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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI: Devon Energy Unveils Value Enhancing Business Optimization Plan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Targeting $1 billion in annual pre-tax free cash flow improvements
    • Business optimization plan underway to improve margins and capital efficiency
    • Plan includes improvements to base production performance, midstream commercial terms and corporate costs
    • Expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with 30 percent achieved by year-end 2025

    OKLAHOMA CITY, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Devon Energy Corp. (NYSE: DVN) today announced its business optimization plan to improve margins and capital efficiency, growing free cash flow generation and driving significant shareholder value.

    “I’m excited to announce the details of our business optimization plan, set to enhance margins and deliver $1 billion in annual pre-tax free cash flow improvements by year end 2026,” said Clay Gaspar, president and CEO. “This milestone reflects the commitment, ingenuity, and talent of our employees, whose hard work and ongoing efforts continue to drive Devon’s success. This is an opportune time for us to take on this initiative, as we leverage recent leadership changes across the organization, bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas. Given the challenging market and shifting competitive landscape, this is the right moment to focus internally and improve our profitability. Importantly, this effort will create significant shareholder value by expanding our free cash flow generation and enhancing the durability of our business.”

    “Our organization has been diligently advancing this initiative and has already secured marketing agreements to drive a material margin improvement through year-end 2026. Concurrently, we have implemented technological advancements, including advanced analytics and process automation, that are further enhancing our operating performance. These combined efforts are anticipated to achieve approximately $300 million of cash flow uplift by the end of 2025, reinforcing our financial resilience. We have clear visibility into the remaining objectives and are highly confident in our ability to execute this plan effectively,” Gaspar added.

    PLAN PATHWAY AND TIMING TO DELIVER

    Devon is committed to improving its pre-tax free cash flow generation by taking steps to deliver $1.0 billion in annual improvements. The plan includes actions to achieve more efficient field-level operations and improvements in drilling and completion costs while improving operating margins and corporate costs. Approximately 30 percent of the estimated improvements are expected to be accomplished by year-end 2025, with the remaining savings realized by year-end 2026.

    The business optimization plan includes improvements in the following categories:

    Capital Efficiency – $300 million
    Capture efficiencies through design optimization, cycle time reductions, facility standardization and vendor management.

    Production Optimization –$250 million
    Use advanced analytics to minimize maintenance events, reduce downtime, flatten production declines and optimize operating cost structure.

    Commercial Opportunities – $300 million
    Leverage scale to enhance commercial contracts to increase realizations, improve recoveries and lower GP&T cost structure.

    Corporate Cost Reductions – $150 million
    Reduce interest expense and streamline corporate cost structure.

    “We are committed to transparency and accountability and will provide stakeholders with periodic updates on our progress,” Gaspar concluded.

    The company will provide additional details around the optimization plan during its scheduled first-quarter 2025 earnings conference call on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. CDT (11 a.m. EDT). Also provided with today’s release is a supplemental presentation, which is available on the company’s website at www.devonenergy.com.

    ABOUT DEVON ENERGY

    Devon Energy is a leading oil and gas producer in the U.S. with a diversified multi-basin portfolio headlined by a world-class acreage position in the Delaware Basin. Devon’s disciplined cash-return business model is designed to achieve strong returns, generate free cash flow and return capital to shareholders, while focusing on safe and sustainable operations. For more information, please visit www.devonenergy.com.

    FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Such statements include those concerning strategic plans, our expectations and objectives for future operations, as well as other future events or conditions, and are often identified by use of the words and phrases “expects,” “believes,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “continue,” “may,” “aims,” “likely to be,” “intends,” “forecasts,” “projections,” “estimates,” “plans,” “expectations,” “targets,” “opportunities,” “potential,” “anticipates,” “outlook” and other similar terminology. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Devon expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Consequently, actual future results could differ materially and adversely from our expectations due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to: the risk that we are unable to successfully implement the improvements discussed in this release on the anticipated timeline or at all, which could delay or prevent us from realizing any benefits from the business optimization plan; commodity prices, cost structures and the other assumptions underlying our forecasted value uplift from the business optimization plan could differ materially from actual results; market and geopolitical uncertainty as a result of changes in trade relations and policies, such as the imposition of tariffs by the U.S., China or other countries; and any of the other risks and uncertainties discussed in Devon’s 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “2024 Form 10-K”) or other filings with the SEC.

    The forward-looking statements included in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release, represent management’s current reasonable expectations as of the date of this press release and are subject to the risks and uncertainties identified above as well as those described elsewhere in the 2024 Form 10-K and in other documents we file from time to time with the SEC. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of our forward-looking statements, and readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in the 2024 Form 10-K and in other documents we file from time to time with the SEC. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Devon, or persons acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. We do not undertake, and expressly disclaim, any duty to update or revise our forward-looking statements based on new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Ne Zha 2’ signals turning point for Chinese cinema, industry leaders say

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Filmmakers and distributors gathered at an industry forum during the 15th Beijing International Film Festival on April 19 to discuss the global success of “Ne Zha 2” and its implications for China’s growing influence in the worldwide box office.

    Catherine Ying, vice president of CMC Inc. and president of CMC Pictures, speaks at a forum during the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, April 19, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the BJIFF Organizing Committee]

    “Ne Zha 2” represents a breakthrough moment not only for China’s domestic film industry but for global cinema as well, according to Catherine Ying, president of CMC Pictures, which distributed the animated blockbuster in North America, Australia and New Zealand.

    Ying reported enthusiastic receptions in all markets where the film was released, with positive responses from both international filmmakers and audiences.

    “This phenomenon demonstrated how a single film’s monumental success in one market could reaffirm cinema’s enduring power – proving films will never die but live on eternally in spirit,” she noted.

    Since debuting during this year’s Spring Festival, “Ne Zha 2” has earned more than $2.16 billion globally, with $2.1 billion from China and $20.93 million from North America. The film stands as 2025’s top-grossing release, the highest-earning Chinese film ever and the highest-grossing animated film of all time. It currently ranks fifth on the all-time worldwide box office chart.

    The executive said the release demonstrated that Chinese films require more robust promotion and distribution strategies to maximize success. Her team is now producing an English-dubbed version of “Ne Zha 2” for re-release, aiming to reach broader international viewers beyond Chinese diaspora communities.

    “The film’s universal themes and emotional resonance connect with global audiences while showcasing China’s highest standards of animation production,” Ying said. She added that her company would apply lessons from this distribution experience to develop more targeted promotion strategies for upcoming Chinese blockbusters like “Ne Zha 3” and “The Wandering Earth 3.”

    Filmmakers and distributors join a forum for exchanges at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, April 19, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the BJIFF Organizing Committee]

    Cedric Behrel, managing director of Trinity CineAsia, which distributed “Ne Zha 2” in Europe, said the film became the highest-grossing Chinese release in the region in two decades. He noted this milestone inspires both Chinese cinema and the global film industry, as the animated feature resonates deeply with international audiences, especially younger viewers. Behrel praised Chinese filmmakers for creating distinctive stories that transcend cultural barriers.

    Veteran filmmaker Huang Jianxin expressed his belief that “Ne Zha 2” is inherently a film made for the world rather than a Chinese movie adapted for international audiences. He explained that director Jiaozi utilized a universal coming-of-age story about Nezha to create a film with innate worldwide appeal.

    “This intrinsic global quality is why it succeeded internationally, not because we modified it to be understood across cultures,” Huang added.

    He acknowledged competitive pressures from video games, short-form videos and other entertainment alternatives that cater to fragmented leisure time, questioning whether traditional film runtimes can still deliver value that justifies audiences’ time investment.

    “This year marks 130 years of world cinema and 120 years of Chinese cinema,” Huang said. “Compared to art forms like music, dance, theater and painting with millennia of history, film is still an energetic child — one that will undoubtedly forge exciting new paths.”

    He noted that while the North American box office has plateaued at around $10 billion annually, representing its industrial scale, the extraordinary performance of “Ne Zha 2” demonstrates how a single film can “break the ceiling.”

    “But we can’t expect the ceiling to replace total scale,” Huang advised, urging peers to stay confident despite inevitable fluctuations. “China’s film industry will keep climbing.”

    Director Andrew Lau, whose new film “The Dumpling Queen” releases April 30, strongly agreed. He reflected on Hong Kong cinema’s cyclical ups and downs: “Through peaks and valleys, filmmakers persist. The market may shift, but we stand united in our craft. We must keep striving to find great stories worth bringing to the screen and trying something new.”

    IMAX China CEO Daniel Manwaring speaks at a forum during the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, April 19, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]

    IMAX China CEO Daniel Manwaring presented research showing that while only 32-38% of Western audiences prefer theaters, China leads globally at 78%. “Last year was slow, but this Spring Festival proved Chinese audiences still love the big screen,” he said, emphasizing filmmakers’ responsibility to keep drawing audiences to theaters.

    Manwaring said that IMAX will expand offerings like esports broadcasts to reach new demographics this year. Last year’s “League of Legends” World Championship screenings across 200 IMAX theaters in China attracted audiences who had largely abandoned cinemas, with data showing 80% hadn’t visited a cinema in five years. However, 90% said they planned to return.

    Lau noted that cinema continually elevates the viewing experience through technological advancements. “Many audiences still don’t fully understand formats like Dolby or IMAX,” he said. “We need to better promote these tech things — to show people that watching films on phones can’t compare to the theatrical experience.”

    Manwaring acknowledged the importance of theater technology but stressed that even the best marketing and presentation cannot save films with poor storytelling.

    “Years ago, people rushed projects out to make quick money or recoup costs quickly — I understood that but felt most directors and screenwriters lacked time to develop good stories,” he said.

    “Now the industry is changing, slowing down to prioritize quality, especially after seeing what patiently developed projects like “Ne Zha 2″ can achieve,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China restores Belgium-sized grasslands annually

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

    BEIJING, April 22 — China has been steadily promoting grassland restoration in recent years, with an annual restoration of over 46 million mu (about 30,667 square kilometers) of grassland, an area comparable to the land area of Belgium.

    Li Yongjun, an official with the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, told a press conference that the central government has invested a total of 110 billion yuan (about 15.26 billion U.S. dollars) in supporting grassland protection and restoration during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period.

    Forestry and grassland authorities across the country have intensified efforts to combat illegal activities such as grassland reclamation and unauthorized occupation. Since 2018, local authorities have investigated nearly 50,000 cases of grassland destruction, transferring over a thousand suspected criminal cases to judicial authorities.

    Thanks to the country’s persistent efforts, the ecological quality of grasslands has experienced a historic shift from “general degradation” in the early years of this century to the current “overall improvement,” Li said.

    However, the official warned, the country still faces a challenging task in grassland restoration. Most of China’s grasslands are located in arid, semi-arid, cold and high-altitude areas with harsh natural conditions.

    “Currently, around 70 percent of the grasslands are still suffering from different degrees of degradation, and the situation of grassland protection and restoration remains serious,” he said.

    Li added that forestry and grassland departments will continue to step up efforts in grassland protection and restoration, and further enhance the modernization level of the grassland governance system and governance capacity.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Hefei launches 10-billion-yuan fund for smart robotics industry

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

    HEFEI, April 22 — Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province and a major sci-tech center in the country, is planning to establish a fund amounting to 10 billion yuan (about 1.39 billion U.S. dollars) to promote its smart robotics industry.

    It is part of the municipal government’s comprehensive plan to strengthen Hefei’s position as a leading hub for intelligent robotics, the International Advanced Technology Application Promotion Center (Hefei) under the municipal government told Xinhua on Tuesday.

    Under the program, Hefei will provide public services and technical support to 100 companies and promote the application of robotics.

    As a national innovation center, Hefei has built a solid foundation in terms of robotics R&D, manufacturing and application.

    In 2024, the output value of Hefei’s intelligent robotics industry exceeded 50 billion yuan, with the number of enterprises increasing by 83 percent.

    The city has attracted over 160 upstream and downstream enterprises in the industry chain, establishing an integrated R&D and manufacturing framework encompassing the entire value chain.

    According to Nature Index 2024 Science Cities, a supplement to the journal Nature, Hefei was ranked 15th among the top 20 science cities in the world, having achieved impressive research output in biological sciences, chemistry, health sciences and physical sciences.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Victory Monument and others. We remember the iconic works of Zurab Tsereteli

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The outstanding sculptor, President of the Russian Academy of Arts (RAA) Zurab Tsereteli was born on January 4, 1934 in Tbilisi. The boy began to draw in early childhood, pencils were given to him by his uncle, the famous Georgian artist Georgiy Nizharadze. He also taught him to appreciate nature, to notice the beauty around him. Famous artists David Kakabadze, Lado Gudiashvili, Sergo Kobuladze gathered in Nizharadze’s studio, they talked a lot about art. According to Zurab Konstantinovich’s memoirs, as a child he understood little of their conversations, but he was very interested in listening and observing.

    Tsereteli graduated from the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts (now the Apollon Kutateladze Tbilisi State Academy of Arts) in 1958, specializing in monumental painting. There he studied (and called it a great fortune) with the artist Vasily Shukhaev, whom he considered a brilliant draftsman and an outstanding teacher. After completing his studies, he began working as an artist-architect at the Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnography of the Georgian Academy of Sciences (now the Ivane Javakhishvili Institute of History and Ethnology).

    In the 1960s, he was a senior master of the design workshop of the Tbilisi Art and Production Plant of the Art Fund of Georgia and the chief artist of the resorts of Georgia (he decorated buildings in Sukhumi, Gagra, Pitsunda, Borjomi). In 1967, Zurab Tsereteli’s first personal exhibition took place.

    In the 1970s and 1980s, he was the chief artist of the USSR Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 1979, Tsereteli was elected a corresponding member of the USSR Academy of Arts. In 1980, he was appointed chief artist of the XXII Olympic Games in Moscow. Since 1992, he has held the post of president of the Moscow International Foundation for Assistance to UNESCO. Since 1997, he has headed the Russian Academy of Arts.

    Zurab Tsereteli’s first solo exhibition in Moscow was held in 1998, and he dedicated it to his late wife Inessa Andronikashvili. In 2007, his exhibition was held at UNESCO headquarters (Paris). Tsereteli’s solo exhibitions were also held in Palermo, Rome, Ancona (2011), Zurich (2014), Verona (2016), Cannes (2017) and many other cities around the world. In September 2023, Tsereteli’s exhibition “More Than Life” was held in China.

    Zurab Konstantinovich initiated the creation of the Moscow Museum of Modern Art (1999) and donated his personal collection of 20th century works to the new institution. In 2001, he opened the Zurab Tsereteli Art Gallery in Moscow.

    The Legacy of Zurab Tsereteli

    The artist’s most important works are probably familiar to almost all residents and guests of Moscow. In particular, he worked on the reconstruction of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Zurab Tsereteli called himself a believer – he became acquainted with church art during numerous expeditions to Georgia, and this experience, according to him, seriously helped him in his work.

    The artist was responsible for the sculptural part of the bronze obelisk as part of the Victory Memorial Complex on Poklonnaya Hill — in an interview, he said that this work would always be in his heart as a special stage in his life. In 1996, a sculptural composition appeared in the Moscow Zoo, which the zoo’s management called the “Tree of Fairy Tales”. The famous monument to Peter I on the artificial island at the division of the Moscow River and the Vodootvodny Canal was erected in 1997. That same year, Zurab Tsereteli developed the overall artistic and design solution for Manezhnaya Square.

    The sculptor’s monumental works adorn cities in different countries. Among the most famous are “Happiness for Children of the World” (Brockport, USA, 1979), “Good Conquers Evil” (New York, 1990), “Birth of a New Man” (Seville, Spain, 1995), monuments to Nikolai Gogol (Rome, 2002), Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker (Bari, Italy, 2003), Princess Olga (Pskov, 2003), Pope John Paul II (Ploermel, France, 2006), Marina Tsvetaeva (Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, France, 2012), a monument dedicated to the fight against international terrorism (Bayonne, USA, 2006), the compositions “Saint George” (Tbilisi, 2005) and “Fathers of the European Union”. (Metz, France, 2012).

    People’s Artist of the USSR (1980) and the Russian Federation (1994), he was awarded many other awards and honorary titles: the Lenin Prize (1976), USSR State Prizes (1970, 1981-1982), the State Prize of the Russian Federation in Literature and Art (1995), the Order of Merit for the Fatherland of the 3rd (1996), 2nd (2006), 1st (2010) and 4th (2014) classes, the Order of Friendship of Peoples (1994). Zurab Tsereteli was awarded, in particular, the Picasso Gold Medal (2007), the Order of the Legion of Honor (2010) and Carl Faberge (2016).

    The sculptor’s daughter and grandson also connected their lives with art. According to Zurab Konstantinovich, he always tried to support their interest in creativity. Elena Tsereteli is a graphic artist, academician of the Russian Academy of Arts, Vasily Tsereteli is an artist, vice-president of the Russian Academy of Arts, executive director of the Moscow Museum of Modern Art.

    Zurab Tsereteli worked fruitfully almost until the very last days of his life – according to him, even when busy with administrative tasks, he always found time to approach the canvas or go to the foundry, and he carried an album and an ink pen with him everywhere. In an interview, the artist noted that all his works are about love – for the world, people, life.

    Among his recent creations are a monument to Alexander Pushkin (Apatity, 2017), a bust of the first President of Russia Boris Yeltsin (Moscow, 2018), monuments to dancer Rudolf Nureyev (Kazan, 2018), writer Alexander Solzhenitsyn (Kislovodsk, 2018), scientist Zhores Alferov (Saint Petersburg, 2019) and poet Andrei Dementyev (Moscow, 2020), a bust of Alexander Nevsky (Saint Petersburg, 2021), and a monument to composer Tikhon Khrennikov (Yelets, 2023).

    The artist passed away on April 22, 2025.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/152973073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s bank wealth management market expands steadily

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s bank wealth management market enjoyed steady growth momentum in the first quarter, industry data indicated on Tuesday.

    The balance of wealth management products stood at 29.14 trillion yuan (about 4.04 trillion U.S. dollars) at the end of March, up 9.41 percent year on year, according to the latest data provided by the China Banking Wealth Management Registration and Depository Center.

    At the end of the first quarter, the number of wealth management products increased by 0.67 percent year on year to 40,600, offered by a combination of 215 banking institutions and 31 wealth management companies, the center said.

    Meanwhile, support for the real economy from bank wealth management products stood at nearly 20 trillion yuan, the center added.

    The number of investors holding wealth management products in the banking market rose by 6.73 percent year on year to 126 million by the end of March, the data showed. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SCST at welcoming lunch of Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ 2025 (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Speech by SCST at welcoming lunch of Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ 2025 (English only) 
    Honourable ministers, heads of delegations, Consul Generals, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
    Good afternoon! And welcome to Hong Kong! Welcome to the Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ 2025!
     
    The Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum (ACCF) was first initiated in Hong Kong in 2003. Having spanned over 20 years and entering its 13th edition this year, the ACCF has developed into a renowned G-to-G (government to government) platform for cultural exchange and co-operation at ministerial level in Asia. This year, we have added the plus (“+”) sign to the name of the Forum. This is because, riding on the success of previous editions of the ACCF, we have expanded the coverage of participating countries this year. Apart from inviting more participants from within Asia, we have also invited our friends from the Belt and Road countries as well as those beyond Asia to participate, in the hope of further enhancing cultural exchange and connection amongst participants.
     
    The result is that I have both the privilege and honour to welcome an unprecedentedly strong cast of over 100 representatives from 22 countries to the ACCF+ 2025, with delegations from 17 countries joining us, here in Hong Kong! I am also excited to know that five of these delegations are joining the ACCF for the very first time. Welcome again! 
     
    Equally important, we are very happy to welcome representatives from seven cultural units of various provinces and cities of China, our motherland, including the Macao Special Administration Region. Compared to the last edition of the ACCF held towards the end of 2022, which was affected by the pandemic, and some friends in the region could not make it to the Forum physically, we have now fully returned to normalcy, and it is the best time for us to get together, rekindle connections, create new collaborative opportunities, and engage in meaningful dialogues for the furtherance of cultural development in our community and in the region.
     
    With the above in mind, we set the theme of this year’s Forum as “Connect, Create, Engage: Bridging Cultures for All”, underlining the Forum’s significance in connecting diverse cultures in the region, inspiring creativity and empowering our cultural community. Over the past two years, we have all made tremendous efforts in reviving the arts and cultural sector in our respective community, which was hard hit by the pandemic. At the same time, the advancement in digital technology and its impacts on people interaction means that arts and cultural development ahead is now full of challenges and uncertainties. This week’s Forum provides excellent opportunity of face-to-face interaction to connect and collaborate to tackle the evolving challenges. As cultural administrators, our roles are of vital importance and a platform for us to meet and exchange is particularly meaningful at this juncture.
     
    Our fruitful journey of connection, creation and engagement begins with this welcoming lunch. In the coming two days, we are excited to present an array of fantastic programmes, including the ministerial panel this afternoon, tonight’s gala dinner, plenary sessions, and insightful visits to renowned facilities such as the Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+ in the West Kowloon Cultural District. I know some of you have already visited the Hong Kong Museum of Arts and our unique art space in North Point called Oi!. Through these carefully curated programmes, we hope to showcase to you Hong Kong’s latest cultural landscape, and I hope that you will be fully immersed in the cultural vibrancy of Hong Kong, which will further inspire ideas to cultivate the enrichment and growth of arts and culture for our respective community.
     
    Let us join hands and turn this Forum into a beacon of cultural enlightenment. Not only do I look forward to learning from the enriching discussions at the Forum, I hope to start our dialogues so that we will meet again soon in Hong Kong, or elsewhere in your country. I wish you all a pleasant and fruitful stay in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, please enjoy this welcoming lunch, as well as the performances with rich Cantonese characteristics from our local artists. Thank you and bon appétit!
    Issued at HKT 14:14

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SCST at Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ 2025 – Ministerial Panel (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Speech by SCST at Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ 2025 – Ministerial Panel (English only) 
    Honourable ministers, heads of delegations, Consul Generals, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
    Good afternoon. Just now I was so eager to welcome you that I almost jumped on stage myself. On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), I would like to extend our warmest welcome to all of you to the Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ (ACCF+) 2025. May I take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to Mr Gao Zheng, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, who will be delivering a speech for us in a short moment. 
     
    This year’s ACCF+ has received an unprecedented participation of senior delegations from 17 countries in the region, with five of the countries sending delegations to join this Forum for the first time. Your active participation and unwavering support not only sustains the continued success of this Forum, but also reaffirms Hong Kong’s unique position as an international hub for arts and culture, as well as the “super connector” for bridging countries across Asia and beyond, for meaningful cultural exchanges.
     
    The theme of this year’s Forum is “Connect, Create, Engage: Bridging Cultures for All”. I trust you would agree with me that this is something that we, as cultural ministers and government leaders, need to seriously contemplate at this point in time. The world has undergone rapid and vigourous changes since the last ACCF held in 2022, and these changes are multifaceted, especially when we are now entering a volatile age of geopolitical tension and tariff wars. What impacts the arts and cultural development of a place most is undoubtedly the amplified diversity through technology. We should all recognise that technological advancement is something inevitable, so instead of resisting it, we should adopt a people-oriented approach to embrace it. And to achieve this, my strategy is to connect more with people, to create more for people and to engage more people. After all, culture is from people, and is about people.
     
    Situated right in the heart of Asia, with a convergence of diverse cultures and global connections, Hong Kong is blessed with unique advantages to play the important role as a “super connector” between China, our motherland, and the rest of the world.  With the clear support in China’s National 14th Five‑Year Plan, we have been striving to develop Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges. Together with the competitive edge in the commercial sector, Hong Kong is also the largest art trading centre in Asia. All these have been written on the name card of Hong Kong now. We will surely work hard to make our name card more shiny and promote our strengths, but more importantly, we will make good use of these attributes to build connections with our friends in the region and the rest of the world. This is why Hong Kong is taking a leadership role in hosting this renowned event once again, and presenting various large-scale forums and summits, such as the Museum Summit organised last month by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department in partnership with The Guimet ‑ National Museum of Asian Arts in France, which received a record-high total registration of over 7 000 participants. One-third of them were non-Hong Kong registrants, from 39 countries. These achievements boost not only our confidence in consolidating our role, but Hong Kong’s attractiveness to draw in new arts and cultural ideas and collaboration opportunities. As a melting pot of Chinese and Western cultures, Hong Kong’s potential could only be fully unleashed with the constant stimuli from the rest of the world.
     
    Good connections is a solid foundation. With it, we can create more for our people. For the sake of arts and cultural development in Hong Kong, my priorities now go to creating space, opportunities, and more importantly an ecosystem. The cultural landscape in Hong Kong is much broadened with the full operation of the world-class West Kowloon Cultural District and the state-of-the-art Kai Tak Sports Park which was opened last month. The recent Coldplay concert hosting over 200 000 audience members coming from all over the world is a strong testimony of Hong Kong’s strong capability in staging world-class events. So, we will definitely work hard to make good use of the space with sufficient quality content. 
     
    Apart from attracting mega events and world-class artists to Hong Kong, we will also create opportunities for our home-grown artists and talent to shine. On this, we are taking bold steps to develop new initiatives that provide such a platform, an example of which is the inaugural Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo (HKPAX) launched in 2024 that brought together arts institutions and practitioners from around the world. The HKSAR Government has already committed to supporting the second edition of HKPAX in the 2025-26 Budget Speech. The Forum today will undoubtedly serve as another precious platform in connecting partners, fostering exchanges and co-operation, and engaging cultural communities with constructive and inspirational thoughts and initiatives.
     
    Currently, Hong Kong is home to a number of globally acclaimed galleries, auction houses and art fairs. Hong Kong’s low tax rate and thriving art fairs have attracted art lovers from around the world to participate in Hong Kong’s art trading events. These qualities have contributed to the emergence of Hong Kong’s art trading and auction market, making Hong Kong one of the world’s top three art trading centres. As you know, Art Basel Hong Kong has developed into a prominent international event for visual arts since its debut in Hong Kong in 2013.  
     
    The advancement in infrastructure and enrichment of platforms have worked together to create a more pluralistic cultural environment, allowing space and conditions for industry building and the integrated development of culture, sports and tourism. The achievements did not happen by accident. This is one of the four strategic directions in the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development that we promulgated in November 2024 to enhance the ecosystem for the arts, culture and creative industries. Along this direction, we will continue to improve infrastructure, promote cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaborations, nurture talent, and more importantly, to collaborate with all sectors of society for the better future of arts and cultural development. 
     
    Very soon, my dear friends, you will be sharing your constructive and inspirational experiences and opinions for fostering arts and cultural growth at this Ministerial Panel. I look forward to learning from the immense interflow of ideas and insightful discussions that will ensue. On behalf of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I would like to once again express my heartfelt gratitude for your honourable presence at ACCF+ 2025. Your participation and contribution is deeply meaningful to us and to the enhancement of people-to-people bonding in the region. 
     
    Thank you very much.
    Issued at HKT 16:45

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – US tariffs on pharmaceuticals – P-001539/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001539/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Laurent Castillo (PPE)

    Over the course of 10 years, the EU has more than tripled the value of its pharmaceutical exports, generating a positive trade balance of EUR 193.6 billion in 2024. That year, 38 % of European pharmaceutical exports were to the US.

    Although these figures show the high added value of pharmaceuticals manufactured in the EU, the US’ imposition of tariffs could damage that industry.

    The 90-day suspension of tariffs for the EU has done nothing to alleviate the 145 % levy on China, and the EU depends on Asia for almost 80% of the active ingredients it needs for the production of its finished products.

    In the light of the above, I ask the Commission:

    • 1.If they are composed of active ingredients from China, will finished pharmaceutical products manufactured in the EU be subject, in whole or in part, to tariffs of 125 %?
    • 2.Will the same be true for other manufacturing sectors, such as the automotive and technology sectors?

    Submitted: 15.4.2025

    Last updated: 22 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The story behind the ‘Moko’ drums, sacred musical instruments from the Alor-Pantar archipelago

    Source: The Conversation – Indonesia – By Francesco Perono Cacciafoco, Associate Professor in Linguistics, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

    The day was still alive when a group of Abui people danced in a circle around the ‘maasang’ – the central altar of their village – alternating coordinated movements with rhythmic pauses. The drums were played, marking each step with their sounds, believed to connect the world of the gods with the world of humans.

    They were performing the ‘lego-lego’ dance, an integral part of ancestral rituals. The dance was directed by the cadenced rhythm produced by the ‘Moko’ drums, distinctive musical instruments that are also prestigious heirlooms and sacred tools, mostly found in the Alor-Pantar archipelago, in East Nusa Tenggara.

    Recently, with Shiyue Wu, my Research Assistant at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (Suzhou, Jiangsu, China), I developed and published research about the names of the ‘Moko’ drums and bronze gongs from Alor in three representative Papuan languages spoken in the island: Abui (Central Alor), Sawila (Eastern Alor), and Kula (Eastern Alor).

    This research aims to increase our knowledge on the ‘Moko’ drums and their significance and sanctity for the cultural identity and heritage of the peoples living in the Alor-Pantar archipelago.



    Baca juga:
    Finding ‘Kape’: How Language Documentation helps us preserve an endangered language

    Unclear historical references

    Among the many ancestral traditions and ritual objects attested in Southeastern Indonesia, the ‘Moko’ drums represent a unique blend of symbolic and religious values and practical functions in the social life of the local Papuan communities. Technically, they are bronze kettle-drums, specifically membranophones, instruments that produce their sounds by being hit on their vibrating skins, or membranes.

    Despite their widespread use and cultural significance among indigenous communities in Alor, Pantar and beyond — like in Timor and among the Austronesian and Papuan groups of Flores —, the history and origins of these musical instruments are still relatively obscure and seem to fade into the mists of time.

    The ‘bronze gongs’ from the Alor-Pantar archipelago vary in size and are typically round, flat metal discs played with a mallet. They are equivalent to the ‘Moko’ drums, at the level of musical and social functions.

    The indigenous peoples believe that the drums and gongs have no local origins from the islands, but their possible place of production is unknown. We recently confirmed this through fieldwork conversations with our Abui local consultant.

    ‘Moko’ drums’ unique attributes

    Each ‘Moko’ drum (and bronze gong) is characterised by physical (size, shape, and the produced sounds) and aesthetic (iconography and decorations) features, which make it unique. The uniqueness of the drums and gongs is strengthened by the fact that each type of these membranophones has an ‘individual’ name, which indicates a specific category, with its dedicated musical and iconographic attributes.

    For example, there are ‘fiyaai futal’ (in Abui), the “candlenut-flower” drum, and ‘bileeqwea / bileeq-wea‘ (in Abui), the “lizard-blood” drum.

    All the ethnic groups in Alor, Pantar and surrounding areas use their own local variants for the names of the different drums. This nomenclature reflects specific ritual and trading features of each musical instrument.

    Despite this, the native speakers cannot explain the name ‘Moko’ in itself, with its etymological and semantic origins. They agree upon the likely foreign origin of the instruments, but no one can pinpoint a possible location for their production (some say Java, Makassar, India, Vietnam, or even China, but without any conclusive evidence) or the trade routes across which they were likely imported to the islands.

    Some local myths and origin stories) tell about the unexpected discovery, by local people, of ‘Moko’ drums buried in the ground, adding a veil of mystery to their enigmatic roots. Being treasured items, the drums were actually buried under the ground by locals, to avoid the risk to fall into the hands of colonisers or to be taken away by outsiders.

    The term ‘Moko’ is universally attested and used in everyday conversations by the Alor-Pantar speakers, independently of their languages and villages. However, nobody, among the locals, can explain the roots of the name or propose an interpretation for its possible meaning. The ‘Moko’ drums are, therefore, an unsolved puzzle in the context of the material culture and linguistic landscape of the Alor-Pantar archipelago.

    It is possible that the name ‘Moko’ was coined ‘internally’, in Alor and Pantar, perhaps in the ‘Alor Malay’ language, which is commonly spoken in the archipelago since the 14th century. The denomination would have, then, spread towards external areas.

    However, this hypothesis cannot be proven with incontrovertible evidence, and the direction of the naming process could have also been the opposite, from outside into Alor and Pantar.

    Our paper presents systematic lists of the names of drums and gongs, with the original denominations in the three different above-mentioned languages, the related translations, name-by-name, synthetic notes on the possible origins of their nomenclature, a catalogue of the instruments by categories (based on fieldwork and direct observation), and a set of pictures reproducing a small selection of drums according to their cultural significance.

    Beyond musical functions

    The ‘Moko‘ drums are relatively ancient ritual objects commonly used, in the past, in generally pre-Christian worship ceremonies performed by the indigenous communities. The traditions survived until today, through local folklore and public celebrations.

    The drums, as well as the related bronze gongs, still play an important role as a valuable local ‘currency’. Highly regarded as prestigious family possessions, they are used for trade and social practices embedded into traditional customs, like bride-price negotiations.

    The path towards a full understanding of the historical dynamics of the production and spread of the ‘Moko’ drums and gongs — as well as their provenance and the etymologies of their names — might still be long. However, this does not diminish their cultural and material significance among the Alor-Pantar peoples.

    Despite their obscure origins, ‘Moko’ drums and bronze gongs are meticulously catalogued, described and rated by the local communities in the islands. Periodically, a multi-ethnic council gathers to assess, update and validate the different values and levels of social prestige and rarity of every single instrument.

    This safeguarding effort, combined with the collection and systematisation of ‘first hand’ data, which we are currently developing, may considerably help in shedding light on the nature and origins of these enigmatic instruments.

    Francesco Perono Cacciafoco received funding from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU): Research Development Fund (RDF) Grant, “Place Names and Cultural Identity: Toponyms and Their Diachronic Evolution among the Kula People from Alor Island”, Grant Number: RDF-23-01-014, School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS), Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), Suzhou (Jiangsu), China, 2024-2025.

    – ref. The story behind the ‘Moko’ drums, sacred musical instruments from the Alor-Pantar archipelago – https://theconversation.com/the-story-behind-the-moko-drums-sacred-musical-instruments-from-the-alor-pantar-archipelago-253225

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2025 Beijing Book Fair kicks off

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The 2025 Beijing Book Fair kicked off on Tuesday, with its main exhibition venue set in Chaoyang Park. For the first time, a sub-venue has been established in the Beijing sub-center, alongside additional book markets in Shijingshan and Fengtai districts.
    At the Wangfujing Bookstore exhibition area, over 3,000 titles from more than 100 publishing houses are on display, covering topics such as Beijing culture, Chinese classics, and the Central Axis of Beijing.
    The Yayuncun Book Building presents a youthful and vibrant atmosphere, offering titles that appeal to younger readers. Highlights include books on healthy living and a new release by Nini, author of the popular comic “Oysters with Shells Are the Hearts of Grown-Ups.”
    An exhibition of vintage books features 80 classic titles spanning poetry, fiction, and drama. Alongside the books are famous quotes from their pages, giving visitors a chance to reflect on the literary legacy they carry.
    In a vivid blend of literature and craftsmanship, the fair also hosts an exhibition on Beijing Silk Figures — national intangible cultural heritage. Over 100 handcrafted dolls and figurines are on display, grouped into themes such as historical drama, Tang dynasty aesthetics, folklore, and classic literature.
    Bookstores from Nanjing and Hangzhou also join in with their cultural creative products and signature activities. 
    The book fair will run until May 5.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China adds 29 new majors to higher education catalog

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

    BEIJING, April 22 — China’s Ministry of Education has introduced 29 new majors to advanced education institutions in response to the evolving needs of national strategies and the pursuit of high-quality development.

    The ministry on Tuesday announced updates to the catalog of undergraduate majors in general colleges and universities, adding majors such as carbon neutrality science and engineering and international cruise management.

    Among the new additions serving strategic areas of national interest are majors such as marine science and technology and health and medical security.

    In recognition of technological trends, majors including smart molecular engineering, medical device and equipment engineering, and spatiotemporal information engineering have been included.

    To cater to emerging market trends, the catalog now includes majors such as international cruise management and aviation sports.

    Reflecting the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern society, the ministry has introduced majors such as AI education, smart audio-visual engineering, and digital drama.

    To facilitate a more agile response to national strategies, the ministry has implemented a new mechanism allowing swift adjustments to the curriculum in response to newly prioritized strategic areas.

    Addressing the rapid development needs of the low-altitude economy, six universities, including Beihang University, have been guided to add a major in low-altitude technology and engineering.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “HSE is a very good place: smart students, strong teaching staff”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Sergey Kuksin

    © Higher School of Economics

    Since March of this year Faculty of Mathematics, National Research University Higher School of Economics The leading Russian mathematician, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Honorary Professor of the University of Edinburgh, National Professor of the PRC and laureate began working Prizes named after A.M. Lyapunova Sergey Kuksin. In an interview with Vyshka.Glavnoe, he spoke about the role of personality in mathematics, KAM theory, and why analysis is so relevant today.

    — Sergey Borisovich, what brought you to the HSE?

    — A year ago, I received a mega-grant from the Russian government, started working at RUDN and visiting Moscow for seminars, and when the grant ended, I was offered a job at HSE. I know many people at the HSE Mathematics Department. Mathematicians, they are all connected one way or another. True, given that mathematics is divided into three large parts: algebra, geometry and analysis. What is algebra, it is clear, right? For example, it is addition of fractions, square trinomial, “x plus y squared” and so on. Geometry, as we all remember well, is plane geometry, problems on construction and all that sort of thing. Well, and analysis is when there are functions and graphs.

    – And which one of them are you?

    – I am analysis.

    — Have you been here before?

    — Of course, I have. HSE is a very good place: smart students, a strong faculty. Many years ago, I even gave a short course of lectures at the local mathematics department. But that experience was not very successful. The thing is that the HSE department was organized by big algebra enthusiasts and was focused on algebra, so the students were not very impressed. They simply did not understand why they needed it. And that is wrong. Everyone needs to know analysis. Analysis is also probability theory, which is very relevant now, since it is closely related to such topics as artificial intelligence, machine translation, and pattern recognition. By the way, the then management understood this well when they invited me to give the course. But in mathematics, in order to get something moving, you have to make serious efforts. And it seems that this is happening now — the expansion of the profile of the mathematics department. That is partly why they invited me.

    — Will you teach or work as a researcher?

    — First of all, I will work as a researcher. One of my main tasks is to participate in the creation of a seminar with the preliminary title “Dynamics, Analysis and Probability”. I would like it to be a seminar of the highest level, with the involvement of good speakers who motivate students to develop in this area. This is not easy, but it is possible, especially since the impetus to develop the analysis component comes from the faculty management. In particular, from the dean Alexandra Skripchenko. By the way, she recently defended her doctoral dissertation.

    — Remember the most vivid impression in your life related to mathematics.

    — My parents, with whom I was very lucky, subscribed to several magazines for me. One of them was “Knowledge is Power”. Once, when I was still in high school, I read an article about mathematics. And there was a phrase in it that I still remember: “The heights of mathematics are beautiful, and it’s a pity that very few can admire them.” I wanted to admire them and, yes, I confirm: they are beautiful.

    — What qualities do you need to have to become a good mathematician?

    — You know, mathematics is, fortunately, a gift that manifests itself early. Or doesn’t. That is, a person already at school understands whether mathematics is for him or not. Already in high school, I couldn’t imagine that I would do anything else in this life.

    — Which of your scientific achievements do you consider the most significant?

    – I’ll start from afar. There was such a scientist, the largest Soviet mathematician Andrei Nikolaevich Kolmogorov. He was a completely fantastic person who made a huge contribution to mathematics. Including was the founder of Cam-theoria. This is an abbreviation composed of the first letters of the surnames of the authors: Kolmogorov, Arnold and Moser. And now let’s figure out what Cam-theoria is. Consider the solar system. For this, they usually take five main planets from Venus to Saturn. We know that each planet rotates according to the ellipse – according to the law of Kepler. This is because the sun attracts it. But besides, the planets interact with each other. Therefore, their movement – the Kepler movement – is gradually distorted. And there is a relatively simple equation that describes how the planet interacts with the sun. But when we also take into account the interaction of the planets with each other, then small disturbances and interaction are added to the main equation. Due to these interactions, the orbit of the planets begin to gradually deform. The question that Isaac Newton still raised is what will happen to this ellipse, for example, after a million years? After all, he can burst, and then the planet will fly away to distant galaxies. The ellipse can stretch out so much that at the point closest to the sun, the planet will fall into the sun and burn. Ellips orbits of different planets can cross, and the planets will collide. It is clear, not in the next ten thousand years, but still. It was an outstanding, wonderful task, and it was solved with the help of Cam-theoria.

    – And what is the answer?

    — The answer is negative: the orbits will always be close to the initial ones. The exact statement is more complicated and has significant reservations, which it is inappropriate to state now. But such a simplified story describes the essence of KAM theory quite accurately. To answer your question about my contribution to mathematics: I learned to do calculations for systems that have not five or even five hundred, but an infinite number of components. This was the topic of my doctoral dissertation — “KAM theory for partial differential equations.”

    — You were awarded the Lyapunov Prize of the Russian Academy of Sciences for it?

    — Yes, that’s right: for the creation and development of the Kolmogorov-Arnold-Moser theory for partial differential equations.

    — What would you like to achieve while working at the Higher School of Economics?

    — To participate in the development of analysis at the HSE in particular and in Moscow in general. During the Soviet Union, analysis here was very strong, but for a number of reasons it has declined significantly. Unlike, say, algebra. Which confirms the thesis about the role of personality in history, since this happened solely due to the efforts of several outstanding algebraists who never left Moscow. They were the ones who preserved the seminars and the youth in the seminars.

    — Would you like to become the person in mathematics who will move analysis forward?

    — I would like to participate.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo Insights Initiates Coverage of Cango Inc.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo Insights, an independent equity research firm, has initiated coverage of Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) highlighting Cango’s move into bitcoin mining, market analysis and prospects.

    Click Here to view Apollo Insights‘ full equity research report and investment thesis on Cango.

    About Cango
    Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) primarily operates a leading Bitcoin mining business. Cango has deployed its mining operation across strategic locations including North America, Middle East, South America and East Africa. Cango expanded into the crypto assets market in November 2024, driven by the development in blockchain technology, increasing prevalence of crypto assets and its endeavor to diversify its business. Meanwhile, Cango has continued to operate the automotive transaction service in China since 2010, aiming to make car purchases simple and enjoyable. For more information, please visit: www.cangoonline.com.

    About Apollo Insights
    Apollo Insights specializes in delivering comprehensive, unbiased equity research for micro- and small-cap companies that often lack adequate market exposure, bridging the information gap between these companies and potential investors through our company-sponsored research. Our equity coverage includes investor-grade reports that combine deep business analysis with rigorous financial models to help educate investors, strengthen market narratives and foster long-term shareholder engagement.

    For more Information please contact:
    Apollo Insights
    Brandi Larsen
    information@apolloinsightsco.com
    www.apolloinsightsco.com

    SOURCE: Apollo Insights

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: HERE partners with ECARX to launch Next-Generation, In-Car Navigation at Auto Shanghai 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • The collaboration leverages HERE’s next-generation navigation platform, and ECARX’s full-stack capabilities to deliver an industry-leading navigation solution for leading Chinese automakers.
    • By integrating HERE SDK and compliant location data across 200+ countries, the solution significantly shortens development cycles for international vehicle platforms.
    • A production-ready solution, along with a demo, will debut at Auto Shanghai 2025.

    Shanghai, Auto Shanghai 2025 – HERE Technologies, the leading location data and technology platform, today announced its strategic partnership with ECARX, global mobility technology company ECARX (Nasdaq: ECX), on co-developing a new-generation navigation system with multi-scenario adaptability, integrating the HERE SDK navigation platform with ECARX’s full-stack solutions. 

    HERE SDK offers the latest, complete navigation and location services experience for connected vehicles. It stands out for its multi-scenario adaptability, data accuracy, coverage breadth, technical performance, and developer-friendly features, making it ideal for high-precision mapping, real-time navigation, and cross-platform support. 

    By combining HERE’s world-class AI-powered location technology with ECARX’s automotive technologies, the collaboration will empower global automotive OEMs, including Lotus, Lynk & Co, Smart and Hongqi, to deliver advanced navigation solutions that are reliable, dynamic, and personalized, offering drivers across the world an unparalleled driving experience while supporting the global shift towards intelligent, connected vehicles.

    Mike Nefkens, CEO of HERE Technologies, shared: “Together with ECARX, we’re combining cutting-edge AI-powered mapping and location services with next-generation intelligent vehicle platforms, making it easier than ever for leading automakers to deliver connected, intuitive and globally scalable navigation experiences. Our partnership is focused on increasing the speed at which automakers bring the latest in-car navigation solutions to market.”

    Ziyu Shen, Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of ECARX, added: “This deep technical collaboration fuses HERE’s world-class mapping expertise with ECARX’s full-stack software and hardware co-development platform. By standardizing HERE’s SDK—supporting compliant map data for over 200 countries and multidimensional parameter interfaces—we significantly shorten the development cycle for automaker navigation systems. This allows global vehicle models to meet data regulations across major markets and provides a plug-and-play global navigation development framework for OEMs.”

    As HERE strengthens its presence in the Chinese automotive sector, this collaboration is testament to the company’s role in powering next-generation mobility solutions for global automotive leaders. HERE Technologies is also showcasing its innovative location technology at Auto Shanghai 2025 at Booth #2B A052, demonstrating its commitment to driving the future of mobility and smart cities.

    Media contacts
    HERE Technologies
    Jordan Stark
    +1 312 316 4537
    jordan.stark@here.com

    Dr. Sebastian Kurme 
    +49 173 515 3549 
    sebastian.kurme@here.com

    About ECARX
    ECARX (Nasdaq: ECX) is a global automotive technology provider with capabilities to deliver turnkey solutions for next-generation smart vehicles, from the system on a chip (SoC), to central computing platforms, and software. As automakers develop new electric vehicle architectures from the ground up, ECARX is developing full-stack solutions to enhance the user experience, while reducing complexity and cost. Founded in 2017 and listed on the Nasdaq in 2022, ECARX now has over 1,900 employees based in 12 major locations in China, UK, USA, Sweden, Germany and Malaysia. To date, ECARX products can be found in over 8.1 million vehicles worldwide. 

    About HERE Technologies
    HERE has been a pioneer in mapping and location technology for 40 years. Today, HERE’s location platform is recognized as the most complete in the industry, powering location-based products, services and custom maps for organizations and enterprises across the globe. From autonomous driving and seamless logistics to new mobility experiences, HERE allows its partners and customers to innovate while retaining control over their data and safeguarding privacy. Find out how HERE is moving the world forward at here.com. 

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing introduces measures to boost medical device approvals

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China’s capital city Beijing will introduce six innovative measures to streamline the review and approval process for medical devices. These initiatives aim to expedite approvals, encourage innovation, and attract businesses to the city. 
    In 2024, Beijing has intensified efforts to improve its regulatory framework and foster a thriving environment for innovation in the medical device sector. The city has significantly reduced the average time for initial registration of medical devices to just 43 working days. 
    In addition, Beijing has attracted 14 medical device companies from other provinces, including notable entities like Alibaba DAMO Academy, to establish new operations in the city.
    To support industry growth, Beijing has established partnerships with 18 medical device industrial parks, providing targeted services to enterprises. The city plans to increase the number of pilot industrial parks this year and develop replicable service models that can be implemented in other areas.
    Furthermore, Beijing is leveraging technology to streamline regulatory processes and support the medical device industry. An AI model is under development to assist with medical device registration consultation and review processes. This innovation will help to enhance the efficiency and quality of reviews by addressing common challenges and freeing up reviewers’ time.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s 8th batch of aid supplies arrives in quake-hit Myanmar

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The eighth batch of emergency humanitarian aid supplies dispatched by the Chinese government on Tuesday arrived at Yangon International Airport in Myanmar, which was devastated by a 7.9-magnitude earthquake on March 28.

    The aid supplies include 24,600 bone plates, 132,000 bone screws, 4,526 intramedullary nails, 30 sets of tool kits, 1 million bottles of sodium penicillin for injection, 400,000 bottles of metronidazole tablets, 90,000 boxes of cefradine capsules, 300 boxes of medical disinfectant tablets, and 2,000 barrels of medical iodine cotton swabs.

    As of April 18, the earthquake has claimed 3,726 lives and injured 5,105 people, with 129 others remaining unaccounted for, according to Myanmar’s official data. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Cleaner coal to complement green wave

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

    China is gearing up for a new phase of coal power upgrades to hasten its transition toward cleaner and greener energy, said officials and experts on Monday.

    This round of upgrades will focus on enhanced peak-shaving capability, strong support for volatile new energy power, high resilience and lower emissions.

    It proposes key tasks in four aspects — clean and low-carbon; safe and reliable, efficient peak-shaving; valley-filling and the intelligent operation of coal power, said He Yang, deputy head of the National Energy Administration.

    He emphasized that among the four key tasks, ensuring the security and reliability of the power supply are fundamental prerequisites, as coal-fired power accounts for 40 percent of installed capacity and generates nearly 60 percent of electricity in China.

    This initiative comes against the backdrop of the rapid increase in power generated from intermittent and volatile new energies.

    Officials and experts emphasized the pressing need for China’s coal-fired power sector to address significant challenges amid energy transition.

    Coal-fired power, a major carbon emitter, must reduce emissions while enhancing flexibility as a crucial peak-shaving and support source in the evolving power system structure.

    Moving forward, a focus on clean energy and intelligent operations is essential for coal-fired power to adapt to scheduling systems and complex operating environments, ensuring both security and sustainability, said He.

    Hu Wenping, director of the power generation project consulting institute affiliated with the China Electric Power Planning and Engineering Institute, emphasized the need to enhance the efficiency and speed of coal-fired power generation units, as well as boost worker safety through technological innovation.

    This includes intelligent optimization and decision-making for efficient operation, dynamic matching of resources for rapid load changes, and safety measures like intelligent safety monitoring to mitigate operational risks and ensure safe operations, Hu said.

    Diao Baosheng, deputy director of the power department of CHN Energy, shared the group’s practices in clean and decarbonization technologies for coal-fired power, including biomass co-firing and carbon capture, utilization and storage.

    Diao said the company has successively carried out technological strategies such as chemical absorption capturing, which can absorb up to 500,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.76 [2025]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Operations No.76 [2025]

    (Open Market Operations Office, April 22, 2025)

    The People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB220.5 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on April 22, 2025.

    Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

    Maturity

    Rate

    Bidding Volume

    Winning Bid Volume

    7 days

    1.50%

    RMB220.5 billion

    RMB220.5 billion

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2025年04月22日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Flying Tigers exhibition in San Francisco honors US-China wartime friendship

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Descendants of the Flying Tigers, along with U.S. and Chinese officials and World War II history activists, gathered on Monday to open a new photo exhibition that honors the historic bond between the American and Chinese people during their joint fight against fascism in World War II (WWII).

    The exhibition, titled “Sino-American Friendship — Flying Tigers in Guangxi,” is being organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It runs through May 4 at the WWII Pacific War Memorial Hall in San Francisco Chinatown.

    Featuring 29 panels of historical photographs, the exhibition highlights the heroic contributions of the Flying Tigers — an American volunteer group that aided China during its War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

    The images also reflect the deep friendship forged between the two nations as they stood shoulder to shoulder during one of the most turbulent periods in modern history.

    Guangxi was a key strategic location for the Flying Tigers, who operated from bases in cities like Guilin and Liuzhou. From there, they launched daring bombing raids on Japanese targets in Guangzhou, Wuhan, Hainan, and beyond — crippling supply lines and bolstering China’s resistance efforts while contributing to the global fight against fascism.

    Charlene Fontaine, a descendant of a Flying Tigers veteran, shared personal stories passed down from her father.

    She emphasized the often-overlooked bravery of the Chinese people. “When we said how much our dads did to help save China, my father always said it was the courage and resilience of the Chinese people that saved them,” she recalled.

    Wei Jiang, deputy director of Guangxi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, highlighted stories of American pilots rescued by Chinese villagers who risked their lives to shelter them from enemy forces.

    Wei announced that a larger and more comprehensive exhibition on the Flying Tigers will open this September in Liuzhou City, and he invited Flying Tigers descendants in the United States to contribute historical materials and visit the upcoming event.

    Local elected officials also attended Monday’s opening ceremony. “We’re here to honor the men, the women, and the history of an incredible event,” said Danville Vice Mayor Newell Arnerich. “History is something that we need to learn from and it guides us to our future.”

    San Francisco Supervisor Chyanne Chen praised the exhibit as “a valuable live classroom.”

    “The U.S.-China relationship is important, and remembering the sacrifices of those who fought for peace is something we must continue to honor,” she said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New freight train cuts travel time to Central Asia by 30%

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

    China has launched a new regular freight train route from Chongqing Municipality in the southwest to Central Asia. A train carrying polyester chips made in Chongqing departed for Uzbekistan on April 20. It will reach the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, in about 12 days, covering approximately 4,700 kilometers. The new route is expected to reduce transportation time between Chongqing and Central Asia by 30 percent.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 6th national campaign for fitness underway

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

    China has launched its sixth national physical fitness monitoring campaign to assess citizens’ health and help guide public fitness policies.

    The initiative, held every five years, is jointly organized by the General Administration of Sport, the Ministry of Education and seven other departments. It is currently underway across 31 provincial-level regions and includes 1,877 sampling points. Data will be collected from 248,000 people aged 3 to 79 via questionnaires and physical tests in three categories: children, adults and seniors.

    Feng Qiang, an official with the General Administration of Sport, told China Central Television that for the first time, this year’s campaign will feature the real-time uploading of data to a national platform to ensure authenticity.

    In another first, monitoring will include exercise-specific metrics such as cycling, high-knee lifts and pushups. The updates reflect shifting health priorities, with 25 core indicators now measuring body shape, physiological function, physical fitness and exercise habits.

    Body weight and body mass index are now mandatory measurements. These align with the national “Weight Management Year” campaign, which calls on the public to focus on weight control, healthy eating and regular exercise.

    According to the 2020 report, 49.6 percent of Chinese adults were overweight or obese, a 6.4 percentage point increase from the 2014 assessment.

    In Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, 3,200 residents are taking part in the testing. Xue Liang, from the Zhejiang sports science institute, said the updated standards help identify individual fitness weaknesses. Experts on-site now offer personalized exercise prescriptions based on the results.

    “Our goal is for more people to get their fitness monitored and also encouraged to exercise more often and scientifically,” Xue said.

    Hangzhou resident Wu Xiaowei said he discovered balance issues during his assessment that he had not noticed before, and now plans to address them through targeted training.

    The national data collection is scheduled to conclude by June 30, with an official report expected in November.

    Since its launch in 2000, the campaign has helped track shifting trends in public fitness.

    The fifth survey, conducted in 2019, showed modest progress overall but raised concerns about increasing weight and declining muscular strength in some groups.

    Experts noted that 25 years of continuous national fitness monitoring has helped build a clearer picture of China’s evolving public health. The data also supports the development of improved public fitness services and helps identify gaps in sports infrastructure and participation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2025 Int’l Chinese Language Day event held in Moscow

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

    2025 Int’l Chinese Language Day event held in Moscow

    Updated: April 22, 2025 12:57 Xinhua
    Students try Chinese ethnic costumes at the 2025 International Chinese Language Day event in Moscow, Russia, April 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Students perform Chinese martial arts at the 2025 International Chinese Language Day event in Moscow, Russia, April 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Children try traditional Chinese musical instruments at the 2025 International Chinese Language Day event in Moscow, Russia, April 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Students perform with traditional Chinese musical instruments at the 2025 International Chinese Language Day event in Moscow, Russia, April 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ASEAN and United States reaffirm commitment to strengthen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

    Source: ASEAN

    Siem Reap, 22 April 2025 – Senior Officials of ASEAN and the United States (U.S.) reaffirmed their commitment to further advance their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at the 37th ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue held today in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
     
    Both sides took stock of the progress made in ASEAN-U.S. cooperation across all three pillars of the ASEAN Community and noted with satisfaction the robust implementation of all measures under the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-United States Strategic Partnership (2021-2025) and its Annex ahead of their expiration at the end of 2025.
     
    The U.S. reiterated its support for ASEAN Community-building efforts and ASEAN’s central role in the evolving regional architecture. ASEAN looked forward to enhancing practical cooperation in the priority areas under the AOIP and encouraged the U.S.’ continued constructive role in promoting dialogue for regional peace, security and stability through its participation in various ASEAN-led mechanisms. Both sides looked forward to enhanced cooperation in the areas of transnational crime, including combatting drug trafficking and online scam; defence; counterterrorism; and cybersecurity.
     
    Valuing the U.S. as one of ASEAN’s largest trading partners and its largest source of foreign direct investment, ASEAN expressed its intention to engage the U.S. in a constructive dialogue to address trade-related concerns and maintain strong and mutually beneficial trade relations with the U.S. ASEAN is also committed to exploring avenues to work with the U.S., including through existing economic platforms such as the ASEAN-U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement, the Expanded Economic Engagement Work Plan, as well as dialogue and engagement between the ASEAN Economic Ministers and the U.S. Trade Representative to explore mutually acceptable solutions of common interest. ASEAN welcomed deeper collaboration with the U.S. across strategic, high-value sectors, including digital services and knowledge industries, food and agriculture, green technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and transport. ASEAN also looked forward to the U.S.’ sustained support for the ASEAN Single Window, ASEAN Power Grid, and ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
     
    Acknowledging the strong people-to-people linkages between ASEAN and the U.S., both sides looked forward to further harnessing the linkages, including through the continuation of the Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program, Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, International Visitors Leadership Program and other emerging leadership programmes. The Senior Officials also commended the important role of the ASEAN-U.S. Center in Washington, D.C. in promoting awareness of ASEAN in the U.S.
     
    Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest and concern, including the situations in Myanmar, South China Sea, Korean Peninsula, Middle East and Ukraine. They agreed to enhance collaboration in addressing security challenges and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.
     
    Secretary of State and the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Leader of Cambodia, Kung Phoak, and Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and Acting U.S. SOM Leader, Sean O’Neill, co-chaired the Dialogue. Senior Officials of ASEAN Member States, the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community, and their respective delegations were in attendance. Timor-Leste participated as Observer.
     
    *****
    photo credit: ASEAN Secretariat
    The post ASEAN and United States reaffirm commitment to strengthen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Indonesia hold ministerial talks

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China and Indonesia pledged shared efforts to ensure the peace and stability of the South China Sea, expand security cooperation and uphold the multilateral trading system during their first joint meeting of foreign and defense ministers, also known as the “2+2” dialogue, in Beijing on Monday.

    The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Defense Minister Dong Jun with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

    The dialogue mechanism between Beijing and Jakarta is the first of its kind that China has established with a foreign country.

    The two sides agreed to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea and set an example in maritime cooperation, Wang told a news conference after the meeting, adding that the coast guard agencies of both countries signed a maritime security cooperation agreement.

    Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and to accelerating consultations on a Code of Conduct.

    Wang stressed that as each other’s major trading partners, the two countries should remain committed to opposing any kind of unilateralism or trade protectionism.

    “We believe that abusing tariffs will seriously undermine the normal trade exchanges between countries, and we pledged to jointly promote regional economic integration, ensure stable and smooth supply and industrial chains and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South,” Wang said.

    In terms of security cooperation, he said that Beijing and Jakarta agreed to establish a bilateral consultation mechanism on disarmament, nonproliferation and arms control.

    They also agreed to enhance law enforcement and security cooperation and jointly combat transnational crimes, such as transnational gambling and online and telecommunication fraud, and strengthen cybersecurity cooperation, Wang noted.

    Speaking of defense cooperation, Dong called on the two sides to have more substantive cooperation in areas including strategic communication, exchanges between services, equipment and technology, and maritime security.

    Calling the meeting a milestone in bilateral ties, Sugiono said that Indonesia is willing to work with China to further consolidate political mutual trust, enhance exchanges at all levels, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and strengthen communication and coordination under multilateral frameworks such as ASEAN-China cooperation.

    Indonesia firmly upholds the one-China policy and opposes any foreign intervention in China’s domestic affairs, he added.

    Sjamsoeddin said that Indonesia is committed to enhancing strategic trust with China through transparent and equitable defense cooperation.

    Indonesia is the largest economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, while China has been Indonesia’s largest trading partner for 12 consecutive years.

    In 2024, bilateral trade exceeded $147.8 billion, marking a year-on-year increase of 6.1 percent, according to Wang Lutong, Chinese ambassador to Indonesia.

    Xu Liping, director of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences’ Center for Southeast Asian Studies, said that the establishment of the joint foreign and defense ministerial dialogue will help expand China’s neighborhood diplomacy.

    The mechanism places greater emphasis on deepening China-Indonesia comprehensive strategic partnership and translating it into concrete actions, Xu said.

    During President Xi Jinping’s Southeast Asian tour last week, China and Malaysia, and China and Cambodia agreed respectively to establish joint foreign and defense dialogue mechanisms, while the strategic dialogue mechanism of diplomacy, national defense and public security was upgraded to the ministerial level with Vietnam.

    Such arrangements show that strategic security dialogues and cooperation with neighboring countries have become increasingly institutionalized and mature, Xu said, adding that this brings greater stability and predictability to regional peace and prosperity.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s first 1,000-kW battery-powered locomotives rolled out in Dalian

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s first batch of 1,000-kilowatt battery-powered locomotives officially rolled off the production line at CRRC Dalian Co., Ltd. on Monday in Dalian, a port city in northeast China’s Liaoning Province.

    Equipped with high-capacity lithium iron phosphate batteries, the first batch of 10 locomotives will be used for transportation at steel enterprises.

    Featuring liquid-cooled, fast-charging technology, the locomotives support ultra-high-power charging of up to 680 kilowatts, achieving a full charge in just 70 minutes.

    The liquid-cooled charging pile system ensures efficient, stable charging by enabling rapid heat dissipation.

    CRRC Dalian is an affiliated company under CRRC Corporation, China’s top train manufacturer and the world’s largest supplier of rail transit equipment. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai expresses condolences on passing of Pope Francis

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    On April 21, following the Holy See’s announcement of the passing of Pope Francis, Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated that upon hearing the news, President Lai Ching-te expressed deepest sympathies and extended sincere condolences to the Holy See on behalf of Taiwan’s people and government. At the same time, President Lai directed Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) to convey condolences to the Holy See’s Apostolic Nunciature in Taiwan. The Republic of China (Taiwan) Embassy to the Holy See also conveyed a message from President Lai expressing the nation’s grief and sympathies.
    Spokesperson Kuo stated that President Lai has fond memories of Pope Francis’s friendly, close interactions with Taiwan during his papacy, and especially his focus on social justice and advocacy for environmental sustainability, as well as his concern for issues regarding immigrants, child labor, and violence against women. His proposals and appeals regarding world peace have resonated with all humanity. The spokesperson said that the passing of Pope Francis is a loss for the international community, and prayed that he may rest in peace. She added that Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with the Holy See and the Catholic Church in humanitarian efforts and continue to strengthen the friendly ties between Taiwan and the Vatican. The Presidential Office and Executive Yuan will fly the national flag at half-mast for two days to express the sympathies of the people and government of Taiwan.
     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Cultural event held in Hawalli Governorate, Kuwait

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

    Cultural event held in Hawalli Governorate, Kuwait

    Updated: April 22, 2025 10:30 Xinhua
    A woman experiences Chinese calligraphy during a cultural event in Hawalli Governorate, Kuwait, April 20, 2025. A cultural event marking the International Chinese Language Day and Chinese embassy open day was held in Kuwait’s Hawalli Governorate on Sunday, with around 200 guests gathering to taste traditional Chinese food and experience Chinese ink painting, calligraphy, paper-cutting, tea art and so on. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People experience Chinese paper-cutting during a cultural event in Hawalli Governorate, Kuwait, April 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A man experiences Chinese calligraphy during a cultural event in Hawalli Governorate, Kuwait, April 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China strives to enhance people’s work ethics

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

    China will further improve people’s work ethics to enhance the public morality quality and show the advancement of social civilization.

    Ten central departments including the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security recently released a guideline focusing on improving people’s work ethics in the new era, by combining Chinese traditional virtues with modern professional morality.

    The guideline said that work ethics in the new era mainly include hard work, honesty, upholding justice, and warmth at work. It said that good practices of work ethics will be rewarded while behaviors of breaching work ethics will be denounced.

    Under the guideline, knowledge of work ethics should be available to students during their whole process of schooling, which can help the students to set up correct views of work, profession and employment.

    The nation will reward individuals and groups with good practices of work ethics and set them as examples to inspire the public. Also, the nation will improve the regulations and laws on work ethics and better the social environment to promote work ethics.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Photos: Kaine Highlights Need to Continue Support for America’s Alliances on Official Visits to Poland, Ukraine, and Germany

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, concluded a week-long trip of official visits in Poland, Ukraine, and Germany to highlight his support for America’s transatlantic partnerships and Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s brutal invasion. The visit came amid Russia’s horrific Palm Sunday attack on the Ukrainian town of Sumy, which killed dozens of innocent civilians, including children; global fallout from the Trump Administration’s chaotic tariff regime that not only punishes allies, but also severely inhibits defense cooperation; and reported plans to shrink America’s diplomatic presence abroad—even as China moves to expand its own footprint.
    “America has always been strongest and safest when we link arms with our allies. I traveled to Poland, Ukraine, and Germany this week to highlight the importance of that principle, especially in the face of Russia’s continued illegal invasion of Ukraine. Putin’s horrific Palm Sunday attack in Sumy was a disturbing—yet unsurprising—sign that Russia is not negotiating in good faith to stop the fighting. It’s more important than ever that we strengthen our relationships across the Atlantic. I know that I have colleagues on both sides of the aisle who see how the Trump Administration’s chaotic tariff regime and insulting comments about our friends abroad make that harder, and will keep doing all that I can to urge them to stand up for the alliances that keep America safe.”
    Photos of Kaine’s trip are available here.
    Kaine traveled to Poland to:
    Meet U.S. servicemembers stationed at the Logistical Support Area (LSA) in Jasionka, which has played a critical role in delivering security assistance to Ukraine since 2022.
    Visit Remote Maintenance Distribution Cell-Ukraine, a U.S. Army sustainment initiative that provides direct maintenance and repair support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
    Meet with Rzeszów Mayor Konrad Fijolek. Rzeszów was given the distinction of “Rescuer City” by President Zelenskyy in honor of the humanitarianism, charity, and solidarity it has offered the Ukrainian people. Kaine is a former mayor and the meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm U.S.-Polish cooperation on regional security, especially at the local level.
    Meet with Head of the National Security Bureau Lt. General Dariusz Lukowski, Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, and Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz to discuss support for Ukraine and NATO.
    Visit the POLIN Museum, which is dedicated to telling the history of Jewish life in Poland, including the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Movement of 1943, in which Jewish insurgents in the Nazi-created ghetto resisted German troops and police who entered it to deport its surviving inhabitants.
    Then, Kaine traveled to Ukraine to:
    Meet with David Arakhamia, a leader of the Servant of the People political party in the Verkhovna Rada, and Sergiv Boyev, Deputy Minister of Defense for European Integration.
    Visit wounded Ukrainian veterans undergoing rehabilitation treatment at a NextStep Ukraine facility. NextStep Ukraine offers prosthetics, brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation to veterans. The organization receives U.S. funding.
    Tour the Kyiv Combined Heat and Power Plant No. 5, a major infrastructure site that supplies both electricity and heat to five districts of the city, to highlight U.S. support for energy infrastructure in Ukraine. The facility was severely impacted by Russian missile strikes in October 2022 and again in March 2023. USAID provided the funding and expertise to restore the plant’s operations.
    Lay flowers at the Bucha Memorial that honors the civilians and prisoners of war killed by Russian forces during their occupation of the town in early 2022.
    Lay flowers at the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine, which honors the lives of thousands of soldiers and volunteers who have died defending Ukraine. The Wall of Remembrance was created through a collaboration between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate, the National Military History Museum, and civic memory organizations.
    Visit the site of the 1941 massacre at Babyn Yar, a ravine near Kyiv.
    Meet with Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union, a leading civil society coalition dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights in Ukraine and pursuing accountability for Russian war crimes.
    Then, Kaine traveled to Germany to:
    Meet with Norbert Röttgen, a member of the German Bundestag who has long led on German foreign affairs issues; Deputy Director-General of the German Ministry of Defense Major General Stefan Schulz; and the German State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Susanne Baumann. 
    Visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, a place of remembrance and commemoration for the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
    Visit United States European Command Headquarters in Stuttgart.
    Visit U.S. servicemembers assigned to United States Air Force Europe and Special Operations Command Europe in Ramstein.

    MIL OSI USA News –