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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government opposes smears by EU against Police’s lawful enforcement actions

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (August 1) strongly opposes and disapproves of the slanderous remarks by the European Union (EU) on the HKSAR’s lawful act to pursue wanted persons who have endangered national security and absconded from Hong Kong. 

         A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, “Endangering national security is a very serious offence. No country will watch with folded arms on acts and activities that endanger national security. The ‘Hong Kong Parliament’ is an organisation that aims to subvert state power; its objectives include promoting ‘self-determination’, promulgating the so-called ‘Hong Kong Constitution’, and overthrowing or undermining the basic system of the People’s Republic of China established by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China or overthrowing the body of the central power of the People’s Republic of China or the body of power of the HKSAR with unlawful means, thereby suspected of committing the offence of ‘Subversion’ contrary to Article 22 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL). Thus, the Police applied to the court for arrest warrants in accordance with the law and placed the persons on a wanted list. Any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts, including those involving collusion with foreign or external forces, is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law, and this totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.

         “Extraterritorial effect for offences under the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world. As the law enforcement department of the HKSAR safeguarding national security, the Hong Kong Police are duty-bound to pursue the liability of those who have allegedly endangered national security outside Hong Kong. Those absconders hiding outside Hong Kong are wanted because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security. Moreover, they continue to collude with external forces to cover for their evil deeds. It is necessary for the Police to take all lawful measures to strongly combat the acts of abscondment, and such actions are fully justified, necessary and legitimate.

         “We have to stress that both the HKNSL and the SNSO clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR. The rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of speech, of the press and of publication, and the freedoms of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration, enjoyed by Hong Kong people under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applicable to the HKSAR are protected in accordance with the law. Nonetheless, just as in other places in the world, many of the rights and freedoms are not absolute. The ICCPR also expressly states that certain rights and freedoms including the freedom of expression may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for the protection of national security, public safety, public order, the rights and freedoms of others, etc. Regarding an extremely small minority of organisations and individuals endangering national security, the HKSAR Government will not condone their criminal acts and will not give up pursuing them, including adopting all practical measures to bring those fugitives endangering national security who have absconded from Hong Kong to justice.”

         The spokesman emphasised, “Absconders should not think they can evade criminal liability by absconding from Hong Kong. Ultimately, they will be held liable for their acts constituting serious offences endangering national security and be punished by the law. No country or organisation should harbour criminals nor try to exonerate these people with different excuses.”

         The spokesman reiterated, “The HKSAR Government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, while upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of ‘one country, two systems’. The HKSAR Government strongly demands that the EU immediately stop acting against international law and basic norms of international relations and interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China’s internal affairs.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Communications Authority press release

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The following is issued on behalf of the Communications Authority:
     
         This press release summarises the decisions of the Communications Authority (CA) following its 144th meeting held in July 2025.
     
    CA approves renewal application for non-domestic television programme service (non-domestic TV) licence from WarnerMedia Asia Pacific (HK) Limited
    ———————————————————————————————————–
     
         The CA approved the application from WarnerMedia Asia Pacific (HK) Limited for renewal of its non-domestic TV licence for 12 years, from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2037 (both dates inclusive). Currently, there are nine non-domestic TV licensees providing around 150 satellite television programme channels for the Asia-Pacific region.
     
    CA accepts commitments offered by China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited (CMHK) in relation to proposed acquisition of HKBN Ltd by CMHK
    ———————————————————————————————————-
     
         The CA announced today (August 1) its decision to accept the commitments offered by CMHK in relation to the proposed acquisition of HKBN Ltd by CMHK (Proposed Transaction), and not to commence an investigation under the Competition Ordinance (Cap. 619) (CO).
     
         CMHK announced the Proposed Transaction on December 2, 2024, which falls within the scope of the Merger Rule under the CO. After conducting a competition assessment of the Proposed Transaction, the CA identified a competition issue on fixed local access network that would likely arise from the Proposed Transaction, and communicated such concern to CMHK.
     
         In May 2025, CMHK offered a set of commitments to the CA to address the potential competition concern arising from the Proposed Transaction (Proposed Commitments). On May 29, 2025, the CA issued a notice inviting representations from the industry and interested parties regarding its intended acceptance of the Proposed Commitments. Among others, a concern about mobile backhauls was raised by the industry in their representations. In response, CMHK offered a set of revised commitments to the CA (Revised Commitments). Having carefully considered the representations received, the Revised Commitments offered by CMHK and all relevant information, the CA is satisfied that the Revised Commitments are sufficient to effectively address the potential competition concerns arising from the Proposed Transaction. Therefore, the CA has decided to accept the Revised Commitments and not to commence an investigation on the Proposed Transaction. For more details on the CA’s decision, please refer to the CA Statement released today.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi, Nepali president exchange congratulations on 70th anniversary of ties

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

    Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nepali President Ram Chandra Poudel on Friday exchanged congratulations on the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

    Noting that China and Nepal are connected by mountains and rivers, and their friendly exchanges have a long history, Xi said that no matter how the international and regional situations change, the two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals, and engaged in mutually beneficial cooperation, setting a model for friendly relations between countries with different social systems and of different sizes.

    In recent years, China-Nepal relations have seen sound and stable development, and political mutual trust has grown ever stronger, said Xi, adding that the Belt and Road cooperation as well as cooperation in various fields have witnessed increasing expansion, and the strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity between the two sides has been continuously deepened.

    Xi said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Nepal relations, and is ready to work with Poudel to take the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in all fields, so as to better benefit the peoples of both countries, and contribute to regional peace and development.

    For his part, Poudel said that over the past 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have consistently upheld mutual trust, sovereign equality and peaceful coexistence, adding that their friendship has withstood the test of time.

    Noting that China is a trustworthy neighbor and development partner of Nepal, he said Nepal is grateful for China’s long-standing support for its development and for respecting Nepal’s sovereignty and independence.

    Nepal firmly adheres to the one-China principle and looks forward to working hand in hand with China to further deepen cooperation in various sectors, and realize the shared vision of peace, progress and prosperity, he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Trade – Trump’s tariffs cement new multipolar global economy: deVere CEO

    Source: deVere Group

    August 1 2025 – Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs are not just reshaping global trade – they are accelerating the rise of a multipolar global economy.

    The shift away from a US-dominated system is no longer theoretical, it is active and accelerating.

    “Multipolarity now defines the direction of global trade,” says Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory and asset management organizations.

    “These tariffs are forcing countries to rewire their trade, capital, and strategic priorities. The world is moving toward multiple centres of economic power and influence.”

    Effective August 7, the US will impose tariffs on nearly every major trading partner.

    Countries running a trade deficit with the US face a 15% floor. Canada has been hit with 35%. Brazil, 50%.

    India now faces a 25% rate, alongside a financial penalty for continuing energy and defence ties with Russia—despite being positioned by Trump as a close ally.

    “India’s inclusion shows how quickly partners can become pressure points. This pressure is already nudging New Delhi toward deeper cooperation with trade rival Beijing. The consequences will be long-term.”

    While trade deals with China and Mexico remain under negotiation, the broader international response is already unfolding.

    “Beijing, Moscow, and increasingly Delhi are coordinating more closely on trade, infrastructure and investment. Long-time allies like Switzerland and Taiwan are reassessing risk. Many governments are seeking to reduce exposure to Washington’s economic leverage altogether.

    “This isn’t a rerun of past trade disputes. It is a global shift away from reliance on the US as the central node. New trade networks are forming by necessity, not necessarily by preference.”

    Diplomatic talks with China have intensified in recent months, with meetings in Geneva, London and Stockholm.

    Beijing is focused on securing a continued freeze on US semiconductor export controls. Washington is demanding action on fentanyl, greater access for American firms, and increased Chinese purchases of US goods. But the real story lies beyond the negotiating table.

    “Tariffs are being baked in as permanent features of the new economic order. Countries are responding by building systems that can operate without US permission.”

    The US tariff list now stretches across continents. Switzerland faces 39%. South Africa, Libya, Algeria, Serbia, and several others between 30% and 41%. Taiwan, Israel, Pakistan, and Norway are all in the 15–20% range. The sweep is deliberate—and global.

    “Markets are adjusting. Capital is shifting. Supply chains are realigning around regional strength, not global scale.”

     

    Nigel Green continues: “The dollar remains dominant, but its influence is no longer unchallenged.

    “Central banks are pursuing alternatives. Reserve diversification is accelerating. Regional trading blocs are pushing forward with new payments infrastructure, less reliant on Washington’s rules.

    “This fragmentation is the new baseline. The post-war consensus on trade and financial cooperation is fading. What replaces it is a world of multiple economic power and influence centres, each with their own rules and reach.”

    For investors, the implications are direct. Correlations are weakening. Policy risk is climbing. Exposure to geopolitical realignment is no longer abstract, it’s active.

    “Anyone still expecting a return to the old system is behind the curve. This is the direction of travel now. Global trade will be multipolar. Capital allocation must reflect that.”

    The deVere CEO concludes: “It locks in a new world order where influence is distributed, and alignment is increasingly transactional. For global investors, it marks the start of a generation-defining realignment.

    “From here, economic and trade power is going to become more fragmented—and competition for it more intense.”

    deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In the first half of 2025, domestic tourist flow in China increased by 20.6 percent.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) — China’s domestic tourist flow exceeded 3.28 billion person-times in the first half of 2025, up 20.6 percent year-on-year, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Friday.

    A total of 3.15 trillion yuan (about 441 billion US dollars) was spent on these trips during the reporting period, an increase of 15.2 percent year-on-year.

    Notably, in the first six months of this year, the number of domestic passenger trips made by rural residents increased by 30.6 percent year-on-year, while spending on them increased by 30.1 percent compared with the first half of last year. The growth rates of both indicators were significantly higher than those of urban residents, according to the data. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Peking University’s Belt and Road Research Institute Opens in Xinjiang

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    URUMQI, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) — The opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Research Institute of Peking University-Xinjiang was held in Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Friday. The establishment of the institute is aimed at further and thorough promotion of the joint construction of the Belt and Road, promoting high-quality development in Xinjiang and building a new pattern of opening up to the outside world in the region.

    Vice Chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People’s Government and Secretary of the Kashgar Prefecture Party Committee Nie Zhuang delivered a speech at the event, saying that the establishment of the research institute is of great significance for both Xinjiang and Kashgar.

    “I am confident that the institute will promote the integrated development of education, science and technology, as well as the training of highly qualified personnel in the region, accelerate the transformation of Kashgar into a springboard for opening up to the West, and promote modernization in Xinjiang,” he said.

    Piao Shilong, vice-president of Peking University, said the university attaches great importance to the construction of the institute, integrating interdisciplinary advantages and implementing a new model of establishing research institutes away from the home campus.

    “In the future, the institute will conduct in-depth research in key areas such as energy and mineral resources, ecological environment, regions and countries, historical archaeology, strengthening the consciousness of the Chinese nation and new structural economy,” Piao Shilong added.

    He also noted that the institute will strive to provide reliable scientific, technological and intellectual support for the high-quality development of Xinjiang and build it into a leading talent pool and innovation hub covering Central and South Asia and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China clarifies rules for tax breaks on reinvested dividends for foreign investors

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) — China’s General Administration of Taxation (GATT) has released detailed rules for foreign investors to claim tax breaks on reinvested dividends, providing operational guidance on the preferential tax treatment under the newly unveiled policy measures.

    In June this year, the Ministry of Finance, the State Tax Administration and the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China announced that they would provide foreign investors with a 10 percent corporate income tax rebate on direct domestic investment financed by dividends from profits of enterprises resident in the People’s Republic of China.

    The benefit, which will be in effect from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028, will allow unused tax credits to be carried forward to a later date and allow lower rates to be applied under applicable tax treaties.

    According to a notice issued by the State Tax Service on Thursday, profits used to make additional contributions to subscribed authorized capital or to increase paid-in capital or capital reserves qualify as reinvestment.

    The agency’s notice also explains the scope of this tax incentive, including the definition of the time period for reinvestment, the method for calculating the tax credit amount, and the procedures for foreign investors to receive tax incentives.

    Notably, China offers tax incentives to encourage overseas investment. In 2024, the preferential policy of temporarily exempting foreign investors from paying taxes on certain types of profits led to a rapid increase in foreign reinvestment in China, according to previously published data from the State Tax Inspectorate of China. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt rejects EU’s slanderous remarks

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strongly opposes and disapproves of the European Union’s (EU) slanderous remarks on the Hong Kong SAR’s lawful act to pursue wanted persons who have endangered national security and absconded from the city.

     

    In a statement today, the Hong Kong SAR Government strongly demands that the EU immediately stop acting against international law and basic norms of international relations, and stop interfering in Hong Kong matters which are purely China’s internal affairs.

     

    It emphasised that endangering national security is a very serious offence, adding that no country will watch with folded arms on acts and activities that endanger national security.

     

    It also noted that the “Hong Kong Parliament” is an organisation that aims to subvert state power. Its objectives include promoting “self-determination” and promulgating the so-called “Hong Kong Constitution”; and overthrowing or undermining the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) basic system established by the PRC Constitution or overthrowing the PRC’s body of central power or the Hong Kong SAR’s body of power with unlawful means.

     

    As such, the organisation is suspected of committing the offence of subversion contrary to Article 22 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL).

     

    Hence, Police applied to the court for arrest warrants in accordance with the law and placed the persons on a wanted list.

     

    The Hong Kong SAR Government said that any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts, including those involving collusion with foreign or external forces, is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law.

     

    This totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law, it added.

     

    Extraterritorial effect for offences under the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world.

     

    As the Hong Kong SAR’s law enforcement department safeguards national security, Police are duty-bound to pursue the liability of those who have allegedly endangered national security outside Hong Kong.

     

    Those absconders hiding outside Hong Kong are wanted because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security. Moreover, they continue to collude with external forces to cover for their evil deeds.

     

    It is necessary for Police to take all lawful measures to strongly combat the acts of abscondment, and such actions are fully justified, necessary and legitimate, the Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out.

     

    It stressed that both the HKNSL and the SNSO clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR.

     

    The rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights as applicable to the Hong Kong SAR are protected in accordance with the law.

     

    Nonetheless, just as in other places in the world, many of the rights and freedoms are not absolute. The ICCPR also expressly states that certain rights and freedoms including the freedom of expression may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for the protection of national security, public safety, public order, and the rights and freedoms of others.

     

    Regarding an extremely small minority of organisations and individuals endangering national security, the Hong Kong SAR Government said that it will not condone their criminal acts and will not give up pursuing them, including adopting all practical measures to bring those fugitives endangering national security who have absconded from Hong Kong to justice.

     

    It reiterated that absconders should not think they can evade criminal liability by absconding from Hong Kong. Ultimately, they will be held liable for their acts constituting serious offences endangering national security and be punished by the law. No country or organisation should harbour criminals nor try to exonerate these people with different excuses.

     

    The Hong Kong SAR Government made it clear that it will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the city, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, while upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, in order to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems”.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    August 5, 2025

  • Toxic metals found in Himalayan clouds, pose health risk: study

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A new scientific study has found that clouds drifting over the Eastern Himalayas and Western Ghats are carrying toxic heavy metals, posing potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks, especially to children.

    The study, conducted by the Bose Institute—an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology (DST),  Ministry of Science & Technology , Government of India—found that clouds over the Eastern Himalayas contain 1.5 times higher pollution levels than those over the Western Ghats. This is largely due to emissions from heavy vehicular traffic and industrial activity in the foothill regions, the report noted.

    The research team, led by Dr. Sanat Kumar Das, Associate Professor at Bose Institute, detected harmful concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in non-precipitating clouds during the onset of the monsoon season. These clouds were found to be a major medium of long-range transport of pollutants from the lowlands to high-altitude regions.

    “The inhalation of cloud water laced with dissolved heavy metals is a significant exposure pathway, particularly in the Eastern Himalayas. This poses high health risks, especially among children, who are 30% more vulnerable than adults,” said Dr. Das.

    Published in the journal Environmental Advances, the study used statistical models to assess health risks through multiple exposure routes, including inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption. It found that the presence of carcinogenic metals like dissolved chromium in the cloud water notably raises the likelihood of developing cancer and other health issues.

    Despite the concerning findings, researchers noted that Indian clouds remain relatively less polluted compared to countries like China, Pakistan, Italy, and the United States. However, they cautioned that rising pollution levels and the lack of prior data on metal contamination in monsoon clouds make this an emerging public health concern.

    The study challenges long-held assumptions about the purity of mountain rainwater and opens a new avenue for atmospheric and health-related research in the region.

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Why Donald Trump has stopped some conflicts but is failing with Ukraine and Gaza

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham

    In yet another twist in his unpredictable decision making, US president Donald Trump has dramatically shortened his original 50-day ultimatum to Vladimir Putin to call a ceasefire in Ukraine to a mere ten days. It’s an unmistakable sign of Trump’s frustration with the Russian leader who he now appears to view as the main obstacle to ending the war.

    Progress has been similarly limited on another of Trump’s flagship foreign policy projects: ending the war in Gaza. As a humanitarian catastrophe engulfs the territory, Trump and some of his Maga base are finally challenging Israel’s denials that, after almost two years of war, many Gazans now face a real risk of starvation.

    In neither case have his efforts to mediate and bring an end to the violence borne any fruit. But not all of Trump’s efforts to stop violence in conflicts elsewhere in the world have been similarly futile. The administration brokered a ceasefire between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which the two countries’ foreign ministers signed in Washington on June 27.

    The US president has also claimed to be behind the ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May after the two sides had engaged in several days of fierce combat following a terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir by a Pakistan-backed rebel group. And, drawing a clear parallel between this conflict and the border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand in July, Trump announced he had pushed both countries’ leaders to negotiate a ceasefire.

    All of these ceasefires, so far, have held. By contrast, the ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, to which Trump contributed in January, even before he was inaugurated for his second term, broke down in March and fighting has escalated ever since. A short-lived ceasefire in Ukraine in April was barely worth its name given the countless violations.

    Mixed record

    Three factors can explain Trump’s mixed record of peacemaking to date. First, the US president is more likely to succeed in stopping the fighting where he has leverage and is willing to use it to force foreign leaders to bend to his will. For example, Trump was very clear that there would be no trade negotiations with Thailand or Cambodia “until such time as the fighting STOPS”.

    The crucial difference, so far, with the situation in the war against Ukraine is that Trump has, and has used, similar leverage only with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky. This led to a US-Ukraine agreement on a 30-day ceasefire proposal just two weeks after the now-notorious row between Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office.

    The mere threat of sanctions against Russia, by contrast, has done little to persuade Putin to accept whatever deal might Trump offer him. Trump’s threats – which he has never followed through on – did not work in January or May. The Kremlin’s initial reactions to the latest ultimatum from the White House do not indicate a change in Putin’s attitude.

    A second factor that may explain why Trump has had peacemaking success in some cases but not others is the level of complexity of US interests involved. When it comes to US relations with Russia and Israel, there is a lot more at stake for Trump.

    The US president still appears keen to strike a grand bargain with Russia and China under which Washington, Beijing and Moscow would agree to recognise, and not interfere in, their respective spheres of influence. This could explains his hesitation so far to follow through on his threats to Putin.

    Similarly, US interests in the Middle East – whether it’s over Iran’s nuclear programme or relations with America’s Gulf allies – have put strains on the alliance with Israel. Trump also needs to weigh carefully the impact of any move against, or in support of, Israel on his domestic support base.

    In the deal Trump brokered between Rwanda and the DRC, the issues at stake were much simpler: access for US investors to the mineral riches of the eastern DRC. Just days into his second term, Trump acknowledged that the conflict was a “very serious problem”. Congo’s president, Felix Tshisekedi, responded by offering the US access to minerals in exchange for pushing Rwanda to a deal to end the invasion and stop supporting proxy forces in the DRC.

    This leads to the third factor that has enabled Trump’s peace-making success so far: simpler solutions are easier to achieve. Thailand and Cambodia and India and Pakistan can go back to the situation before their recent fighting. That does not resolve any of the underlying issues in their conflicts, but returns their relations to some form of non-violent stability.

    It is ultimately also in the interests of the conflict parties. They have had a chance to make their violent statements and reinforce what they will and won’t tolerate from the other side. The required investment by an external mediator to end battles that have achieved what the warring sides want anyway – to avoid further escalation – is consequently quite limited.

    Complex conflicts

    Getting to any kind of stability in Ukraine or the Middle East by contrast requires prolonged engagement and attention to detail. These conflicts are at a stage in which a return to how things were before is not in the interests of the parties or their external backers. Nudging warring parties along on the path to agreement under such conditions requires a well-designed process, which is absent in Ukraine and failing in Gaza.

    Thanks to funding and personnel cuts, the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, is now required to perform multiple roles. Trump relies on personal envoys with at best limited foreign policy expertise, while insisting he makes all the decisions. This ultimately suggests that the White House simply may not have the bandwidth for the level of engagement that would be necessary to get to a deal in Ukraine and the Middle East.

    This is a self-inflicted opportunity lost, not only for the United States but also for the long-suffering people of Ukraine and the Middle East.

    Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

    – ref. Why Donald Trump has stopped some conflicts but is failing with Ukraine and Gaza – https://theconversation.com/why-donald-trump-has-stopped-some-conflicts-but-is-failing-with-ukraine-and-gaza-262241

    MIL OSI Analysis –

    August 5, 2025

  • Trump tariffs face key test at US appeals court

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A U.S. appeals court on Thursday will review President Donald Trump’s power to impose tariffs, after a lower court said he exceeded his authority with sweeping levies on imported goods.

    The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C., will consider the legality of “reciprocal” tariffs that Trump imposed on a broad range of U.S. trading partners in April, as well as tariffs imposed in February against China, Canada and Mexico.

    A panel of all of the court’s active judges, eight appointed by Democratic presidents and three appointed by former Republican presidents, will hear arguments scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. ET in two cases brought by five small U.S. businesses and 12 Democratic-led U.S. states.

    The arguments – one day before Trump plans to increase tariff rates on imported goods from nearly all U.S. trading partners – mark the first test before a U.S. appeals court of the scope of his tariff authority. The president has made tariffs a central instrument of his foreign policy, wielding them aggressively in his second term as leverage in trade negotiations and to push back against what he has called unfair practices.

    The states and businesses challenging the tariffs argued that they are not permissible under emergency presidential powers that Trump cited to justify them. They say the U.S. Constitution grants Congress, and not the president, authority over tariffs and other taxes.

    Trump claimed broad authority to set tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a 1977 law historically used for sanctioning enemies or freezing their assets. Trump is the first president to use it to impose tariffs.

    Trump has said the April tariffs were a response to persistent U.S. trade imbalances and declining U.S. manufacturing power.

    He said the tariffs against China, Canada and Mexico were appropriate because those countries were not doing enough to stop illegal fentanyl from crossing U.S. borders. The countries have denied that claim.

    On May 28, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of International Trade sided with the Democratic states and small businesses that challenged Trump. It said that the IEEPA, a law intended to address “unusual and extraordinary” threats during national emergencies, did not authorize tariffs related to longstanding trade deficits.

    The Federal Circuit has allowed the tariffs to remain in place while it considers the administration’s appeal. The timing of the court’s decision is uncertain, and the losing side will likely appeal quickly to the U.S. Supreme Court.

    The case will have no impact on tariffs levied under more traditional legal authority, such as duties on steel and aluminum imports.

    Trump’s on-again, off-again tariff threats have roiled financial markets and disrupted U.S. companies’ ability to manage supply chains, production, staffing and prices.

    The president recently announced trade deals that set tariff rates on goods from the European Union and Japan, following smaller trade agreements with Britain, Indonesia and Vietnam. Trump’s Department of Justice has argued that limiting the president’s tariff authority could undermine ongoing trade negotiations, while other Trump officials have said that negotiations have continued with little change after the initial setback in court.

    Trump has set an August 1 date for higher tariffs on countries that don’t negotiate new trade deals.

    There are at least seven other lawsuits challenging Trump’s invocation of IEEPA, including cases brought by other small businesses and California.

    A federal judge in Washington, D.C., ruled against Trump in one of those cases, and no judge has yet backed Trump’s claim of unlimited emergency tariff authority.

    (Reuters)

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi signs order to unveil flag patterns of four PLA branches

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

    BEIJING, July 31 — Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), has signed an order to unveil the flag patterns of four branches of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), namely the aerospace force, cyberspace force, information support force and joint logistics support force.

    On the occasion of China’s Army Day that falls on Aug. 1, Xi extended festive greetings to service personnel of the PLA and the People’s Armed Police Force, civilian personnel posted in the military, and members of reserve forces and militia.

    The release of the branch flags marks the establishment of a military flag system of the people’s army in the new era, comprising the PLA flag, the flags of the army, navy, air force and rocket force, as well as the flags of the aerospace force, cyberspace force, information support force and joint logistics support force.

    The branch flags will be put into official use starting Aug. 1.

    The CMC has issued a decision to adjust the current trial regulations on the administration of military flags, revising provisions on the types and usage of military flags to standardize their management and safeguard their dignity through legal measures, according to the statement.

    MIL OSI China News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi signs order to commend military units, individuals

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

    BEIJING, July 31 — Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, has signed an order to award citations for merit to two military units and five individuals.

    An office of Troop 63920 of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was honored with a first-class citation for merit, while Ding Yang from Troop 92853 of the PLA received a first-class citation for merit in defense-related science and technology.

    Troop 96712 of the PLA was awarded a second-class citation for merit.

    Wang Haidou from the former Army Academy of Armored Forces, Gao Yuqi from the Army Medical University, Yang Zichun from the Naval University of Engineering, and Chen Wei from the Institute of Military Medicine under the Academy of Military Sciences, were honored with third-class citations for merit in defense-related science and technology.

    MIL OSI China News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s national park reforms drive steady gains in biodiversity

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

    BEIJING, July 31 — A decade into China’s national park reform initiative, the country has made significant strides in restoring flagship wildlife populations and bolstering ecological stability, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

    At a press conference held on Thursday, Sun Hongyan, an official with the administration, said the national park system has shifted from single-element conservation to integrated management of mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts.

    Sun added that building a national park system is a complex and multifaceted undertaking, and that reforms involve restructuring the management system of nature reserves and innovating policies on natural resource management, land use, ecological compensation and community development.

    According to the administration, wildlife populations have rebounded across several national parks.

    The Giant Panda National Park has reconnected fragmented habitats, boosting the wild panda population from about 1,100 in the 1980s to nearly 1,900 today.

    In Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park, restored migration corridors have helped Amur tiger and leopard numbers rise to around 70 and 80, respectively.

    In Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, the rainforest ecosystem has gradually recovered, with the wild population of the critically endangered Hainan gibbon increasing from 35 to 42, making it the only gibbon species worldwide showing sustained growth.

    Sun said that going forward, relevant authorities will further strengthen systematic governance, implement the optimization plan for nature reserves and the spatial layout plan for national parks, take a prudent approach to establishing new parks, and launch major projects for integrated ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation.

    MIL OSI China News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China appoints new national security technical advisers for Macao SAR

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

    BEIJING, July 31 — The State Council, China’s cabinet, on Thursday announced that Liu Yu and Wang Qianjin had been appointed as the national security technical advisers of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).

    Yin Shuhua was removed from the post, according to the State Council.

    MIL OSI China News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: EOTECH Acquires VK Integrated Systems, Expands into Tactical Networking and Battlefield Sensor Integration

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PLYMOUTH, Mich., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a strategic move to expand its role in the defense technology ecosystem, EOTECH announced today the acquisition of VK Integrated Systems (VKIS), a Tennessee-based developer of advanced weapon electronics and battlefield networking solutions.

    The acquisition continues EOTECH’s evolution beyond optics into a vertically integrated, American-made defense platform focused on situational awareness, data integration, and mission-ready systems.

    “This is a continuation of our thesis,” said Joseph Caradonna, CEO of EOTECH. “We’re building an integrated, American-made platform for mission-critical awareness, where hardware, software, and sensors work as one. It’s a systems architecture approach, not just a product expansion.”

    Founded in 2014, VKIS specializes in real-time warfighter technologies, including TAK-based situational awareness tools, weapon-mounted sensors, and edge-computing systems. These capabilities directly support U.S. efforts to digitize the battlefield, modernize legacy systems, and bring C5ISR functionality closer to the tactical edge.

    VKIS Capabilities Now Joining EOTECH Include:

    • Weapon Electronics & Sensors – Devices like the SIOS and VICE modules provide real-time orientation and targeting data from the weapon platform.
    • TAK Server as a Service (TSaaS) – Turnkey GovCloud solutions for secure deployment of TAK infrastructure.
    • ATAK Plugin Development – Custom extensions to the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) ecosystem.
    • TAK Stack – A free-use platform that simplifies access to geospatial maps, plugins, and field tools.

    “EOTECH’s scale and trust in the field make this a natural fit,” said Vasilios Kapogianis, President and CEO of VKIS. “Our mission has always been to give warfighters more awareness, more control, and more survivability. With EOTECH, we can deliver that capability faster and further.”

    VKIS will continue operations from its Clarksville, Tennessee headquarters. The acquisition follows a string of U.S. defense investments aimed at tightening supply chains and scaling dual-use systems that blend rugged hardware with real-time software integration.

    About EOTECH
    EOTECH is a U.S.-based defense technology company known for inventing the original Holographic Weapon Sight (HWS) and supplying cutting-edge optics and sensors used on platforms including the F-35 and AH-64 Apache. Headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan, EOTECH has evolved into a vertically integrated platform delivering American-made optics, thermal and night vision systems, and now battlefield networking technologies. Its mission-critical products are trusted by U.S. and allied special operations forces, law enforcement, and defense partners worldwide.

    Media Contact:
    Amy Foster, 4media group
    Amy.Foster@4media-group.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1498703b-6a17-4d5e-b5a4-dc218815117e

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cead73c8-9562-4e00-8f82-e7ddddb49e75

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/de8581d5-96b9-4227-a619-d5ae102c99fd

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8045d0b5-baaf-4541-b792-9a53c416186c

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2869bc37-c3b4-46f0-ace0-85c80a63e075

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/52a157c3-2444-4cbf-8845-8a4fa6225ef1

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5c9f3fa0-d495-4967-9360-e4441feda175

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe943ebf-4b48-409e-9479-12fb5ca4fcc2

    The MIL Network –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Zimbabwe sets strategic course for capacity development on sustainable soil management

    Source: APO


    .

    Zimbabwe has made significant strides towards strengthening its agricultural resilience and soil management capacity through the launch of a new project titled “Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management in the Global South.”

    Following the successful high-level launch of the project this week, Zimbabwe has taken a decisive step forward with a two-day inception meeting that built momentum by defining the strategic direction and technical roadmap for project implementation.

    This initiative, supported by the People’s Republic of China under the South-South Cooperation framework is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Zimbabwe.   

    “This meeting provided a critical platform to align our shared vision and technical priorities. It allowed us to present the strategic foundations of the project, define synergies among national institutions and key stakeholders, while collectively endorsing a clear roadmap for implementation,” said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative to Zimbabwe.

    “This process marks a strategic, co-created and coordinated start to delivering sustainable soil management solutions for Zimbabwe,” added Talla.

    The meeting brought together key directorates and departments from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MLAFWRD). The Agricultural Research, Innovation and Specialist Services (ARISS) was represented by the Chemistry and Soil Research Institute (CSRI) whilst the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) was represented by the department of Agricultural, Technical and Extension Services (AGRITEX), Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST) and international partners including the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS).

    Defining technical priorities and implementation framework

    The inception meeting was strategically structured to align technical dialogue with policy priorities. The meeting featured expert presentations on the distribution and management of red soils in Zimbabwe, the current state of soil laboratories and information systems, and comparative insights from China’s red soil management practices.

    These sessions laid the technical foundation for the project, ensuring that all stakeholders had a shared understanding of the scientific context and implementation framework. The meeting transitioned into a participatory planning phase, where stakeholders engaged in group discussions to define workplans for site identification, soil mapping, laboratory analysis, field trials, and farmer trainings through the Global Soil Doctor Programme.

    “This collaborative approach ensured that the project’s implementation plan was not only technically sound but also nationally owned and contextually relevant. The structure of the meeting strategically contributed to the project’s overall objectives, clarifying roles, and setting a clear, actionable roadmap for effective implementation of the project,” said Emmanuel Chikwari, Head of the CSRI.

    As the project moves into its implementation phase, the focus now shifts to delivering on three strategic priority areas: upgrading soil laboratories and developing digital soil maps; demonstrating sustainable soil and fertilizer management practices through field trials and extension training; and facilitating international knowledge exchange through workshops and technical cooperation. These actions will operationalize the project’s vision and deliver tangible outcomes for Zimbabwe’s soil health and agricultural resilience.

    Harnessing the power of South-South Cooperation and learning

    “This project is a powerful demonstration of how South-South Cooperation can drive innovation and capacity development in sustainable agriculture. As an implementing partner, Marondera University is proud to contribute to the rollout of this initiative by applying research, training, and field-evidence-based learning to improve soil management,” said Esther Masvaya, from MUAST.

    “The inception meeting has set a clear, co-owned and co-created direction for implementation, ensuring that Zimbabwe’s soil economy benefits from inclusive planning, shared expertise, and a strong culture of learning that will drive lasting impact,” said Sibongile Mangena-Chikore, Chief Agronomist, AGRITEX.

    FAO and its implementing partners will continue to refine the project’s strategic direction, monitoring progress and learning through regular workshops and field implementation activities.

    “Sustainable soil management is a pivotal activity towards enhanced agricultural production and productivity in the context of climate change. This project is a game changer, especially in the management of red soils in Zimbabwe, which have not received much attention in the past,” said Obert Maminimini, FAO Project Coordinator.

    Through its strong foundation in South-South Cooperation, the project also creates a platform for Zimbabwe to share its experiences, innovations, and lessons learned with other project countries in the Global South, fostering mutual learning and advancing sustainable soil management across regions.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kazakhstan and Russia are exploring technical possibilities to increase oil supplies to China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Almaty, July 31 (Xinhua) — Kazakhstan and Russia will soon complete an analysis of technical possibilities for increasing the transit of Russian oil to China through Kazakhstan, the Kazinform news agency reported on Thursday, citing Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov.

    According to the minister, the Russian state oil pipeline company Transneft has asked Kazakhstan to increase the transit of Russian oil to China by up to 2.5 million tons.

    Currently, Transneft and Kazakhstan’s national oil operator KazTransOil are working to study the technical feasibility of increasing supplies.

    “I think they will be completed in the near future, and then we will find a precise answer as to whether it is necessary to build new oil pumping stations /OPS/,” said E. Akkenzhenov.

    According to the minister, it is possible to do without building an oil pumping station, but with the use of specialized additives. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s international trade in goods and services rose 6 pct in June

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — China’s international trade in goods and services reached 4.22 trillion yuan (about 588.3 billion U.S. dollars) in June 2025, up 6 percent year on year, official data released by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange showed Thursday.

    According to the agency, in dollar terms, the volume of exports of goods and services last month amounted to 329.2 billion dollars, and the volume of imports – 259.1 billion dollars. Thus, the positive balance amounted to 70.1 billion dollars.

    China’s exports of goods totaled 2.12 trillion yuan, while its imports of goods totaled 1.51 trillion yuan, resulting in a surplus of 607.3 billion yuan. China’s exports of services totaled 243.7 billion yuan, while its imports of services totaled 348 billion yuan, resulting in a deficit of 104.3 billion yuan. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kazakhstan to Increase Oil Exports via Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline to 1.7 Million Tons

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    ALMATY, July 31 (Xinhua) — Kazakhstan plans to increase oil exports via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline to 1.7 million tons in 2025, Interfax-Kazakhstan news agency reported on Thursday, citing Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov.

    In 2024, Kazakhstan transported 1.4 million tons of oil via the BTC pipeline. About 800 thousand tons were transported in the first half of this year.

    According to E. Akkenzhenov, work to increase supplies continues.

    The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline is a major trunk oil pipeline with a length of 1,768 km, transporting Caspian oil through Azerbaijan and Georgia to the Turkish port of Ceyhan on the Mediterranean Sea. The annual throughput capacity of the BTC oil pipeline is 50 million tons. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TRA proposes keeping anti-dumping measure on bikes from China

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    TRA proposes keeping anti-dumping measure on bikes from China

    The TRA proposes that an anti-dumping measure on bicycles and bicycle parts from China be maintained, benefitting UK producers by up to £9 million per year.

    The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has today (31 July 2025) published its initial findings proposing that an anti-dumping measure on bicycles and certain bicycle parts imported from China be maintained until 30 August 2029.  

    Maintaining these measures will help to protect the UK’s bicycle industry, which includes many small and medium sized businesses employing thousands of people, from unfair international trade practices.

    In its Statement of Essential Facts, the TRA found that the dumping initially identified at the time the measures were first established would (as a result of China’s increased production capacity) likely resume if the measure was removed and that injury to UK industry would be likely as a result. The TRA determined that extending the current measure could help prevent dumping of low-priced bicycles and benefit UK producers by £1-£9 million per year.

    Current anti-dumping duties on Chinese bicycle and bicycle parts imports range from 19.2% to 48.5%, depending on the exporter.

    As part of its investigation, the TRA considered whether the anti-dumping measure should be maintained only on bicycles but removed on bicycle parts. However, the TRA has not presented this as an option due to the lack of clear evidence from industry participants and the continued risk of circumvention if the duties on parts were removed.

    A period of consultation is now open, during which interested parties can comment on the findings and provide any additional evidence, before a final recommendation is made to the Secretary of State. Businesses that may be affected by these findings can submit comments to the TRA by 25 August 2025 and can do so through the TRA’s public file.

    Background Information

    • The initial findings published today follow a transition review that was initiated on 23 August 2024. 
    • The reviewed products include bicycles and certain essential bicycle parts such as frames, wheels, handlebars, and brake components from China, including bicycles consigned from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Tunisia.

    • In its investigation, the TRA found that China produces the greatest volume of bicycles in the world, estimated to account for 60% of global production. This equated to over 48 million bicycles in 2023 and the TRA found evidence to suggest this production capacity is growing.

    • Around 1.6 million bicycles are sold in the UK each year, with China accounting for around 24% of bicycle imports by volume during the period of investigation.

    • The Trade Remedies Authority is the independent UK body that investigates whether new trade remedy measures are needed to counter unfair import practices and unforeseen surges of imports.   
    • The TRA is an arm’s length body of the Department for Business and Trade.   
    • Anti-dumping duties allow a country or union to act against goods which are being sold at less than their normal value – this is defined as the price for ‘like goods’ sold in the exporter’s home market.  
    • The period of investigation (POI) for the review was 01 July 2023 to 30 June 2024. To assess injury, the TRA chose the period from 01 July 2020 to 30 June 2024 as the injury period (IP).

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    Published 31 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman McConnell Opening Statement at FY26 Defense Appropriations Markup

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, delivered an opening statement at this morning’s full Senate Appropriations Committee markup of the FY26 Defense bill. Below is the opening statement as prepared for delivery:

    I’d like to thank Ranking Member Coons, and our combined staff for their dedicated, and often exhausting, work to produce the FY26 Defense Appropriations bill.

    And I’d like to thank our fellow members of the Subcommittee, who I know share our sense of duty to provide for the common defense, year after year. Just briefly, I’ll sum up the rationale behind this year’s legislation.

    First, the Senate bill recognizes the Administration’s intention to restore peace through strength, the Department of Defense’s desire to achieve “drone dominance”, and the President’s interest in having more missiles than any other country.

    It reflects the need to build more ships for a Navy that must compete with China. It acknowledges that America’s adversaries are increasingly aligned and investing more heavily in undermining our interests… and that America must take the risk of simultaneous conflict in multiple theaters seriously.

    But ultimately, our topline allocation of $852.5 billion – which sits higher than either the President’s budget request or the House’s mark – underscores that we cannot seriously address these challenges while artificially constraining our resources.

    We can’t build a Golden Dome… or restock our munitions magazines… or bring back American shipbuilding… without sustained, increasing investments in our national defense.

    And we can’t treat reconciliation like a cure-all. I was glad to vote for the One Big Beautiful Bill. But let’s not kid ourselves – it was not the additive defense spending some of us had hoped for. Moving must-pay bills for major long-standing programs from base to reconciliation still makes little sense to me.

    And somehow, the process seems to have also allowed important programs to slip through the cracks. In fact, senior Pentagon officials have already come to me and the Ranking Member to report that they’re still billions of dollars short on programs that we were told reconciliation would address. 

    There is no substitute for robust, full-year defense appropriations. And this is a strong, bipartisan bill that proves we can do our job, and keep our commitments to the men and women of the U.S. military. They deserve no less.

    Here are a few of the items we address:

    First, recent operations in the Middle East illustrates how quickly modern warfare can exhaust our arsenal of critical munitions.

    The Administration’s request did not fully maximize production capacity for certain critical munitions, so we added $5.2 billion to buy larger quantities of air-defense interceptors, long-range fires, and other key munitions. We also added $2.1 billion to expand production capacity of munitions, and included some important initial investments in restoring America’s organic industrial base.

    Second, we’ve also added $4.6 billion to address growing demand for more extensive air and missile defenses. But developing a more layered missile defense shield that can protect the homeland and our forces abroad from growing threats is going to take years of sustained resources.

    Third, we’ve tried to help the Department meet requirements that the final reconciliation bill and the FY26 base budget request left unfunded, including advanced procurement for Virginia- and Columbia-class submarines, cost-to-compete for surface vessels, major renovations to dilapidated Marine Corps barracks, and ship operations costs for our Navy.

    We also included more funding for destroyer construction, shipyard infrastructure, and workforce development to help fix our ailing shipbuilding industry and get production back on track.

    Fourth, we invest in ally and partner militaries. We know that confronting Chinese aggression will require collective deterrence. Helping grow our friends’ capacity to defend themselves in the Indo-Pacific – as in Europe or the Middle East – enhances deterrence and helps our allies share more of the burden.

    It also means more investment in interoperable, U.S-made systems and lower risks for U.S. servicemembers. These are investments that pay dividends, and I’m not just talking about treaty allies.

    The Secretary of the Army rightly calls Ukraine “the Silicon Valley of warfare”. The Navy considers the maritime fight between Russia and Ukraine as the Black Sea Battle Lab and recognizes the need for rapid innovation. So we added $216 million on top of the Administration’s request for drone and counter-drone capabilities, consistent with the intention of achieving “drone dominance.”

    But abandoning the foremost experts of drone warfare would be strategic self-harm. Shutting off engagement with Ukraine would undermine our military’s efforts to prepare for the modern battlefield.

    So, like our friends on the Armed Services Committee, we are restoring funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and other security assistance programs that make America safer.

    Madam Chair, I’m proud of the work of the Defense Subcommittee in producing this bill for our colleagues’ consideration. And I hope it’ll earn the support of the entire Committee. But allow me to close with just one note:

    None of the challenges we’re facing today can be solved by a single bill or over the course of a single budget cycle.

    Readiness is not a box to be checked – it’s a state to achieve and maintain. In this era of major power competition, security for future generations of Americans means steady, consistent, predictable, increasing investments in the common defense… year after year after year.

    If we’re tempted to treat successful FY26 appropriations like a finish line, we’re thinking about our obligations all wrong.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    August 5, 2025

  • Myanmar forms interim government before election but top general still in charge

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Myanmar’s military on Thursday nominally transferred power to a civilian-led interim government ahead of a planned December election, with the junta chief remaining in charge of the war-torn country in his other role as acting president.

    An announcement in state media said a decree that granted power to the military after its 2021 coup had been cancelled and a caretaker administration had been formed alongside a special commission to oversee the election.

    The move signals no change to the status quo in Myanmar, with coup leader Min Aung Hlaing holding on to all major levers of power as acting president while retaining his position as chief of the armed forces.

    A state of emergency in place since the coup, which was due to expire on Thursday after seven extensions, has now been lifted, said Zaw Min Tun, a government spokesperson.

    “The interim president and commander in chief said this upcoming six months are the time to prepare and host the election,” he told state media.

    Myanmar has been in chaos since the coup against Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected civilian government plunged the Southeast Asian nation into civil war, with the military fighting to contain a rebellion and accused of widespread atrocities, which it denies.

    The election has been dismissed by Western governments as a sham to entrench the generals’ power and is expected to be dominated by proxies of the military, with opposition groups either barred from running or refusing to take part.

    David Mathieson, an independent Myanmar-focused analyst, said the change in power was cosmetic and those in charge would continue to be abusive and repressive.

    “They are just rearranging the same pieces and calling the regime a new name,” he said. “Nothing will change in the near term, but this is part of preparations for an election which we don’t know much about.”

    WAR RAGING

    The extent of the civil war’s impact on the planned election remains unclear. In an effort to create voter rolls, the junta held a nationwide census last year but was only about to conduct it in 145 out of Myanmar’s 330 townships – reflecting its lack of control over swathes of the country.

    Established ethnic minority armies and new armed groups have mounted an unprecedented resistance against the military, gaining control of significant territory, including much of the country’s borderlands.

    China’s foreign ministry said on Thursday it supported Myanmar’s efforts to achieve peace and reconciliation.

    “China supports Myanmar’s development path in line with its national conditions and Myanmar’s steady advancement of its domestic political agenda,” spokesperson Guo Jiakun said.

    The military has killed more than 6,000 people and arbitrarily detained over 20,000 since the coup, according to Amnesty International. Myanmar has also seen a return to judicial executions and more than 3.5 million people are internally displaced, an Amnesty report said in January.

    Myanmar’s military has dismissed allegations of abuses as Western disinformation.

    It justified its 2021 coup as a necessary intervention following what it said was widespread fraud in an election three months earlier that was won decisively by Suu Kyi’s now defunct ruling party.

    Election monitoring organisations found no evidence of fraud that would have changed the outcome.

    (Reuters)

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Introduces Bill to Ban Chinese and Iranian Nationals from Studying in the United States

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) is taking aggressive action to prevent students from countries that hate the U.S. from getting their foot in the door at American colleges and universities with his introduction of the Student Visa Integrity Act. Students from adversarial countries—such as China and Iran—would be prohibited from studying in the United States altogether. Senator Tuberville announced his new legislation on Mornings with Maria.

    “I was recently shocked to learn how many students from hostile countries like China and Iran are studying at our American universities—including in my home state of Alabama,” said Senator Tuberville. “We need to go on offense against countries who hate us and are desperate to try to take us down—as we saw with the violent, anti-American protests on our college campuses over the past few months. There is zero reason why we should be allowing students from countries that hate us to take the spot of a law-abiding American citizen at our elite colleges and universities. I’m proud to introduce the Student Visa Integrity Act to crack down on rampant abuse of student visas and to make our American Universities Prioritize Americans Again.”

    Complete text for the Student Visa Integrity Act can be found here. Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), Immigration Accountability Project, and Heritage Action endorsed Senator Tuberville’s legislation.

    “The Student Visa Integrity Act makes it clear: a student visa is a privilege, not a right.  Visas provide foreign nationals a special opportunity to study in the United States before returning home – not a free pass to exploit our laws or remain indefinitely in the country. FAIR is proud to support this bill and applauds Senator Tuberville for fighting to prevent student visa abuse, uphold our laws, and keep American communities safe,” said Joe Chatham, Director of Government Relations for FAIR.

    “The student visa program has been plagued with fraud and abuse for decades, and reforms are long overdue. The Student Visa Integrity Act of 2025 would help restore integrity to the program, ending open-ended ‘duration of status’ for foreign students, increasing penalties for program abuse, and closing significant national security loopholes exploited by our foreign adversaries. The Immigration Accountability Project is thankful to Senator Tuberville for introducing this vital effort,” said Grant Newman, Director of Government Relations for Immigration Accountability Project.

    “China and other adversarial countries pose a direct threat to the United States, our schools, educators, and our students. The Student Visa Integrity Act would protect American educational institutions from foreign influence. Heritage Action has worked tirelessly to promote legislation that protects our education system from destructive foreign adversaries. We are committed to this goal and applaud Senator Tuberville for introducing the Student Visa Integrity Act,” said Steve Chartan, Vice President of Government Relations for Heritage Action.

    BACKGROUND:

    Foreign students are currently tracked and monitored using the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This system was mandated by Congress after the 1993 World Trade Center Bombing where one of the people responsible was in the United States on an expired student visa. The system was finally implemented in 2003 and has received minimal updates since.

    Recent data shows that approximately 1.5 million international students are studying in the United States using F-1 or M-1 visas, which is more than DOUBLE the amount in 2012. Data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security also showed that during Fiscal Year 2023, an estimated 50,000 student or exchange visitor visa holders overstayed the completion of their program.

    The Student Visa Integrity Act would: 

    • Prohibit citizens from adversarial countries from studying in the U.S.
    • Require schools to disclose any dealings with the Chinese government
    • Prohibit foreign students from transferring schools or changing their major/program of study
    • Increase penalties for schools and officials found engaging in visa fraud by making convicted offenders eligible for prison time or to be disqualified from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program altogether
    • Require that foreign students have a definitive end date to prevent visa overstays and also require in-person interviews for some foreign students


    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russian and Syrian Foreign Ministers Discuss Bilateral Relations

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Moscow, July 31 /Xinhua/ — Moscow and Damascus discussed bilateral relations and agreed to maintain regular political dialogue, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement following talks between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani.

    “During the conversation, issues of developing Russian-Syrian relations were discussed, including maintaining regular political dialogue and establishing bilateral practical cooperation in various areas,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on the agency’s website.

    The Russian side “emphasized the importance of resolving all problems on the domestic agenda by the Syrians themselves through a broad dialogue aimed at strengthening civil peace and national harmony, ensuring the protection of rights and taking into account the interests of all representatives of the multi-confessional Syrian society.”

    During the talks, as noted in the statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry, “a common position was expressed in favor of intensifying collective efforts in the interests of achieving sustainable stabilization of the situation” in the Middle East and North Africa.

    At a joint press conference following the talks, S. Lavrov said that the parties had agreed to conduct an “inventory of all existing agreements.” According to him, this process should be put on a regular basis. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: President of Kyrgyzstan meets with Uzbek Foreign Minister

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BISHKEK, July 31 (Xinhua) — Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov met with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov in Cholpon-Ata, Issyk-Kul region, on Thursday, the press service of the Kyrgyz president reported.

    During the meeting, issues of bilateral cooperation in all key areas, including economics, investment and culture, were discussed. Particular attention was paid to interaction within the framework of joint projects for the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1 and the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway.

    S. Japarov emphasized that the official visit of the head of the Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan is yet another clear proof of the high level of strategic partnership and fraternal relations between the two countries.

    B. Saidov, in turn, conveyed greetings and best wishes to S. Japarov from the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and also confirmed his readiness to make every effort to implement the tasks set by the presidents of the two countries. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: Let’s Get Government Employees Closer to the People They Serve

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Senator Marshall Joins RFD-TV to Discuss USDA Relocation & Trump Trade Deal
    Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Suzanne Alexander on RFD-TV’s Market Day Report to discuss the USDA coming to Kansas City as part of their relocation efforts, President Trump’s trade deals and their significance to American agriculture, and his legislation to bring farmers more clarity, the Clear Waters Act.

    Click HERE or on the image above to listen to Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    On USDA reorganization:
    “You know, the farmers and ranchers were the original conservationists, and we need to keep bragging on the USDA reorganization. Look, I’m excited to get government employees closer to the people that they serve. So, 4000 USDA employees here in DC, by the way, only 6% of them were working in the offices until January of this year, February of this year. So, we’re going to move about half of those out to the country, and one of those places is Kansas City. And what I’m excited about moving more workers to the Kansas City offices, number one, we get more Kansas City Chiefs fans. But beyond that, they’re going to be closer to my alma mater, Kansas State University, Iowa State University, Nebraska, really some of the strongest ag schools in America, and that’s going to help populate that USDA program there in Kansas City. It’s agriculture economics they focus on, as well as handing out the grants for agriculture research. So, I just think getting USDA workers closer to their customers has to be a good thing. So, I’m excited.”
    On USDA relocation pushback in Congress:
    “Look, I have a great deal of respect for Senator Klobuchar. She’s a good friend, but I we respectfully disagree. This has been well thought out. The first time I met Secretary Rollins in person, back in, goodness, it may have been November, December of last year, she talked about this reorganization. So, I think every member on that committee has had a chance to have her come in and talk about this. This isn’t half-baked. The Assistant Secretary, Steven Vaden, former Judge Vaden, international trade court judge is in charge of this plan. I think it’s well thought out. And again, I just don’t know what American is going to come up to me and say, “It’s not a good idea to move people out of Washington, DC.” I would take two-thirds of the Federal officers that are working here in DC and move them out to those flyover states. It’s just such a different culture here in Washington, DC – it is the swamp. I just think when you have USDA workers going to church, going to soccer games, going to a Kansas State football game together, that they’re going to just have a better product when it’s all said and done.”
    On the Clear Waters Act:
    “Yeah, think about Waters of the US. This has been going on since 1972. You get a Democrat president in office, and they expand what water the US has. And we get President Trump in office, and he tries to cut it back. But what our bill does is clarify this and give our farmers certainty. Look, your listeners understand that a pothole, that a pond, that is not a navigable stream. So, we clearly define what navigable streams are, that it needs to be a body of water that can continuously flow and touches one of those main navigable streams. Kansas only has three navigable streams, for instance, throughout the years. So, it just gives us some clarity. But I want to emphasize to anyone on the other side of this that farmers and ranchers are the best environmentalists. Those that are that are practicing modern precision agriculture are decreasing the drift from their fields by 90% using modern-day agriculture techniques. We’re decreasing 90% of the drip from those fields. But I just want to get the farmers, the ranchers, some certainty, our dairy farmers, people that have feed lots, we need certainty in this area. And look, we’re going to do our best to take care of the environment as well.”
    On the Dairy Pride Act:
    “Well, I think there’s a lot of fake products out there, right? And with all due respect to almond juice and some of the other juices out there, they’re not milk products. As far as I’m concerned. I don’t know why they’re in the milk portion of the grocery store, just like I don’t want plant-based protein sitting beside a hamburger born and raised and processed in Kansas. So, I think again, we just want customers to know what they’re drinking or eating. And almond juice is not milk. And by the way, we’re getting closer and closer to getting whole milk, there it is, whole milk back into schools as well.”
    On how Trump trade deals are benefiting American agriculture:
    “I’m just so ecstatic to see these chickens come home to roost, right? President Trump has used these tariffs to negotiate better trade deals, trade deals that I hope are going to let our grandchildren continue to work on our farms. Look, we’ve not sold a cheeseburger to Europe, a gallon of ethanol to England in my lifetime. So, beyond just the tariffs, what the President is doing is removing non-tariff barriers. And again, your listeners are educated. They understand what China [and] the EU does to keep American agriculture products out of those countries. So, by removing those, we’re going to sell more and more products. And I just, you know, there are lots of things we could talk about, but look at President Trump’s strategy here, how he’s boxing in China. Last night, he announced a deal with South Korea, but beyond that, the EU, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, Australia, basically, he’s boxed China in here. China was doing a lot of trans shipments. So, they would make, say, t-shirts or tennis shoes. They would send it to Vietnam and bring it into this country on Vietnam tariff levels. Well, President Trump wasn’t born yesterday, so he’s tightening up that portion, and we’ll get that China trade deal soon, hopefully before the fall. Fall crops need to be harvested.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: PLA celebrates 98 years, vows strength and readiness 2025-08-01 00:11:56 China’s military is willing to work with armed forces from other nations to jointly tackle global risks and challenges, and to help build a world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity, Defense Minister Dong Jun said on Thursday.

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

      The Ministry of National Defense hosts a reception on Thursday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The event celebrates the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army, which is on Aug 1. [Photo by  Xu Dong / For China Daily]

      China’s military is willing to work with armed forces from other nations to jointly tackle global risks and challenges, and to help build a world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity, Defense Minister Dong Jun said on Thursday.

      He made the remarks at a reception hosted by the Ministry of National Defense at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to mark the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army, which falls on Friday.

      Dong said the PLA is ready to work with foreign militaries to implement the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity, as well as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.

      He extended greetings to PLA officers and personnel, members of the armed police and paramilitary forces, and paid tribute to veterans, military heroes and model service members for their contributions to the country’s defense.

      Dong noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It also marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s recovery from Japanese occupation and the founding of the United Nations.

      Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the PLA has made “immortal achievements” in saving the nation from peril and achieving national liberation, Dong said, while contributing significantly to the global fight against fascism.

      “In just over a month, the PLA will present itself as a force of peace, justice and might, ready to be reviewed by the Party and the people,” he said, referring to the upcoming military parade scheduled for Sept 3 in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory over Japanese aggression and fascism.

      Dong reiterated that the PLA “will never allow any attempts at ‘Taiwan independence’ to succeed” and said the military is prepared to counter any external military interference. The PLA, he said, remains fully ready to realize the complete reunification of the motherland.

      He added that the Chinese military will step up training and enhance combat readiness to fulfill its missions and responsibilities in the new era.

    loading…

    MIL OSI China News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Aerospace expo to open

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The “National Development & Achievements Series – Endless Exploration: The Journey of Chinese Aerospace, Aviation & Navigation” exhibition will be launched at the Science Museum from tomorrow to September 7.

    Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said at the expo’s opening ceremony that the Chang’e-6’s successful return to earth bringing lunar soil samples from the far side of the Moon last year represents a global first, underscoring China’s leading position in lunar exploration.

    He added that the exhibition showcases the remarkable achievements of the Chang’e lunar exploration programme and the country’s remarkable accomplishments in aerospace, aviation and navigation.    

    The exhibition includes the first concurrent display in Hong Kong of lunar soil samples collected from the far side and near side of the Moon by the Chang’e-6 and the Chang’e-5 respectively.

    Other debut exhibits include the Chang’e-6 returner and parachute, seawater samples collected from 10,000 metres under the sea, and models of the “three pearls” of the shipbuilding industry, namely an aircraft carrier, a luxury cruise ship and a liquefied natural gas carrier.

    The expo will display large-scale aerospace, aviation and maritime models concurrently, including an approximately 12m-tall 1:5 Long March-5 launch vehicle and a full-size Fendouzhe full-ocean-depth manned submersible with a length of approximately 10m displayed outdoors, as well as a 1:8 model of a Y-20 heavy lifter with a wingspan of approximately 6m displayed indoors for the first time.

    It will also present Hong Kong’s significant contributions to the space and deep-sea exploration projects of the country. Plus, interactive exhibits of the “Lunar Base”, the “Zhurong Rover Expedition” and more are available for visitors to experience the challenges of building a lunar base and exploring Mars.

    Fixed-point guided tours will be provided on Saturdays and Sundays from August 9 to September 7. Additionally, lectures will be conducted tomorrow and on August 4, and the public is welcome to participate in lectures and tours on-site. Other activities include experiment classes, workshops and demonstrations.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    August 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: By building the world’s biggest dam, China hopes to control more than just its water supply

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Tom Harper, Lecturer in International Relations, University of East London

    China’s already vast infrastructure programme has entered a new phase as building work starts on the Motuo hydropower project.

    The dam will consist of five cascade hydropower stations arranged from upstream to downstream and, once completed, will be the world’s largest source of hydroelectric power. It will be four times larger than China’s previous signature hydropower project, the Three Gorges Dam, which spans the Yangtse river in central China.

    The Chinese premier, Li Qiang, has described the proposed mega dam as the “project of the century”. In several ways, Li’s description is apt. The vast scale of the project is a reflection of China’s geopolitical status and ambitions.

    Possibly the most controversial aspect of the dam is its location. The site is on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo river on the eastern rim of the Tibetan plateau. This is connected to the Brahmaputra river which flows into the Indian border state of Arunachal Pradesh as well as Bangladesh. It is an important source of water for Bangladesh and India.

    Both nations have voiced concerns over the dam, particularly since it can potentially affect their water supplies. The tension with India over the dam is compounded by the fact that Arunachal Pradesh has been a focal point of Sino-Indian tensions. China claims the region, which it refers to as Zangnan, saying it is part of what it calls South Tibet.

    At the same time, the dam presents Beijing with a potentially formidable geopolitical tool in its dealings with the Indian government. The location of the dam means that it is possible for Beijing to restrict India’s water supply.

    This potential to control downstream water supply to another country has been demonstrated by the effects that earlier dam projects in the region have had on the nations of the Mekong river delta in 2019. As a result, this gives Beijing a significant degree of leverage over its neighbours.

    One country restricting water supply to put pressure on another is by no means unprecedented. In fact in April 2025, following a terror attack by Pakistan-based The Resistance Front in Kashmir, which killed 26 people (mainly tourists), India suspended the Indus waters treaty, restricting water supplies to Pakistani farmers in the region. So the potential for China’s dam to disrupt water flows will further compound the already tense geopolitics of southern Asia.

    Concrete titans

    The Motuo mega dam is an advertisement of China’s prowess when it comes to large-scale infrastructure projects. China’s expertise with massive infrastructure projects is a big part of modern Chinese diplomacy through its massive belt and road initiative.

    This involves joint ventures with many developing nations to build large-scale infrastructure, such as ports, rail systems and the like. It has caused much consternation in Washington and Brussels, which view these initiatives as a wider effort to build Chinese influence at their expense.

    The completion of the dam will will bring Beijing significant symbolic capital as a demonstration of China’s power and prosperity – an integral feature of the image of China that Beijing is very keen to promote. It can also be seen as a manifestation of both China’s aspiration and its longstanding fears.

    Harnessing the rivers

    The Motuo hydropower project also represents the latest chapter of China’s long battle for control of its rivers, a key story in the development of Chinese civilisation.

    Rivers such as the Yangtze have been at the heart of the prosperity of several Chinese dynasties (the Yangtse is still a major economic driver in modern China) and has devastated others. The massive Yangtse flood of 1441 threatened the stability of the Ming dynasty, while an estimated 2 million people died when the river flooded in 1931.

    France 24 report on the construction of the mega dam project.

    Such struggles have been embodied in Chinese mythology in the form of the Gun-Yu myth. This tells the story of the way floods displaced the population of ancient China, probably based on an actual flooding at Jishi Gorge on the Yellow River in what is now Qinghai province in 1920BC.

    This has led to the common motif of rivers needing human control to abate natural disaster, a theme present in much classical Chinese culture and poetry.

    The pursuit of controlling China’s rivers has also been one of the primary influences on the formation of the Chinese state, as characterised by the concept of zhishui 治水 (controlling the rivers). Efforts to control the Yangtze have shaped the centralised system of governance that has characterised China throughout its history. In this sense, the Motuo hydropower project represents the latest chapter in China’s quest to harness the power of its rivers.

    Such a quest remains imperative for China and its importance has been further underlined by the challenges of climate change, which has seen natural resources such as water becoming increasingly limited. The Ganges river has already been identified as one of the world’s water scarcity hotspots.

    As well as sustaining China’s population, the hydropower provided by the dam is another part of China’s wider push towards self-sufficiency. It’s estimated that the dam could generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity every year – about the same about produced by the whole UK. While this will meet the needs of the local population, it also further entrenches China’s ability to produce cheap electricity – something that has enabled China to become and remain a manufacturing superpower.

    Construction has only just begun, but Motuo hydropower project has already become a microcosm of China’s wider push towards development. It’s also a gamechanger in the geopolitics of Asia, giving China the potential to exert greater control in shaping the region’s water supplies. This in turn will give it greater power to shape the geopolitics of the region.

    At the same time, it is also the latest chapter of China’s longstanding quest to harness its waterways, which now has regional implications beyond anything China’s previous dynasties could imagine.

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

    Tom Harper 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. By building the world’s biggest dam, China hopes to control more than just its water supply – https://theconversation.com/by-building-the-worlds-biggest-dam-china-hopes-to-control-more-than-just-its-water-supply-261984

    MIL OSI –

    August 5, 2025
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