Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) introduced the Sister City Transparency Act to identify the risks of foreign espionage, including by Communist China, within sister city partnerships that exist to promote cultural exchange and economic development:
“Communist China is exploiting sister city partnerships to achieve its own strategic objectives, and we need to make certain we are not enabling this activity in our own communities,” said Senator Blackburn. “This legislation would shine a bright light on these partnerships to keep our enemies from furthering their own dangerous agendas.”
“This commonsense bill is an important step towards protecting our security and economy by studying our sister city partnerships with cities across the world,” said Senator Tillis. “We must ensure sister city partnerships don’t expose us to harmful market practices, limit free speech, or support foreign interests that undermine our values.”
Click here to download a video of Senator Blackburn discussing her Sister City Transparency Act.
BACKGROUND
The United States maintains 1,800 sister city partnerships with countries worldwide, including 157 partnerships with Chinese communities. However, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has begun using these partnerships to achieve geostrategic objectives.
The CCP hides behind soft diplomacy and mutual benefit until its foreign partners exhibit political nonconformity. Thus, similar to Confucius Institutes, sister city partnerships may leave American communities vulnerable to foreign espionage and ideological coercion.
Little information currently exists regarding sister city partnerships operating within the U.S because such partnerships generally fail to publicize information regarding their agreements, activities, and employees. This impedes proper oversight and could enable malign activity.
SISTER CITY TRANSPARENCY ACT
The Sister City Transparency Act would create a Government Accountability Office report on sister city partnerships in the U.S. It would direct the Comptroller General to study partnerships involving foreigncommunities in countries with significant public sector corruption like Communist China and the Russian Federation. The study would:
Identify the oversight practices that U.S. communities implement to mitigate the risks of foreign espionage and economic coercion within sister city partnerships;
Assess the extent to which foreign communities could use sister city partnerships to conduct malign activities, including academic and industrial espionage; and
Review best practices to ensure transparency regarding sister city partnerships’ agreements, activities, and employees.
Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
Albany’s Renowned Yono’s Restaurant Is In Panic Over Trump’s Tariffs That Threaten Their Business, And Small Businesses & Manufacturers In Capital Region Like Latham Pool Are Already Seeing Costs Spike From Trade War With Canada
Senator Says 14,000 NY-ers In The Capital Region Work In Industries Directly Impacted By Tariffs, And Albany Families Could See Prices Rise Nearly $5,000 More A Year
Schumer: We Need To Save Our Restaurants & Small Businesses From Trump’s Tariff War That Is Raising Prices And Killing Jobs
To kickstart National Cost of Living Week of Action, with Trump’s tariff war hammering Albany’s restaurants and small businesses, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today stood at Albany’s renowned Yono’s Restaurant with Capital Region small business leaders who are feeling major hits to their bottom line due to tariffs. The senator said this chaotic, self-destructive tariff war has Upstate NY restaurants, local businesses, and working- and middle-class families footing the bill, with the average family in the Capital Region estimated to be hit with nearly $5,000 in higher prices per year.
Schumer said every day this chaos continues it risks more than 14,000 jobs in the Capital Region in industries impacted by the tariffs and even more jobs in Upstate NY’s vital recreation and tourism industries. Schumer said enough is enough, and announced that when the Senate returns he will force a vote to end Trump’s trade war.
“Albany and the Capital Region are on the frontlines of Trump’s destructive tariff war. Let’s be clear: these tariffs are a tax increase on Upstate NY. Family restaurants are the heart and soul of the Capital Region and the backbone of Main Streets across Upstate New York. They are still recovering from the pandemic. They can’t afford to eat price increases when Trump slaps them with tariffs and neither can their customers. Small businesses and manufacturers have already seen costs skyrocket, and some are being hit with a double whammy as tourism & business from Canada dries up from Trump’s actions. No small business or restaurant in Upstate NY or anywhere in America can operate with this kind of uncertainty,” said Senator Schumer. “We need to save our restaurants & small businesses from Trump’s tariff war. That’s why when the Senate returns, I will force a vote to end this reckless trade war. This is a vital ingredient to protect restaurants and families throughout the Capital Region and across Upstate New York.”
Schumer explained Capital Region restaurants were already hit hard by the pandemic and many are still trying to recover. Schumer explained that restaurants operate on some of the slimmest margins – typically 3 to 5 percent – which could shrink more as tariffs go into effect. Since ingredients are perishable, restaurants don’t have the option of stockpiling materials and they can’t change suppliers on a whim. With the threat of tariffs looming, prices across the board have increased and restaurant owners are worried that customers can’t afford to go out to eat anymore. Without business, they might not be able to recover and would be forced to lay off staff, or worse, close their doors.
A New York Times analysis found that over 14,000 New Yorkers across the Capital Region including 4,400 in Albany County work in industries targeted by Trump’s tariffs, which does not even account for all the related jobs, including in the tourism and recreation industries, that are also being impacted by the damage of this trade war. According to the Main Street Alliance, a network of small businesses, 81.5% of small business respondents to a recent survey indicated they would raise prices for consumers due to tariffs and 31.5% indicated they would lay off employees as a result of the increased costs from tariffs.
The tariffs are also creating uncertainty for families and jobs and are expected to increase costs for the average American family by nearly $5,000 a year, while families are struggling to plan for the future without assurances about their jobs.
Yono’s Restaurant has Indonesian influences and relies on spices and fruits that are not widely produced domestically, such as coconut milk, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, palm sugar, chilies, and galangal. Without knowing how much they will cost, it is impossible for Yono’s to plan its menu, which they often shift seasonally, and now they do not know which products they can maintain a consistent, affordable supply of. In addition, as the market has shifted to more takeout and delivery options, Yono’s has relied on imported containers and bags that are already more expensive and could get more expensive with tariffs in effect.
The senator said unpredictability makes it difficult for local restaurants to plan for tomorrow, especially when they are already operating on such small margins. For example, when asked about catering orders, owners aren’t sure how to quote orders and are faced with the option of facing sky-high prices when planned events roll around, or even needing to turn down customers. These added challenges make it more difficult for small restaurants to survive against larger chain restaurants.
“Here at Yono’s we support an immense amount of USA grown meats, vegetables, cheeses, beer, spirits and wine. However our guests appreciate a broad amount of options. We use coconut milk, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, palm sugar, chilies, galangal, and pandan. These items are not able to be grown in the USA, let alone in the amounts we need. We also import lamb from New Zealand and Australia. Of course, he biggest items imported that affect us will be coffee (99.5% of the coffee consumed in the USA is imported). We can only grow coffee in Hawaii in this county. Even our fine wine glasses come from Austria,” said Dominick Purnomo, of Yono’s Restaurant.
Schumer added, “If this tariff war continues, it could devastate Upstate NY’s economy in ways we haven’t seen since the height of the pandemic. Our local restaurants and other small businesses are already operating on razor thin margins and now they’re being forced into difficult decisions, including if the increase in costs means they will need to raise prices for customers, lay off staff, or even close their business altogether. That is unacceptable.”
“New York State restaurants have faced immense challenges in recent years. From the hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to the soaring price increases driven by inflation and the rising cost of living, many restaurants have fought to stay afloat. The implementation of these new tariffs is yet another blow to an already struggling industry. Tariffs on food and beverages will place an additional strain on restaurants, ultimately leading to higher prices that will be passed on to consumers. Restaurants are not only a cornerstone of New York State’s economy but also serve as essential gathering places for communities to come together and enjoy each other’s company. Simply put, the tariffs are just an unnecessary burden on an industry barely hanging on. We urge the Administration to control consumer price increases as much as possible by exempting food and beverage items from future tariffs,” said Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association.
Other businesses across industries are also facing uncertainty. Latham Pool, the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, has called the Capital Region its home for nearly 70 years. Latham Pool has 1,500 employees including 300 in New York State, mostly in the Capital Region. Tariffs on foreign goods – especially aluminum and steel – are impacting Latham Pool’s ability to serve its customers and his company along with so many others are deeply fearful of customers pulling back. We are already seeing these fears manifest across America as consumer confidence is cratering and is the lowest it has been in years due to tariffs.
Latham Pool estimates that 15-20% of their materials are sourced from overseas and will be impacted by the tariffs. Worse, they are impacted by the devolving trade relationship with Canada, where the Canadian reciprocal tariff now disadvantages their products for sale in Canada, which has been a strong market for them.
The whiplash and uncertainty over tariffs have also sent the economy into a tailspin. Trump previously delayed the start of his tariffs twice and canceled across-the-board tariffs six days after implementing them. Uncertainty is causing the stock market to fall, causing chaos for restaurants to operate, and shaking the job market.
Schumer said the Senate has a plan to end this dangerous trade war and protect Upstate NY businesses. Earlier this month, the Senate passed a bipartisan resolution to end tariffs on Canada and urged the House to pass it as well. Schumer also said when the Senate returns, he will force a vote to reverse these new taxes of 10% on all imported goods and end the looming threat of additional tariffs of up to 49% on products Americans buy from other countries. Schumer said ending this costly trade war is key to protecting New York from price increases and job losses as a result of tariffs on Canada.
Schumer concluded, “I am all for addressing trade imbalances—I have always been a China hawk and have long fought against unfair trade practices, but these sweeping, ill-conceived tariffs are creating chaos and undermining those goals. Rather than uniting the world against China, Trump has united them against us! No matter which way you slice it, costs are going to skyrocket for our local restaurants and consumers. If you’re in Upstate New York, you’ll feel it first, and worse than just about anywhere in the country. We need everyone, especially NY Republicans, to stand up against Trump’s senseless, job-killing, cost-increasing tax on Upstate New Yorkers.”
When the Senate returns, it will vote on a bipartisan resolution that would terminate the emergency declared by Trump to authorize his global tariffs. If the resolution is enacted into law, the tariffs would be rescinded. The Senate also previously passed a bipartisan resolution terminating Trump’s national emergency that is justifying his destructive tariffs on Canada, which Schumer said the House needs to vote on. Schumer has been a vocal supporter of both resolutions.
Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
Syracuse’s Renowned Emerald Cocktail Kitchen Is In Panic Over Trump’s Tariffs That Threaten Their Business, And Small Businesses & Manufacturers Across Central NY Are Already Seeing Costs Spike From Trade War With Canada
Senator Says 16,000 NY-ers In Central NY Work In Industries Directly Impacted By Tariffs, And Syracuse Families Could See Prices Rise Nearly $5,000 More A Year
Schumer: We Need To Save Our Restaurants & Small Businesses From Trump’s Tariff War That Is Raising Prices And Killing Jobs
To kickstart National Cost of Living Week of Action, with Trump’s tariff war hammering Syracuse’s restaurants and small businesses, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today stood at Syracuse’s renowned Emerald Cocktail Kitchen with Central NY small business leaders who are feeling major hits to their bottom line due to tariffs. The senator said this chaotic, self-destructive tariff war has Upstate NY restaurants, local businesses, and working- and middle-class families footing the bill, with the average family in Central NY estimated to be hit with nearly $5,000 in higher prices per year.
Schumer said every day this chaos continues it risks more than 16,000 jobs in Central NY in industries impacted by the tariffs and even more jobs in Upstate NY’s vital recreation and tourism industries. Schumer said enough is enough, and announced that when the Senate returns he will force a vote to end Trump’s trade war.
“Syracuse and Central New York are on the frontlines of Trump’s destructive tariff war. Let’s be clear: these tariffs are a tax increase on Upstate NY. Family restaurants are the heart and soul of Central New York and the backbone of Main Streets across Upstate New York. They are still recovering from the pandemic. They can’t afford to eat price increases when Trump slaps them with tariffs and neither can their customers. Small businesses and manufacturers have already seen costs skyrocket, and some are being hit with a double whammy as tourism & business from Canada dries up from Trump’s actions. No small business or restaurant in Upstate NY or anywhere in America can operate with this kind of uncertainty,” said Senator Schumer. “We need to save our restaurants & small businesses from Trump’s tariff war. That’s why when the Senate returns, I will force a vote to end this reckless trade war. This is a vital ingredient to protect restaurants and families throughout Central New York and across Upstate New York.”
Schumer explained Central NY restaurants were already hit hard by the pandemic and many are still trying to recover. Schumer explained that restaurants operate on some of the slimmest margins – typically 3 to 5 percent – which could shrink more as tariffs go into effect. Since ingredients are perishable, restaurants don’t have the option of stockpiling materials and they can’t change suppliers on a whim. With the threat of tariffs looming, prices across the board have increased and restaurant owners are worried that customers can’t afford to go out to eat anymore. Without business, they might not be able to recover and would be forced to lay off staff, or worse, close their doors.
A New York Times analysis found that over 16,000 New Yorkers across Central NY including 10,000 in Onondaga County work in industries targeted by Trump’s tariffs, which does not even account for all the related jobs, including in the tourism and recreation industries, that are also being impacted by the damage of this trade war. According to the Main Street Alliance, a network of small businesses, 81.5% of small business respondents to a recent survey indicated they would raise prices for consumers due to tariffs and 31.5% indicated they would lay off employees as a result of the increased costs from tariffs.
The tariffs are also creating uncertainty for families and jobs and are expected to increase costs for the average American family by nearly $5,000 a year, while families are struggling to plan for the future without assurances about their jobs.
At the Emerald Cocktail Kitchen, co-founded by local businesswomen Michelle and Nora Roesch, Trump’s tariffs have already begun to take root and are among the Roesch’s chief concerns moving forward, with some of their liquor and wine being imported from Canada and other countries. On the food side of the house, Emerald’s culinary experts use cheeses like feta and gouda, imported from Greece and the Netherlands, as key ingredients in their burgers, pizzas and salads. They also use fruits and other products imported from Canada and Mexico.
In addition to the wide ranging impact that tariffs will have on Emerald Cocktail Kitchen’s menu, they are driving increased costs across the board, which in turn are driving down consumer discretionary spending. As a result, Emerald Cocktail Kitchen customers have started spending less money on an average visit and opting to save by skipping an appetizer or desert. With customers spending less, the business brings in less and employees receive less in tips on smaller checks. Altogether, Trump’s tariffs have left small businesses like Emerald Cocktail Kitchen exposed to significant impacts, uncertain about how to proceed, and uneasy about what could be next.
The senator said unpredictability makes it difficult for local restaurants to plan for tomorrow, especially when they are already operating on such small margins. For example, when asked about catering orders, owners aren’t sure how to quote orders and are faced with the option of facing sky-high prices when planned events roll around, or even needing to turn down customers. These added challenges make it more difficult for small restaurants to survive against larger chain restaurants.
“Imported goods like tequila, gin, prosecco, Aperol, avocados, limes, feta, gouda, and more – all of which are staples behind our bar and in our kitchen – have surged in price as a result of recent United States tariff policy decisions. In Central New York, small businesses like ours depend on steady customer traffic and predictable costs to survive. Unfortunately, the administration’s back-and-forth approach to tariff implementation has made long-term planning feel impossible,” said Michelle Roesch, Co-owner of Emerald Cocktail Kitchen. “For small Syracuse businesses like ours, Trump’s tariffs have created the same kind of stress and uncertainty we felt during COVID – except this time, it’s self-inflicted. As a result, customers are watching their wallets, staff are taking home smaller tips, and we’ve had to cut back on bulk orders. We need trade policies that lift up small and local businesses, not weigh them down. That is why I am proud to stand in support of Senator Schumer as he fights to force a vote Trump’s trade war in support of small businesses here in Syracuse and all across Upstate NY.”
Schumer added, “If this tariff war continues, it could devastate Upstate NY’s economy in ways we haven’t seen since the height of the pandemic. Our local restaurants and other small businesses are already operating on razor thin margins and now they’re being forced into difficult decisions, including if the increase in costs means they will need to raise prices for customers, lay off staff, or even close their business altogether. That is unacceptable.”
Other businesses across industries are also facing uncertainty. In the City of Syracuse alone, tariffs are among the top concerns at restaurants and artisanal food shops like The Wedge and the Curd Nerd, veteran-owned businesses like Talking Cursive Brewing Company, and local food vendors like Firecracker Thai Kitchen at Salt City Market. Elsewhere in Central New York, 5th generation family and employee-owned northern hardwood lumber producer, Gutchess Lumber, and it’s 500 employee-owners are also bracing for negative impacts to their business.
In the North Country, Trump’s tariffs and trade war with Canada have already taken a toll on craft breweries like 1812 Brewing Company in Watertown, manufacturing companies like AmTech Yarns in Massena, and transportation authorities like the Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority. In addition, Alcoa, an aluminum producer based in the North Country, predicts tariffs will cost the company an additional $90 million this quarter alone.
In the Mohawk Valley, local coffee shops like Character Coffee in the City of Utica, and trendy fast-casual restaurants like Laffa’s Mediterranean Grill in the Town of New Hartford have both started to feel the impact of tariffs.
“New York State restaurants have faced immense challenges in recent years. From the hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to the soaring price increases driven by inflation and the rising cost of living, many restaurants have fought to stay afloat. The implementation of these new tariffs is yet another blow to an already struggling industry. Tariffs on food and beverages will place an additional strain on restaurants, ultimately leading to higher prices that will be passed on to consumers. Restaurants are not only a cornerstone of New York State’s economy but also serve as essential gathering places for communities to come together and enjoy each other’s company. Simply put, the tariffs are just an unnecessary burden on an industry barely hanging on. We urge the Administration to control consumer price increases as much as possible by exempting food and beverage items from future tariffs,” said Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association.
“At a small business like Firecracker Thai, we feel the impact of tariffs and increased costs on every single order and with every single purchase. We plan to increase menu prices by 10-15% to help offset rising costs, but our prices can only go so high before we risk pricing out customers. Unfortunately, our planned 10-15% increase is not enough to cover all of our increased costs, so the remainder will take a bite out of our bottom line,” said Sarah Tong-Ngork, Owner of Firecracker Thai Kitchen. “In addition, tariffs have made it more difficult to find authentic, imported ingredients like Jasmine Rice and Rice Noodles at local markets. After the devastating impact that COVID had on the food service industry, the last thing we need is to increase prices and disrupt supply chains. I would like to thank Senator Schumer for coming to Syracuse to fight for small businesses like Firecracker Thai and small business owners like me.”
“As a small craft brewery in Central New York, Talking Cursive Brewing Company faces significant challenges due to tariffs. We rely on imported aluminum cans from Canada, as well as hops and grain from the EU, Australia, and New Zealand. These tariffs, coupled with their ripple effects on the global economy, have been compounded by other actions from the current administration that are reshaping travel, tourism, and consumer behavior. While we experienced a brief uptick in business at the end of 2024 and into January, February and March of this year have seen a sharp decline, with customer counts and sales dropping more than 25% year-over-year. This marks the first time in our seven years of operation that we’ve faced such a downturn in the first quarter,” said Andrew Brooks, Co-Owner of Talking Cursive Brewing Company. “Tourism is a vital part of our business, especially in the summer when 15-20% of our customers are tourists, including about 7% from Canada. Many Canadians I know that travel here often have expressed that they feel disrespected by the current administration, and no longer plan to visit the U.S. in the near future. This decline in tourism directly impacts the revenue of both our tasting room and accounts that we distribute to across New York, including several in the Thousands Islands Region that depend on Canadian tourists. We anticipate a significant loss of sales in that region and will need to reassess the viability of distributing there. I appreciate the efforts that Senator Schumer is taking to help support small businesses like ours during these challenging times.”
“Over the last 24 month, 1812 Brewing Company has invested hundreds of man hours and significant capital to gain entry into the Ontario, Canada market. Because of recently implemented tariffs, the Provincial Government of Ontario has put a stop on the purchase of all American-made craft beer, including our gold medal winning War of 1812 Amber Ale. This will immediately cut off around 10% of our sales,” said Thomas W. Scozzafava, Chairman & CEO of 1812 Brewing Company. “Although relatively small, 1812 Brewing Company and its employees will be hurt by an escalating Trade War with Canada, which could ultimately result in the loss of jobs in our local plant. I hope that those deciding these policies – on both sides of the aisle – understand the true human impact of sudden and dramatic changes to the parameters of trade with our Canadian partners. I thank Senator Schumer for sticking up for small businesses like 1812 and always fighting to protect New York State’s craft breweries.”
“As the owner of Character Coffee in Utica, I rely on specialty roasters who are already feeling the impact of new tariffs. Coffee isn’t grown in the U.S. — so by design, our industry depends on farmers around the world. Even more concerning, these tariffs are piling onto an already fragile supply chain, strained by climate shifts and a year of poor harvests. It’s not just the coffee we have to worry about, but everything from cups and lids to delivery fees,” said Katie Aiello, Owner of Character Coffee. “When costs rise, customers pull back — starting with discretionary spending like grabbing a cup of coffee. The uncertainty is costly too. It’s hard to plan, price, or grow when every week brings new instability in the market. Independent cafes aren’t faceless corporations. We’re local businesses trying to offer good jobs, contribute to the community, and serve something meaningful. These tariffs threaten that. We urgently need thoughtful trade policy that protects American small businesses, and that is why I am proud to stand alongside Senator Schumer in Syracuse today to join in his fight for to safeguard locals businesses like mine.”
“Since we opened in 2021, rising costs have been one of our biggest challenges, and we’ve had no choice but to pass some of that burden onto our customers just to stay open. With tariffs on the horizon, we’re already seeing price hikes on ingredients we depend on, like kalamata olives, tahini, and feta,” said Elias Zeina, Owner of Lafa Mediterranean. “It’s heartbreaking—we’re trying to protect our team and our guests, but I worry about how much more our customers can take. Small business owners like me are feeling squeezed, and our customers are the ones paying the price.
The whiplash and uncertainty over tariffs have also sent the economy into a tailspin. Trump previously delayed the start of his tariffs twice and canceled across-the-board tariffs six days after implementing them. Uncertainty is causing the stock market to fall, causing chaos for restaurants to operate, and shaking the job market.
Schumer said the Senate has a plan to end this dangerous trade war and protect Upstate NY businesses. Earlier this month, the Senate passed a bipartisan resolution to end tariffs on Canada and urged the House to pass it as well. Schumer also said when the Senate returns, he will force a vote to reverse these new taxes of 10% on all imported goods and end the looming threat of additional tariffs of up to 49% on products Americans buy from other countries. Schumer said ending this costly trade war is key to protecting New York from price increases and job losses as a result of tariffs on Canada.
Schumer concluded, “I am all for addressing trade imbalances—I have always been a China hawk and have long fought against unfair trade practices, but these sweeping, ill-conceived tariffs are creating chaos and undermining those goals. Rather than uniting the world against China, Trump has united them against us! No matter which way you slice it, costs are going to skyrocket for our local restaurants and consumers. If you’re in Upstate New York, you’ll feel it first, and worse than just about anywhere in the country. We need everyone, especially NY Republicans, to stand up against Trump’s senseless, job-killing, cost-increasing tax on Upstate New Yorkers.”
When the Senate returns, it will vote on a bipartisan resolution that would terminate the emergency declared by Trump to authorize his global tariffs. If the resolution is enacted into law, the tariffs would be rescinded. The Senate also previously passed a bipartisan resolution terminating Trump’s national emergency that is justifying his destructive tariffs on Canada, which Schumer said the House needs to vote on. Schumer has been a vocal supporter of both resolutions.
The global nuclear power sector has witnessed steady growth in recent years, driven by the need for low-carbon baseload power, energy security, and a renewed interest in decarbonizing industrial sectors. New capacity additions, advancements in reactor technology with small modular reactors (SMRs) emerging as a transformative solution, and supportive policies have contributed to increased generation and reinforced the role of nuclear power in the energy transition. Against this backdrop, nuclear capacity is forecast to grow from 395GW in 2024 to 494GW by 2035, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest report, “Nuclear Power Market, Update 2025 – Market Size, Segmentation, Major Trends, and Key Country Analysis to 2035,” reveals that nuclear electricity generation will rise from 2,616 TWh to 3,410 TWh over 2024-35, reflecting a CAGR of 2%. While nuclear power accounted for around 9% of global electricity generation, countries with aging reactors have pursued lifetime extensions, while others have aggressively expanded their nuclear fleets, especially in Asia.
The US remains the world’s largest producer of nuclear power, with 97GW of installed capacity generating 787.6 TWh in 2024. France, which relies on nuclear for over 60% of its electricity, follows with 61.4GW and 333.3 TWh of annual generation. China, with the youngest and fastest-growing nuclear fleet, has expanded its capacity to 56GW, producing 386.1 TWh, surpassing France in total nuclear electricity generation.
Mohammed Ziauddin, Power Analyst at GlobalData, comments “The growing focus on energy security due to geopolitical tensions, increasing demand for low-carbon dispatchable power, government support through regulations and incentives such as grants, loan guarantees, production and investment tax credits (PTCs and ITCs), and market-based mechanisms like Contracts for Difference (CfDs), advancements in SMRs and next-gen technologies, and a surge in electricity demand from data centers are the major reasons behind the increasing adoption of nuclear energy worldwide.”
Unlike traditional large-scale nuclear reactors, SMRs offer compact designs, flexible deployment, and advanced safety features that make them well-suited for remote regions, smaller grids, and industrial applications. With capacities typically under 300MW, SMRs can be factory-fabricated, transported, and assembled on-site, significantly reducing construction time and costs.
The global SMR pipeline is expanding rapidly, with over 100 reactors at various stages of development. Although only a few SMRs are currently operational, primarily in Russia and China, the next decade is expected to bring a significant increase in new capacity, with more than 10,000MW anticipated by 2035. Countries such as the US, Canada, the UK, China, and Russia are leading the charge with diverse deployment strategies, marking SMRs as a key pillar in the global transition toward secure, low-carbon energy systems.
Zia concludes: “With growing concerns over climate change and energy security, nuclear power has re-emerged as a crucial pillar in the global energy transition. Governments across the world are implementing ambitious net-zero targets and investing in clean, dispatchable energy sources to decarbonize their economies. Nuclear energy, with its ability to provide reliable baseload power and reduce dependency on fossil fuels, is playing a vital role in this transition.
“As countries ramp up their focus on SMRs, lifetime extensions, and advanced nuclear technologies, the nuclear power market is poised for long-term growth, driven by the dual goals of energy resilience and climate neutrality.”
H.R. 2635 would require the Department of State to continue coordinating federal policies and programs affecting Uyghurs and other minority groups in China. It also would require the department to offer Uyghur language training to Foreign Service officers and to assign Uyghur-speaking officers to U.S. diplomatic missions in China. The bill would authorize the appropriation of $250,000 each year over the 2025-2027 period to support advocates for the human rights and freedoms of Uyghurs and other persecuted minorities in China. Finally, the bill would require the department to report to the Congress on its efforts.
Using information about similar requirements, CBO estimates providing the required language training and reports would cost less than $500,000 each year and $2 million over the 2025-2030 period. Including the specified authorizations to support human rights advocates, CBO estimates that, in total, implementing the bill would cost $3 million over the 2025-2030 period; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Sunita D’Monte. The estimate was reviewed by Christina Hawley Anthony, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.
Source: The White House
The past week has shown Americans everything they need to know about Democrats’ priorities.
Today, four more Democrats — Rep. Robert Garcia of California, Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida, Rep. Yassamin Ansari of Arizona, and Rep. Maxine Dexter of Oregon — are in El Salvador, picking up their party’s mantle of prioritizing a deported illegal immigrant MS-13 gang member over the Americans they represent.
Why hasn’t Rep. Dexter spoken about these illegal immigrants putting her region at risk?
Alvaro Flores-Barboza, a 24-year-old citizen of Venezuela, escaped from an ICE processing facility before he was arrested in Portland, Oregon. He has convictions for assault, reckless driving, and felony use of a weapon.
Juan Jose-Sebastian, a 26-year-old citizen of Guatemala, was arrested in West Palm Beach, Florida. He is wanted for 2017 rape and sexual assault charges in Washington County, Oregon. He was arrested in Florida in 2024 for driving without a license — but was released onto the streets because the Biden Administration refused to take custody of him and Oregon officials refused to extradite him.
Why hasn’t Rep. Ansari spoken about these illegal immigrants putting her region at risk?
Bonifacio Renteria-Cruz, a 48-year-old citizen of Mexico, was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona. He has ties to the Sinaloa Cartel and has convictions for aggravated assault and weapons charges. He also has an active arrest warrant for homicide in Mexico.
Jose Escobar-Robles, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona. He is believed to be illegally funneling money to Mexico to benefit violent cartels engaged in drug smuggling and human trafficking.
Luis Garcia-Sanchez, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona. He is connected to the notorious 18th Street Gang and has been wanted for felony narcotics charges dating back to 1987.
Edgar Guadalupe Jimenez-Aguilar, an illegal immigrant, was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona. He was wanted on charges of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Why hasn’t Rep. Frost spoken about these illegal immigrants putting his region at risk?
Franklin Jose Jimenez-Bracho, a member of the Tren de Aragua gang, was arrested near Orlando, Florida. He was wanted for human trafficking and smuggling.
Juan Andres Borolo Moreno Romero, a 25-year-old citizen of Venezuela, was arrested by ICE in Orlando, Florida. He is a known member of the brutal Tren de Aragua gang.
Paula Hernandez Lazaro, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested near Orlando, Florida. She crashed into a patrol car and another vehicle, sending a police officer to the hospital.
Five illegal immigrant members of the brutal Tren de Aragua gang were arrested after a string of liquor store thefts and robberies in Polk County, Florida. The five have lengthy criminal histories, including “immigration violations, thefts, robbery, drug possession, resisting arrest, fraudulent use of and possession of personal identification, false reports to law enforcement, robbery with a firearm, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence (listed as armed and dangerous), and driver’s license offenses.”
Why hasn’t Rep. Garcia spoken about these illegal immigrants putting his region at risk?
Mario Edgardo Garcia Aquino, a 43-year-old citizen of El Salvador, arrested in Los Angeles. He is charged with first-degree murder in the brutal slaying of a 13-year-old soccer player in Los Angeles, who was found discarded on the side of the road, and with the sexual assault of another young teenager in 2022.
Noe Diaz De Leon, a citizen of Mexico, arrested by ICE Los Angeles. He has convictions for attempted murder of a peace officer, burglary, and possession of a controlled substance.
Boxiao Song, a citizen of China, arrested by ICE Los Angeles. He is a convicted child sex offender.
Seung Hun Baik, a 39-year-old citizen of South Korea, arrested by ICE Los Angeles. He is wanted in his home country for an aggravated offense involving psychotropic drugs.
Credit rating agencies like S&P Global and Fitch have an outsized influence on the economic fortunes of developing countries. Their assessments shape investor perceptions, influence borrowing costs, and ultimately shape a country’s development path. With many African countries now issuing bonds in global markets amid falling levels of official development assistance (ODA), their role is coming under increasing scrutiny.
The major credit rating agencies exist to opine on the likelihood that a debtor (say, a country) will repay their creditors on time and in full. They are rated on a sliding scale. Whenever a rating agency believes that a debtor will not meet their obligations, they are obliged to put that debtor into a ‘default’ rating. This means that the debtor can no longer access private financing.
The negative role of rating agencies has been felt in other ways too. For example, threats of downgrades have also led to developing countries steering away from seeking debt relief under a recently introduced G20-initiated debt treatment programme. The reason is that getting help would mean that sovereign debtors have to restructure their debts. But credit rating agencies have warned that doing this will likely lead countries being given a ‘default’ rating.
As a result, no rated country has applied for debt relief through the G20. This has been called a ‘credit rating impasse’.
Change needs to happen on two fronts: the building of credit rating capability in the Global South, combined with shoring up capacity in countries in an effort to rebalance existing relationships with rating agencies.
As a researcher who has looked closely at the working of rating agencies, I would argue that South Africa’s 2024–25 G20 Presidency presents a rare opportunity to push for more equitable reforms. It also provides a platform to spotlight African-led initiatives that are already making progress.
The aim is not to ensure every country receives a top-tier credit rating. Rather, it is to ensure that all countries have the capacity, knowledge, and tools to engage in the rating process on fair terms.
Alternatives
Among the boldest reform efforts so far is the establishment of the African Credit Rating Agency spearheaded by the African Union. The agency aims to deliver fairer, more contextually grounded credit assessments of African sovereigns.
Structured as a specialised agency owned by AU member states and funded through a mix of regional support and service revenue, the agency is a tangible step toward rating independence. Naturally, there are challenges. These include legitimacy, credibility with global investors, generating the necessary capital to appropriately invest in research and credit analysis, and blowback if and when it will have to downgrade.
Its creation is rooted in dissatisfaction with the big three agencies. But it’s also inspired by parallel developments in other regions, such as China’s own domestic rating ecosystem.
Though still in development, the proposed African agency represents the most advanced reform effort in the credit rating space from a Global South perspective.
But building this institutional capacity is only one piece of a larger puzzle. For many countries, support is urgently needed to engage more effectively with the existing system.
Expertise mismatch
The lag in expertise and experience on the part of countries in the global south is understandable: sovereign debt trading has been around since the 19th Century. The first Eurobond was issued in 1963. In contrast, many African nations only began issuing Eurobonds in the late 1990s, with Tunisia being the first in 1997.
At present, that expertise is often provided by ‘credit rating advisory’ teams embedded within the Investment Banks arranging a country’s bond sale – typically offered at no cost. There is a valid perception that this advice is not independent.
One way to close the gap is through independent credit rating-related capacity building. Done well, it can empower developing countries to engage with credit rating agencies on a more equal footing, improve the quality of credit interactions, and make informed decisions in a market that often prioritises investor interests over national development goals.
A few initiatives are well underway.
The African Union’s Africa Peer Review Mechanism , in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, has been offering tailored, hands-on support. This includes technical workshops, advocacy against problematic ratings, and the publication of the ‘Africa Sovereign Credit Rating Review’, a regular report that helps member states track trends and identify areas for improvement.
Building on this, the UNDP Africa and AfriCatalyst recently launched the ‘Credit Ratings Initiative’. This includes an innovative web platform, a panel of former rating analysts known as the ‘Concilium’, and a community of practice to share knowledge.
Early pilots with East African countries have already made an impact, showing how independent, neutral advice can boost sovereigns’ technical understanding and strategic engagement with rating agencies.
These efforts underscore an important lesson: while long-term reform is crucial, short-term, practical tools can have an immediate and meaningful effect.
This is a promising start. But there is room to go further. South Africa could use its leadership role to champion the establishment of a global credit rating capacity building initiative. Such a move would align with its development priorities, position Africa as a leader in financial reform, and create a blueprint for global action.
Crucially, this would not be just another technical fix. It would be a shift in the power dynamics of global finance – from crisis response to structural empowerment. As the U.S. prepares to take over the G20 Presidency next, South Africa’s advocacy could lay the groundwork for a broader coalition committed to fairer financing systems.
Daniel Cash does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Credit rating agencies like S&P Global and Fitch have an outsized influence on the economic fortunes of developing countries. Their assessments shape investor perceptions, influence borrowing costs, and ultimately shape a country’s development path. With many African countries now issuing bonds in global markets amid falling levels of official development assistance (ODA), their role is coming under increasing scrutiny.
The major credit rating agencies exist to opine on the likelihood that a debtor (say, a country) will repay their creditors on time and in full. They are rated on a sliding scale. Whenever a rating agency believes that a debtor will not meet their obligations, they are obliged to put that debtor into a ‘default’ rating. This means that the debtor can no longer access private financing.
The negative role of rating agencies has been felt in other ways too. For example, threats of downgrades have also led to developing countries steering away from seeking debt relief under a recently introduced G20-initiated debt treatment programme. The reason is that getting help would mean that sovereign debtors have to restructure their debts. But credit rating agencies have warned that doing this will likely lead countries being given a ‘default’ rating.
As a result, no rated country has applied for debt relief through the G20. This has been called a ‘credit rating impasse’.
Change needs to happen on two fronts: the building of credit rating capability in the Global South, combined with shoring up capacity in countries in an effort to rebalance existing relationships with rating agencies.
As a researcher who has looked closely at the working of rating agencies, I would argue that South Africa’s 2024–25 G20 Presidency presents a rare opportunity to push for more equitable reforms. It also provides a platform to spotlight African-led initiatives that are already making progress.
The aim is not to ensure every country receives a top-tier credit rating. Rather, it is to ensure that all countries have the capacity, knowledge, and tools to engage in the rating process on fair terms.
Alternatives
Among the boldest reform efforts so far is the establishment of the African Credit Rating Agency spearheaded by the African Union. The agency aims to deliver fairer, more contextually grounded credit assessments of African sovereigns.
Structured as a specialised agency owned by AU member states and funded through a mix of regional support and service revenue, the agency is a tangible step toward rating independence. Naturally, there are challenges. These include legitimacy, credibility with global investors, generating the necessary capital to appropriately invest in research and credit analysis, and blowback if and when it will have to downgrade.
Its creation is rooted in dissatisfaction with the big three agencies. But it’s also inspired by parallel developments in other regions, such as China’s own domestic rating ecosystem.
Though still in development, the proposed African agency represents the most advanced reform effort in the credit rating space from a Global South perspective.
But building this institutional capacity is only one piece of a larger puzzle. For many countries, support is urgently needed to engage more effectively with the existing system.
Expertise mismatch
The lag in expertise and experience on the part of countries in the global south is understandable: sovereign debt trading has been around since the 19th Century. The first Eurobond was issued in 1963. In contrast, many African nations only began issuing Eurobonds in the late 1990s, with Tunisia being the first in 1997.
At present, that expertise is often provided by ‘credit rating advisory’ teams embedded within the Investment Banks arranging a country’s bond sale – typically offered at no cost. There is a valid perception that this advice is not independent.
One way to close the gap is through independent credit rating-related capacity building. Done well, it can empower developing countries to engage with credit rating agencies on a more equal footing, improve the quality of credit interactions, and make informed decisions in a market that often prioritises investor interests over national development goals.
A few initiatives are well underway.
The African Union’s Africa Peer Review Mechanism , in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, has been offering tailored, hands-on support. This includes technical workshops, advocacy against problematic ratings, and the publication of the ‘Africa Sovereign Credit Rating Review’, a regular report that helps member states track trends and identify areas for improvement.
Building on this, the UNDP Africa and AfriCatalyst recently launched the ‘Credit Ratings Initiative’. This includes an innovative web platform, a panel of former rating analysts known as the ‘Concilium’, and a community of practice to share knowledge.
Early pilots with East African countries have already made an impact, showing how independent, neutral advice can boost sovereigns’ technical understanding and strategic engagement with rating agencies.
These efforts underscore an important lesson: while long-term reform is crucial, short-term, practical tools can have an immediate and meaningful effect.
This is a promising start. But there is room to go further. South Africa could use its leadership role to champion the establishment of a global credit rating capacity building initiative. Such a move would align with its development priorities, position Africa as a leader in financial reform, and create a blueprint for global action.
Crucially, this would not be just another technical fix. It would be a shift in the power dynamics of global finance – from crisis response to structural empowerment. As the U.S. prepares to take over the G20 Presidency next, South Africa’s advocacy could lay the groundwork for a broader coalition committed to fairer financing systems.
– Rating agencies don’t treat the Global South fairly: changes South Africa should champion in G20 hot seat – https://theconversation.com/rating-agencies-dont-treat-the-global-south-fairly-changes-south-africa-should-champion-in-g20-hot-seat-254735
Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Chris Coons, John Cornyn, and Todd Young introduced the bipartisan Finding Opportunities for Resource Exploration (Finding ORE) Act to strengthen U.S. mineral security and reduce strategic vulnerabilities. The bill leverages the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) mapping of critical mineral reserves to help responsibly develop global mineral resources around the world.
“We can’t solve climate change or strengthen national security without harnessing the power of critical minerals,” said Hickenlooper. “Better and more accurate maps will help us and our allies safely and ethically explore untapped critical mineral deposits.”
“From the technology that powers the cell phones in our pockets to the systems that keep us safe, Americans depend on critical minerals for our economic strength and national security,” said Coons. “The Finding ORE Act makes sure that our nation will have access to the essential materials we need to keep innovating, growing our economy, and deterring our enemies. I’m grateful for the bipartisan and industry support this bill has received and look forward to pushing for its enactment.”
“Access to a reliable supply chain of critical minerals is essential to meet our nation’s defense, manufacturing, and energy needs,” said Cornyn. “By shoring up alliances with trusted allies and promoting geological mapping of critical mineral reserves, this legislation would ensure America has the resources needed to keep up with global demand and bolster both our mineral security and national security in the years ahead.”
“Many countries are unmapped or reliant on outdated geological surveys. Our bill would create opportunities for collaboration between the United States and these countries to update geological mapping with the goal of locating critical mineral deposits. These partnerships would be mutually beneficial and provide the United States access to more critical minerals, reducing our dependence on China,” said Young.
The Finding ORE Act would authorize the Director of USGS to enter into memoranda of understanding (MOU) with foreign partner countries related to mapping of critical minerals. The bill identifies four objectives for these MOU:
Committing USGS to assist the partner country with a range of critical mineral mapping activities
Committing the partner country to offer a right of first refusal to private companies based in the United States or an allied country in the further development of mapped critical minerals
Facilitating investment in the development of critical minerals in the partner country, including by leveraging financing from the U.S. Development Finance Corporation and Export-Import Bank
Ensuring that mapping data created through partnership with USGS is not disclosed to governmental or private entities in non-allied countries
The bill requires USGS to collaborate with both the State Department and the private sector in identifying which countries to prioritize for negotiation of an MOU and would involve the State Department in the negotiation and implementation process.
“Colorado School of Mines commends Senators Coons, Young, Hickenlooper, and Cornyn and Reps. Wittman and Castor for their bipartisan efforts to leverage U.S. expertise in mineral mapping to support safe, secure, and responsible mineral supply chains,” said Dr. John Bradford, Vice President for Global Initiatives at Colorado School of Mines. “When called upon to contribute, institutions with strong partnerships with USGS, like Colorado School of Mines, seek to support America’s government and industry partners to advance the technology, knowledge, and workforce required to responsibly identify, assess, and produce mineral resources in the U.S. and around the world.”
“The United States has too often watched from the sidelines as our adversaries explored, invested in, and secured the world’s most promising mineral deposits,” said Abigail Hunter, Executive Director of SAFE’s Center for Critical Minerals Strategy. “This bill changes that. It positions the United States—our geological experts and industry—to help identify and potentially develop the next generation of great deposits. It ensures we show up in resource-rich nations, rather than leaving them to deepen their ties with China.”
“The American Critical Minerals Association welcomes the bipartisan, bicameral introduction of the Finding ORE Act by Senators Coons, Young, Hickenlooper, and Cornyn and Representatives Wittman and Castor,” said Sarah Venuto, Executive Director of ACMA. “Expanding our knowledge base of global minerals resources and growing partnerships with our allies will ensure the United States is a leading force in resourcing critical minerals in a responsible way. ACMA looks forward to working with Senator Coons and his colleagues to advance the Finding ORE Act.”
“BPC Action applauds the bipartisan introduction of the Finding ORE Act. The bill will strengthen U.S. supply chain security by enhancing coordination with allies on critical mineral development, helping secure new critical minerals sources free from adversary control,” said Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action).
“Terra AI celebrates this forward-thinking, bi-partisan critical minerals exploration legislation introduced by Senators Coons, Young, Hickenlooper, and Cornyn and Reps. Wittman and Castor,” said John Mern, CEO of Terra AI. “The Finding ORE Act would empower America’s agencies and private firms to explore and claim the next major deposits of critical minerals which will supply our industries for decades to come; supporting manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and artificial intelligence. We support this act’s unique approach to winning the critical minerals race by leveraging America and Her Allies’ relative advantages — strong diplomatic relations, world-leading technology, and entrepreneurial spirit. This act is the essential early stage first step to establishing US global mineral dominance and winning this generational opportunity. As a mineral exploration AI company, we see huge value in collaboration between the private sector and our nation’s diplomatic, geologic and financial agencies abroad. It is a winning playbook, and we look forward to seeing more legislation in this area.”
A companion bill is led by Representatives Rob Wittman and Kathy Castor in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In the 119th Congress, Hickenlooper has led and co-sponsored multiple other critical minerals related legislation, including:
The bipartisan STRATEGIC Minerals Act to foster critical minerals trade with our international allies, led by Senator Young.
His bipartisan Unearth Innovation Act to establish a DOE program for sustainable critical mineral research innovation and recycling.
His bipartisan Critical Materials Future Act to establish a pilot program for the Department of Energy to financially support domestic critical material processing projects.
The bipartisan Critical Minerals Security Act to help secure U.S. critical mineral supply chains and counter China’s dominance in the industry.
A one-pager on the bill is available HERE.
The full text of the bill is available HERE.
As part of its mandate to monitor the digital information ecosystem during the general election, the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force has observed a transnational repression (TNR) operation targeting the 45th general election.
Sample Images
These are just some examples among many. It is important for the SITE Task Force to avoid amplifying this type of transnational repression campaign any further.
Background
In December 2024, Hong Kong Police announced they would provide monetary rewards for information that would lead to the arrest of six individuals living overseas, including two Canadians.
The decision by Hong Kong to issue international bounties and cancel the passports of democracy activists and former Hong Kong lawmakers, is deplorable. This attempt by Hong Kong authorities to conduct TNR“>TNR abroad, including by issuing threats, intimidation or coercion against Canadians or those in Canada, will not be tolerated.
One of the six individuals targeted by Hong Kong is Joe Tay, Conservative Party candidate for Don Valley North,
and known for his opposition to PRC“>PRC laws and practices in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The People’s Republic of China (PRC), including Mainland China and Hong Kong, uses a variety of tactics to carry out TNR activities. It exploits PRC-based family members to pressure those in Canada to cease certain activities the PRC views as hostile, or to return to the PRC. It also threatens PRC-based family members with a range of potential coercive actions, including detention or financial penalties. The PRC also leverages overseas actors to monitor, surveil and report on others in Canada.
To support its TNR activities, the PRC uses its diplomatic missions, PRC-linked organizations affiliated with the United Front Work Department, community organizations and influential community leaders, among others.
About transnational repression
Transnational Repression (TNR) takes place when foreign governments reach beyond their state borders to advance their interests or silence criticism and dissent using intimidation, threats or violence, often against diaspora and exile communities.
TNR activities typically target political dissidents, human rights and democracy defenders, and religious and ethnic minority groups. But TNR also increasingly targets the people and organizations that defend the victims. This can include activists, international students and scholars, lawyers and doctors, as well as journalists.
Hostile state actors will use a variety of tactics to extend their reach into Canada:
Physical intimidation and violence: Monitoring and surveillance, vandalism, threats, abduction, assault, or attempted murder. Actors can use coercion or assault as punishment or to influence opinion, and hostile state actors sometimes hire organized crime groups or proxies for this.
Threats against overseas relatives and other connections: Threats against relatives and partners in the home country, to relay messages or force an action in Canada. This creates a sense of vulnerability, as close relations abroad may be victim to the laws and regulations of a non-democratic country.
Legal manipulation: Foreign states abusing legal mechanisms for coercive purposes, like libel suits, extraditions agreements, bounties for information on individuals, Interpol Red Notices, imposing sanctions, and refusing visa applications for personal or professional travel.
Community ostracism: Rejection from community associations, use of labels such as ‘extremist’ or ‘traitor’, or loss of access to social events and employment opportunities.
Malicious Digital Activity: Hacking, cyberbullying, targeted deepfakes, online defamation and disinformation, doxxing, or threatening online messages.
Impact
TNR causes harm both to the victims and the community.
At the individual level, there is a profound psychological impact on victims who experience TNR. They might experience fear, anxiety, and stress due to the continuous surveillance and harassment they face. In fact, just knowing that a foreign government can monitor their activities or harm their families can lead many victims of TNR to self-censor or withdraw from public life.
At the community level, TNR creates mistrust and division. Targeted communities may become fragmented as individuals fear infiltration by foreign agents or retaliation for associating with activists.
Transnational Repression Operation
During the writ period, SITE has observed two significant trends related to Mr. Tay across multiple social media platforms.
Inauthentic and coordinated amplification of content related to the bounty and arrest warrant against Mr. Tay, as well as content related to his competence for political office.
The SITE Task Force has seen that multiple accounts or platforms published or interacted with content at similar times and dates – sometimes within minutes or even seconds of each other. This creates an increased volume of content, making it more likely that users of these platforms are exposed to the amplified narratives.
Deliberate suppression of search results, or “keyword filtering” censoring Mr. Tay’s name in simplified and traditional Chinese on platforms based in the PRC.
The SITE Task Force is observing deliberate efforts to suppress any new content about Mr. Tay, and when users search his name, the search engine only returns information about the bounty.
This is not about a single incident with high levels of engagement. It is a series of deliberate and persistent activity across multiple platforms – those in which Chinese-speaking users in Canada are active, including: Facebook, WeChat, TikTok, RedNote, and Douyin, a sister-app of TikTok for the Chinese market.
Overall engagement levels since December 2024 have been low, with an increase at various points during the writ period. The combined instances, inauthentic and coordinated amplification across multiple platforms, and the concerning trend of deliberate search suppression on platforms frequented by Canadians, have led us to determine that voters need to be aware.
It is clear that this was a deliberate attempt to amplify inauthentic content. However, at least until this point, that content has not generated much traction.
Reporting transnational repression
If you are in immediate danger, always call 9-1-1.
Take a record of events: As soon as it is safe, write down or record the situation as precisely as possible. Include descriptive details about the person, date and time, location, other witnesses, and event. For instance: Did it happen in-person? Was it a phone call? An email? Any security cameras or witnesses nearby?
Report it: Contact your local police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) or the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). Clearly articulate why you believe you are being targeted and mention that you believe this is transnational repression.
Even if the piece of information provided may not on its own be something that meets a criminal threshold, it may be a building block that helps police to identify threats, support a larger police response, or even contribute to another ongoing investigation.
When the matter concerns your vote, you can also reach out to the Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections, and the SITE Task Force.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A study published in Nature Medicine looks at blood pressure control for dementia.
Dr Julia Dudley, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“This large trial of over 33,000 people in rural China provides further evidence that addressing high blood pressure could be one way to reduce dementia risk. This is consistent with a landmark report published in The Lancet last year, which highlighted untreated high blood pressure as one of 14 risk factors that account for almost half of global dementia cases. Existing medicines and lifestyle changes to reduce blood pressure could present a more accessible way to lower dementia risk for those with high blood pressure.
“While the results from this trial are reassuring, further studies are needed to understand how other risk factors like genetics interact with factors like high blood pressure to influence dementia risk. It will also be interesting to see whether interventions trialed in this study can work in other populations across the world.
“Looking after our heart and blood vessel health is something we can all do to improve our overall wellbeing and reduce our risk of dementia. With no current treatments available on the NHS to slow or stop the diseases that cause dementia, there has never been a more pressing need to promote good brain health and to gain a deeper understanding of how we can reduce our risk of developing dementia.
“The government also has a vital role to play in tackling the health and lifestyle factors that influence dementia risk – including cardiovascular health. This could mean introducing policies to reduce salt, sugar, and calories in processed foods, and lowering the NHS Health Check eligibility age in England from 40 to 30, so more people can start managing their blood pressure earlier in life.
“If you’re worried about your blood pressure, or haven’t had it checked for a while, speak to your GP or your local pharmacy may offer this service. If you’re over 40, you should ideally have your blood pressure checked at least every five years.”
Prof James Leiper, Director of Research, British Heart Foundation, said:
“There has been evidence for a long time that people who have high blood pressure have a higher risk of developing dementia, especially vascular dementia. The findings of this large trial, involving high blood pressure treatments that are already widespread, offer strong evidence that enhanced treatment of high blood pressure could in turn reduce the heightened dementia risk that comes with it.
“It will be important to see whether this reduced risk continues for longer than the four-year follow up period in the study, and whether similar effects are seen in other populations that receive the same treatment. If so, wider use of high blood pressure treatment in people with the condition could be recommended to fight the growing impact of dementia.”
Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research and Innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, said:
“Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. The condition is progressive and although no single behaviour is guaranteed to prevent dementia, we know that what’s good for your heart is often also good for your head.
“This study is one of the first big trials to test whether treating high blood pressure, supported by health coaching can reduce dementia risk, and the results appear to be promising.
“It is encouraging that the intervention worked in real-world, rural settings using non-physician healthcare workers, which may have implications for delivering care in areas with limited resources in the future. However, this four-year study cannot tell us whether the benefits will last in the long-term so we will continue to follow this trial.
“Research will one day beat dementia. This study takes another step forwards and we will be keen to see further studies provide more information about the impact of blood pressure control over the longer term and in other populations.”
Prof Sir Mark Caulfield, Vice Principal for Health for Queen Mary’s Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, said:
“the findings reported in Nature Medicine show that optimizing blood pressure control convincingly reduces risk of dementia. There have been prior studies suggesting correlation of blood pressure level and dementia risk -especially vascular dementia – but this is a very emphatic outcome of a trial. The trial is in a Chinese population so some people might say it isn’t generalisable, but we know from other research that the correlation of blood pressure level with adverse outcomes is consistent across populations. This is a really major advance in dementia prevention and will transform global blood pressure guidance and prevention strategies.”
Prof Ian Maidment, Professor of Clinical Pharmacy, Aston University, said:
“There is already good evidence that we should control hypertension to reduce the potential risk of dementia.
“The study here showed that the intervention reduced the risk of dementia (as expected). However, the intervention would require significant modification. It was delivered by “village doctors” in rural villages in China. It would require significant changes for the UK and other similar healthcare systems; although potentially community pharmacists could deliver a similar programme.
“There are also a number of further limitations to consider before we should consider changing UK practice. The cohort were relatively young at baseline (62/ 63 years old) and only followed up for 48 months. In part due to these two factors, very few dementia cases actually arose during the trial: 4.59% (n=668) intervention vs 5.40% (n=734) in control. This represents 66 excess cases (734 minus 668; although the denominator is different. There were 17,407 people in the intervention group vs 16,588 in the control group). There was also no health economic data for the intervention delivered across 163 villages for 48 months.”
Prof Masud Husain, Professor of Neurology, University of Oxford, said:
“This is a landmark study with a very large sample size and a robust effect. It’s a wake-up call to treat high blood pressure intensively, not just to protect the heart but also the brain.”
“Remarkably, within just four years, there was a significant reduction in the incidence of dementia by aggressively treating raised blood pressure. Although many patients and their GPs understand how important it is to treat blood pressure, they might not appreciate what a risk it poses for developing dementia. In my clinic, I recommend keeping BP consistently below 140/80.”
Prof Tara Spires-Jones, Director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, Group Leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, and President of the British Neuroscience Association said:
“This paper by He and team based at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center tested whether treatment for high blood pressure was associated with a reduction in risk of developing dementia. The team randomly assigned 163 villages in rural China to treat people with high blood pressure with medication and coaching to help them manage blood pressure and in 163 similar villages, people received standard care. The team observed that the people in the group receiving treatment for two years had a 15% reduced risk of developing dementia to the control group . This randomized, controlled trial provides further strong evidence supporting the importance of managing blood pressure and other cardiovascular risks to protect the brain during ageing. It is important to note that treating high blood pressure was not a fool-proof guarantee as some people receiving treatment still developed dementia. Although lifestyle modification is not a guarantee of avoiding dementia, strong evidence suggests there are things we can all do to keep our brains healthy and reduce dementia risk as we age including keeping mentally, physically, and socially active, treating conditions like hearing loss and high blood pressure, and avoiding things like head injury, too much alcohol, and smoking.”
Prof Atticus Hainsworth, Professor of Cerebrovascular Disease, St George’s, University of London (SGUL), said:
“It is encouraging to see further support for the concept that intensive blood pressure control reduces dementia risk. Jiang He and colleagues report a large clinical study, sampling older people from over 300 Chinese villages (almost 34,000 participants). Blood pressure was treated with cheap, readily-available drugs, managed by community healthcare workers who were not specialist doctors. They found a significant reduction in dementia risk among those villages where blood pressure was treated intensively. The implication is clear. We have an intervention that moves the needle on dementia risk, that can be delivered to large numbers of people in their communities, at modest cost.
“There are parallels with a previous large clinical trial of intensive blood pressure lowering in older North Americans (the SPRINT-MIND study). The reduction in risk was similar – about 15%. In both studies, the beneficial effect did not depend on using specific drug type to lower blood pressure. And in both, an effect of treatment was apparent after 12-18 months (though both studies continued for a longer duration).
“Replicating experimental findings doesn’t always happen. Here we are looking at similar findings from two big trials in different settings – rural China and (largely urban, primarily white) North America. These concordant findings may prompt changes in healthcare policy guidelines.”
Prof Toby Richards, Department of Allied and Public Health, School Of Health, Sport And Bioscience at the University of East London, said:
“Dementia is a rising problem in society today.
“In this large community based clinical trial in 34,000 people, the authors have shown two important findings. Firstly, that non-medical staff can provide medical information and deliver primary care protocols effectively in a community setting. And secondly that effectively lowering blood pressure to
“The data reinforce recent European Society of Cardiology 2024 guidelines aiming for a lower blood pressure and a structured algorithm of treatment.
“This has important ramifications for individuals. Blood Pressure can be relatively easy to measure at home enabling individuals to take control and autonomy for their health and these data show benefit in reducing the risk for developing dementia.
“In a resource strapped NHS these data also show that an algorithm of Treatment based on the European Society guidelines can be implemented by non-health care professionals, potentially at pharmacy level.
“In summary these data support treating blood pressure to
‘Blood pressure reduction and all-cause dementia in people with uncontrolled hypertension: an open-label, blinded-endpoint, cluster-randomized trial’ by Jiang He et al. was published in Nature Medicine at 16:00 UK time on Monday 21st Monday.
Prof James Leiper: No conflicts of interest to declare.
Prof Sir Mark Caulfield: Mark Caulfield was President of the British and Irish Hypertension Society between 2009-11 and served on the European Society of Hypertension Council.
Between 2013-21 he was Chief Scientist for Genomics England, a Department of Health and Social Care Company
Prof Ian Maidment: No declarations of interest.
Prof Masud Husain: I don’t have any conflicts of interest.
Prof Tara Spires-Jones: I have no conflicts with this study but have received payments for consulting, scientific talks, or collaborative research over the past 10 years from AbbVie, Sanofi, Merck, Scottish Brain Sciences, Jay Therapeutics, Cognition Therapeutics, Ono, and Eisai. I am also Charity trustee for the British Neuroscience Association and the Guarantors of Brain and serve as scientific advisor to several other charities and non-profit institutions.
Prof Atticus Hainsworth: I have co-authored a publication with one of the authors, Dr Jeff Williamson, on a related topic. I lead the Vascular Experimental Medicine group in DementiasPlatformUK. I serve on a scientific panel for AriBio Ltd.
Prof Toby Richards: Professor Richards has declared no conflicts of interest.
For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, April 21 — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan virtually co-chaired the first meeting of a high-level committee for China-UAE investment cooperation on Monday.
Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, praised the role of the committee in helping yield more results in bilateral cooperation.
He said China will work with the UAE to deliver on the common understandings between the two heads of state, and boost the efficiency and scale of investment cooperation to advance the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership.
Ding proposed that the two sides should give full play to the steering role of the committee, plan major projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, and encourage enterprises to expand the fields of cooperation between the two countries and innovate their methods of cooperation.
Sheikh Mansour said that the UAE commends the bilateral relations and is confident of China’s economy. He said the UAE will enhance its investment cooperation with China in order to leverage their complementary advantages and promote shared prosperity.
Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations
JAKARTA, 21 April 2025 – ASEAN and China reaffirmed their shared commitment to further advancing the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) at the 26th Meeting of the ASEAN-China Joint Cooperation Committee (ACJCC), held today at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat.
China reaffirmed its steadfast support for ASEAN Community-building efforts and ASEAN’s central role in regional affairs. China also underscored ASEAN as a key priority on China’s neighbourhood diplomacy.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on recent developments in ASEAN and China, and reviewed the progress of ASEAN-China CSP over the past year. Notable progress has been made in the final year of the implementation of the ASEAN-China Plan of Action (POA) 2021-2025 and its Annex to advance the CSP.
Under the framework of the existing POA, ASEAN and China continued to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of areas such as non-traditional security, trade and investment, science and technology, green economy, digital ecosystems, agriculture and food security, clean energy, tourism, education, public health, culture, and disaster management.
Under the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges 2025, both sides looked forward to various projects and activities to be conducted, to implement the ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation in People-to-People Exchanges adopted last year.
The two sides also discussed other deliverables of ASEAN-China cooperation this year, including, among others, the expected signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 upgrade, the establishment of the ASEAN-China Tourism Ministers meeting, and the adoption of a new POA (2026-2030) to further advance the ASEAN-China CSP and contribute to the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
China also put forward proposals for enhancing cooperation with ASEAN in maritime cooperation, artificial intelligence, transport, blue economy, women and children health, and environment.
The Meeting was co-chaired by Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN, H.E. Sarah Al Bakri Devadason, and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN, H.E. Hou Yanqi, and attended by Permanent Representatives of ASEAN Member States and representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat. Timor-Leste attended as Observer.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, April 21 — China’s healthcare sector is making steady progress in opening up to foreign investment and expertise, with more than 150 joint-venture and wholly overseas-invested medical institutions now operating nationwide, a senior health official announced Monday.
Over 1,500 healthcare professionals from outside the mainland are currently practicing in China on a short-term basis, said Jiao Yahui, a senior official with the National Health Commission, at a press briefing in Beijing.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, April 21 — China will take more steps to further facilitate cross-border financial services in Shanghai by leveraging the municipality’s role as an international financial center, according to a plan jointly issued by the central bank, the Shanghai municipal government and other financial authorities.
The plan outlines 18 key measures including improving cross-border settlement efficiency, strengthening the hedging of foreign exchange risks, and enhancing the insurance sector’s services for export companies.
China will further optimize the management and operation of foreign exchange business, and encourage corporate groups to establish fund pools in Shanghai to achieve efficient onshore management and use of global funds.
The country will also promote financial institutions to enhance their capacity to provide digital services, and support them to improve services for enterprises to expand abroad by leveraging technologies such as blockchain.
Efforts will be made to enhance the functionality and global coverage of the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System and encourage more banks to participate in the system, according to the plan.
The plan underscored the need to develop diversified products and services to hedge against foreign exchange risks, and the promoting of cross-border use of the Chinese currency renminbi.
China will increase insurance support for key export enterprises such as domestic commercial aircraft and new energy vehicle companies, and promote collaboration between insurance companies and reinsurance firms to establish insurance consortiums — thereby enhancing their capacity to cover special risks, according to the plan.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, April 21 — China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday launched a tourism promotion campaign centering on the 15th China Tourism Day, which falls on May 19.
Running until May 31, the campaign will feature over 6,000 beneficial measures for tourists nationwide, with more than 1 billion yuan (about 138.78 million U.S. dollars) of subsidies to be provided by over 60 cooperative entities including Meituan and Alipay, Li Xiaoyong, an official with the ministry, told a press conference.
Notably, the campaign will highlight inbound tourism promotion, as the ministry will work with other authorities to make inbound tourism more convenient and provide more diverse tourism products, Li said.
Overseas tourism agencies will be invited to China for on-site visits and business negotiations, while promotion of Chinese tourism resources will be carried out overseas, Li added.
In the first quarter of 2025, China’s border officers recorded 17.44 million border crossings made by foreign nationals, representing a 33.4 percent year-on-year increase, according to the National Immigration Administration.
This file photo taken on May 26, 2024 shows Pope Francis waving to the crowd as he attends an event at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican. [Photo/Xinhua]
Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, died Monday at the age of 88, said the Vatican in a statement.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on Dec. 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Francis was head of the Roman Catholic Church since 2013.
His death came weeks after returning home from a 38-day stay in intensive care, and followed an intense Holy Week schedule that included public appearances.
After a period of mourning, the Vatican will turn toward preparations for a gathering of the College of Cardinals to select Francis’ successor.
Headline: MSCI and Moody’s to Launch Independent Risk Assessments for Private Credit Investments
Solution to Promote Transparency and Strengthen Investors’ Private Credit Asset Allocation Strategies
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– MSCI Inc. (NYSE:MSCI) and Moody’s Corporation (NYSE:MCO) will jointly create a first-of-its-kind solution to provide independent risk assessments for private credit investments at scale.
As the private credit market continues to evolve and grow, the need for consistent standards and better tools has become essential for investors to assess, compare and communicate the risk of their investments.
MSCI offers a unique and comprehensive universe of high-quality private capital data, sourced from original documents provided by managers, including data on more than 2,800 private credit funds and 14,000+ individual underlying companies. As part of this joint offering, Moody’s will extend its flagship EDF-X models into MSCI’s private credit solutions. EDF-X delivers risk insights using best-in-class credit models and early warning signals to help investors assess the financial strength of public and private companies globally.
The combination of Moody’s flagship EDF-X credit risk modeling solutions with MSCI’s universe of private credit investment data will produce proprietary third-party risk assessments for private credit investments available at the underlying company and facility level using transparent metrics.
“As the private credit market evolves, investors are looking for trusted independent assessments to help benchmark credit risk and inform investments and monitor portfolios,” said Rob Fauber, President and CEO of Moody’s. “Our partnership with MSCI will play a critical role in providing these insights, helping market participants make informed decisions.”
“The rapid growth of private credit continues to transform the global investment landscape while highlighting the need for increased transparency, consistent standards and independent risk assessment,” said Henry A. Fernandez, Chairman and CEO of MSCI. “We are proud to partner with Moody’s to deliver innovative solutions that can help drive greater clarity and confidence.”
The solution will be distinct from the services provided by Moody’s Ratings, the credit rating agency, to the issuers in the private credit market.
About Moody’s Corporation
In a world shaped by increasingly interconnected risks, Moody’s (NYSE: MCO) data, insights, and innovative technologies help customers develop a holistic view of their world and unlock opportunities. With a rich history of experience in global markets and a diverse workforce of approximately 16,000 across more than 40 countries, Moody’s gives customers the comprehensive perspective needed to act with confidence and thrive. Learn more at moodys.com.
About MSCI
MSCI is a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community. With over 50 years of expertise in research, data, and technology, we power better investment decisions by enabling clients to understand and analyze key drivers of risk and return and confidently build more effective portfolios. We create industry-leading research-enhanced solutions that clients use to gain insight into and improve transparency across the investment process. To learn more, please visit www.msci.com.
“Safe Harbor” statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Certain statements contained in this document are forward-looking statements and are based on future expectations, plans and prospects for Moody’s business and operations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such statements involve estimates, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, projected, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Stockholders and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and other information in this document are made as of the date hereof, and Moody’s undertakes no obligation (nor does it intend) to publicly supplement, update or revise such statements on a going-forward basis, whether as a result of subsequent developments, changed expectations or otherwise, except as required by applicable law or regulation. In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Moody’s is identifying certain factors that could cause actual results to differ, perhaps materially, from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. These factors, risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the impact of general economic conditions (including significant government debt and deficit levels, and inflation and related monetary policy actions by governments in response to inflation) on worldwide credit markets and on economic activity, including on the volume of mergers and acquisitions, and their effects on the volume of debt and other securities issued in domestic and/or global capital markets; the uncertain effectiveness and possible collateral consequences of U.S. and foreign government initiatives and monetary policy to respond to the current economic climate, including instability of financial institutions, credit quality concerns, and other potential impacts of volatility in financial and credit markets; the global impacts of the Russia – Ukraine military conflict and the military conflict in Israel and the surrounding areas on volatility in world financial markets, on general economic conditions and GDP in the U.S. and worldwide, on global relations and on the Company’s own operations and personnel; other matters that could affect the volume of debt and other securities issued in domestic and/or global capital markets, including regulation, increased utilization of technologies that have the potential to intensify competition and accelerate disruption and disintermediation in the financial services industry, as well as the number of issuances of securities without ratings or securities which are rated or evaluated by non-traditional parties; the level of merger and acquisition activity in the U.S. and abroad; the uncertain effectiveness and possible collateral consequences of U.S. and foreign government actions affecting credit markets, international trade and economic policy, including those related to tariffs, tax agreements and trade barriers; the impact of MIS’s withdrawal of its credit ratings on countries or entities within countries and of Moody’s no longer conducting commercial operations in countries where political instability warrants such actions; concerns in the marketplace affecting our credibility or otherwise affecting market perceptions of the integrity or utility of independent credit agency ratings; the introduction or development of competing and/or emerging technologies and products; pricing pressure from competitors and/or customers; the level of success of new product development and global expansion; the impact of regulation as an NRSRO, the potential for new U.S., state and local legislation and regulations; the potential for increased competition and regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate, including the EU; exposure to litigation related to our rating opinions, as well as any other litigation, government and regulatory proceedings, investigations and inquiries to which Moody’s may be subject from time to time; provisions in U.S. legislation modifying the pleading standards and EU regulations modifying the liability standards applicable to credit rating agencies in a manner adverse to credit rating agencies; provisions of EU regulations imposing additional procedural and substantive requirements on the pricing of services and the expansion of supervisory remit to include non-EU ratings used for regulatory purposes; uncertainty regarding the future relationship between the U.S. and China; the possible loss of key employees and the impact of the global labor environment; failures or malfunctions of our operations and infrastructure; any vulnerabilities to cyber threats or other cybersecurity concerns; the timing and effectiveness of our restructuring programs, such as the 2022 – 2023 Geolocation Restructuring Program; currency and foreign exchange volatility; the outcome of any review by tax authorities of Moody’s global tax planning initiatives; exposure to potential criminal sanctions or civil remedies if Moody’s fails to comply with foreign and U.S. laws and regulations that are applicable in the jurisdictions in which Moody’s operates, including data protection and privacy laws, sanctions laws, anti-corruption laws, and local laws prohibiting corrupt payments to government officials; the impact of mergers, acquisitions, such as our acquisition of RMS, or other business combinations and the ability of Moody’s to successfully integrate acquired businesses; the level of future cash flows; the levels of capital investments; and a decline in the demand for credit risk management tools by financial institutions. These factors, risks and uncertainties as well as other risks and uncertainties that could cause Moody’s actual results to differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, projected, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements are described in greater detail under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of Moody’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and in other filings made by the Company from time to time with the SEC or in materials incorporated herein or therein. Stockholders and investors are cautioned that the occurrence of any of these factors, risks and uncertainties may cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, projected, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements, which could have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. New factors may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict new factors, nor can the Company assess the potential effect of any new factors on it. Forward-looking and other statements in this document may also address our corporate responsibility progress, plans, and goals (including sustainability and environmental matters), and the inclusion of such statements is not an indication that these contents are necessarily material to investors or required to be disclosed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, historical, current, and forward-looking sustainability-related statements may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve, and assumptions that are subject to change in the future.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to future events or to future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause MSCI’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond MSCI’s control and that could materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.
Other factors that could materially affect MSCI’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements can be found in MSCI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 9, 2025 and in quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed or furnished with the SEC. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if MSCI’s underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from what MSCI projected. Any forward-looking statement in this press release reflects MSCI’s current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to MSCI’s operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. MSCI assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.
Li Jiping, a former vice president of China Development Bank, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for accepting bribes by a court in central China’s Henan Province on Monday. Li was also fined 4 million yuan (about $555,000), and his illegal gains from bribery will be turned over to the state treasury, according to a verdict issued by the court. The court found that between 2001 and 2021, Li used his various positions with China Development Bank to assist others in matters such as loan approval and project contracting, and accepted money and valuables worth over 57.3 million yuan in return. Li was granted a lenient sentence considering that he was cooperative during the investigation and had shown remorse, according to the court.
From Regional Roots to National Spotlight WAM! to Crown India’s Best Creators at WAVES 2025
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 4:08PM by PIB Delhi
After months of regional contests and thousands of entries, finalists from 11 cities across India have been selected to take part in the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest (WAM!) national finale. The prestigious event will take place at WAVES 2025, India’s first-of-its-kind media and entertainment summit, from May 1–4 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
WAM! is organized by the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI) and supported by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India as part of WAVES (World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit). WAVES is India’s biggest platform for the AVGC-XR sector-Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality. At the center of WAVES is the Create in India Challenges (CIC). Season 1 of CIC has made history with around 1 lakh registrations, including 1,100 international participants. After a detailed selection process, 750+ finalists have been chosen from 32 unique challenges.
Among the standout segments under CIC is WAM!. Over the last decade, anime and manga have grown rapidly in India. What started as a niche interest is now a major cultural wave. India has around 180 million anime fans, making it the second-largest anime market after China. The growth is not just in fans, but also in numbers. In 2023, the Indian anime market was worth $1,642.5 million. It is expected to reach $5,036 million by 2032.
WAM! tapped into this growing creative energy by offering structured opportunities for Indian creators to develop and pitch original IPs (Intellectual Property). It fills a gap in India’s media industry by promoting original, culturally-rooted IPs. With the rise of global anime and growing digital literacy, WAM! gives students and professionals a platform to showcase ideas. It provides a clear path to develop pitch-ready IPs, access to industry mentorship and support from the government.
To bring this vision to life, the competition was held across multiple verticals: Manga (Student & Professional), Anime (Student & Professional), Webtoon (Student & Professional), Voice Acting, and Cosplay. The participants—carefully chosen across student and professional categories. WAM! followed a ground-up approach with contests held across 11 cities: Guwahati, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Varanasi, Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. The winners from each city were selected by a distinguished jury comprising industry experts from animation, comics, media and entertainment sectors. Their expertise ensured the selection of high-potential talent representing a diversity of voices and storytelling traditions. The regional rounds highlighted India’s rich linguistic and artistic diversity, proving that creative talent knows no boundaries.
Building on this strong foundation, the national finale is not just about celebration-it’s a launchpad. Designed to help participants become industry-ready professionals, it will feature live pitching sessions, networking with production studios, and showcase opportunities with international media giants.
The shortlisted creators now head to Mumbai for the WAM! National Finale at WAVES 2025, where they will present their work to an international jury and live audience. The finale promises high-stakes excitement, with winners receiving:
All-expense-paid trip to Anime Japan 2026 in Tokyo
Anime dubbing in Hindi, English, and Japanese by Gulmohar Media
Webtoon publishing by Toonsutra
WAM! is more than a competition, it is a cultural movement aiming to address a key gap in India’s media landscape: the lack of globally scalable, original content rooted in Indian stories. As WAVES 2025 approaches, the excitement builds. It’s a celebration of talent, originality and the transformative power of storytelling.
AMG to acquire a minority equity interest in Verition, a global multi-strategy investment firm with $12.6 billion in AUM
Verition’s management will retain a substantial majority of the firm’s equity and continue to lead Verition as an independent firm, in line with AMG’s partnership approach
Partnership further diversifies AMG’s business and increases its exposure to alternative strategies
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AMG, a strategic partner to leading independent investment management firms globally, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a minority equity interest in Verition Fund Management LLC (“Verition”), a global multi-strategy investment firm.
Under the terms of the transaction, Verition’s management will retain a substantial majority of the firm’s equity, continue to lead the organization, and maintain full control of day-to-day operations. As part of the agreement, Verition’s Co-Founders, Nicholas Maounis and Josh Goldstein, have entered into long-term commitments with the firm. Verition’s management will also make a significant additional investment in the firm’s fund, reinforcing its deep alignment with the business and its investors.
Founded in 2008, Verition has developed a globally recognized multi-strategy platform that allocates capital across a diversified range of uncorrelated strategies. The firm has delivered consistent returns with limited volatility, earning the confidence of institutional investors worldwide. Verition’s platform comprises approximately 150 portfolio management teams, supported by a culture of collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence. As of April 1, 2025, the firm manages approximately $12.6 billion in assets.
“Verition is a premier multi-manager with an outstanding track record across nearly two decades,” said Jay C. Horgen, President and Chief Executive Officer of AMG. “With its focus on uncorrelated strategies, disciplined approach, strong risk framework, and proven ability to consistently deliver excellent results for clients, Verition is positioned as a leader in the growing multi-strategy space. Verition exhibits what we look for in a partner: a high-quality independent firm operating in an area of secular growth, with a high-performing team and excellent long-term prospects. I am delighted to welcome Nick, Josh, and their partners to our Affiliate group.”
“We’re excited to welcome AMG as a partner,” said Nicholas Maounis, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Verition. “In selecting an institutional partner, Josh and I were drawn to AMG’s track record, long-term orientation, and unique approach that preserves our independence and investment philosophy. This partnership supports the continued expansion of our platform, broadens our global reach, and strengthens our ability to execute on long-term strategic priorities — all with the goal of delivering lasting value to our investors.”
The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.
About AMG
AMG (NYSE: AMG) is a strategic partner to leading independent investment management firms globally. AMG’s strategy is to generate long-term value by investing in high-quality independent partner-owned firms, through a proven partnership approach, and allocating resources across AMG’s unique opportunity set to the areas of highest growth and return. Through its distinctive approach, AMG magnifies its Affiliates’ existing advantages and actively supports their independence and ownership culture. As of December 31, 2024, AMG’s aggregate assets under management were approximately $708 billion across a diverse range of private markets, liquid alternative, and differentiated long-only investment strategies. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.amg.com.
About Verition Fund Management
Verition Fund Management LLC is an investment management firm founded in 2008 by Nicholas Maounis and Josh Goldstein with approximately $12.6 billion in assets under management as of April 1, 2025. Verition manages a multi-strategy, multi-manager hedge fund focused on global investment strategies including Credit, Fixed Income & Macro, Convertible & Volatility Arbitrage, Event-Driven, Equity Long/Short & Capital Markets Trading, and Quantitative Strategies. The fund seeks to construct a diversified portfolio with low correlation to traditional and alternative asset classes and consistently attractive risk-adjusted returns. The Firm employs approximately 750 people and has offices in New York, NY, Greenwich, CT, Norwalk, CT, London, UK, Singapore, Republic of Singapore, Hong Kong (SAR), China, and Dubai, UAE.
Certain matters discussed in this press release issued by Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (“AMG” or the “Company”) may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, and could be impacted by a number of factors, including those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in AMG’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such factors may be updated from time to time in the Company’s periodic filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. AMG undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. This release does not constitute an offer of any products, investment vehicles, or services of any AMG Affiliate. From time to time, AMG may use its website as a distribution channel of material Company information. AMG routinely posts financial and other important information regarding the Company in the Investor Relations section of its website at www.amg.com and encourages investors to consult that section regularly.
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
The 10th St. Petersburg International Economic Congress was held. The main topic was “Labor and the Transformation of Society: Knowledge, Creativity, Noonomics.” The event was organized by the S. Yu. Witte Institute for New Industrial Development together with the Free Economic Society of Russia with the participation of the Economics Section of the Social Sciences Department of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Department of Global Problems and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the assistance of the World Association of Political Economy and the International Union of Economists. This significant event brought together more than a thousand leading scientists, experts, and representatives of the business community from Russia and 12 countries, including China, India, Greece, Great Britain, Canada, Turkey, Austria, Hungary, and others.
At the plenary session, the Director of the Witte Institute of Industrial Development and the President of the Free Economic Society of Russia Sergei Bodrunov noted that over 10 years of work, SPEC has achieved significant results – both theoretical and practical, and has become a provider of scientific thought into practice. SPEC-2025 received numerous greetings from scientists, public and government figures: the President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Gennady Krasnikov, the Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov, the head of the UN group in Russia Vladimir Kuznetsov, the President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Alexander Shokhin. They all emphasized the high importance of such events for uniting the country’s intellectual potential and expert discussion of fundamental problems of economic science, the development of practical mechanisms for solving pressing problems.
In his greeting to the participants of SPEC-2025, the rector of SPbPU and chairman of the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy pointed out the importance of consolidating the efforts of the scientific and expert community to solve the problems of Russia’s socio-economic development.
“Traditionally, the congress brings together researchers from various fields – economists, sociologists, philosophers, lawyers, historians, education specialists and representatives of the exact sciences. Key issues of the global economy, social structure and problems of strategic development of Russia are discussed here. Today, the country faces difficult geopolitical tasks. The system of international relations and the structure of world economies are undergoing significant changes. In these conditions, it is especially important to develop theoretical and practical proposals for the transformation of national institutions, to consolidate the efforts of scientific communities in order to ensure the implementation of national development goals of the country,” Andrei Ivanovich noted.
The congress was attended by Abel Aganbegyan (Corresponding Member of the British Academy, Honorary Member of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, Vice President of the Russian Economic Society), Sergey Glazyev (current member of the Board for Integration and Macroeconomics of the Eurasian Economic Commission), Vladimir Okrepilov (member of the Presidium of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of St. Petersburg) and other renowned economists.
The forum participants discussed key challenges of our time — from personnel shortages and digital transformation to technological sovereignty and the development of the creative economy. Plenary sessions and round tables featured reports on innovations in the agricultural and industrial sectors, the prospects of artificial intelligence, strategic planning, and new approaches to macroeconomic modeling.
Polytechnic University was represented at the congress by the IPMET delegation consisting of representatives of the institute’s structural divisions. Our colleagues took an active part in the work of the forum. Some moderated sections, some made reports, and students had a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the latest research and discuss current issues with leading experts.
Director of the Higher School of Business Engineering Igor Ilyin not only acted as a moderator of the section “Structural, Technological and Digital Transformation of Industry in Russia”, but also presented a report on the implementation of digital technologies in the process architecture of enterprises and organizations. As part of SPEC-2025, Igor Vasilyevich headed the section, which brought together leading experts, representatives of industrial companies and scientists. The main focus of the section was on discussing current trends, challenges and prospects for digital transformation in Russian industry.
“Digital transformation is not just the introduction of new technologies, it is a change in the entire business logic, processes and approaches to management. And successful transformation requires a comprehensive approach, including both technological and organizational changes,” Igor Vasilyevich emphasized.
In his report, Igor Vasilyevich presented an analysis of modern digital technologies and their impact on the process architecture of enterprises. He focused in detail on such relevant areas as artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital twins, the Internet of Things (IoT) and confidential cloud computing. The practical examples presented in the report included cases from the medical and energy industries, which are being worked on within the framework of close cooperation between the Higher School of Business and the Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Research and Education on Technological and Economic Problems of Energy Transition (CIRETEC-GT) headed by Igor Vasilyevich and business partners of the Institute of Mechanics and Electronics and Telecommunications.
Teachers and students of the Higher School of Industrial Management also took an active part in the forum. Associate Professor Olga Ergunova and Senior Lecturer Andrey Somov made presentations. Also, student reports were presented by HSPM Master’s students Maria Belova and Diana Yakimenko, who demonstrated a high level of research training. The reports were presented in specialized sections devoted to the digitalization of the economy, intellectual work and the transformation of production and social practices.
The report by Marina Yanenko, professor at the Higher School of Service and Trade, presented an analysis of the impact of artificial intelligence on the process of market transformation, changes in business requirements for the knowledge and skills of specialists, and the emergence of new needs for the content of labor. Marina Borisovna noted that the growing availability of artificial intelligence makes it a key tool in a wide variety of economic sectors and formulated recommendations for improving competitive strategies in the labor market in the context of the development of artificial intelligence.
The Higher School of Engineering and Economics was represented by the Head of the Research Laboratory “Digital Economy of Industry” Professor Alexander Babkin, Professor Irina Rudskaya, Associate Professor Lyudmila Guzikova and Associate Professor Nikolai Dmitriev. Lyudmila Aleksandrovna participated as a moderator of the seminar “New and Old Challenges of the Russian Labor Market: Adaptation Strategies of Various Socio-Demographic Groups”, and also spoke at this seminar with a report on the topic “Implementation of the Principles of Noonomics in a Unified Interregional System of the Labor Market for Specialists with Higher Education”. Alexander Vasilyevich took part in the plenary session and also made a report on the topic: “Strategizing the Digital Transformation of the Intelligent Cyber-Social Industrial Ecosystem Based on Industry 6.0”, noting that in modern conditions, issues of developing strategic approaches to the integration of advanced technologies and the creation of sustainable, human-oriented production systems are relevant.
This year, representatives of the Department of Economic Theory of the IPMEiT took an active part in the work of the congress: Associate Professor Elena Milskaya, Associate Professor Anna Strizhak, Associate Professor Ekaterina Afonichkina, Associate Professor Olga Naumova, as well as 47 students in the areas of “Economic Security”, “Economic Statistics”, “Customs”.
“We really enjoyed the event, we learned a lot of new things, the ideas and topics of the speakers inspired us to study individual economic issues in detail. It was great that we could choose the literature ourselves and take it for study. I would also like to emphasize the relevance of each problem raised at the congress, this is what aroused special interest. It was interesting to listen to the reasoning of professors and prominent figures in economics. We thank the organizers and want to say a huge thank you to Elena Andreevna Milskaya, who gave us a chance to become participants in the congress. It is great that our educational program in macroeconomics goes beyond the university!” – noted student of group 3753801/40002 Yulia Arteyeva.
SPEC-2025 has once again confirmed its importance as a leading platform for discussing strategic challenges and opportunities in the knowledge economy. The participation of IPMET representatives in such a large-scale scientific event emphasizes the university’s sustainable aspiration for scientific leadership, integration into the expert community and the development of young scientists.
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.
Janet Yang, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, recently discussed China’s growing cultural impact and expressed optimism about cultural exchange between China and the United States.
Janet Yang, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, speaks at a forum during the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, Beijing, April 19, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]
Yang, the first Asian American president to lead the film academy, is currently attending the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, which opened on April 18. The nonprofit academy behind the Oscars remains the world’s premier organization for film artists with nearly 11,000 members.
The New York-born producer and daughter of Chinese immigrants has long been a significant figure in Hollywood’s Asian American community. Her career rose to prominence through her collaboration with Steven Spielberg on “Empire of the Sun,” which was filmed in Shanghai. Her subsequent film and television credits include “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” “Dark Matter” and “Over the Moon.”
“My personal and professional experiences tell me that film has a unique power to bring people together,” she said at a forum during the film festival on April 19. “That is why I remain perpetually optimistic about cultural exchange between not only our two nations, but among everyone everywhere in the world.”
She explained global film collaboration matters because filmmaking is inherently collaborative. Exchanging ideas and techniques enriches creativity and builds universal narratives that drive economic success. As new technologies break barriers, cross-border collaboration becomes indispensable.
“Strategies in today’s competitive market for Chinese filmmakers with such a rich cultural legacy, embracing collaboration with international artists, particularly those with an interest in the culture, have amplified Chinese storytelling and created significant financial opportunities. In essence, global collaboration is both a pathway to cultural innovation and a strategic economic advantage that benefits us all,” she said.
Yang noted audiences now strongly respond to original, emotionally true and culturally specific stories, citing “Parasite,” 2020’s historic non-English Oscar best picture winner, and this year’s winner “Anora,” a small, intimate film with deep humanity. Asian diaspora stories are also gaining major award recognition, she observed, with films like “Everything Everywhere All at Once” — a Chinese American independent absurdist sci-fi comedy-drama — winning seven Oscars including best picture in 2023. Independent Chinese cinema, such as Guan Hu’s “Black Dog,” which was nominated for a film independent spirit award after its Cannes premiere, proves budget constraints do not limit humanistic force.
“These films prove that audiences don’t need to fully understand the culture to be moved by it,” she said. “For Chinese filmmakers, this is an amazing opportunity to go global, to get films out into the international marketplace.”
Yang’s own journey stands as a powerful testament to the value of film as a cultural bridge. She recalled how a 1972 trip to China, where she witnessed her parents’ emotional reunion with relatives after 35 years apart, inspired her to study Chinese and later work in Beijing. Immersed in Chinese cinema, she found stories that helped shape her identity and career path. She launched her career by running North America’s first Chinese film distribution company, bringing fifth-generation cinema to Western audiences. She facilitated the making of “Empire of the Sun,” and continues to help forge bonds between Hollywood and China. Following China’s rapid cinematic rise after the 2008 Olympics, she pioneered U.S.-China film summits and co-productions like “Shanghai Calling” and a localized “High School Musical” adaptation.
She noted challenges confronting world cinemas, including lower box office numbers following the pandemic and the new realities of artificial intelligence. While recognizing AI as a powerful tool, she warned of potential risks like job losses and films becoming technically proficient but emotionally hollow.
“Too often, decisions in our business are driven by profit rather than cultural value. We absolutely need a healthy industry to sustain the art form. We also need to protect what makes cinema meaningful — its ability to move us, to challenge us and to reflect our shared humanity,” Yang said.
The president noted that millions of overseas Chinese long to see their culture reflected and better understood worldwide. “I believe the world is beginning to listen,” she said.
Just this past year, remarkable signs showed China’s culture gaining global momentum — from the success of video game “Black Myth: Wukong” and adaptations of “The Three-Body Problem” novel to the record-shattering achievement of animated movie “Ne Zha 2” — demonstrating the country’s growing cultural influence. Social platforms like TikTok, Xiaohongshu and IShowSpeed’s recent livestreams in China further showcase Chinese life, while AI tools like DeepSeek extend this reach.
“This phenomenon alone has become a powerful cultural moment in its own right — a terribly exciting milestone,” she said. “These are all signals of something larger. China’s cultural voice is rising. It’s claiming its rightful place on the world stage.”
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan’s Brazil visit becomes important on many counts Participates in the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting; also initiates important steps towards strengthening agricultural trade, technology and innovation between India and Brazil
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasizes on promoting production and export of soya in India
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan intends to upgrade Indian farmers by enabling them the benefits of global technologies
Joint efforts will strengthen global food security: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Shri Shivraj Singh expresses concerns for small farmers in the BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting
Posted On: 20 APR 2025 6:36PM by PIB Delhi
Union Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan is schedule to return from his Brazil visit on Monday morning, 21 April. His Brazil visit is important on many counts. Besides leading the Indian delegation at the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, the Union Minister’s visit is an important step towards strengthening agricultural trade, technology and innovation between India and Brazil. During Brazil visit, the Union Minister stressed on promoting production and export of soya in India. He intends to upgrade Indian farmers by enabling them the benefits of global technologies. He said that joint efforts of various countries will strengthen global food security.
During his Brazil visit, Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh mainly expressed his concerns related to small farmers of India. He said that unless the small farmers are protected and empowered, the goal of global food security will remain incomplete. The Union Minister said that India is fully committed to inclusive, equitable and sustainable agriculture. Echoing the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, he said that India always follow the message of trust and cooperation with all countries. He called for enhanced cooperation in agricultural technology, innovation, capacity building and trade facilitation so that farmers and agricultural enterprises of various countries can benefit. On the BRICS platform, India called for further strengthening cooperation in agricultural technology transfer, research, food processing and trade. Shri Chauhan’s address, on behalf of India, focused on global food security, empowerment of small farmers, agricultural innovation and technological cooperation and advancing partnership with BRICS countries.
Altogether, Shri Chouhan’s visit to Brazil is not just a diplomatic but also a concrete initiative towards technological innovation, production increase and global partnership for Indian agriculture, which can yield direct benefits to the farmers.
The 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, held in Brasilia, was attended by Agriculture Ministers/Senior Officials from India, host Brazil and BRICS member countries including Russia, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Iran. The main theme of the meeting was “Promoting inclusive and sustainable agriculture through cooperation, innovation and equitable trade among BRICS countries”.
Besides participating in the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ meeting, Shri Chouhan’s visit is expected to give a new direction to agricultural cooperation between India and Brazil. This will boost agricultural trade between the two countries. The Union Minister expressed his desire to share knowledge with Brazil on climate-friendly soyabean varieties, mechanization, precision farming and sustainable agricultural practices. He also expressed his desire to learn from Brazil’s agricultural model, mechanization, irrigation and research and implement it in Indian agriculture so that maximum benefits can be transferred to the farmers.
Cooperation in the areas of biofuel, bioenergy, supply chain integration and agricultural machinery was discussed during the meetings which would enable Indian farmers to have access to global technology. Joint efforts of the two countries will also strengthen global food security as Brazil has achieved tremendous growth in agricultural exports in the last 50 years, an inspiration for India as well.
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan also held bilateral meetings with Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Henrique Baquetta Favero and Minister of Agricultural Development and Family Agriculture, Luiz Paulo Teixeira. During these meetings, the issues of enhancing cooperation in the areas of agriculture, agro-technology, rural development and food security were discussed. The Union Minister also met 27 members of Brazil’s agribusiness community at Sao Paulo. During this meeting, possibilities of cooperation on agricultural trade, production technology, food processing, biofuel, technological innovation and supply chain integration were discussed.
Union Minister Shri Chouhan visited soyabean production plant, tomato farm and other institutes in Brazil and closely observed the latest technologies related to mechanization, irrigation and food processing. Currently India imports soyabean oil, but now both the countries are jointly exploring the possibilities of investing and setting up technology and plants for soyabean production and processing. This can boost soyabean production and export in India. Shri Chouhan said that there is a plan to work together with Brazil to increase soybean production and processing in India. Besides, possibilities of cooperation between the two countries in mechanization and seed research will also be explored.
Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s routine of planting a sapling every day continued in Brazil as well. He participated in the tree plantation drive at the Indian Embassy in Brasilia under the initiative ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, promoting environmental protection and respect for motherhood. Shri Shivraj Singh also met the Indian diaspora at Sao Paulo in Brazil and appreciated their role in bilateral relations. He said that this is the Amrit Kaal of our independence under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. In 2047, we will complete 100 years of independence and our goal is to make India a developed nation by then.
Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh said, “During my stay in Brazil, I got the opportunities to enrich myself with various experiences and techniques. We will utilize these technologies to increase production in India. I am confident that the mutual cooperation between India and Brazil will empower our farmers and give a new direction to global food security.”
This visit is an important step towards India-Brazil agricultural cooperation, partnership with BRICS countries and accelerating innovation and sustainable growth in Indian agriculture, Shri Singh added.
People taste grapes at a grape fair in Turpan, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Aug. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] China’s human rights approach emphasizes pragmatism, diversity, and mutual respect, as demonstrated by its poverty eradication efforts and global cooperation initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative. This was highlighted at the 2025 Asian Forum on Human Rights, held in Chongqing on April 19. Under the theme “Science & Technology and Human Rights,” the forum brought together regional scholars to discuss technology’s impact on human rights. Chen Youwu, executive director of the Human Rights and Rule of Law Research Center at Guangdong University of Technology, said China’s human rights philosophy centers on serving people and prioritizing their well-being. He noted that this principle — that people’s happiness is the greatest human right — grants human rights a powerful guiding role in the development of science and technology, promoting technology that benefits society. Kanatbek Aziz, director of the National Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kyrgyzstan, examined the connection between digital governance and human rights. He identified three prevailing models: the European approach, which emphasizes personal data protection; the American system, driven by corporate interests where users are often treated as products; and the Chinese framework, which focuses on digital sovereignty, strategic planning and national security. Aziz praised China’s Global AI Governance Initiative as a necessary contribution to international discussions on technology regulation. “The initiative emphasizes the need for safe, orderly and reliable development of artificial intelligence,” he said. “This reflects China’s commitment to establishing international frameworks where AI is guided by justice, inclusiveness and technological ethics.” Liu Hongzhen, deputy director of the Human Rights Center at Jilin University, warned that some Western powers misuse both human rights and technology to maintain dominance and escalate geopolitical tensions, citing U.S. attempts to limit China’s technological progress. “The diversity of human rights must be respected, and both hegemonism and the instrumentalization of rights must be resisted,” Liu said. “We should approach technological competition through the lens of human rights, thereby promoting reform in global technology governance systems.” Beyond technology, China’s commitment to human rights is also demonstrated in its domestic development efforts. Li Zhongxia, deputy director of the Human Rights Research Center at Renmin University of China, highlighted China’s poverty alleviation campaign, which lifted 832 impoverished counties and nearly 100 million rural residents out of poverty. The achievement secured basic survival and development rights, which Li described as a major step forward for global human rights. “If basic needs are not met, discussing political rights becomes detached from reality,” Li said. “Human rights development must respond to the people’s most urgent needs.” China’s commitment to human rights also extends beyond its borders. Through multilateral platforms such as China-ASEAN cooperation, the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Belt and Road Initiative, China continues to promote peace, security and sustainable development throughout Asia and beyond. Recent joint statements with Vietnam and Cambodia emphasized that human rights should be pursued according to national conditions, while opposing the politicization of human rights and the application of double standards. The statements also rejected using such issues to interfere in sovereign nations’ internal affairs.
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) inaugurated its Beijing office on April 18, aiming to strengthen business relationships with Chinese customers and partners.
ADNOC also announced three liquefied natural gas (LNG) agreements at the ceremony, including the largest LNG deal ever between China and the United Arab Emirates.
Executives and officials from the UAE and China attend the inauguration ceremony for Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s new China office in Beijing, April 18, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
Senior officials and business leaders attended the ceremony, including representatives from ADNOC partners China National Petroleum Corporation, Zhenhua Oil and Wanhua Chemical Group. The new office will focus on sales and marketing activities in China, according to ADNOC.
Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE minister of industry and advanced technology and ADNOC CEO, addresses attendees at the inauguration of ADNOC’s new China office in Beijing, April 18, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE minister of industry and advanced technology and ADNOC CEO, said the Beijing office marks a new chapter in the company’s long-term energy cooperation with Chinese partners and customers.
Al Jaber said ADNOC would use the new office and LNG agreements to “join hands with Chinese partners to further explore the potential of all aspects of the energy industry chain” and contribute to China’s energy security.
The LNG agreements include a 15-year sales and purchase deal with ENN Natural Gas subsidiary ENN LNG (Singapore), which will supply up to 1 million metric tons of LNG annually from the low-carbon Ruwais project. This represents the largest LNG agreement ever between China and the UAE.
In addition, ADNOC Trading, a wholly owned subsidiary of ADNOC, signed the other two LNG agreements with CNOOC Gas & Power Group and Zhenhua Oil.
After years of close cooperation and strategic coordination, China has become an important importer of ADNOC’s products. ADNOC said it will continue to be a long-term, reliable energy partner for China, deepening business ties and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, April 21 — Chinese President Xi Jinping sent on Saturday a congratulatory message to Daniel Noboa on his re-election as president of Ecuador.
Xi said China and Ecuador are comprehensive strategic partners, and the development of bilateral relations has maintained a sound momentum in recent years.
He also said the two countries have witnessed deepening political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation in various fields, adding that the friendship of the two peoples has won greater popular support.
Noting that this year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Ecuador, Xi said he is ready to work with Noboa to take the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries to a higher level, so as to better benefit the two peoples.
On the same day, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng sent a congratulatory message to Ecuadorian Vice President-elect Maria Jose Pinto.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, April 21 — Chinese President Xi Jinping sent on Saturday a congratulatory message to Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema on his election as president of the Gabonese Republic.
In his message, Xi noted that China and Gabon enjoy a traditional friendship, saying that in recent years, political mutual trust between the two countries has continued to deepen, and cooperation in various fields has achieved fruitful results.
The two countries have firmly supported each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, he added.
Xi also said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Gabon relations and stands ready to work with President-elect Nguema to take implementing the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation as an opportunity to promote a steady and sustained growth of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, so as to better benefit their people.
A 4.6-magnitude earthquake struck Zadoi county in Yushu, Qinghai province at 9:07 am on Monday, according to official measurements released by the China Earthquake Networks Center. The quake occurred at a focal depth of 10 kilometers, and no reports of casualties have been made so far. Closely located to Chadang township, the average elevation within a 5-kilometer radius of the epicenter was measured at approximately 5,199 meters. Data from the China Earthquake Networks Center’s rapid report catalog shows that over the past five years, 77 earthquakes above magnitude 3 have occurred within 200 kilometers of the epicenter. The strongest recorded was a 6.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Biru county, Nagchu city in Xizang autonomous region on March 19, 2021.
China’s wholesale and retail sectors have logged strong momentum in the first three months of 2025, providing solid support for expanding domestic demand in the country, the commerce ministry said on Monday.
From January to March, the added value of China’s wholesale and retail trade grew by 5.8 percent from a year earlier to reach 3.3 trillion yuan (about 457.98 billion U.S. dollars), or 10.4 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.
During the period, the transaction volume of key commodity markets in the wholesale industry reached 1.3 trillion yuan, while the transaction volume of industrial consumer goods markets increased by 0.8 percent year on year, the ministry said.
For the retail industry, the retail sales of goods reached 11 trillion yuan in the first three months, increasing by 4.6 percent year on year.
China has seen about 100.35 million new home appliances sold under its consumer goods trade-in program, with over 40 million appliances sold in 2025, according to the ministry.