multi-band Variable Object Monitor (SVOM) was also released on the Space Day of China.

    The SVOM project, a major bilateral space collaboration between China and France spanning nearly two decades, is a contribution that Chinese and French scientists and engineers have made to the international astronomy community through years of cooperation, integrating high-tech resources from both countries.

    “Together, we will pool efforts to promote the development of the world’s space industry, ensuring that space innovations serve and enhance human well-being across broader domains, at deeper levels, and to higher standards,” Shan emphasized at the opening ceremony for the Space Day of China.

    At the invitation of the Permanent Mission of China in Vienna, the Permanent Representatives of Kenya and South Africa to Vienna, along with diplomats from the Permanent Missions of Venezuela, Belarus, Egypt, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan to Vienna, made a special trip to China to participate in the series of activities for the Space Day.

    Award-winning paintings created by Chinese children, depicting their space dreams, were presented to these diplomats.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese hospitals required to set up 24-hour emergency channel for children under 3

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

    Chinese hospitals required to set up 24-hour emergency channel for children under 3

    BEIJING, April 25 — The Chinese government has required medical institutions to establish 24-hour green channels to provide acute and intensive treatment for children aged three and under, according to a circular issued by China’s National Health Commission on Friday.

    The government also supports hospitals in treating critically ill children via the green channels before requiring payment, according to the circular on a three-year campaign to improve the country’s pediatric care, mental health and psychiatric services.

    According to the circular, all secondary and tertiary public general hospitals in China are expected to provide pediatric services by the end of November 2025.

    By the end of 2025, more than 90 percent of township health centers and community health service centers should be capable of providing diagnosis and treatment for common pediatric illnesses, said the circular.

    The circular also encourages hospitals to set up specialized outpatient services for children, including those for growth and development, as well as mental and psychological health.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China aims for EVs to dominate new vehicle sales by 2035

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

    BEIJING, April 25 — China will step up efforts to align the development of transport infrastructure with renewable energy systems, aiming to make pure electric vehicles (EVs) the “mainstream of new car sales” by 2035, according to a circular released on Friday.

    The country also plans to realize large-scale application of new energy heavy-duty trucks and establish a green fuel supply system for the transport sector by 2035, according to the circular jointly issued by the Ministry of Transport and nine other departments.

    The circular underscored efforts to advance the development and utilization of clean energy along and around transport infrastructure, including railways, roads and ports.

    To advance the green transition of the transport sector, the country will further promote the use of new energy vehicles, green and low-carbon vessels, new energy aircraft, as well as the green and low-carbon development of postal and express delivery services.

    The circular pledged to beef up financial support by leveraging funds including special local government bonds, green loans, green bonds, and re-lending funds for technology innovation and upgrading. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Preferred Bank Reports First Quarter Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, April 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Preferred Bank (NASDAQ: PFBC), one of the larger independent California banks, today reported results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Preferred Bank (“the Bank”) reported net income of $30.0 million or $2.23 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2025. This represents a small decrease in net income of $197,000 from the prior quarter and a decrease of $3.4 million from the same quarter last year. The decrease compared to both periods was mainly due to a decrease in net interest income. In the first quarter of 2025, the incremental impact to interest income from loans placed on nonaccrual status was approximately $2.8 million. In addition, a property securing one of our loans was damaged in the Palisades fire in January and as a result, the Bank has reversed out the $208,000 interest receivable on this loan although we expect to recoup this amount after the property is sold. In addition to a lowering of overall interest rates, these were the main factors in the decrease in net interest income.

    Net interest income was $62.7 million, a decrease of $6.5 million from the previous quarter and a decrease of $5.8 million compared to the same quarter last year. Noninterest income was $4.0 million, an increase of $361,000 over the prior quarter and an increase of $933,000 over the same quarter last year. Noninterest expense was $23.4 million, a decrease of $4.9 million from the previous quarter and an increase of $3.3 million over the same quarter last year.

    Highlights for the Quarter:

    • Return on average assets was 1.76%
    • Return on beginning equity of 15.96%
    • Total deposits increased by $155.9 million or 2.6%, linked quarter
    • Efficiency ratio was 35.1%

    Li Yu, Chairman and CEO, commented, “Preferred Bank’s net income for the first quarter, 2025 was $30.0 million or $2.23 per fully diluted share. This quarter, there was an outsized impact to interest income of approximately $2.8 million on nonaccrual loans. We have also written down the value of our one OREO property by $1.3 million.

    Non-accrual loans totaled $78.9 million as of March 31, 2025 and are mostly comprised of two loans totaling $65.6 million. These two loans are well-secured, and we do not anticipate any losses associated with these two credits. Overall criticized loans have decreased to $129.2 million from $158.2 million at year-end. There were very few new migrations into the criticized loan category.

    The large interest reversal of $2.8 million significantly affected the reported net interest margin, which was 3.75% for the quarter. Without that, the margin would have been much closer to the 4.06% reported in the fourth quarter of 2024. Deposit growth for the quarter was $155.9 million or 2.6% on a linked quarter basis. However, total loans reduced slightly from December 31, 2024. We do not feel there will be material changes in the loan demand in the near future under the shadow of the import tariff uncertainty.

    The import tariff impositions and threats are truly unprecedented. At this time, we are still completely uncertain as to the size of the tariffs and which countries will ultimately be tariffed. In short, every American’s economic well-being will likely be impacted. Even if an agreement can be reached within the “90 days”, there seems to be no certainty that the issue will be completely resolved and this uncertainty may persist for a year or possibly more. We at Preferred Bank will stay alert and constantly monitoring our activities.

    As a starting point, we have began a “deep-dive” within our relatively small “trade finance” portfolio and will continue to widen the scope of our credit monitoring activities related to trade.”

    Results of Operations

    Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin. Net interest income before provision for credit losses was $62.7 million for the first quarter of 2025. This represents a $6.5 million decrease from the $69.2 million recorded in the prior quarter and a $5.8 million decrease from the same quarter last year. The decrease compared to both comparable quarters was primarily due to the reversal of interest income of $2.8 million associated with the nonaccrual loans. In addition, there was a property in the Palisades fire that secured a construction loan financed by the Bank. As part of that restructuring, the Bank elected to reverse $208,000 out of interest income that had accrued on that loan. Interest expense decreased compared to both comparable periods despite growth in deposits during the quarter. The Bank’s net interest margin came in at 3.75% for the quarter, this is down from the 4.06% recorded last quarter and from the 4.19% margin achieved in the first quarter of the prior year. The loan interest reversals played a major role in the decrease of the net interest margin in the first quarter. Management believes that efforts to reduce the Bank’s deposit costs have been largely effective as evidenced by the decreases in interest expense.

    Noninterest Income. For the first quarter of 2025, noninterest income was $4.0 million compared with $3.1 million for the same quarter last year and compared to $3.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase over the prior quarter was primarily due to letter of credit (LC) fee income which was up by $268,000 and gains on sales of SBA loans which increased by $163,000. In comparing to the same quarter last year, fee income was down but LC fee income increased by $741,000 and gains on sales of SBA loans increased by $172,000.

    Noninterest Expense. Total noninterest expense was $23.4 million for the first quarter of 2025 compared to $28.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 and compared to the $20.0 million recorded in the same period last year. The primary reason for the decrease over the prior quarter was the $8.1 million occupancy expense adjustment recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024. This was related to accounting pronouncement ASC 842, accounting for leases. Partially offsetting that was an increase in personnel expense of $1.6 million and an increase in OREO expense of $1.4 million. In the first quarter of 2025, the Bank recorded a valuation charge of $1.3 million related to the OREO property in Santa Barbara. In comparing to the same quarter last year; personnel expense was up by $939,000, occupancy expense was up by $583,000 and OREO expense was up by $1.4 million due to the aforementioned OREO valuation charge recorded in the first quarter of 2025. Salary expense increased over the same quarter last year due mainly to an increase in personnel and merit increases. The increase in personnel expense over the prior quarter was primarily due to employer paid taxes as during the first quarter, incentive compensation is paid out to employees.

    Income Taxes. The Bank recorded a provision for income taxes of $12.6 million for the first quarter of 2025. This represents an effective tax rate (“ETR”) of 29.5% which is up from the 29.0% ETR for last quarter and up from the 29.0% ETR recorded in the same period last year. The Bank’s ETR will fluctuate slightly from quarter to quarter within a fairly small range due to the timing of taxable events throughout the year.

    Balance Sheet Summary

    Total gross loans at March 31, 2025 were $5.63 billion, a decrease of $6.2 million from the total of $5.64 billion as of December 31, 2024. Total deposits were $6.07 billion, an increase of $155.9 million from the $5.92 billion as of December 31, 2024. Total assets were $7.1 billion, an increase of $176.7 million over the total of $6.92 billion as of December 31, 2024.

    Asset Quality

    Non-accrual loans and loans 90 days past due and still accruing totaled $78.9 million as of March 31, 2025. The bulk of the nonaccrual loans comprised of two loans totaling $65.6 million. One of the loans is a multi-family loan which is well-secured and the other loan is now vacant, entitled land in a prime area of Orange County. Again, this loan is also well-secured. The loans were part of the same relationship and one is now working its way through the bankruptcy court while the other loan is in the process of being sold, at par. Management is confident that there will be no loss associated with these two loans. Total net charge-offs (recoveries) for the quarter were ($97,000) compared to net charge-offs of $6.6 million in the prior quarter. In addition to that, the Bank wrote down the value of its OREO property in Santa Barbara by $1.34 million, reflecting the proposed net proceeds of the most recent sales contract that the Bank was involved in, which sale did not materialize.

    Total criticized loans decreased to $129.2 million from $158.1 million reported in the prior quarter.

    Allowance for Credit Losses

    The provision for credit losses for the first quarter of 2025 was $700,000 compared to $2.0 million last quarter and compared to $4.4 million in the same quarter last year. The Bank’s allowance coverage ratio increased to 1.28% of loans as compared to 1.27% in the prior quarter.

    Capitalization

    As of March 31, 2025, the Bank’s tangible capital ratio was 10.96%, the leverage ratio was 11.52%, the common equity tier 1 capital ratio was 11.86% and the total capital ratio stood at 15.15%. As of December 31, 2024, the Bank’s tangible capital ratio was 11.02%, the Bank’s leverage ratio was 11.33%, the common equity tier 1 ratio was 11.80% and the total capital ratio was 15.11%.

    Conference Call and Webcast

    A conference call with simultaneous webcast to discuss Preferred Bank’s first quarter 2025 financial results will be held this afternoon April 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern / 11:00 a.m. Pacific. Interested participants and investors may access the conference call by dialing 844-826-3037 (domestic) or 412-317-5182 (international) and referencing “Preferred Bank.” There will also be a live webcast of the call available at the Investor Relations section of Preferred Bank’s website at www.preferredbank.com.

    Preferred Bank’s Chairman and CEO Li Yu, President and Chief Operating Officer Wellington Chen, Chief Financial Officer Edward J. Czajka, Chief Credit Officer Nick Pi and Deputy Chief Operating Officer Johnny Hsu will discuss Preferred Bank’s financial results, business highlights and outlook. After the live webcast, a replay will be available at the Investor Relations section of Preferred Bank’s website. A replay of the call will also be available at 877-344-7529 (domestic) or 412-317-0088 (international) through May 2, 2025; the passcode is 8939265.

    About Preferred Bank

    Preferred Bank is one of the larger independent commercial banks headquartered in California. The Bank is chartered by the State of California, and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, to the maximum extent permitted by law. The Bank conducts its banking business from its main office in Los Angeles, California, and through twelve full-service branch banking offices in California (Alhambra, Century City, City of Industry, Torrance, Arcadia, Irvine (2), Diamond Bar, Pico Rivera, Tarzana and San Francisco (2)), two branches in New York (Manhattan and Flushing, Queens) and a branch office in the Houston, Texas suburb of Sugar Land. In addition, the Bank also operates a loan production office in Sunnyvale, California. Preferred Bank offers a broad range of deposit and loan products and services to both commercial and consumer customers. The Bank provides personalized deposit services as well as real estate finance, commercial loans and trade finance to small and mid-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, professionals and high net worth individuals. Although originally founded as a Chinese-American Bank, Preferred Bank now derives most of its customers from the diversified mainstream market but does continue to benefit from the significant migration to California of ethnic Chinese from China and other areas of East Asia.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the Bank’s future financial and operating results, the Bank’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Bank’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: changes in economic conditions; changes in the California real estate market; the loss of senior management and other employees; natural disasters or recurring energy
    shortage; changes in interest rates; competition from other financial services companies; ineffective underwriting practices; inadequate allowance for loan and lease losses to cover actual losses; risks inherent in construction lending; adverse economic conditions in Asia; downturn in international trade; inability to attract deposits; inability to raise additional capital when needed or on favorable terms; inability to manage growth; inadequate communications, information, operating and financial control systems, technology from fourth party service providers; the U.S. government’s monetary policies; government regulation; environmental liability with respect to properties to which the bank takes title; and the threat of terrorism. Additional factors that could cause the Bank’s results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the Bank’s 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation which can be found on Preferred Bank’s website. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of the press release, and the Bank assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. For additional information about Preferred Bank, please visit the Bank’s website at www.preferredbank.com.

    AT THE COMPANY: AT FINANCIAL PROFILES:
    Edward J. Czajka  Jeffrey Haas
    Executive Vice President General Information
    Chief Financial Officer (310) 622-8240
    (213) 891-1188 PFBC@finprofiles.com
       
       

    Financial Tables to Follow

     
    PREFERRED BANK
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (unaudited)
    (in thousands, except for net income per share and shares)
               
               
      For the Quarter Ended
      March 31,   December 31,   March 31,
        2025       2024       2024  
    Interest income:          
    Loans, including fees $ 101,491     $ 111,596     $ 109,980  
    Investment securities   12,810       14,013       16,257  
    Fed funds sold   228       249       283  
     Total interest income   114,529       125,858       126,520  
               
    Interest expense:          
    Interest-bearing demand   16,590       18,245       22,290  
    Savings   69       85       75  
    Time certificates   33,887       37,030       34,330  
    Subordinated debt   1,325       1,325       1,325  
     Total interest expense   51,871       56,685       58,020  
     Net interest income   62,658       69,173       68,500  
    Provision for credit losses   700       2,000       4,400  
     Net interest income after provision for credit losses   61,958       67,173       64,100  
               
    Noninterest income:          
    Fees & service charges on deposit accounts   716       761       845  
    Letters of credit fee income   2,244       1,977       1,503  
    BOLI income   103       102       105  
    Net gain on sale of loans   275       112       103  
    Other income   660       685       509  
     Total noninterest income   3,998       3,637       3,065  
               
    Noninterest expense:          
    Salary and employee benefits   14,839       13,279       13,900  
    Net occupancy expense   2,294       10,110       1,711  
    Business development and promotion expense   462       340       266  
    Professional services   1,651       1,606       1,457  
    Office supplies and equipment expense   386       396       473  
    OREO valuation allowance and related expense   1,531       155       135  
    Other   2,206       2,360       2,086  
     Total noninterest expense   23,369       28,246       20,028  
     Income before provision for income taxes   42,587       42,564       47,137  
    Income tax expense   12,563       12,343       13,671  
     Net income $ 30,024     $ 30,221     $ 33,466  
               
    Income per share available to common shareholders          
     Basic $ 2.27     $ 2.29     $ 2.48  
     Diluted $ 2.23     $ 2.25     $ 2.44  
               
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding          
     Basic   13,226,582       13,190,696       13,508,878  
     Diluted   13,453,176       13,442,294       13,736,986  
               
    Cash dividends per common share $ 0.75     $ 0.75     $ 0.70  
               
    PREFERRED BANK
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
    (unaudited)
    (in thousands)
           
           
      March 31,   December 31,
        2025       2024  
      (Unaudited)   (Audited)
    Assets      
    Cash and due from banks $ 905,183     $ 765,515  
    Fed funds sold   20,000       20,000  
    Cash and cash equivalents   925,183       785,515  
           
    Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost   19,745       20,021  
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value   390,096       348,706  
           
    Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value   –       2,214  
           
    Loans   5,634,413       5,640,615  
    Less allowance for credit losses   (72,274 )     (71,477 )
    Less amortized deferred loan fees, net   (9,652 )     (9,234 )
    Loans, net   5,552,487       5,559,904  
           
    Other real estate owned and repossessed assets   13,650       14,991  
    Bank furniture and fixtures, net   8,276       8,462  
    Bank-owned life insurance   10,502       10,433  
    Accrued interest receivable   31,775       33,561  
    Investment in affordable housing partnerships   63,612       58,346  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost   15,000       15,000  
    Deferred tax assets   46,280       47,402  
    Income tax receivable   –       2,195  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   20,281       13,182  
    Other assets   3,205       3,497  
    Total assets $ 7,100,092     $ 6,923,429  
           
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity      
    Deposits:      
    Noninterest bearing demand deposits $ 730,270     $ 704,859  
    Interest bearing deposits:   2,099,987       2,026,965  
    Savings   32,631       30,150  
    Time certificates of $250,000 or more   1,531,715       1,477,931  
    Other time certificates   1,678,132       1,676,943  
    Total deposits   6,072,735       5,916,848  
           
    Subordinated debt issuance, net   148,529       148,469  
    Commitments to fund investment in affordable housing partnerships   20,956       21,623  
    Operating lease liabilities   24,021       16,990  
    Accrued interest payable   14,634       16,517  
    Other liabilities   40,613       39,830  
    Total liabilities   6,321,488       6,160,277  
           
    Shareholders’ equity   778,604       763,152  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 7,100,092     $ 6,923,429  
           
    Book value per common share $ 59.30     $ 57.86  
    Number of common shares outstanding   13,130,296       13,188,776  
    PREFERRED BANK
    Selected Consolidated Financial Information
    (unaudited)
    (in thousands, except for ratios)
               
               
      For the Quarter Ended
      March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
       2025   2024   2024   2024   2024 
    Unaudited historical quarterly operations data:          
    Interest income $ 114,529   $ 125,858   $ 129,424   $ 127,294   $ 126,520  
    Interest expense   51,871     56,685     60,576     61,187     58,020  
     Interest income before provision for credit losses   62,658     69,173     68,848     66,107     68,500  
    Provision for credit losses   700     2,000     3,200     2,500     4,400  
    Noninterest income   3,998     3,637     3,459     3,404     3,065  
    Noninterest expense   23,369     28,246     22,089     19,697     20,028  
    Income tax expense   12,563     12,343     13,635     13,722     13,671  
     Net income $ 30,024   $ 30,221   $ 33,383   $ 33,592   $ 33,466  
               
    Earnings per share          
     Basic $ 2.27   $ 2.29   $ 2.50   $ 2.51   $ 2.48  
     Diluted $ 2.23   $ 2.25   $ 2.46   $ 2.48   $ 2.44  
               
    Ratios for the period:          
    Return on average assets   1.76 %   1.74 %   1.95 %   1.97 %   2.00 %
    Return on beginning equity   15.96 %   16.03 %   18.37 %   19.31 %   19.36 %
    Net interest margin (Fully-taxable equivalent)   3.75 %   4.06 %   4.10 %   3.96 %   4.19 %
    Noninterest expense to average assets   1.37 %   1.62 %   1.29 %   1.15 %   1.20 %
    Efficiency ratio   35.06 %   38.79 %   30.55 %   28.34 %   27.99 %
    Net (recoveries) charge-offs to average loans (annualized)   -0.01 %   0.47 %   -0.00 %   0.68 %   0.26 %
               
    Ratios as of period end:          
    Tangible common equity ratio   10.96 %   11.02 %   10.92 %   10.55 %   10.35 %
    Tier 1 leverage capital ratio   11.52 %   11.33 %   11.28 %   10.89 %   10.80 %
    Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio   11.86 %   11.80 %   11.66 %   11.52 %   11.50 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio   11.86 %   11.80 %   11.66 %   11.52 %   11.50 %
    Total risk-based capital ratio   15.15 %   15.11 %   15.06 %   14.93 %   15.08 %
    Allowances for credit losses to loans at end of period   1.28 %   1.27 %   1.36 %   1.34 %   1.49 %
    Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans 0.91 x 1.89 x   3.92 x   1.79 x   4.33 x
               
    Average balances:          
    Total securities $ 402,754   $ 350,732   $ 356,590   $ 353,357   $ 348,961  
    Total loans   5,555,010     5,542,558     5,458,613     5,320,360     5,263,562  
    Total earning assets   6,780,438     6,788,487     6,684,766     6,728,498     6,585,853  
    Total assets   6,905,249     6,920,325     6,817,979     6,863,829     6,718,018  
    Total time certificate of deposits   3,164,766     3,144,523     2,874,985     2,884,259     2,852,860  
    Total interest bearing deposits   5,244,243     5,220,655     5,124,245     5,203,034     5,004,834  
    Total deposits   5,886,163     5,905,127     5,828,227     5,901,976     5,761,488  
    Total interest bearing liabilities   5,392,735     5,369,092     5,272,617     5,351,347     5,153,089  
    Total equity   779,339     760,345     747,222     715,190     704,996  
               
    PREFERRED BANK
    Selected Consolidated Financial Information
    (unaudited)
    (in thousands, except for ratios)
                             
                             
            As of
            March 31,   December 31,   September 30, June 30,   March 31,
            2025   2024   2024   2024   2024
    Unaudited quarterly statement of financial position data:                  
    Assets:                  
      Cash and cash equivalents $ 925,183     $ 785,515     $ 804,994     $ 917,677     $ 936,600  
      Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost   19,745       20,021       20,311       20,605       20,904  
      Securities available-for-sale, at fair value   390,096       348,706       337,363       331,909       333,411  
      Loans:                  
        Real estate – Mortgage:                  
          Real estate—Residential $ 779,462     $ 790,069     $ 753,453     $ 732,251     $ 724,101  
          Real estate—Commercial   2,897,956       2,840,771       2,882,506       2,833,430       2,777,608  
          Total Real Estate – Mortgage   3,677,418       3,630,840       3,635,959       3,565,681       3,501,709  
        Real estate – Construction:                  
          R/E Construction — Residential   306,283       296,580       274,214       238,062       236,596  
          R/E Construction — Commercial   269,065       287,185       290,308       247,582       213,727  
          Total real estate construction loans   575,348       583,765       564,522       485,644       450,323  
        Commercial and industrial   1,374,379       1,418,930       1,365,550       1,371,694       1,369,529  
        SBA   7,104       6,833       5,424       5,463       3,914  
        Consumer and others   164       247       124       118       379  
          Gross loans   5,634,413       5,640,615       5,571,579       5,428,600       5,325,854  
      Allowance for credit losses on loans   (72,274 )     (71,477 )     (76,051 )     (72,848 )     (79,311 )
      Net deferred loan fees   (9,652 )     (9,234 )     (10,414 )     (10,502 )     (10,460 )
        Net loans, excluding loans held for sale $ 5,552,487     $ 5,559,904     $ 5,485,114     $ 5,345,250     $ 5,236,083  
      Loans held for sale $ –     $ 2,214     $ 225     $ 955     $ 605  
        Net loans $ 5,552,487     $ 5,562,118     $ 5,485,339     $ 5,346,205     $ 5,236,688  
                             
      Other real estate owned and repossessed assets $ 13,650     $ 14,991     $ 15,082     $ 16,716     $ 16,716  
      Investment in affordable housing partnerships   63,612       58,346       58,009       60,432       62,854  
      Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost   15,000       15,000       15,000       15,000       15,000  
      Other assets   120,319       118,732       136,246       138,036       134,040  
        Total assets $ 7,100,092     $ 6,923,429     $ 6,872,344     $ 6,846,580     $ 6,756,213  
                             
    Liabilities:                  
      Deposits:                  
        Demand $ 730,270     $ 704,859     $ 682,859     $ 675,767     $ 709,767  
        Interest bearing demand   2,099,987       2,026,965       1,994,288       2,326,214       2,159,948  
        Savings   32,631       30,150       29,793       28,251       29,261  
        Time certificates of $250,000 or more   1,531,715       1,477,931       1,478,500       1,406,149       1,349,927  
        Other time certificates   1,678,132       1,676,943       1,682,324       1,442,381       1,552,805  
        Total deposits $ 6,072,735     $ 5,916,848     $ 5,867,764     $ 5,878,762     $ 5,801,708  
                             
      Subordinated debt issuance, net   148,529       148,469       148,410       148,351       148,292  
      Commitments to fund investment in affordable housing partnerships   20,956       21,623       23,617       27,946       29,647  
      Other liabilities   79,268       73,337       82,436       68,394       77,008  
        Total liabilities $ 6,321,488     $ 6,160,277     $ 6,122,227     $ 6,123,453     $ 6,056,655  
                             
    Equity:                    
      Net common stock, no par value $ 96,079     $ 105,501     $ 109,928     $ 113,509     $ 115,915  
      Retained earnings   705,360       685,108       664,808       640,675       616,417  
      Accumulated other comprehensive income   (22,835 )     (27,457 )     (24,619 )     (31,057 )     (32,774 )
        Total shareholders’ equity $ 778,604     $ 763,152     $ 750,117     $ 723,127     $ 699,558  
        Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 7,100,092     $ 6,923,429     $ 6,872,344     $ 6,846,580     $ 6,756,213  
                             
    PREFERRED BANK
    Quarter-to-Date Average Balances, Yield and Rates
    (Unaudited)
                               
                           
          Three months ended
    March 31,    		   Three months ended
    December 31,    		   Three months ended
    March 31,
           2025     2024     2024 
            Interest Average     Interest Average     Interest Average
          Average Income or Yield/   Average Income or Yield/   Average Income or Yield/
          Balance Expense Rate   Balance Expense Rate   Balance Expense Rate
    ASSETS (Dollars in thousands)
    Interest earning assets:                      
      Loans (1,2) $ 5,556,521   $ 101,491   7.41 %   $ 5,543,215   $ 111,596   8.01 %   $ 5,265,940   $ 109,980   8.40 %
      Investment securities (3)   402,754     4,093   4.12 %     350,732     3,566   4.04 %     348,961     3,430   3.95 %
      Federal funds sold   20,222     228   4.57 %     20,172     249   4.91 %     20,390     283   5.58 %
      Other earning assets   800,941     8,816   4.46 %     874,368     10,546   4.80 %     950,562     12,928   5.47 %
        Total interest earning assets   6,780,438     114,628   6.86 %     6,788,487     125,957   7.38 %     6,585,853     126,621   7.73 %
      Deferred loan fees, net   (9,189 )         (9,808 )         (10,694 )    
      Allowance for credit losses on loans   (71,550 )         (75,474 )         (78,349 )    
    Noninterest earning assets:                      
      Cash and due from banks   11,513           10,626           11,244      
      Bank furniture and fixtures   8,439           8,866           10,084      
      Right of use assets   15,201           28,570           22,003      
      Other assets   170,397           169,058           177,877      
        Total assets $ 6,905,249         $ 6,920,325         $ 6,718,018      
                               
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    Interest bearing liabilities:                      
      Deposits:                      
        Interest bearing demand and savings $ 2,079,477   $ 16,659   3.25 %   $ 2,076,132   $ 18,330   3.51 %   $ 2,151,974   $ 22,365   4.18 %
        TCD $250K or more   1,482,324     15,640   4.28 %     1,481,219     17,514   4.70 %     1,341,298     16,501   4.95 %
        Other time certificates   1,682,442     18,247   4.40 %     1,663,304     19,516   4.67 %     1,511,562     17,829   4.74 %
        Total interest bearing deposits   5,244,243     50,546   3.91 %     5,220,655     55,360   4.22 %     5,004,834     56,695   4.56 %
    Short-term borrowings   –     –   0.00 %     3     0   3.31 %     –     –   0.00 %
    Subordinated debt, net   148,492     1,325   3.62 %     148,434     1,325   3.55 %     148,255     1,325   3.59 %
        Total interest bearing liabilities   5,392,735     51,871   3.90 %     5,369,092     56,685   4.20 %     5,153,089     58,020   4.53 %
    Noninterest bearing liabilities:                      
      Demand deposits   641,920           684,472           756,654      
      Lease liability   18,963           25,486           19,500      
      Other liabilities   72,292           80,930           83,779      
        Total liabilities   6,125,910           6,159,980           6,013,022      
    Shareholders’ equity   779,339           760,345           704,996      
        Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 6,905,249         $ 6,920,325         $ 6,718,018      
    Net interest income   $ 62,757         $ 69,272         $ 68,601    
    Net interest spread     2.96 %       3.18 %       3.20 %
    Net interest margin     3.75 %       4.06 %       4.19 %
                               
    Cost of Deposits:                      
      Noninterest bearing demand deposits $ 641,920         $ 684,472         $ 756,654      
      Interest bearing deposits   5,244,243     50,546   3.91 %     5,220,655     55,360   4.22 %     5,004,834     56,695   4.56 %
        Total Deposits $ 5,886,163   $ 50,546   3.48 %   $ 5,905,127   $ 55,360   3.73 %   $ 5,761,488   $ 56,695   3.96 %
                               
    (1) Includes non-accrual loans and loans held for sale                    
    (2) Net loan fee income of $865,000, $1.2 million, and $1.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively, are included in the yield computations
    (3) Yields on securities have been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis                  
    Preferred Bank
    Loan and Credit Quality Information
                 
    Allowance For Credit Losses History
            Quarter Ended   Year Ended
            March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024
             (Dollars in 000’s)
    Allowance For Credit Losses      
    Balance at Beginning of Period $ 71,477     $ 78,355  
      Charge-Offs      
        Commercial & Industrial   –       19,028  
        Total Charge-Offs   –       19,028  
                 
      Recoveries      
        Commercial & Industrial   97       50  
        Total Recoveries   97       50  
                 
      Net (Recoveries) Charge-Offs   (97 )     18,978  
      Provision for Credit Losses:   700       12,100  
    Balance at End of Period $ 72,274     $ 71,477  
                 
    Average Loans Held for Investment $ 5,555,010     $ 5,396,844  
    Loans Held for Investment at End of Period $ 5,634,413     $ 5,640,615  
    Net (Recoveries) Charge-Offs to Average Loans   -0.01%     0.35%
    Allowances for Credit Losses to Loans at End of Period   1.28%     1.27%
                 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/CHINA – Xinhua News Agency: The Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association and the “Bishops’ Conference of the Catholic Church in China” have sent a message of condolence to the Vatican on the death of Pope Francis

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Friday, 25 April 2025

    Beijing (Fides Agency) – “Yi Hui Yi Tuan” – literally “One Association and One Conference,” a formula used to refer to the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association and the “Bishops’ Conference of the Catholic Church in China” – has sent a message of condolence to the Vatican on the death of Pope Francis. The news was published by Xinhua (New China News Agency), the official state news agency of the People’s Republic of China. The message of condolence is dated Thursday, April 24.As reported yesterday by Fides Agency (see Fides 24/4/2025), the official website of the Patriotic Association and the so-called “Bishops’ Conference of the Catholic Church in China” announced the death of Pope Francis with the following words: “Pope Francis returned to the Father’s house at 7:35 a.m. on April 21, 2025, at the Santa Marta residence, at the age of 88. We pray that, thanks to God’s mercy, Pope Francis may have eternal bliss in heaven.”On April 22, Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed his “condolences” for the death of Pope Francis, emphasizing that “In recent years, China and the Vatican have maintained constructive contacts and conducted friendly exchanges.”At the same time, news about the Pope’s death continues to be published on websites, social networks, and all Chinese mass media. Comments and reflections characterized by feelings of esteem and gratitude prevail, especially for the contribution made by the Bishop of Rome to world peace. His love for the Chinese people and Chinese Catholics, which he expressed so many times, is also remembered.(Fides Agency 25/04/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Powering Security: Offshore Industry Welcomes Critical Minerals Executive Order

    Source: National Ocean Industries Association – NOIA

    Headline: Powering Security: Offshore Industry Welcomes Critical Minerals Executive Order

    For Immediate Release: Thursday, April 24, 2025NOIA .org
    Powering Security: Offshore Industry Welcomes Critical Minerals Executive Order
    Washington, D.C. – National Ocean Industries Association President Erik Milito issued the following statement in support of the Executive Order, Unleashing America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources, to, among other things, establish an expedited process for reviewing and approving permits for prospecting and granting leases for exploration, development, and production of seabed mineral resources within the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS):
    “This Executive Order marks a decisive and strategic step toward reshoring critical mineral production and strengthening America’s energy and national security. Demand for minerals like cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements is accelerating at an unprecedented pace—and without urgent action, the U.S. risks falling behind. China currently holds a dominant position in the global supply chain for these resources, and our overreliance on foreign adversaries poses a clear threat to our economic and national defense infrastructure.
    “Modern life—from advanced technologies to military systems—runs on critical minerals. Yet the supply outlook shows a looming shortfall. The U.S. outer continental shelf holds vast, untapped reserves—including many of the most vital critical minerals and all known rare earth elements. Fortunately, America’s offshore energy sector, anchored by the innovation-driven companies along the Gulf Coast, is uniquely equipped to lead in this space. These companies bring decades of experience in safely operating in complex marine environments and are ready to responsibly develop the resources we urgently need.
    “This Executive Order affirms what industry has long understood: to secure our future, we must harness the full strength of our offshore capabilities. Doing so will bolster domestic supply chains, generate high-paying American jobs, and deliver the mineral resources that will power our economy and protect our security.”
    ##
    About NOIAThe National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) represents and advances a dynamic and growing offshore energy industry, providing solutions that support communities and protect our workers, the public and our environment.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: More Hong Kong Reading Week highlight activities to be held this weekend

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    More Hong Kong Reading Week highlight activities to be held this weekend 
         The public libraries in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao earlier organised the 4.23 World Book Day Creative Competition under the same theme “Reading – My Travel Buddy”. The HKPL will hold a prize presentation ceremony at the HKCL tomorrow to commend participants from Hong Kong who excelled in the competition.
     
         In addition, a series of fun day activities suitable for people of all ages will be available at the HKCL on Saturday and Sunday. The activities include the “Next Station: Conservation” interactive talks tomorrow, where educators from Ocean Park Hong Kong will explore interesting facts about animals with participants, share the experiences of animal caretakers for giant pandas, and talk about a book titled “Whiskers and Friends: Polar Sports Challenge” to provide tips on energy saving and alleviating global warming.
     
         The “Understanding Pandas” workshop will be held on Sunday, where educator Tang Man-hon (STEM Sir) will explore with audiences the lives of giant pandas and the threats to their habitats. Renowned landscape photographer Kelvin Yuen will conduct an “On the Road” photography sharing session on the same day, discussing the creative process behind his works and the challenges encountered. Works by Yuen and winners of the Matching Quotes with Snapshots Competition will also be on display at the HKCL. Other activities include workshops on Chinese tea culture appreciation, mosquito-repelling fragrant sachet making, plant rubbing and dyeing, Zentangle art, tag making, and more.
     
         In collaboration with Bring Me A Book Hong Kong, the HKPL will hold REadCONNECT family activities at the HKCL on Sunday, including creative book-making workshops and “Author Meets and Greets” sessions hosted by picture book authors Rachel Ip, Shana Cheung, Benny Lau and Bonnie Pang. The authors will share how their observations of daily life inspire their works.
     
         The Pop-up Library@Hong Kong Reading Week will be held at D·PARK in Tsuen Wan on Sunday. Author Rap Chan, Korean culture and travel writer Joyce Cheuk, content creator SaiDorSi, and writer Christine Cappio will share their life stories and selected books on “soul empowerment”, accompanied by live music and sand painting performances. There will also be activity booths, including scented bookmark making and a virtual reality tour of the natural landscape and cultural attractions of China. The Library-on-Wheels outreach truck will be stationed outside D·PARK to provide a book-lending service, and members of the public can experience the convenience of the easy-to-use self-checkout service.
     
         Selected public libraries across Hong Kong will continue to have special decorations on Saturday and Sunday to create a fun-filled reading space. Workshops such as storytelling, landscape sketching, and making aroma stones will be held. Photo taking booths will be available at some selected public libraries for patrons to create travel-themed postcards.
     
         The HKRW is being held from April 19 to 27. Under the theme “Zoom/LIBRARY”, the HKRW holds about 450 online and on-site events to foster a reading habit among the public. All activities of the HKRW are free of charge, while seat reservations are required for some events. For details, please visit the website: www.hkpl.gov.hk/hkrwIssued at HKT 11:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/CHINA – Announcement on the website of the “Catholic Church in China” and the Patriotic Association: “Pope Francis has returned to the Father’s house”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Beijing (Fides Agency) – “Pope Francis returned to the Father’s House on April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. in the Residence of Santa Marta, at the age of 88. We pray that, thanks to God’s mercy, Pope Francis may enjoy eternal bliss in heaven.” This is the announcement published today, Thursday, April 24, on the website managed by the Patriotic Association and the so-called “Bishops’ Conference of the Catholic Church in China.”On April 22, Guo Jiakun, spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, expressed his “condolences” for the death of Pope Francis, stressing that “In recent years, China and the Vatican have maintained constructive contacts and conducted friendly exchanges.”At the same time, news about the Pope’s death continues to be published on websites, social networks, and all Chinese media outlets. Comments and reflections characterized by feelings of esteem and gratitude prevail, especially for the contribution made by the Bishop of Rome to world peace. His love for the Chinese people and Chinese Catholics, which he expressed many times, is also remembered.( Fides Agency 25/4/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – End of customs exemption for small packages worth less than EUR 150 – P-001549/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001549/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Pierre Jouvet (S&D)

    Over the past three years, Europe has seen a massive influx of products imported from China via e-commerce platforms that do not comply with European safety standards. Sent directly to consumers, they are exempt from customs controls and are exempt from charges, as their value is less than EUR 150.

    The volume of these products doubles each year. A US decree signed on 8 April 2025 provides for a tripling of tariffs on such parcels arriving in the US. This measure could induce China to redirect these export flows to the EU, further increasing the volume of imports.

    • 1.What does the Commission plan to do to speed up the end of the customs exemption for such imports? Work on the reform of the Customs Union Code is progressing slowly. Will this reform be completed in time to be implemented in 2028, and is the Commission prepared to bring this exemption to an end more swiftly?
    • 2.What certainty is there that China will honour the commitments it made during Commissioner Šefčovič’s visit to the country?

    Submitted: 16.4.2025

    Last updated: 25 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – US trade tariffs: measures to support the Greek fruit processing industry – E-001530/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001530/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Yannis Maniatis (S&D)

    The preserves industry is among those in the Greek agri-food sector affected by the recent US tariff announcements.

    The Greek fruit processing industry (peach, apricot and pear) is highly export-oriented, with around 98 % of total national production exported all around the world.

    The US is an extremely important market for Greek fruit processors, with 20 % of total canned peach exports going to the US market.

    It is worth noting that US imports of canned goods have already been subject to tariffs of 17.5 % for decades. Increasing them further would therefore spell disaster, especially if the EU and the US fail to reach an agreement at the end of the 3-month tariff suspension period announced by the Trump administration on 9 April 2025.

    In view of the above, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.What measures will it take to protect products such as preserves, which are already subject to tariffs when imported into the US?
    • 2.How does it intend to address a possible ramp-up of Chinese exports to the EU, given that the current US tariffs will prompt China to seek out new markets?
    • 3.Does it intend to take measures to support the sector in the face of non-EU countries such as Türkiye, which benefit from free imports of their products into the EU, while imposing unacceptable tariffs of 58.5 % on EU countries?

    Submitted: 14.4.2025

    Last updated: 25 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Taiwan Trade and Investment Service Center Opens in Fukuoka, Elevating Taiwan-Japan Economic Ties

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    In accordance with the strategy of Pursuing Global Opportunities with Domestic Supply Chains of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the Taiwan Trade and Investment Service Center in Fukuoka was officially inaugurated on April 21. This marks a significant milestone in economic cooperation between Japan and Taiwan.

    Considering their respective highly complementary industrial strengths, Taiwan and Japan are well-positioned to deepen collaboration through this newly established center. Functioning as both a bridge and a platform, the Center will integrate resources across government, industry, academia, and research sectors, offering one-stop services for businesses from both sides, such as investment consultation, industry matchmaking, technology exchange, and market development support.

    The opening ceremony brought together over 200 prominent figures from the political and business sectors of both Taiwan and Japan. During opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Cynthia Kiang emphasized that the center will play a key role in enabling Taiwanese and Japanese enterprises to jointly expand into Asia-Pacific and third-country markets, thereby fostering win-win partnerships and energizing regional value chains.

    For more information on the Taiwan Trade and Investment Service Center in Fukuoka, please visit the official website at https://fukuoka.taiwantrade.com or contact the center by e-mail at fukuoka@taitra.org.tw.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s consumer goods trade-in program drives sales of over 720 bln yuan

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

    BEIJING, April 25 — China’s extensive consumer goods trade-in program has made phased progress this year, delivering tangible benefits to consumers and driving sales growth, the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday.

    Li Gang, an official with the ministry, said that the program had enabled over 120 million consumers to receive cash subsidies, boosting sales to over 720 billion yuan (about 99.91 billion U.S. dollars).

    In a bid to stimulate consumer spending, China has rolled out an expansive trade-in policy across multiple sectors.

    By the end of Thursday, the nationwide trade-ins included 2.71 million vehicles, 47.47 million home appliances, and 4.2 million electric bicycles, Li said.

    The program also saw the sale of 36.61 million mobile phones and other digital products, and 37.12 million units of home decor products, kitchenware and bathroom ware, the official added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Technologies play vital role in archaeological activities at Liangzhu site

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

    Technologies play vital role in archaeological activities at Liangzhu site

    Updated: April 25, 2025 10:07 Xinhua
    Guests attending the Third UNESCO High-Level Forum for Museums view exhibits of the Liangzhu Museum with AR glasses in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on April 23, 2025. The Third UNESCO High-Level Forum for Museums is scheduled from April 23 to 25 in Hangzhou, gathering experts from more than 60 countries and regions to discuss the experience and practices of how museums play a role in cultural heritage protection and how to utilize new technologies. The Liangzhu site represents the 5,000-year history of the Chinese civilization. In 2019, the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In recent years, technologies have played a vital role in archaeological activities at the Liangzhu site, and they are helping better present the charms of this world heritage site to visitors. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Guests attending the Third UNESCO High-Level Forum for Museums visit the Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on April 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Guests attending the Third UNESCO High-Level Forum for Museums visit the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City Park in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on April 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit the Liangzhu Museum under the guidance of a docent in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on April 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Guests attending the Third UNESCO High-Level Forum for Museums visit the Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on April 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Researchers conduct experiments on “grass-wrapped mud”, a construction technique of the water conservancy system of the Liangzhu Ancient City, at a testing center of the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on April 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A researcher takes soil samples from the southern city wall of the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on April 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A researcher uses a drone to capture the layout of the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on April 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A researcher conducts pH tests on soil samples at a testing center of the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on April 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on April 23, 2025 shows a scene of the Third UNESCO High-Level Forum for Museums held in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on April 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A researcher takes soil samples from the southern city wall of the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on April 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Guests attending the Third UNESCO High-Level Forum for Museums visit the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City Park in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on April 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A guest attending the Third UNESCO High-Level Forum for Museums visits the Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on April 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Researchers conduct a physical disease control experiment at a testing center of the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on April 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Staff members monitor the real-time status of the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City with digital and intelligent applications in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on April 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi chairs CPC leadership meeting on economic situation and work

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

    BEIJING, April 25 — The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting on Friday to analyze and study the current economic situation and economic work.

    Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting.

    It was noted at the meeting that the country has seen its economy improve this year, with public confidence continuously boosted and solid progress made in high-quality development.

    However, the foundation for the country’s sustained economic recovery needs to be further consolidated, and the country faces increasing impact from external shocks, the meeting said.

    The meeting urged preparing for worst-case scenarios with sufficient planning, and taking concrete steps to do a good job in economic work.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi makes important instructions on work related to civil-military mutual support

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

    BEIJING, April 25 — Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, recently issued important instructions on work concerning mutual support between the military and the government as well as that between the military and the people, highlighting that civil-military mutual support is a fine tradition and unique political advantage for the Party, the military and the people. On the new journey, Xi stressed the need to adhere to the guidance of the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, uphold the Party’s overall leadership, deepen reform and innovation, improve policy mechanisms, and achieve continuous progress in promoting civil-military mutual support.

    He urged Party committees and governments at all levels to care about and support military development and reform, proactively address the concerns and resolve difficulties of officers and soldiers, and further foster a positive social atmosphere of valuing national defense, supporting the military and honoring military personnel. Xi stressed that the military should firmly establish a strong awareness of its fundamental purpose, actively support local construction and development, and take concrete actions to bring benefits and prosperity to the people. Xi called for close civil-military collaboration to consolidate and develop rock-solid unity between the military and the government and between the military and the people, so as to jointly write a new chapter of mutual love and support between the people and the military in the new era.

    The national conference on honoring model cities (counties) for civil-military mutual support was held in Beijing on April 23. Xi’s important instructions were conveyed at the conference. Li Qiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and premier of the State Council, attended and addressed the conference.

    In his speech, Li said that General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important expositions and instructions on civil-military mutual support are a summary of historical experience from work done in this respect under the Party’s leadership and the fruit of theoretical innovation, providing fundamental guidance for advancing work in this regard on the new journey of the new era. He called for resolute implementation of Xi’s instructions to continuously break new ground for work in this respect.

    Li said that in recent years, through all-around efforts across the military and the civilian sectors, progress has been made in promoting civil-military mutual support, relevant laws and regulations have been optimized, and social organizations and service networks supporting the military have been improved. The military has actively taken part in implementing major strategies such as poverty alleviation, rural revitalization and the consolidation of border defense. It has also outstandingly accomplished missions including emergency response and disaster relief, evacuation of citizens from foreign countries and escorting services, maintaining stability and addressing contingencies. The present and the near future constitute a critical period for our endeavor to build a great country and stride toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. Promoting civil-military mutual support connects and unites the two sides. We should ensure that work in this regard plays an important role in pooling strength and should leverage its unique advantage of providing two-way support, thus contributing to advancing the cause of the Party and the country.

    Li emphasized that all regions and departments must strengthen their awareness of national defense and overall strategic thinking, focus on key areas of military development and reform, enhance resource allocation and coordination, deepen civil-military collaboration, and proactively serve the modernization of national defense and the armed forces. Efforts should be made to take into account the practical needs of both active-duty and retired service members, enhance the targeted support services, and address wholeheartedly the concerns of military personnel, such as education for their children, employment for their spouses, and elderly care for their parents. Li also called for solid and down-to-earth efforts in the resettlement of retired military personnel, employment and entrepreneurship support, preferential treatment, and assistance to those in need. The military should be supported to take an active part in local economic and social development by leveraging its strengths, and to play a greater role in promoting high-quality development, supporting local work and maintaining public security and social stability. In addition to deepening the reform and innovation of work related to civil-military mutual support, Li also urged efforts to boost the quality and effectiveness of such work, improve the mechanisms for organization and leadership, further foster models in this regard, consolidate and expand the social foundation, and push for the effective implementation of the CPC Central Committee’s decisions and plans on the matter.

    At the conference, a decision was read out on honoring model cities (counties) for work related to civil-military mutual support, and awards were presented to representatives of them. Representatives from both the military and civil sectors delivered speeches.

    Shi Taifeng, Li Shulei, Zhang Youxia, Wang Dongming, Wu Zhenglong and Shen Yueyue attended the meeting, which was presided over by Shen Yiqin.

    Also present were representatives of the honored model cities (counties) for civil-military mutual support, members of the National Leading Group for Civil-Military Mutual Support, officials in charge of relevant military and civil departments, and officials in charge of leading groups and offices for civil-military mutual support of provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China ups efforts to combat IP violations in 2024

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

    BEIJING, April 25 — China intensified efforts to combat intellectual property (IP) violations in 2024, with strengthened law enforcement and international cooperation, an official said Friday.

    Market regulators handled 44,000 cases involving trademark, patent and other fields last year, with a total case value of nearly 1.13 billion yuan (about 156.8 million U.S. dollars), Bai Qingyuan, deputy director of the State Administration for Market Regulation, told a press briefing, citing an official report on fighting infringements and counterfeiting.

    China has comprehensively optimized its mechanisms to combat infringements and counterfeiting, the report said.

    Last year, the focus was placed on key sectors such as the internet, public welfare and copyright; major products like agricultural supplies, food and pharmaceuticals; and critical areas including exports, logistics, and trademark and patent application agencies.

    The crackdown reflects China’s commitment to strengthening IP protection as the country seeks to foster innovation-driven development and improve its business environment.

    According to the Global Innovation Index 2024 released by the World Intellectual Property Organization, China moved up one spot to 11th place in the ranking of the world’s most innovative economies, making it one of the fastest risers over the past decade.

    China is ready to deepen cooperation with other countries to uphold the international IP framework and build an innovation-friendly global environment, Bai said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University, Xi’an University Strengthen Cooperation at Anniversary Meeting

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    A delegation from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University visited Xi’an University of Technology. The visit was led by Vice-Rector for Educational Activities Lyudmila Pankova. SPbPU representatives took part in the ceremonial events dedicated to the 70th anniversary of one of the leading technical universities in China.

    This visit was an important step in the development of a long-term strategic partnership between the two universities, which includes joint educational programs, scientific research and academic exchanges. The meeting began with a reception of the SPbPU delegation by the President of STU, Professor Yao Yao, who noted that cooperation between the universities, which officially began in 2018, is developing dynamically. During this time, significant progress has been achieved in joint projects, including the establishment of the Joint Polytechnic Institute in 2023 – a key link in the training of engineering personnel for Russia and China. President Yao Yao proposed expanding cooperation in master’s and postgraduate educational programs.

    Lyudmila Pankova conveyed congratulations from SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy, who in his address called STU “a forge of talents” and emphasized that the joint initiatives of the two universities laid a solid foundation for long-term partnership. In response, the Chinese colleagues expressed gratitude for the support and noted that interaction with the Polytechnic University opens up new opportunities for students and researchers of both countries.

    The central event of the visit was the participation of the SPbPU delegation in a symposium on international education, where Lyudmila Pankova gave a report on “A New Model of Personnel Training to Achieve Technological Leadership”. In her speech, she shared the Polytechnic University’s experience in implementing innovative educational programs aimed at training specialists capable of responding to the challenges of the global economy.

    During the talks with Vice-Rector for Education and International Affairs Yan Li and Director of the Joint Polytechnic Institute STU-SPbPU Niu Tongjin, the parties discussed further development of cooperation, including expansion of student exchanges, joint research projects in the field of new materials, artificial intelligence and energy, as well as deepening interaction within the Joint Polytechnic Institute. The SPbPU delegation also visited advanced laboratories and research centers of STU, where they got acquainted with the latest developments of Chinese scientists.

    The visit ended with a constructive dialogue. Representatives of both universities confirmed their interest in further developing cooperation in science, education and technology, emphasizing the importance of sustainable ties between Russia and China.

    “Our cooperation with Xi’an University of Technology is not just an exchange of knowledge, but the creation of a single educational space where breakthrough ideas are born. The joint polytechnic institute has become a living example of how the academic traditions of Russia and the innovative potential of China are united to train highly qualified specialists of the new generation. Those who will determine the technological landscape of tomorrow,” noted Lyudmila Pankova.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bun tower ready for climbing carnival

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Cheung Chau Climbing Carnival, an integral part of the 2025 Bun Carnival, will be held at the Pak Tai Temple Playground soccer pitch on Cheung Chau this Sunday from noon to 6pm.

    Participants must be at least one metre in height and can enrol on the spot to climb the 14-metre bun tower that will be used for the Bun Scrambling Competition, due to be held on May 5 and 6.

    The Hong Kong, China Mountaineering & Climbing Union will brief entrants on the skills required and various safety aspects before they begin climbing.

    Meanwhile, visitors can make wishes at a Wishing Bun Tower at the venue. Other carnival activities and attractions include variety shows, handicraft workshops and game booths, as well as an exhibition of winning works from Student Drawing Competitions.

    One of the game booths will be geared towards promoting public participation in athlete selections for mass participation events at the 15th National Games.

    Prior to the climbing carnival, the Bun Tower Climbing Team Relay event – also part of the 2025 Bun Carnival – will be held from 9am to noon.

    Members of the public are invited to attend all of the day’s events and cheer for participants.

    Click here for more details.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: AI policies in Africa: lessons from Ghana and Rwanda

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Thompson Gyedu Kwarkye, Postdoctoral Researcher, University College Dublin

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing productivity and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. It powers self-driving cars, social media feeds, fraud detection and medical diagnoses. Touted as a game changer, it is projected to add nearly US$15.7 trillion to the global economy by the end of the decade.

    Africa is positioned to use this technology in several sectors. In Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, AI-led digital tools in use include drones for farm management, X-ray screening for tuberculosis diagnosis, and real-time tracking systems for packages and shipments. All these are helping to fill gaps in accessibility, efficiency and decision-making.

    However, it also introduces risks. These include biased algorithms, resource and labour exploitation, and e-waste disposal. The lack of a robust regulatory framework in many parts of the continent increases these challenges, leaving vulnerable populations exposed to exploitation. Limited public awareness and infrastructure further complicate the continent’s ability to harness AI responsibly.

    What are African countries doing about it?
    To answer this, my research mapped out what Ghana and Rwanda had in place as AI policies and investigated how these policies were developed. I looked for shared principles and differences in approach to governance and implementation.

    The research shows that AI policy development is not a neutral or technical process but a profoundly political one. Power dynamics, institutional interests and competing visions of technological futures shape AI regulation.

    I conclude from my findings that AI’s potential to bring great change in Africa is undeniable. But its benefits are not automatic. Rwanda and Ghana show that effective policy-making requires balancing innovation with equity, global standards with local needs, and state oversight with public trust.

    The question is not whether Africa can harness AI, but how and on whose terms.

    How they did it

    Rwanda’s National AI Policy emerged from consultations with local and global actors. These included the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, the Rwandan Space Agency, and NGOs like the Future Society, and the GIZ FAIR Forward. The resulting policy framework is in line with Rwanda’s goals for digital transformation, economic diversification and social development. It includes international best practices such as ethical AI, data protection, and inclusive AI adoption.

    Ghana’s Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations conducted multi-stakeholder workshops to develop a national strategy for digital transformation and innovation. Start-ups, academics, telecom companies and public-sector institutions came together and the result is Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2023–2033.

    Both countries have set up or plan to set up Responsible AI offices. This aligns with global best practices for ethical AI. Rwanda focuses on local capacity building and data sovereignty. This reflects the country’s post-genocide emphasis on national control and social cohesion. Similarly, Ghana’s proposed office focuses on accountability, though its structure is still under legislative review.

    Ghana and Rwanda have adopted globally recognised ethical principles like privacy protection, bias mitigation and human rights safeguards. Rwanda’s policy reflects Unesco’s AI ethics recommendations and Ghana emphasises “trustworthy AI”.

    Both policies frame AI as a way to reach the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Rwanda’s policy targets applications in healthcare, agriculture, poverty reduction and rural service delivery. Similarly, Ghana’s strategy highlights the potential to advance economic growth, environmental sustainability and inclusive digital transformation.

    Key policy differences

    Rwanda’s policy ties data control to national security. This is rooted in its traumatic history of identity-based violence. Ghana, by contrast, frames AI as a tool for attracting foreign investment rather than a safeguard against state fragility.

    The policies also differ in how they manage foreign influence. Rwanda has a “defensive” stance towards global tech powers; Ghana’s is “accommodative”. Rwanda works with partners that allow it to follow its own policy. Ghana, on the other hand, embraces partnerships, viewing them as the start of innovation.

    While Rwanda’s approach is targeted and problem-solving, Ghana’s strategy is expansive, aiming for large-scale modernisation and private-sector growth. Through state-led efforts, Rwanda focuses on using AI to solve immediate challenges such as rural healthcare access and food security. In contrast, Ghana looks at using AI more widely – in finance, transport, education and governance – to become a regional tech hub.

    Constraints and solutions

    The effectiveness of these AI policies is held back by broader systemic challenges. The US and China dominate in setting global standards, so local priorities get sidelined. For example, while Rwanda and Ghana advocate for ethical AI, it’s hard for them to hold multinational corporations accountable for breaches.

    Energy shortages further complicate large-scale AI adoption. Training models require reliable electricity – a scarce resource in many parts of the continent.

    To address these gaps, I propose the following:

    Investments in digital infrastructure, education and local start-ups to reduce dependency on foreign tech giants.

    African countries must shape international AI governance forums. They must ensure policies reflect continental realities, not just western or Chinese ones. This will include using collective bargaining power through the African Union to bring Africa’s development needs to the fore. It could also help with digital sovereignty issues and equitable access to AI technologies.

    Finally, AI policies must embed African ethical principles. These should include communal rights and post-colonial sensitivities.

    Thompson Gyedu Kwarkye 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. AI policies in Africa: lessons from Ghana and Rwanda – https://theconversation.com/ai-policies-in-africa-lessons-from-ghana-and-rwanda-253642

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Pacific editor welcomes US court ruling in favour of Radio Free Asia

    By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor

    The former head of BenarNews’ Pacific bureau says a United States court ruling this week ordering the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to release congressionally approved funding to Radio Free Asia and its subsidiaries “makes us very happy”.

    However, Stefan Armbruster, who has played a key role in expanding the news agency’s presence in the region, acknowledged, “there’s also more to do”.

    On March 14, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to defund USAGM outlets Radio Free Asia and Middle East Broadcasting Networks, including placing more than 1300 Voice of America employees on leave.

    “This order continues the reduction in the elements of the Federal bureaucracy that the President has determined are unnecessary,” the executive order states.

    Armbruster told RNZ Pacific Waves that the ruling found the Trump administration failed to provide evidence to support their actions.

    Signage for US broadcaster Voice of America in Washington, DC . . . Trump administration failed to provide evidence to support its actions. Image: RNZ Pacific

    “[Judge Royce Lamberth] is basically saying that the actions of the Trump administration [are] likely to have been illegal and unconstitutional in taking away the money from these organisations,” he said.

    Order to restore funding
    “The judgments are saying that the US administration should return funding to its overseas broadcasters, which include Voice of America [and] Radio Free Asia.”

    He said that in America, they can lay people off without a loss, and they can still remain employees. But these conditions did not apply for overseas employees.

    “Basically, all the overseas staff have been staff let go, except a very small number in the US who are on visas, dependent on their employment, and they have spoken out about this publicly.

    “They have got 60 days to find a job, a new sponsor for them, or they could face deportation to places like China, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

    “So for the former employees, at the moment, we are just waiting to see how this all plays out.”

    Armbruster said there were hints that a Trump administration could take such action during the election campaign, when the Trump team had flagged issues about the media.

    Speed ‘totally unexpected’
    However, he added the speed at which this has happened “was totally unexpected”.

    “And the judge ruled on that. He said that it is hard to fathom a more straightforward display of arbitrary, capricious action, basically, random and unexplained.

    “In short, the defendants had no method or approach towards shutting down USAGM that this Court could discern.”

    Armbruster said the US Congress funds the USAGM, and the agency has a responsibility to disburse that funding to Radio Free Europe, Voice of America, and Radio Free Asia.

    The judge ruled that the President does not have the authority to withhold that funding, he said.

    “We were funded through till September to the end of the financial year in the US.

    “In terms of how quickly [the executive order] came, it was a big surprise to all of us. Not totally unexpected that this would be happening, but not this way, not this hard.”

    BenarNews ‘gave a voice’
     The BenarNews Pacific bureau was initially set up two-and-a-half years ago but evolved into a fully-fledged bureau only 12 months ago. It had three fulltime staff based in Australia and about 15 stringers and commentators across the region.

    “We built up this fantastic network of people, and the response has been fantastic, just like Radio New Zealand [Pacific],” Armbruster said.

    “We were doing a really good thing and having some really amazing stories on our pages, and big successes. It gave a voice to a whole lot of Pacific journalists and commentators to tell stories from perspectives that were not being presented in other forums.

    “It is hard to say if we will come back because there has been a lot of court orders issued recently under this current US administration, and they sometimes are not complied with, or are very slowly complied with, which is why we are still in the process.”

    However, Armbruster remains hopeful there will be “some interesting news” next week.

    “The judgment also has a little bit of a kicker in the tail, because it is not just an order to do [restore funding].

    “It is an order to turn up on the first day of each month, and to appraise the court of what action is [the USAGM] taking to disburse the funds.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai presides over fourth meeting of National Climate Change Committee

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    On the afternoon of April 24, President Lai Ching-te presided over the fourth meeting of the National Climate Change Committee. In his opening statement, the president stated that the government will steadily implement a carbon pricing system, carefully plan a Taiwan version of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and assist enterprises to gradually compile a product carbon footprint digital database, while promoting the circular economy and industry internationalization to create a Green Taiwan brand. He also stated that we will leverage our financial market, driving society as a whole to take sustainable action; and expand capacity to foster green-collar professionals, laying the foundation for Taiwan’s sustainable future.
    President Lai emphasized that regardless of how the external environment changes, green transition and sustainable development are the cornerstones of long-term national prosperity. He stated that the government will work with the private sector to turn crises into opportunities and actively address the challenges of climate change and net-zero transition to promote an orderly transition. This, he said, will keep the nation on the path forward, make Taiwan stronger, better, and more resilient, and leave a prosperous and sustainable homeland for future generations.
    A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
    Today is the fourth meeting of the National Climate Change Committee. First, I would like to once again thank all of the advisors and committee members for your active participation over the past several months. The valuable suggestions you have provided allowed us to propose new emissions reduction targets at the last meeting as we continue to move toward our vision of net-zero emissions by 2050.
    The day before yesterday was Earth Day, and I was in this same room to meet and exchange ideas with many friends from environmental protection groups. I am very grateful to these forerunners and partners for their efforts and contributions to protect this land, Taiwan.
    Amidst global climate change and the reshaping of international trade patterns, extreme weather disasters occur frequently around the world and requirements for carbon reduction in international supply chains continue to expand. The government of the United States has also recently proposed new tariff policies that present Taiwan’s industries with many challenges. 
    We have observed that as many industries are facing increased uncertainty in their operations, the private sector has adopted a wait-and-see attitude regarding carbon reduction and environment, social, and governance (ESG) efforts. In response, the administrative team is actively assessing the situation and continuously adjusting strategies; it will definitely support our industries. 
    However, regardless of how the external environment changes, green transition and sustainable development are the cornerstones of long-term national prosperity. We must remain committed to resilient and forward-looking strategies to promote the transition to low-carbon models and sustainable development for domestic industries, build comprehensive green supply chains, enhance the international competitiveness of our industries, and bolster our national strengths.
    The government will work with the private sector to turn crises into opportunities, and actively address the challenges of climate change and net-zero transition. This will allow Taiwan’s economy to continue transitioning and progressing and remain committed to moving toward low-carbon and sustainable models. This will also keep the nation on the path forward and make Taiwan stronger, better, and more resilient.
    At today’s meeting, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) will deliver a report on responding to ongoing changes and seizing opportunities for green transition, and the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) will report on financing for the green and energy transition to support Taiwan’s net-zero efforts. Those reports will explain how the administrative team is strengthening climate governance and execution, as well as how they are assisting various sectors to face challenges, align with international standards, seize opportunities, and jointly move toward a new low-carbon and sustainable future.
    The government will steadily implement a carbon pricing system and align with international standards to avoid foreign tariff penalties on high-carbon industries, which will ensure a competitive advantage for exports. We will also carefully plan a Taiwan version of the CBAM to maintain reasonable and fair domestic competition.
    The government will assist enterprises, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises, by providing carbon reduction tools such as carbon footprint verification and ESG disclosure, and will gradually compile a product carbon footprint digital database and support export enterprise efforts to meet international requirements. At the same time, we will drive resource integration and promote the circular economy and industry internationalization to create a Green Taiwan brand.
    In promoting net-zero transition, the financial sector plays a crucial role. By designing diverse investment and financing tools and financial products, and incorporating ESG factors into credit assessments, the financial sector can lead the way for enterprises and the public to take climate risks seriously. At the same time, it can support the development of low-carbon industries, thereby driving society as a whole to take sustainable action.
    Taiwan is a major financial market in Asia. On a solid foundation in ESG and sustainable finance, we must leverage our financial market, contributing Taiwan’s wisdom and strength to achieve the global net-zero transition.
    At the last meeting, I mentioned that strengthening social communication and climate change education are very important. Currently, the Executive Yuan, MOENV, and central government agencies have launched a series of social communication meetings regarding the proposed flagship carbon reduction projects for six major sectors, namely energy, manufacturing, transportation, residential and commercial, agricultural, and environment. At these meetings, representatives are invited from industry, government, academia, research institutions, and civil society groups to actively engage in dialogue and forge a consensus through collaborative thinking about climate solutions.
    In addition, the MOENV is collaborating with colleges and universities to establish an alliance to foster professionals in the net-zero and green-collar sectors. To this end, it will set up separate training centers in the north, central, southern, and eastern regions to expand capacity to train green-collar professionals. I also hope that, in addition to lectures given on university campuses, online courses on climate and net-zero topics can be designed specifically for high school students and teachers.
    Because we cannot leave anyone behind on the path to net-zero, we must actively engage in dialogue with young people and gradually prepare them to enter emerging green sector jobs to empower the nation and lay the foundation for Taiwan’s sustainable future.
    Let’s work together with the financial sector, industry, and all sectors of society to promote an orderly transition, achieve our vision for net-zero emissions by 2050, and leave a prosperous and sustainable homeland for future generations. Thank you. 
    Following his statement, President Lai heard a report on responding to ongoing changes and seizing opportunities for green transition from Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) and a report on financing for the green and energy transition to support Taiwan’s net-zero efforts from FSC Chairperson Peng Jin-lung (彭金隆). Afterward, President Lai exchanged views with the committee members regarding the content of the reports.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Visits Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, Hears How Trump’s Trade War is Depressing Canadian Tourism and Affecting Local Agriculture

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ***PHOTOS and B-ROLL HERE***
    Mount Vernon, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, visited the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and heard about how Trump’s trade war is affecting the agricultural landscape and depressing Canadian visitation to the valley, where tourism is a large driver for the regional economy. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival was established in 1984 as a simple two-day celebration, but has since grown to a month-long, county-wide tradition. The festival’s mission is to support the ongoing preservation and celebration of Skagit Valley’s agricultural and cultural heritage with a variety of educational and community engagement initiatives. The festival features five major farms and gardens and attracts more than one million visitors, on average, from around the globe.
    Senator Murray was joined for the visit by Leo Roozen, President of the Washington Bulb Company; Brent Roozen, and Nicole Roozen, Executive Director of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. The visit began at the Washington Bulb Office, where Murray heard about the history of their family-run business and how Trump’s chaotic trade war with Canada is creating new uncertainty for them and has meant less Canadian visitation to the region, which hurts their business’s bottom line. Next, Senator Murray received a tour of the greenhouse and bulb production facility, followed by a tour of the RoozenGaarde display gardens down the road. RoozenGaarde is the oldest and largest garden in the Tulip Festival. The Roozens began farming tulips in Holland before settling in Skagit County in 1947 where they established the Washington Bulb Company, planting their first display garden in 1984.
    “The Tulip Festival is such a big deal for Skagit County—not only does it draw in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, but it’s a huge driver of economic activity for the region, so it’s important to be here in person,” said Senator Murray. “It was especially important for me to hear from tulip growers about how their businesses, and this year’s festival, is already being affected by Trump’s trade war with Canada. Northwest Washington agriculture and businesses are on the very front lines of Trump’s trade chaos—and his tariffs on Canada, the retaliatory tariffs, and Canadians’ widespread anger over Trump’s provocations are already seriously hurting their bottom lines. There is simply no reason for us to be picking trade wars with our close allies like Canada and I’ve been loud about how Congress needs to step in and put an end to this chaos—but the bottom line is that we need Republicans to stand up with us and say ‘enough.’ I’ll be taking what I heard here today back with me to the other Washington as I keep fighting to advocate for our state’s trade economy and end Trump’s pointless trade war that is hurting Washington state.”  
    “We are honored to welcome Senator Murray to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and RoozenGaarde,” said Nicole Roozen, Executive Director of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. “The Senator’s visit underscores the meaningful role agriculture plays in Skagit Valley and reaffirms the importance of supporting the communities that help this region to flourish.”
    Washington state has one of the most trade-dependent economies of any state in the country, with 40 percent of jobs tied to international commerce. Washington state is the top U.S. producer of apples, blueberries, hops, pears, spearmint oil, and sweet cherries—all of which risk losing vital export markets due to retaliatory tariffs from key trading partners including Canada. Additionally, more than 12,000 small and medium-sized companies in Washington state export goods and will struggle to absorb the impact of retaliatory tariffs. Canada is Washington’s largest trading partner, accounting for nearly $20 billion in imports and $10 billion in exports. China is the world’s second-largest economy and Washington state exported over $12 billion in goods to China last year—making China Washington state’s top export partner—and imported $11.2 billion in goods, the most in imports from any country aside from Canada. Trump’s tariffs during his first term were extremely costly for Washington state—for example, India imposed a 20 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. apples, causing Washington apple shipments to India to fall by 99 percent and growers to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in exports.
    Senator Murray has been a vocal opponent of Trump’s chaotic trade war and has been lifting up the voices of people in Washington state harmed by this administration’s approach to trade and calling on Republicans to end Trump’s trade war—which Congress has the power to do—and take back Congress’ Constitutionally-granted power to impose tariffs. Earlier this month, Senator Murray brought together leaders across Washington state who highlighted how Trump’s ongoing trade war is already a devastating hit to Washington state’s economy, businesses, and our agriculture sector. Senator Murray also took to the Senate floor to lay out how Trump’s chaotic trade war is seriously threatening our economy, American businesses, families’ retirement savings, and so much else. Last week, Senator Murray joined her colleagues in pressing U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on how the Trump administration’s tariffs are affecting farmers across the country.
    Last week, Senator Murray held a roundtable discussion in Tacoma with local businesses and ports, toured local businesses in downtown Vancouver, and held a roundtable discussion in Vancouver with local businesses and ports to highlight how Trump’s trade war is hurting businesses and our economy Washington state. Earlier this week, Senator Murray met with small business owners in Seattle’s University District to hear how Trump’s tariffs and the broader economic uncertainty are affecting them.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU plans to create specialized international classes to prepare for university admission on the basis of Chinese schools

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Novosibirsk State University plans to begin training Chinese schoolchildren for university admission. For this purpose, specialized “international classes” with a total of 60 people will be created on the basis of Chinese schools. The training will be conducted in the natural sciences, and the curriculum will be built on the model SUNC NSU (Physics and Mathematics Schools). Classes are scheduled to open in September 2025.

    NSU is taking a strategically important step by creating a school-university system for Chinese students. This will not only attract talent to Russia, but also strengthen scientific and educational cooperation between the countries.

    From March 28 to April 4, a working trip of the heads of educational institutions of Novosibirsk and Izhevsk to Henan Province, PRC was organized. The initiators of this project were Novosibirsk State University and Izhevsk State Technical University named after M.T. Kalashnikov. The delegation included: Head of the Education Export Department of NSU E.I. Sagaydak, Director of the Novosibirsk Institute for Monitoring and Development of Education of the Novosibirsk Region N.V. Yaroslavtseva, Deputy Director of the Institute O.V. Nedosyp, Head of the Education Department of the Kochenevsky District Administration A.S. Bobin, Director of the NSTU Engineering Lyceum M.A. Bezlepkina and Director of School No. 112 V.N. Platonov, as well as other directors of schools and lyceums from Izhevsk.

    During the week, the Russian delegation visited several secondary educational institutions, including the school at the Shaolin Monastery, Kaifeng Vocational College and the education departments of the cities of Henan Province: Dengfeng, Zhongmou, Kaifeng and Xinxiang, as well as the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing.

    During the visit, a productive exchange of experience in the field of teaching methods and pedagogical practices took place. Particular attention was paid to the development of a cooperation strategy in the following areas: teaching Russian and Chinese languages, academic mobility of schoolchildren and teachers, and the development of joint educational programs, including the creation of “international classes”.

    Four schools in Henan Province — Zhongmou Foreign Language Middle School, Zhongmu No. 3 Senior School, Xinxiang No. 7 Senior School, and Henan Normal University Affiliated Xinxiang Middle School — held official ceremonies to award these schools a special status: training talents for admission to Novosibirsk State University. These schools will host Olympiads in mathematics, physics, and information technology, and the winners and prize winners will be able to study in Russia at the expense of the Russian Federation budget.

    — One of the tasks that NSU sets for itself is to increase the number of foreign students, including those from China. We strive to select the most talented and gifted schoolchildren. Therefore, NSU is selecting strong secondary schools in China to create specialized “international classes” where joint training of schoolchildren will be organized for early career guidance and preparation for admission to our university, — noted Evgeniy Sagaydak, Head of the NSU Education Export Department.

    Teaching in “international classes” will be conducted in the last three years of school: in the first year, students will study Russian with a visiting teacher from Russia; in the second year, they will study mathematics, physics and chemistry under the guidance of teachers from the NSU SUNC; in the third year, students will study at home or be invited to the NSU SUNC. The students will be trained in the natural sciences using the model of early entry into science, which has been successfully implemented and used for over 60 years at the NSU Physics and Mathematics School.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –