NewzIntel.com

Category: China

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tourism turbocharge takes New Zealand to the world

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A major drive boosting New Zealand as an international travel destination will kick off with a $13.5 million turbocharge for global marketing activity, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has announced. 

    “We’re a Government relentlessly focused on growing the economy so Kiwis can get ahead. All the stats show tourism will play a leading role as that growth continues,” Louise Upston says.

    “Today I’m delighted to announce a $13.5 million investment for Tourism New Zealand to encourage more international visitors across multiple markets.

    “Encouraging more visitors means more people staying in our hotels, eating in our cafés, spending in our shops and visiting our attractions, creating jobs and driving economic growth.

    “The initial investment will include a focus on encouraging visitors from China, Australia, the United States, India, Germany and South Korea. In these countries and beyond there are millions of people actively considering coming here and experiencing all New Zealand has to offer. 

    “We know international marketing works, with around 14 per cent of international holiday visitors already being directly influenced by Tourism NZ’s marketing activity. 

    “We want to grow that influence. Our international visitor spending and visitor numbers have been rebuilding strongly, and we must make the most of that momentum. 

    “The $13.5 million announced today is estimated to result in more than 23,000 additional international visitors and spending an extra $100 million across the country. 

    “That will be a major boost, not just for tourism and hospitality providers, but in regions and communities throughout the country.

    “We have encouraging signs coming through from our ‘Everyone Must Go!’ campaign focused on Australia, but we won’t stop there.

    “2025 is our chance to reinforce the value of tourism and show what our humming, vibrant country has on show. New Zealand tourism is open for business. 

    “We already know our country has so much going for it. Now we need the global marketing to push that story even wider,” Louise Upston says.

    Specific campaigns will be announced as they continue to be developed during 2025.

    Notes for Editors

    Tourism’s key numbers

    • Tourism now contributes 7.5 per cent of GDP and continues to be our second highest export.
    • The Tourism Satellite Account shows total tourism expenditure in New Zealand of $44.4 billion for the year ending March 2024, an increase of $5.6 billion or 14.6 per cent compared to March 2023.
    • Overseas visitor expenditure increased by $6.3 billion (59.9 per cent) to $16.9 billion
    • International expenditure grew almost 60 per cent in the year ending March 2024.

    Tourism initiatives, funded through the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, in 2025 include:

    • $500,000 for marketing New Zealand as the ‘go now’ destination for Australians
    • $9 million for New Zealand Cycle Trail Fund to enhance the Great Rides
    • $3 million for a Regional Tourism Boost
    • $3 million to secure more business events for New Zealand
    • $2.45 million for the second round of the Regional Events Promotion Fund
    • And an additional $30 million to support conservation visitor related experiences

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ecological restoration brings economic return

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Photovoltaic panels are installed on a reclaimed area of Changxu coal mine in Narisong, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, in August, 2024. [Photo/China Daily]
    While renewable energy is playing an increasingly important role in China’s green energy transition, coal mining still exists in some areas. In these areas, the government and local industry are taking steps to reduce the environmental impact, improve sustainable development and increase economic gains for local people.
    In the coal-mining town of Narisong in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, locals say that not only is the air quality improving, but their wallets are getting fatter, too.
    The town of around 30,000 people has undergone five years of green reforms, which have seen its ecological landscape improve and economic growth increase.
    In Narisong’s 19 villages and two communities, collectives earned 14.4 million yuan ($2 million) in dividends last year alone, according to Hou Xianming, a member of the town’s Party committee and chairman of the town’s people’s congress.
    These dual gains stem from people-centered planning by the local government that started back in 2020. Back then, villages relying solely on mining struggled with unsustainable growth, while those without coal resources lagged behind. To holistically address ecological rehabilitation, sustainable industry development and income disparity, the government brought about the establishment of Juhe Industrial Co, Hou said.
    The Juhe enterprise would carry out work associated with mitigating the environmental impact of mining, funded by villages and communities, according to government regulations.
    The company also operates across sectors such as mine rehabilitation, environmental cleanup, equipment and land leasing, and waste management, said Hou.
    Su Haixia, an official in the Ordos bureau of natural resources, said that mining companies must allocate funds for ecological restoration to local stakeholders. “Taking the green mine construction project as an example, coal companies must establish restoration funds and deposit about 90 million yuan per 10 million tons mined,” Su said.
    Subject to government evaluations on ecological restoration, coal mining companies could handle the restoration work themselves, or outsource such projects to specialized contractors like Juhe Industrial Co. With professional teams and flexible local hiring, these collaborations have facilitated the reclamation of almost 10,000 hectares of land in the town, according to Hou.
    To date, Narisong has established 14 green mines — those that implement eco-friendly practices and technologies to reduce their environmental impact, with additional sites currently under evaluation, Hou said.
    Juhe Industrial Co has also created 198 stable jobs for local people in property services alone, boosting the average annual income by nearly 40,000 yuan for those people, according to Hou.
    “I was previously working in long-haul transportation far from home, but now I’ve been able to secure a job in my hometown, earning over 5,000 yuan a month with social security benefits — an opportunity I wholeheartedly cherish,” said Liu Meijun, a truck driver from Yangshita village in Narisong.
    Senior residents have also benefited. “Some villagers in their early 60s remain physically robust and mentally sharp and still seek employment, but urban companies reject them mainly based on age concerns,” said Hou. “However, we’ve chosen to hire them for suitable light work — enabling them to care for elderly parents at home while earning an income, a win-win for families and the community.”
    Last year, Juhe Industrial Co generated 200 million yuan in revenue with a net profit of 36 million yuan. A total of 10 percent of those profits go toward emergency assistance for residents affected by natural disasters or severe medical hardships, 40 percent go to village collective dividends and 50 percent for the company’s future development, according to Hou.
    On the land that has been revitalized and recovered, solar farms are being set up, as well as medicinal herb cultivation.
    A 1.95-billion-yuan 400-megawatt solar project has been established by Man Shi Group and Hanxia New Energy in Narisong. Occupying 652 hectares, the project leases 521 hectares from Wutumen village and 130 hectares from Wutugou village at 3,000 yuan per hectare, offering annual incomes of 1.56 million yuan and 390,600 yuan, respectively, for these communities.
    These new industries have generated around 500 local employment opportunities, according to Hou.
    “I work in the reclaimed area of Changxu coal mine, mainly maintaining and inspecting solar panels. After deductions for social security, I earn over 4,000 yuan a month. I also earn steady rental income from leasing my land to the companies — life keeps getting better and better,” said Nie Jianjun, a villager from Wutumen village in Narisong.
    Guided by government initiatives, villagers are enjoying diversified income streams ranging from collective equity dividends and wages to land rental money. Moreover, companies purchase saplings cultivated by locals for their land restoration efforts, with the profits from these sales further bolstering the community’s financial well-being, Hou added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 21 killed in Russian ballistic missile attack on Ukraine’s Sumy

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    At least 21 people were killed on Sunday morning in a Russian ballistic missile attack on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office said in a statement.

    The attack also left other 34 people injured, including five children, the statement added.

    The Sumy Regional Military Administration said that two ballistic missiles launched by Russian forces struck the city center, damaging residential and non-residential buildings.

    Rescue operations were still underway as of midday local time (0900 GMT).

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the international community to deliver a “firm” response to the attack.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema elected Gabon’s president

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Gabon’s Interior Minister Hermann Immongault declares the results of Gabon’s 2025 presidential election during a press conference in Libreville, Gabon, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Gabon’s transitional leader Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has been elected president following Saturday’s vote, the Interior Ministry announced on Sunday.

    Nguema secured 90.35 percent of the total votes cast in the election, Interior Minister Hermann Immongault said.

    Nguema has served as Gabon’s transitional president since leading the 2023 coup that ousted former President Ali Bongo Ondimba.

    His main challenger, Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, former prime minister under the Ondimba administration, came in second with about 3.02 percent of the vote, according to the minister.

    A total of 920,200 voters were registered, including more than 28,000 abroad. The voter turnout stood at 70.4 percent, said the minister.

    Saturday’s vote marked Gabon’s first presidential election since the coup, signaling the final stage of the country’s political transition and anticipated return to constitutional order.

    Nguema resigned from his military post in accordance with Gabon’s Electoral Code to contest the election.

    Other candidates included 2023 presidential contenders Axel Stophene Ibinga Ibinga and Thierry Yvon Michel Ngoma, both businessmen. The sole female candidate, businesswoman Zenaba Gninga Chaning, campaigned on a platform promoting population growth and the revival of traditional practices.

    Speaking on public television channel Gabon 24 late Saturday, Jean Eric Nziengui Mangala, spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, noted the high voter turnout and said the election had taken place in a “calm and peaceful atmosphere.”

    According to a report released late Saturday by the Citizen Observers Network, a Gabonese civil society platform that oversaw the vote, 74 percent of observed polling stations opened on time, while 99 percent were properly equipped with voting materials.

    A total of 48 national and international observer missions, comprising about 2,450 observers, were accredited to oversee the electoral process, according to the ministry.

    Gabon’s new constitution, approved in a referendum in November 2024, sets the presidential term at seven years, renewable only once.

    Under the new electoral provisions, the president is elected through a two-round system. A candidate must secure an absolute majority of valid votes in the first round to win outright. If no candidate meets that threshold, a runoff is held between the top two contenders.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Daniel Noboa elected president of Ecuador

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Daniel Noboa, the incumbent president of Ecuador, was re-elected in the second round of the presidential election held Sunday for a four-year term, according to the initial results released by the National Electoral Council.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Iran says nuclear issue, sanctions focus of indirect talks with US

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Iran said on Sunday that its indirect negotiations with the United States held in Oman were focused solely on Tehran’s nuclear program and the removal of U.S. sanctions, ruling out any discussion of other issues.

    Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told state television that Iran’s stance in the talks remained unchanged, centering on lifting sanctions and preserving its nuclear rights.

    The talks, held on Saturday between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, were conducted through intermediaries.

    Baghaei added that Iran remained committed to preserving its nuclear infrastructure and achievements, while also demonstrating its willingness to engage in dialogue to assure the international community of the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities.

    “Iran considers itself obligated to use all legal and diplomatic tools to safeguard its legitimate rights as a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and a signatory to the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) safeguards agreements,” he said.

    Speaking to reporters in Muscat after the meeting, Araghchi described the first round of talks as “constructive” and held in a “calm and respectful atmosphere.”

    “No inappropriate language was used, and both sides showed commitment to pursuing the negotiations from an equal footing toward a mutually beneficial agreement,” he said.

    He added that a second round of talks was scheduled for the following Saturday, likely at a different venue.

    The Muscat discussions followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement in March that he had sent a letter to Iranian leaders via the United Arab Emirates proposing nuclear talks.

    Iran later confirmed receiving the letter and expressed openness to indirect engagement.

    Iran signed the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with six world powers, namely, the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France, and Germany, agreeing to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Washington unilaterally withdrew from the pact in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, prompting Tehran to scale back its nuclear commitments.

    Efforts to revive the deal have so far failed to make significant progress.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese medical team offers free services in Kalkara, Malta

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The 20th Chinese medical team for Malta from the Mediterranean Regional Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine (MRCTCM) provided free clinical services to residents at the main square of Kalkara, southeastern Malta, on Sunday.

    During the event, the medical team offered a range of services including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, cupping therapy, traditional massage, personalized health consultations, and distributed free medical supplies to attendees.

    Lora Busuttil, 73, described the free clinic service as a “good” experience. Suffering from knee pain, she expressed appreciation for the helpful advice offered by the Chinese doctors. “I will apply the plaster they gave me on my knee,” she said.

    “I feel much better,” said Iris Magro, 63, after receiving a traditional massage for neck discomfort. It was her first time trying traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and she told Xinhua she plans to visit the MRCTCM for further massage treatments.

    Joe Cuschieri, 76, underwent a blood sugar check and received cupping and massage therapy for his neck pain. He also expressed interest in visiting the MRCTCM to seek continued treatment for his neck and back issues.

    “I am very grateful that we could collaborate with the Chinese medical team to offer free clinical services to our residents,” Kalkara Mayor Wayne Aquilina told Xinhua. He noted that the event attracted strong interest from locals, many of whom were keen to learn more about TCM.

    “We’re looking forward to more collaborations,” Aquilina added, expressing hope that the Chinese medical team will continue offering health consultations, particularly for elderly residents in Kalkara.

    The MRCTCM was established by the Chinese and Maltese governments in 1994. To date, 20 Chinese medical teams comprising over 100 doctors, have provided TCM treatments to approximately 250,000 Maltese patients.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s unicorn firms gaining ground on international stage

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

    China continues to rise as a key player in the global innovation ecosystem, ranking second globally in the number of unicorn companies and accounting for nearly 30 percent of the world’s total, said a newly released report.

    According to a unicorn enterprise development report released at the Zhongguancun Forum in March, China’s unicorn companies are gaining global prominence, with a total of 409 unicorns valued at approximately $1.5 trillion.

    Unicorns, generally defined as privately held companies that are less than 10 years old and valued at over $1 billion, are considered to have unique core technologies, competitive advantages and significant market potential.

    Xie Shaofeng, chief engineer of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said: “The rapid rise of China’s unicorns in recent years can be attributed to the dominance of intelligent technologies. Nearly a third of the country’s unicorns hail from smart technology fields, including large models and autonomous driving, which have fueled the growth of sub-sectors such as smart healthcare, logistics and manufacturing.”

    The report said that China’s unicorns span 12 sectors, with significant representation in integrated circuits and semiconductors, software and information services, new energy technologies, AI, intelligent manufacturing and new consumption.

    Among these, AI leads in terms of total valuation, with Chinese unicorns in the AI sector collectively valued at $461.2 billion. The new consumption and retail sector follows closely at $203.9 billion, while integrated circuits round out the top three with a valuation of $192.5 billion.

    On average, the unicorns in AI, e-commerce and new energy smart vehicles have the highest valuations, with averages of $7.56 billion, $6.19 billion and $5.43 billion, respectively. The report also highlighted the emergence of “super unicorns” — companies valued at over $10 billion. Currently, there are 18 such companies in China.

    In terms of quantity, the new consumption and retail sector leads with 66 unicorns, followed by AI (61), integrated circuits (54), intelligent equipment (54) and pharmaceutical health (43). Together, these five sectors account for 68 percent of all Chinese unicorns.

    One such unicorn is Uisee, a leader in autonomous driving. Wu Gansha, co-founder and chairman of the company, highlighted the need for differentiation, either by focusing on niche markets that larger companies overlook or by optimizing technologies to offer affordable, high-quality products.

    “Unicorns generally follow one of the two paths,” Wu explained. “Either they carve out a unique position in a neglected niche, becoming the first or the only in that field based on their core capabilities, or they bring down costs dramatically through innovative technologies and engineering. The key is to scale that advantage, turning a unicorn into a super unicorn.”

    Looking ahead, Wu said that globalization is essential for China’s unicorns to thrive. “High labor costs and markets with rigid demand are ideal environments to maximize technological value,” he said.

    For Chinese companies to succeed on the global stage, they must ensure that their products meet international standards, enabling them to quickly respond to global competition and “go global” with minimal lag time, industry experts added.

    As China’s unicorns continue to expand their reach, their influence on global markets is expected to grow, further reshaping the landscape of innovation and technology across multiple industries. With government support and a growing ecosystem of talent and capital, the future looks promising for China’s fast-rising tech giants.

    However, Li Daokui, director of Tsinghua University’s Academic Center for Chinese Economic Practice and Thinking, said that those firms on the verge of becoming unicorns face significant funding shortages.

    Few unicorns are able to rely entirely on profits to sustain their growth, and many require patient capital to support their long-term development, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China major contributor to preserving Cambodia’s iconic Angkor: tourism minister

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

    PHNOM PENH, April 14 — China has been a major contributor to safeguarding, preserving and developing the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia’s Siem Reap province, Cambodia’s Tourism Minister Huot Hak said.

    The 401-square-km Angkor park, the kingdom’s most popular tourist destination, is home to 91 ancient temples, which had been built from the ninth to the 13th centuries.

    Key temples include the Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Chau Say Tevoda, Ta Keo, Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm, and Phnom Bakheng, among others.

    China had helped restore ruined temples in the park since 1997 by successfully restoring Chau Say Tevoda and Ta Keo. Currently, the Chinese experts have been restoring the Phimeanakas temple located inside the walled enclosure of the Royal Palace of the Angkor Thom.

    Hak said China took the lead in providing scholars, architectural experts, archaeologists, and technicians to help restore and preserve ruined temples in the Angkor park.

    “I’d like to thank the government and people of the People’s Republic of China for sacrificing time, physical and mental energies, materials and budget to help preserve, protect and restore ancient temples in Cambodia’s Angkor complex,” he told Xinhua in a recent interview.

    The minister praised the Chinese experts for helping restore ruined monuments in the Angkor park into their stunning original forms, saying that their great contributions were invaluable for the people of Cambodia.

    “I’d like to express my profound gratitude and record the merits of the People’s Republic of China, Chinese scholars, experts, and technicians in contributing actively to the mission of restoring, preserving and developing temples in this world heritage site,” he said.

    Hak said Cambodia has trust and confidence in China in helping restore the Phimeanakas temple within the Royal Palace of the Angkor Thom.

    He added that China’s aid has not only contributed to ensuring the sustainable development of ancient temples in the Angkor park, but also helped train Cambodian experts and archaeologists on the work of safeguarding and preserving ancient temples.

    The Angkor park attracted a total of 1.02 million international tourists in 2024, generating a gross revenue of 47.8 million U.S. dollars from ticket sales, according to the state-owned Angkor Enterprise.

    Speaking of Cambodia-China cooperation in the tourism sector, Hak said China is also a key supporter for tourism development in the Southeast Asian country, adding that Chinese-invested mega-infrastructure projects, such as the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway and the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, have laid a solid foundation for the kingdom’s development of economy and tourism.

    Sharing his view on building a community with a shared future for mankind, Hak said any initiative launched by China always aims to provide common interest for the whole world and help make the world more harmonious with shared prosperity and common development.

    “Cambodia and other countries alike are really happy to welcome and fully support it because this initiative is global in nature for common interest and win-win results for all,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2023 Australian CRS reportable accounts by jurisdiction

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Limitations of the CRS report

    The Total accounts column represents the number of Financial Accounts held by foreign tax residents; it does not represent the number of foreign tax residents holding accounts. An account holder may be a tax resident of multiple jurisdictions, so accounts may be reported more than once.

    The Balance ($A) column represents the total balance or value of the Financial Assets held in the accounts. The figure includes:

    • cash
    • securities
    • bonds
    • commodities
    • partnership interests
    • debt interests and equity interests.

    Where an account is held by more than one account holder, the balance or value is attributed in full to each account holder. Where an account is held by a passive non-financial entity, such as a trust, the value of the equity interest is attributed in full to each controlling person. These accounts will be reported in the Total accounts and Balance ($A) columns more than once.

    Table: CRS statistics tabled by the Minister

    Jurisdiction

    Total Accounts

    Balance (AUD)

    Afghanistan

    11070

    $95,581,415

    Aland Islands

    693

    $3,871,473

    Albania

    728

    $10,764,088

    Algeria

    515

    $10,363,535

    American Samoa

    555

    $7,413,499

    Andorra

    1355

    $101,244,778

    Angola

    296

    $10,861,848

    Anguilla

    166

    $1,170,312

    Antigua and Barbuda

    234

    $3,613,577

    Argentina

    43207

    $239,451,920

    Armenia

    725

    $5,711,104

    Aruba

    510

    $18,999,978

    Austria

    16740

    $394,878,370

    Azerbaijan

    893

    $29,236,263

    Bahamas

    1044

    $232,452,443

    Bahrain

    1944

    $70,119,634

    Bangladesh

    29473

    $229,111,457

    Barbados

    378

    $15,992,240

    Belarus

    564

    $6,673,642

    Belgium

    11622

    $328,051,334

    Belize

    141

    $1,882,633

    Benin

    147

    $4,016,713

    Bermuda

    802

    $1,003,121,189

    Bhutan

    33564

    $129,472,928

    Bolivia (Plurinational State of)

    644

    $4,267,066

    Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba

    65

    $320,289

    Bosnia and Herzegovina

    1015

    $18,562,691

    Botswana

    1551

    $74,047,155

    Brazil

    115912

    $665,938,179

    Brunei Darussalam

    4830

    $175,136,606

    Bulgaria

    1168

    $30,359,474

    Burkina Faso

    209

    $6,083,998

    Burundi

    359

    $1,251,294

    Cabo Verde

    57

    $801,533

    Cambodia

    13543

    $310,460,409

    Cameroon

    286

    $12,837,192

    Canada

    131945

    $4,655,911,312

    Cayman Islands

    1261

    $2,287,140,562

    Central African Republic (The)

    65

    $1,886,237

    Chad

    47

    $1,931,612

    Chile

    34790

    $184,569,286

    China

    1168312

    $35,846,564,031

    Colombia

    117549

    $329,328,309

    Comoros

    202

    $1,192,041

    Congo (Democratic Republic of The)

    955

    $15,603,703

    Congo (The)

    592

    $5,826,658

    Cook Islands

    966

    $15,755,625

    Costa Rica

    737

    $9,190,245

    Cote d’Ivoire

    154

    $12,847,535

    Croatia

    2570

    $91,851,975

    Cuba

    270

    $3,587,708

    Curacao

    63

    $489,577

    Cyprus

    2728

    $174,738,630

    Czech Republic

    5737

    $138,163,643

    Denmark

    13370

    $711,421,080

    Djibouti

    56

    $94,469

    Dominica

    118

    $20,557,976

    Dominican Republic

    6717

    $219,006,335

    Ecuador

    4375

    $24,093,968

    Egypt

    7828

    $130,461,587

    El Salvador

    549

    $4,583,826

    Equatorial Guinea

    43

    $5,787,039

    Eritrea

    574

    $3,235,597

    Estonia

    5283

    $19,768,874

    Ethiopia

    2203

    $22,578,132

    Falkland Islands [Malvinas]

    100

    $662,808

    Faroe Islands (The)

    45

    $320,055

    Fiji

    33661

    $418,588,501

    Finland

    7518

    $243,196,353

    France

    88770

    $1,312,556,582

    French Guiana

    63

    $1,169,649

    French Polynesia

    1466

    $144,692,251

    Gabon

    95

    $254,579

    Gambia

    98

    $1,040,902

    Georgia

    519

    $14,078,846

    Germany

    97566

    $2,136,961,996

    Ghana

    3662

    $45,920,708

    Gibraltar

    271

    $98,559,288

    Greece

    18433

    $874,732,119

    Greenland

    34

    $1,090,263

    Grenada

    45

    $860,469

    Guadeloupe

    59

    $1,397,246

    Guam

    567

    $22,049,141

    Guatemala

    609

    $4,477,478

    Guernsey

    709

    $188,289,280

    Guinea

    467

    $16,333,658

    Guinea-Bissau

    22

    $52,235

    Guyana

    145

    $5,865,208

    Haiti

    79

    $3,315,500

    Holy See (The)

    31

    $223,543

    Honduras

    284

    $3,912,750

    Hong Kong

    417259

    $19,652,979,316

    Hungary

    4166

    $89,013,732

    Iceland

    706

    $9,559,465

    India

    541071

    $3,337,392,017

    Indonesia

    141551

    $2,447,310,574

    Iran (Islamic Republic of)

    25484

    $220,602,656

    Iraq

    5657

    $47,263,403

    Ireland

    99386

    $1,184,004,246

    Isle of man

    755

    $77,412,757

    Israel

    14404

    $870,500,826

    Italy

    61111

    $1,042,858,008

    Jamaica

    502

    $10,346,693

    Japan

    122031

    $2,930,986,700

    Jersey

    1191

    $1,500,635,721

    Jordan

    3192

    $51,114,032

    Kazakhstan

    2762

    $76,557,742

    Kenya

    19121

    $167,004,133

    Kiribati

    1728

    $27,628,158

    Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of)

    1300

    $11,985,623

    Korea (The Republic of)

    120329

    $692,796,653

    Kuwait

    2278

    $59,151,943

    Kyrgyzstan

    253

    $10,798,328

    Lao Peoples Democratic Republic

    3950

    $56,663,831

    Latvia

    662

    $19,990,384

    Lebanon

    4658

    $77,228,058

    Lesotho

    76

    $1,552,742

    Liberia

    331

    $7,577,445

    Libya

    321

    $5,848,095

    Liechtenstein

    115

    $2,373,413

    Lithuania

    1572

    $17,114,640

    Luxembourg

    1269

    $1,281,207,061

    Macao

    8485

    $557,432,905

    Madagascar

    302

    $4,468,823

    Malawi

    602

    $7,546,068

    Malaysia

    207495

    $9,736,791,971

    Maldives

    1145

    $9,633,668

    Mali

    204

    $6,447,711

    Malta

    3940

    $266,412,830

    Marshall Islands (The)

    142

    $267,119,933

    Martinique

    54

    $348,133

    Mauritania

    107

    $2,254,652

    Mauritius

    7436

    $190,515,176

    Mayotte

    43

    $89,402

    Mexico

    12583

    $107,075,070

    Micronesia (Federated States of)

    147

    $15,869,862

    Moldova (The Republic of)

    251

    $2,923,446

    Monaco

    655

    $148,818,123

    Mongolia

    18288

    $90,339,348

    Montenegro

    244

    $25,032,609

    Montserrat

    5287

    $264,020,964

    Morocco

    919

    $34,620,243

    Mozambique

    551

    $16,987,061

    Myanmar

    10713

    $94,691,582

    Namibia

    852

    $28,134,752

    Nauru

    1258

    $71,353,711

    Nepal

    151948

    $530,415,177

    Netherlands (The)

    38960

    $5,741,717,769

    New Caledonia

    14843

    $946,289,722

    New Zealand

    593810

    $13,924,735,966

    Nicaragua

    212

    $1,863,857

    Niger (The)

    118

    $4,131,203

    Nigeria

    8518

    $59,998,862

    Niue

    63

    $457,441

    Northern Mariana Islands (The)

    86

    $1,940,793

    Norway

    12085

    $116,151,200

    Oman

    2919

    $53,732,678

    Pakistan

    40606

    $233,873,735

    Palau

    90

    $2,489,305

    Palestine, State of

    490

    $4,307,127

    Panama

    817

    $22,319,621

    Papua New Guinea

    20645

    $1,000,357,988

    Paraguay

    611

    $4,606,315

    Peru

    8102

    $93,464,956

    Philippines

    149788

    $1,081,032,048

    Pitcairn

    42

    $2,255,280

    Poland

    10216

    $183,398,727

    Portugal

    8340

    $364,367,730

    Puerto Rico

    111

    $1,240,149

    Qatar

    5561

    $199,292,806

    Republic of North Macedonia

    2098

    $48,970,081

    Reunion

    198

    $5,016,186

    Romania

    2257

    $33,817,593

    Russian Federation

    13479

    $311,237,493

    Rwanda

    349

    $2,900,073

    Saint Barthelemy

    43

    $132,991

    Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

    19

    $53,689

    Saint Kitts and Nevis

    164

    $65,704,365

    Saint Lucia

    99

    $11,339,027

    Saint Martin (French part)

    24

    $1,272,193

    Saint Vincent and The Grenadines

    54

    $648,955

    Samoa

    5642

    $12,252,804

    San Marino

    22

    $225,736

    Sao Tome and Principe

    16

    $47,212

    Saudi Arabia

    17461

    $290,408,054

    Senegal

    246

    $17,019,253

    Serbia

    2765

    $61,671,117

    Seychelles

    747

    $66,081,694

    Sierra Leone

    518

    $59,985,702

    Singapore

    216492

    $16,932,866,043

    Sint Maarten (Dutch)

    44

    $2,030,457

    Slovakia

    2683

    $34,211,553

    Slovenia

    1143

    $31,256,112

    Solomon Islands

    5670

    $107,624,274

    Somalia

    419

    $883,615

    South Africa

    85705

    $3,036,112,507

    South Sudan

    409

    $1,439,169

    Spain

    34964

    $615,458,859

    Sri Lanka

    59417

    $496,470,828

    Sudan

    1369

    $9,428,890

    Suriname

    99

    $808,495

    Swaziland

    491

    $11,837,248

    Sweden

    24838

    $395,550,321

    Switzerland

    27602

    $2,522,289,323

    Syrian Arab Republic

    3146

    $16,259,175

    Taiwan (Province of China)

    215091

    $5,182,123,415

    Tajikistan

    150

    $6,070,527

    Tanzania, United Republic of

    1483

    $28,785,672

    Thailand

    115526

    $1,671,533,990

    Timor-Leste

    5625

    $103,220,105

    Togo

    50

    $392,068

    Tokelau

    34

    $94,511

    Tonga

    10335

    $27,905,071

    Trinidad and Tobago

    429

    $10,964,301

    Tunisia

    505

    $42,954,529

    Turkey

    12815

    $123,250,809

    Turkmenistan

    80

    $269,557

    Turks and Caicos Islands (The)

    62

    $12,992,454

    Tuvalu

    332

    $24,161,951

    Uganda

    1469

    $26,010,162

    Ukraine

    6358

    $57,835,515

    United Arab Emirates

    34016

    $1,525,677,609

    United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (The)

    650226

    $15,897,900,722

    United States Minor Outlying Islands (The)

    616

    $17,009,421

    United States of America (The)

    607512

    $32,140,613,865

    Uruguay

    2967

    $20,416,335

    Uzbekistan

    843

    $14,924,835

    Vanuatu

    12745

    $166,367,754

    Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)

    3429

    $16,703,255

    Vietnam

    108399

    $1,368,106,502

    Virgin Islands (British)

    664

    $1,583,993,488

    Virgin Islands (U.S.)

    86

    $12,262,261

    Wallis and Futuna

    79

    $735,705

    Western Sahara

    54

    $172,955

    Yemen

    436

    $3,698,663

    Zambia

    2508

    $52,915,353

    Zimbabwe

    8557

    $181,025,534

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sound implementation of governance policies urged for Xinjiang

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Chen Wenqing has urged full and sound implementation of the Party’s policies for the governance of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the new era.
    Chen, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during an investigation and research tour in Xinjiang between Thursday and Sunday.
    During the tour, Chen learned about local efforts to counter and prevent terrorism and maintain stability, among others.
    He stressed the importance of advancing such efforts on a regular basis to ensure zero violent terrorist crime cases in the region and rooting out the breeding ground for religious extremism in accordance with the law.
    He also urged efforts to guarantee sound employment for relevant groups, strengthen border management and control, and guide people from various ethnic groups to forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, among other efforts.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Fewer Chinese studying in US due to rising tensions

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The number and proportion of Chinese students studying in the United States continue to decline as rising geopolitical tensions and safety concerns weigh heavily on families’ decisions, according to official reports and education experts.
    The 2024 Blue Paper for Chinese Overseas Students Returning to China for Employment, recently released by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange under the Ministry of Education, shows that while the U.S. remains a key destination for Chinese students, its dominance is fading.
    In 2023, only 14.54 percent of Chinese returnees with doctoral degrees studied in the U.S., down from 25 percent in 2020 — a decline of more than 10 percentage points over four years, according to the blue paper.
    Among returnees from the top three study destinations — the United Kingdom, the U.S. and Australia — 51.5 percent had studied in those countries, marking a decrease of approximately 3 percentage points from the previous year, driven primarily by the drop in the number of U.S.-based graduates, it added.
    The decline comes as more Chinese families are rethinking their higher education plans in light of worsening bilateral relations and growing concerns over safety abroad.
    The Ministry of Education last week warned Chinese students to make security assessments if choosing to study in certain U.S. states, citing a bill passed in the U.S. state of Ohio that contains negative provisions related to China. It imposes restrictions on education exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and U.S. higher education institutions.
    “Geopolitical tensions inevitably affect the international flow of students,” said Chen Zhiwen, a member of the Chinese Society of Educational Development Strategy.
    “The U.S. has increasingly restricted China in areas such as trade, technology and talent, making the study environment more hostile. Over the past four years, the number of Chinese students in the U.S. has dropped by 100,000,” Chen said, urging Chinese parents to carefully evaluate study-abroad destinations.
    According to data from the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, produced in part by the U.S. Department of State, China was surpassed by India as the largest source of international students in the U.S. for the 2023-24 academic year. There were 277,398 students from the Chinese mainland enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions during that period, a figure that has been dropping annually since peaking at 372,532 in the 2019-20 academic year.
    Chinese parents are increasingly factoring in national relations and domestic stability when considering where to send their children.
    Kendy Jia, the mother of a secondary school student in Beijing, said she had been planning to send her child abroad for high school just a few years ago.
    “Now, that plan is on hold,” she said at the 2025 China International Education Exhibition Tour in Beijing on Friday.
    “With the current international situation, we’re leaning toward waiting until after high school,” Jia said. “We might still consider sending him abroad for university, but not necessarily to the U.S. As parents, we first consider the country’s relationship with China, because political stability is very important and affects our child’s personal safety overseas,” she said, adding that worsening international relations might also add to the cost of overseas study.
    A survey by consultancy EIC Education released last month found that safety and financial support have become top concerns for prospective Chinese students during the 2024-25 academic year. The local security environment ranks fourth among factors influencing study-abroad decisions, it said.
    Hannah Song, secretary-general of the America-China Education Foundation Greater China, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, said many Chinese parents have expressed concerns about whether bilateral relations might pose safety risks for students studying in the country.
    “Parents don’t need to be overly worried,” she said. “Most U.S. states and universities focused on educational exchange rather than politics. For the majority of American institutions, the impact is minimal,” she said.
    Despite current geopolitical tensions, Song said the U.S. remains a top choice for many Chinese families in terms of undergraduate education.
    According to the blue paper, the U.S. kept attracting Chinese students in certain academic fields. Economics and mathematics remain the top choices for undergraduates from 2022 to 2024, while computer science and finance dominate among graduate applicants in 2024.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Cook Islands Confucius Classroom celebrates int’l Chinese Language Day

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The Confucius Classroom at the University of the South Pacific’s Cook Islands campus has marked International Chinese Language Day with a vibrant celebration featuring traditional crafts, music, and cuisine.

    The event offered an immersive cultural experience that highlighted the richness of the Chinese language and its cultural heritage through calligraphy, opera, and musical performances, organizers said Friday.

    The celebration began with a traditional prayer in the Cook Islands Maori language, honoring local customs. Participants then joined Chinese teachers in creating “Calligraphy Lacquer Fans.”

    Starting with elegant Chinese characters such as “Blessing,” “Benevolence and Harmony,” “Peace and Happiness,” and “Peace is Blessing,” guests practiced calligraphy on white paper fans before painting them with vibrant lacquer.

    The hands-on experience was followed by a captivating musical segment, which included performances of ancient Chinese songs and selections inspired by Peking Opera.

    Culinary culture also took center stage. A highlight for many was the Chinese stewed noodles, handmade on site by Chinese teacher Zhao Shuang, alongside hot pot dishes that delighted attendees.

    “I’m so happy to taste your hometown specialty noodles. They’re so unique and delicious,” one student told Zhao.

    Tutal Vakalalabure, a foreign service officer at the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, praised the event, saying it “gave us a sense of the true vitality of language and culture.”

    More than 20 students and their families from the Confucius Classroom took part in the celebration, held in recognition of United Nations Chinese Language Day, which is observed annually on April 20.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Musician couple promote cultural exchanges between China, Vietnam

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Dong Quang Vinh and his wife Mo Shuangshuang receive an interview with Xinhua at home in Hanoi, Vietnam, March 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Born into a Vietnamese family of musicians, Dong Quang Vinh was used to immersing himself in Chinese folk music in his childhood as his father often bought cassette tapes of Chinese music for him as gifts, thus developing an interest in China.

    During his study at China’s Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Vinh met Chinese pianist Mo Shuangshuang in 2006, who later married him and moved to live in Vietnam with him.

    To better promote music culture between the two countries, the couple found an orchestra in Hanoi and brought Vietnamese and Chinese folk music on stage many times. They also established a chorus composed mainly of internationals living in Vietnam to deepen people-to-people exchange through music.

    The couple now travel between China and Vietnam as part of their efforts to enhance understanding between the two peoples. To them, the most beautiful melodies come from the amity between the two neighboring countries.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese culture fair hosted in Cameroon for upcoming Chinese Language Day

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A teacher guides participants in guessing the meaning of oracle bone scripts at the Confucius Institute at the University of Yaounde II in Soa, Cameroon, April 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Confucius Institute at the University of Yaounde II hosted a vibrant Chinese culture fair on Saturday to mark the upcoming United Nations Chinese Language Day, observed annually on April 20.

    The event drew local students and language enthusiasts with immersive activities, including Chinese tea tasting, calligraphy rubbing, shadow play performances, oracle bone script games, and Chinese character puzzles. 

    1   2   3   4   5   6   >  

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Hainan FTP brings about broader opportunities through high-level opening up

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

    China’s Hainan FTP brings about broader opportunities through high-level opening up

    HAIKOU, April 13 — At the Yiling Life Care Center in the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, patients are seen undergoing rehabilitation exercises under the guidance of therapists in a spacious, bright hall.

    In an equipment room, Damien Meunier, from France, is intently calibrating a therapy device, adjusting parameters and components with focused precision.

    Meunier first visited China in 2019 as a tourist and was soon drawn to the unique opportunities emerging in Hainan’s healthcare sector amid the rapidly developing Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP). In 2021, he joined Yiling Life Care Center as a medical equipment engineer, based in Boao Township in south China’s Hainan Province.

    “The Hainan FTP is the ideal place for my career development,” said Meunier. “It combines opening-up policies, innovation, and exceptional life quality.”

    As China’s only “medical special zone,” the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, established in 2013, was granted special policy support that allows eligible pharmaceuticals and medical devices, licensed abroad but not yet available domestically, to be used for patients through streamlined procedures.

    The pilot zone is the epitome of Hainan’s role as a gateway for global openness.

    In April 2018, China announced a decision to develop Hainan into a pilot free trade zone while gradually exploring and steadily promoting the establishment of an FTP with Chinese characteristics. In June 2020, a master plan was rolled out to build the island into a globally influential and high-level FTP by the middle of the century.

    Seven years on, Hainan has built a policy framework centered on “free and convenient trade, investment, cross-border capital flows, personnel mobility and transportation, and the safe and orderly flow of data,” and an FTP system underpinned by features like zero tariffs, low tax rates, and simplified tax systems.

    Amid global headwinds against globalization, the Hainan FTP stands as China’s testament to unwavering openness.

    Official statistics show that by the end of 2024, the province was home to 9,979 foreign-funded enterprises, with 77.3 percent established after June 2020. The number of countries and regions investing in Hainan has jumped from 43 in 2018 to 174 today.

    As an important part of the Hainan FTP construction, Hainan has adopted a variety of measures to optimize its business environment to facilitate free and convenient trade and investment.

    “In alignment with the world’s highest standards of openness, Hainan has formulated and implemented a series of opening-up measures to create a ‘foreign investor-friendly’ business environment,” said Wang Xuehao, deputy head of the Hainan Provincial Department of Business Environment Development. “The measures include expanding the scale of innovative development in trade of goods, promoting two-way investment, and fostering cross-border industrial chain cooperation.”

    In the Haikou Comprehensive Bonded Zone, Hainan GoldMax Dairy Co., Ltd. has established an industrial park spanning over 50,000 square meters, integrating offshore duty-free retail, e-commerce, general trade and cross-border supplied materials processing, reflecting the company’s strong confidence in the potential of the Hainan FTP.

    “The Hainan Free Trade Port has provided us with vast development space and opportunities and helped us bring high-quality products to China and beyond,” said Wu Suguo, CEO of the dairy company.

    By the end of this year, the free trade port will officially begin independent customs operations, which will be “a form of openness on a larger scale,” said Zhao Jinping, a member of the Expert Advisory Committee for the Construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port. “It means the connectivity between the Hainan Free Trade Port and the rest of the world will become even smoother.”

    Currently, all 31 port infrastructure projects needed for independent customs operations have been completed, laying a solid foundation for efficient flow and supervision of goods and personnel.

    Meanwhile, as the Hainan FTP begins independent customs operations by the year’s end, its preferential policies such as “zero tariffs, low tax rates, and simplified tax systems” will be implemented more comprehensively and meticulously. A series of core free trade port policies are also expected to be accelerated for full implementation.

    According to Meunier, once the Hainan FTP begins independent customs operations, the advantages will become more evident in areas such as imported equipment, cutting-edge technologies, and international tourism. “I look forward to the future of the Hainan FTP.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Vietnam should uphold traditional friendship, jointly tackle global challenges, says Chinese ambassador

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

    China, Vietnam should uphold traditional friendship, jointly tackle global challenges, says Chinese ambassador

    HANOI, April 13 — China and Vietnam should uphold their traditional friendship featuring “camaraderie plus brotherhood” and join hands to tackle global challenges, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei has said.

    Such a bond is the most vivid reflection of the traditional friendship between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), and between the two countries, the ambassador told Xinhua in an interview ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming state visit to Vietnam from Monday to Tuesday.

    Standing at a new historical starting point, China and Vietnam should follow the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, and strengthen the foundation of their bilateral relations with high-level political mutual trust, high-quality practical cooperation and in-depth people-to-people exchanges, so as to inject more positive energy into regional and global peace, stability and development, he said.

    The ambassador said the two countries’ traditional friendship has laid a solid foundation for their struggles for national independence and liberation, and has also injected strong momentum into consolidating and deepening their comprehensive strategic cooperation, assuring the stability for both countries in responding to a complex and volatile international landscape.

    He noted that the top leaders of the two parties have in recent years maintained frequent interactions, charting the course for China-Vietnam relations. This has played a strategic role in advancing the relations between the two parties and the two countries, he added.

    Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, paid a historic visit to Vietnam in December 2023, during which the two sides announced the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, marking a new stage in their bilateral relations.

    To Lam, general secretary of the CPV Central Committee, visited China in his first overseas trip after taking office, further strengthening bilateral ties.

    The Chinese ambassador noted that China and Vietnam, as partners treading the path of reform and modernization, view each other’s development as a significant opportunity.

    With both countries jointly embarking on the new journey to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, their practical cooperation has also entered a fast track focusing on quality improvement and upgrading, He said.

    He pointed out that China was Vietnam’s largest trading partner for over 20 consecutive years, and for years Vietnam has been China’s largest trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

    Take agricultural products. The ambassador said that high-quality Vietnamese products such as coffee and fresh coconuts are highly popular among Chinese consumers, and over 90 percent of Vietnam’s durian exports go to China.

    Last year, China led in the number of newly registered investment projects in Vietnam, He said, noting that the Chinese-built Cat Linh-Ha Dong Line, Vietnam’s first urban light rail line, has provided convenience for local commuters, and the Chinese-invested Soc Son waste-to-energy plant processes 60 percent of Hanoi’s daily household waste.

    Emphasizing the people-to-people bond and strong cultural links between the two countries, He said leaders of the two parties agreed on making this year the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges to mark the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, reflecting their deep commitment and high expectations for reinforcing the foundation of public support in both countries.

    Through a series of activities, the bond between the two peoples will become even closer, and the public support for bilateral relations will become increasingly robust, said the ambassador.

    As the world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century and is entering a new period of turbulence, the United States, in particular, has recently dealt a heavy blow to global and regional economic order by weaponizing tariffs to exert maximum pressure, He said.

    In the face of these challenges, the ambassador said China and Vietnam should deepen their comprehensive strategic cooperation and inject more certainty and stability into the region. This is not only an essential aspect of building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance but also a necessary step to promote regional cooperation and development, He said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Vietnam to consolidate trade ties

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

    The economic and trade ties between China and Vietnam are expected to rise to a new level, driven by the two countries’ highly complementary trade structures, Vietnam’s modernization drive and the growing influence of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, according to market watchers and exporters.

    Amid rising protectionism and unilateral challenges, China and Vietnam are pressing ahead with industrial upgrading and digital transformation, positioning themselves to tap into new growth opportunities across key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, green energy, smart logistics, e-commerce and regional supply chain integration, they said.

    United by common aspirations for sustainable growth and economic resilience, the two countries are on track to forge even deeper and more dynamic economic ties in the years to come, said Wan Zhe, a professor specializing in regional economic development at Beijing Normal University.

    Bilateral business relations have witnessed remarkable progress, especially in recent years, with Vietnam introducing key national strategies such as the National Green Growth Strategy for 2021-2030, vision towards 2050; the National Strategy on R&D and Application of Artificial Intelligence; and the National Strategy for 4th Industrial Revolution.

    Wan said that these forward-looking initiatives have significantly enhanced Vietnam’s appeal as a destination for investment and innovation, attracting a substantial influx of Chinese and foreign capital and technologies over the past several years.

    “This growing synergy has laid a strong foundation for deeper economic and technological collaboration between the two countries,” she added.

    Vietnam has become a key overseas investment destination for China. In 2024, from January to August, Chinese companies invested $1.97 billion in the Southeast Asian country, maintaining a rapid rate of growth, according to the latest data released by China’s Ministry of Commerce.

    Benefiting from a booming intermediate goods trade, the rising freight volume on the China-Vietnam Railway and substantial gains resulting from the RCEP and the Belt and Road Initiative, China-Vietnam trade surged 14.6 percent year-on-year to 1.85 trillion yuan ($254.05 billion) in 2024, statistics from China’s General Administration of Customs showed.

    This momentum continued in the first two months of this year, with the value of bilateral trade rising 8.2 percent on an annual basis to 270.96 billion yuan, customs data showed.

    China’s exports to Vietnam include machinery, telecommunication equipment, electronic components, industrial raw materials, trains, ships, trucks, household appliances and construction materials.

    In addition to agricultural and aquatic products such as seafood, fruits, coffee and rice, Vietnam’s exports to China include smartphones, computers, rubber, footwear, garments and furniture.

    In the medium to long term, China and Vietnam are more likely to deepen industrial complementarity and division of labor rather than engage in direct competition, said Gao Lingyun, a researcher at the Institute of World Economics and Politics, which is affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing.

    “This is because both countries are at different stages of development and have distinct strengths,” said Gao, adding China leads in high-end manufacturing and technological capabilities, while Vietnam offers advantages in assembly industries and young and high-quality workers.

    On top of this, free trade deals with various economies, such as the EU (European Union)-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, have opened up opportunities, he added.

    Echoing that sentiment, Lan Qingxin, a professor specializing in cross-border investment studies at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said that compared with other Southeast Asian countries as well as India and Mexico, Vietnam holds a competitive edge and market potential due to its proximity to China and its friendly foreign investment policies.

    This complementary dynamic fosters a win-win partnership, reinforcing the depth and resilience of China-Vietnam economic ties, said Lan.

    Ningbo Dafa Chemical Fiber Co, a textile and chemical raw materials manufacturer in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, has been actively exploring new possibilities in the Vietnamese market.

    “Vietnam has a well-developed furniture manufacturing industry, which drives strong demand for textile yarns and synthetic fiber materials. Our products are mainly used for furniture padding and bedding production,” said Wang Ling, the company’s sales director.

    Ningbo Dafa’s exports to Vietnam grew by 10.3 percent year-on-year to 20.64 million yuan in the first two months of this year, according to Ningbo Customs.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stats NZ information release: International travel: February 2025

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    International travel: February 2025 – 14 April 2025 – International travel covers the number and characteristics of overseas visitors and New Zealand resident travellers (short-term movements) entering or leaving New Zealand.

    Key facts

    Monthly arrivals – overseas visitors
    Overseas visitor arrivals were 354,400 in February 2025, a decrease of 8,400 from February 2024. The biggest changes were in arrivals from:

    • United States (up 8,200)
    • Australia (up 7,600)
    • United Kingdom (up 3,100)
    • Canada (up 1,600)
    • Japan (up 1,100)
    • China (down 18,400)
    • Taiwan (down 1,500)
    • Malaysia (down 1,200).

    Further Information:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Mountain fire breaks out in north China province

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Firefighters are struggling to contain a raging mountain fire that broke out Sunday afternoon in Zezhou County in north China’s Shanxi Province, local authorities said.
    Strong winds are fueling the rapidly expanding fire near a village in Chuandi Township, complicating the firefighting efforts, the county publicity department said.
    Local authorities received the report of the fire at 3:23 p.m. Sunday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese VP welcomes global businesses to invest in China

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Chinese Vice President Han Zheng interacts with the representative of an exhibiting company before attending the launch event for the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo and “Shopping in China” series in Haikou, capital city of south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Sunday welcomed global businesses to invest and thrive in China, as the country, with a population of over 1.4 billion, boasts vast market potential and robust momentum for consumption upgrades.
    Han made the remarks when talking with the heads of exhibiting companies in Haikou, capital city of south China’s Hainan Province, before attending the launch event for the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo and “Shopping in China” series.
    Han encouraged global companies to make good use of the expo to expand brand influence, deepen economic and trade cooperation, and achieve mutual benefits.
    Some 1,000 people, including representatives from government agencies, exhibitors, purchasing firms and diplomatic envoys to China, attended the event.
    The expo, co-hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, is the largest consumer expo in the Asia-Pacific region.
    Themed “share open opportunities, co-create a better life,” this year’s expo runs from April 13 to 18, attracting over 1,700 enterprises and more than 4,100 brands from more than 70 countries and regions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 5th China International Consumer Products Expo held in Haikou

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

    5th China International Consumer Products Expo held in Haikou

    Updated: April 14, 2025 08:08 Xinhua
    Children play with a robot dog toy at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. The 5th CICPE runs from April 13 to 18 in south China’s island province of Hainan. As China’s only national-level exhibition focused on consumer goods, this year’s edition emphasizes innovation and global collaboration. The expo has drawn the participation of over 4,100 brands from over 70 countries and regions. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on April 13, 2025 shows an exterior view of the venue for the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on April 13, 2025 shows people visiting the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A boy interacts with a robot dog displayed by Unitree Robotics at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on April 13, 2025 shows an exhibition area of China-made trendy products at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on April 13, 2025 shows the Hainan booth at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An exhibitor demonstrates a multi-dimensional holographic AI sensory behavior research system for beauty products at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors enjoy a scent-enhanced movie at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor dressed in ancient costume interacts with a humanoid robot of Unitree Robotics at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An exhibitor demonstrates a tethered lighting drone at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A robot dog displayed by Unitree Robotics is seen climbing steps at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors look at a flying car by Xpeng AeroHT at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on April 13, 2025 shows an exterior view of the venue for the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An exhibitor plays piano with a smart prosthetic hand at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A robot dog is pictured at the booth of China Mobile at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Children interact with a robot dog displayed by Unitree Robotics at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor experiences SenseTime’s AI Go robot at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors watch a robot making coffee at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An exhibitor plays piano with a smart prosthetic hand at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A robot is on display at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on April 13, 2025 shows a scene at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China pavilion opens at Osaka Expo

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

    A visitor tours the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion’s main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll. Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion’s architectural design embodies the theme of “Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature — Future Society of Green Development.” Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters. [Photo/Xinhua]

    OSAKA, Japan, April 13 — The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion’s main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll.

    Around 300 guests attended the opening event.

    In his speech, Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, emphasized China’s strong support for Japan in hosting the Expo.

    He expressed the hope that the pavilion’s exhibitions would present an image of a confident and open China, leaving a memorable mark on the Expo and contributing to a more equal and inclusive global future.

    Bureau International des Expositions Secretary General Dimitri Kerkentzes spoke highly of China’s participation in world expos, noting that visitors to the China pavilion will be able to experience the country’s cultural heritage, ancient wisdom, and modern innovations.

    Japan Association for the 2025 World Expo Chairperson Masakazu Tokura stressed the importance of Japan-China relations, hoping that Expo 2025 would serve as a launchpad for future-oriented international cooperation.

    The opening ceremony also featured a traditional lion dance and a performance of the dance drama “The Crested Ibis,” both warmly received by the audience.

    Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters.

    Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion’s architectural design embodies the theme of “Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature — Future Society of Green Development.”

    The pavilion features three sections to showcase China’s traditional ecological wisdom, modern green development initiatives, and its vision of global cooperation in fostering a sustainable future.

    Highlights include side-by-side displays of lunar soil samples collected by China’s Chang’e-5 and Chang’e-6 missions, the “Jiaolong” deep-sea submersible experience capsule and next-generation humanoid robots.

    A robot greets guests outside the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor tours the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the “Jiaolong” deep-sea submersible experience capsule in the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor tours the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor tours the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit a souvenir shop of the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor looks at lunar soil samples collected by China’s Chang’e-5 and Chang’e-6 missions in the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor tours the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor tours the China Pavilion using a mixed reality (MR) device at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Actors perform during the opening ceremony of the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on April 13, 2025 shows the lunar soil sample collected by China’s Chang’e-5 mission displayed in the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, addresses the opening ceremony of the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao addresses the opening ceremony of the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors line up to enter the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SLW attends GBA Talent Development Showcase in Kuala Lumpur to promote Hong Kong’s opportunities and unique advantages (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SLW attends GBA Talent Development Showcase in Kuala Lumpur to promote Hong Kong’s opportunities and unique advantages  
         Delivering his opening remarks at the symposium of the showcase, Mr Sun said that Hong Kong is uniquely positioned in the GBA area to serve dual roles as Mainland China’s gateway to Southeast Asia and as Malaysia’s springboard to the vast opportunities in Mainland China’s domestic markets. He stressed that the multilingual nature of the two places, being fluent in Cantonese, English and Putonghua, ensures the smooth integration of Malaysian talent in Hong Kong. Mr Sun added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government had earlier established the Committee on Education, Technology and Talents chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, which builds on Hong Kong’s strategic positioning of “eight centres”, with a view to flexibly attracting and gathering specialised talent in various sectors to build an international hub for high-calibre talent to contribute to the high-quality development of Hong Kong and the country.
     
         Following the symposium, Mr Sun and the delegation toured the career fair concurrently held at the showcase and visited multiple booths to learn more about the jobs offered by exhibitors as well as different companies’ demand for international talent. Numerous students studying at Malaysian universities as well as professionals attended the fair to explore career prospects in Hong Kong and Mainland cities of the GBA.
     
         The showcase, organised by the Labour and Welfare Bureau and HKTE to be held today and tomorrow (April 13) in JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur, is expected to attract a combined attendance of over 4 000. It consists of two main components: a symposium and a career fair. The symposium featured experts from various fields discussing the GBA’s latest developments and opportunities, while the career fair attracted nearly 40 leading GBA enterprises from industries including technology, I&T, engineering, finance, accounting, legal services, insurance and real estate, providing international talent from Southeast Asia with a wide range of career options and opportunities for professional growth.
     
         Mr Sun said, “Hosting the showcase in Malaysia, a dynamic emerging economy with strategic development potential, the LWB and HKTE aimed at implementing the strategy of joining hands to attract international high-calibre talent under the Memorandum of Understanding on promoting talent services co-operation in the GBA signed last year by nine municipalities in Guangdong Province as well as the Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR. HKTE will continue to intensify global promotion efforts with a view to attracting more outstanding talent worldwide to pursue their careers in Hong Kong.”

    Yesterday morning (April 11), Mr Sun first visited Universiti Malaya and met with Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Hasniza Zaman Huri and other senior management of the university. Mr Sun said that as the top-notch institution of Malaysia, Universiti Malaya is an eligible university under the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS). He said he was pleased to note that since the implementation of the TTPS, over 60 applications from graduates of Universiti Malaya have been approved, adding that he looked forward to more outstanding graduates of the university to pursue their careers in Hong Kong. Mr Sun then led the delegation to pay a courtesy call on the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, Mr Zheng Xuefang, in the afternoon and briefed him on the efforts made by Hong Kong in building the GBA into an international hub for high-calibre talent.
     
         Afterwards, Mr Sun called on the Minister of Human Resources of Malaysia, YB Steven Sim during which they exchanged views on strengthening regional collaboration. Mr Sun stressed that the two-way flow of talent fosters enhanced co-operation between the two places, thereby achieving beneficial all-win situations. At the meeting, Mr Sun also elaborated on Hong Kong’s work done on improving occupational safety and health, as well as boosting manpower skills through engaging the Employees Retraining Board.
     
         While in Kuala Lumpur, Mr Sun also met with representatives of the Hong Kong-Malaysia Business Association and the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia to understand more on the local business environment and manpower situation. Mr Sun invited them to visit Hong Kong more often to explore development opportunities.
     
         Mr Sun concluded his three-day visit this afternoon and will arrive in Hong Kong tonight.
    Issued at HKT 18:15

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DPO’s Smart Hong Kong Pavilion showcases over 100 achievements in Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) co-organised the third edition of the InnoEX at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) for four consecutive days starting today (April 13). The Digital Policy Office (DPO) set up a large-scale Smart Hong Kong Pavilion to showcase over 100 technology solutions, including those developed by different government departments in relation to citizens’ daily lives. Through interactive experiences and on-site demonstrations, the Pavilion demonstrates the solid achievements in advancing the development of innovation and technology (I&T) and smart city in Hong Kong brought about by the concerted efforts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and various sectors.

    On the opening day of the Pavilion, a number of officials, including the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, and the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, visited the Pavilion. They were briefed by the Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, on how the DPO leads various government departments in leveraging I&T to enhance city management and operational efficiency, delivering enhanced public services to citizens. The DPO has all along worked in close collaboration with the local I&T industry to develop a variety of innovative solutions, with a view to continuously enhancing public services for the benefit of the public and businesses, jointly strengthening Hong Kong’s leading position as an international I&T hub.

    This year’s Smart Hong Kong Pavilion focuses on AI and data-driven applications, and showcases I&T solutions contributed by 20 government departments and the winning entries of international and domestic I&T competitions, including the Hong Kong ICT Awards, Asia Pacific Information and Communications Technology Alliance Awards, Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter and Open Data Hackathon, from local innovators and students. Through the exhibition, the DPO hopes to recognise outstanding local innovations, encourage and inspire industry players to develop more innovative solutions as well as promote Hong Kong’s I&T development to local industries, exhibitors and experts from home and abroad.

    Following are highlights of the six areas of the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion:

    Smart Living: “iAM Smart”, the one-stop personalised digital services platform that provides citizens with access to over 1 100 government, public and private online services and government e-Forms; the Hong Kong Observatory’s AI-powered weather prediction models that provide reference in preparing weather forecasts and tropical cyclone forecast tracks; and the industry’s award-winning solution, a smart packaging system from the Hong Kong Productivity Council that significantly increases packaging output of Chinese medicine and reduces manpower requirements.

    Smart Mobility: Award of the Year in the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2024, a solution from the MTR Corporation Limited and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology that adopts a digital twin calibrated with big data for railway planning and simulating service disruptions and congestion, thereby assisting the MTR to plan corresponding arrangements early to meet the travel needs of citizens.

    Smart Environment: The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s Shark Species Rapid DNA Identification technology that uses AI to rapidly identify the species of shark fins and more efficiently determine whether the imported shark fins are regulated; and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department’s AI-powered Aqua-bot that is used in early detection and rapid response to invasive alien species to protect ecosystems in wetlands.

    Smart People: The Architectural Services Department’s Wall-Climbing Robot that can move flexibly on building facades and conduct building facade assessments efficiently and accurately; the Drainage Services Department’s Tumbler Inspection Ball Robot with Embodied Intelligence, honoured with a Gold Medal in the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva 2024, that can monitor condition of pipelines through clear 360-degree panoramic videos and AI technology; as well as the Highways Department’s adoption of geospatial and AI technologies to automatically detect various road objects and create survey maps, enhancing efficiency of road construction projects.

    Smart Government: The Hong Kong Fire Services Department’s Virtual Fire Scene Incident Command Training System that allows firefighters to practice command and decision-making skills in an immersive experience; the Hong Kong Police Force’s The New Generation Scenario-based Interactive Multiplayer Simulation System that adopts multimedia broadcasting and simulated communication systems to train officers to respond to various simulated incidents; and the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s Mutual Use of QR Code between HKSAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service that fosters ease in cross-boundary mobility.

    Smart Economy: The Lands Department’s leverage of spatial data and Geographic Information System to enhance the safety, efficiency and planning of drone operations, supporting low-altitude economy development; and the award-winning solution, Hong Kong Housing Authority Project Information Management and Analytics Platform, that implements digital project management from planning to handover stages, thereby expediting decision-making process.

    The annual I&T mega event of Hong Kong, InnoEX, brings together I&T elites, enterprises and buyers from the Mainland and overseas to jointly promote I&T advancements and applications and explore global collaboration opportunities. Themed “Innovation • Automate • Elevate”, this year’s InnoEX will showcase cutting-edge technology solutions across five key areas: low-altitude economy, AI, robotics, cybersecurity and smart mobility. Interested parties from the trade can register free of charge at the HKTDC’s website (www.hktdc.com/event/innoex/en).
     
    Meanwhile, another major I&T highlight this April – the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit – a high-level conference in the global Internet field, will take place on April 14 and 15 at the HKCEC concurrently. Under the theme “Integration of AI and Digital Technologies Shaping the Future – Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace”, the Summit will focus on forward-looking discussions in large AI models, digital finance, and digital government and smart life, attracting around 1 000 participants from the Mainland and overseas, including representatives from governments and enterprises, international organisations, internet giants, experts and scholars to attend.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DEP attends seminar by Ministry of Ecology and Environment in Beijing (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, began his visit in Beijing on April 10 and called on the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) yesterday (April 11). 

    Dr Chui was invited to attend the first session of the 2025 “Science, Culture, and Literacy” Lecture Series organised by the MEE to deliver a keynote presentation. The Minister of MEE, Mr Huang Runqiu, also attended the seminar.

    The presentation, titled “Smart Environmental Governance Strategies and Practices of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government,” highlighted the successful application of sewage surveillance and real-time forecasting models to assist in pandemic control efforts, practice cases of Hong Kong’s innovation in pollution control by utilising smart technologies, and the two latest developed technological applications by the Environmental Protection Department, the biological water quality indicator “Phytoplankton Community Integrity Index” and the risk-based composite index for evaluating overall air quality status.

    Participants unanimously agreed that the successful scientific pollution control practices introduced during the seminar provided valuable references for kick-starting ecological and environmental protection efforts. They should study and learn from these practices to further enhance the awareness and capacity of applying scientific thinking and methods to improve environmental quality, better promoting pollution control in a precise, scientific, and law-based manner.

    The seminar was held in a hybrid format, combining online and offline participation. The Vice Minister of MEE, Mr Yu Huiwen; the Chief Inspector of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection Inspector’s Office, Mr Liao Xiyuan; and Vice Minister of MEE, Mr Dong Baotong also attended the event.

    The Chief Engineer of MEE, Mr Ren Yong, chaired the seminar. Key personnel and administration of State Committee of Supervisory (SSC) Supervisor’s Office, Ministry’s various departments, the Environmental Emergency and Accident Investigation Center and Agency Service Center attended the event in person at the main venue. Other staff from the SSC Supervisor’s Office, Ministry’s various departments and the affiliated institutes joined from sub-venues or virtually.

    During his visit to Beijing, Dr Chui also attended the 23rd China International Environmental Protection Exhibition and Conference. He met with representatives from the BRI International Green Development Coalition and the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to explore collaboration on environmental technologies, aiming to jointly achieve the goal of high-quality green and sustainable development under the Belt and Road Initiative.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi urges China, Vietnam to deepen building of community with a shared future

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

    BEIJING, April 14 — Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that China and Vietnam should strengthen their efforts on all fronts to build the China-Vietnam community with a shared future, and contribute more to peace, stability, development and prosperity in Asia and the world at large.

    Xi made the remarks in a signed article titled “Building on past achievements and making new advances in pursuit of shared goals.” The article was published on Monday by the Nhan Dan Newspaper of Vietnam ahead of his state visit to the Southeast Asian country.

    Xi said building the China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance serves the common interests of the two countries and is conducive to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and beyond.

    He called for deepening strategic mutual trust and advancing the socialist cause, continuing win-win cooperation and delivering more benefit to the two peoples, strengthening people-to-people exchanges and forging a closer bond between the two peoples, as well as enhancing multilateral collaboration and promoting Asia’s prosperity and revitalization.

    The Chinese leader warned that trade wars and tariff wars will produce no winner, and protectionism will lead nowhere.

    “Our two countries should resolutely safeguard the multilateral trading system, stable global industrial and supply chains, and open and cooperative international environment,” he added.

    “We should properly manage differences and safeguard peace and stability in our region,” Xi said.

    “The successful delimitation of our boundaries on land and in the Beibu Gulf demonstrates that with vision, we are fully capable of properly settling maritime issues through consultation and negotiation.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi says China ready to advance standard-gauge railway projects with Vietnam

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

    BEIJING, April 14 — Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that China stands ready to advance cooperation with Vietnam on the three standard-gauge railways in northern Vietnam and the smart port.

    Xi made the remarks in a signed article titled “Building on past achievements and making new advances in pursuit of shared goals” published on Monday by the Nhan Dan Newspaper of Vietnam ahead of his state visit to the Southeast Asian country.

    Also in the article, Xi said China welcomes more quality Vietnamese products in the Chinese market and encourages more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Vietnam.

    “Our two countries should step up cooperation on industrial and supply chains, and expand cooperation in emerging areas such as 5G, artificial intelligence and green development to create more benefits for the two peoples,” he wrote.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi says China to join neighboring countries for Asia’s modernization

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

    BEIJING, April 14 — Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that China will deepen friendly cooperation with neighboring countries and jointly advance Asia’s modernization.

    Xi made the remarks in a signed article titled “Building on past achievements and making new advances in pursuit of shared goals.” The article was published on Monday by the Nhan Dan Newspaper of Vietnam ahead of his state visit to the Southeast Asian country.

    Noting that Asia represents a new elevation in global cooperation and development, Xi said that at a new starting point toward revitalization of the whole region, Asia faces both unprecedented opportunities and challenges.

    “China will ensure continuity and stability of its neighborhood diplomacy. We will stay committed to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness,” he wrote, adding that “we will continue to pursue the policy of forging friendship and partnership with our neighbors.”

    “Today, global, epoch-making and historical changes are unfolding like never before, and the world has entered a new period of turbulent transformation,” Xi said, adding that China remains a key engine of the world economy.

    “China will continue to provide more opportunities to the world with its high standard, and will contribute to the development of all countries with its high-quality development,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi’s Southeast Asia tour to cement neighborly bond, bolster regional cooperation

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

    HONG KONG, April 13 — Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia from Monday to Friday, marking his first overseas trip of the year. The journey underscores the emphasis China places on its Southeast Asian neighbors — partners bound not only by geographical proximity, but by decades of cooperation and mutual support.

    The visits aim to deepen ties and chart the course for future cooperation. From infrastructure to trade, China and its neighbors are aligning their modernization efforts. At each stop, the two sides will work together to strengthen political trust and expand practical cooperation.

    The trip reflects China’s broader vision of building a community with a shared future with its neighboring countries. In an era of global uncertainty, Asia’s unity, coupled with the promise of common development, presents a model of stability and progress.

    “CAMARADERIE PLUS BROTHERHOOD”

    In October 2024, the China-Vietnam Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall cross-border tourism cooperation zone was officially launched. Tourists from both sides of the border can now leisurely walk through the streets that seamlessly blend Chinese and Vietnamese architectural styles, while enjoying the magnificent vista of the shared waterfall. This landmark project, China’s first cross-border tourism cooperation zone, stands as a testament to the strengthening of people-to-people ties between the two neighboring countries.

    This year marks the 75th anniversary of China-Vietnam diplomatic relations. From their early revolutionary struggles to their current modernization efforts, the two countries have forged a profound bond featuring “camaraderie plus brotherhood.”

    During Xi’s visit to the country in December 2023, bilateral ties were elevated to a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. Xi proposed the six major goals of “greater political mutual trust, more substantive security cooperation, deeper practical cooperation, more solid popular foundation, closer multilateral coordination and collaboration, and more proper management of differences.” That laid the groundwork for the vision of building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future.

    In August 2024, then Vietnamese President To Lam chose China as the destination for his first overseas visit only two weeks after being elected general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee. During the visit, the two sides reaffirmed the six goals and emphasized joint efforts to advance shared development.

    Trade remains the engine of their relationship. China is Vietnam’s largest trading partner, and infrastructure links from rail to ports are expanding fast. Fruit from Vietnam frequents Chinese tables while Chinese raw materials and machinery fuel Vietnamese industry. The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Vietnam’s Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy are increasingly aligned.

    Under the strategic guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, Vietnam-China relations have developed rapidly in recent years, said Nguyen Thi Phuong Hoa, deputy director at the Institute of Chinese Studies of Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences. She expressed confidence that the profound friendship between the two countries will be passed down from generation to generation.

    FRIENDSHIP FORGED IN HISTORY

    At the Gombak station site along Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link, cranes swing vigorously under the scorching sun while Chinese and Malaysian workers assemble steel girders together. This railway, slated for completion in 2027, stands as a prestigious project within the BRI cooperation framework. It will link Malaysia’s east and west coasts for the first time, emerging as a powerful symbol of the deepening partnership between these two nations.

    China-Malaysia ties run deep. From the voyages of renowned Chinese navigator Zheng He (1371-1433) to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1974, the two countries have long enjoyed cultural affinity and strategic trust. During Xi’s 2013 visit, they upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. A decade later, the relationship was elevated again to a China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

    Economic cooperation continues to thrive. China has maintained its position as Malaysia’s leading trading partner for 16 consecutive years. On top of that, bilateral initiatives like the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” program, which pairs industrial zones in Qinzhou and Kuantan, have emerged as a model for regional collaboration. This partnership has spurred the expansion of port collaboration and infrastructure connection. Furthermore, Malaysian fresh durians have been on sale in the Chinese market since last August, witnessing rising popularity among Chinese consumers.

    People-to-people exchanges are also flourishing. From international students to visa-free travel arrangements, cultural exchanges are growing deeper and more meaningful. Collaborative efforts now span a wide range of activities, from panda research to the joint pursuit of getting the lion dance recognized as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

    With Malaysia serving as the 2025 chair of ASEAN and a BRICS partner country, the two countries are working more closely on regional cooperation, with an eye on stability and shared prosperity in a shifting global landscape.

    “The bilateral relationship between Malaysia and China is currently at its best,” said Dato’ Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, president of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association and former Malaysian ambassador to China.

    IRONCLAD FRIENDSHIP

    Through towering pillars and glass walls, sunlight streams into Techo International Airport, evoking a tranquil ambiance reminiscent of standing beneath the sugar palm trees that dot the Cambodian landscape.

    Scheduled to commence operations in July, the new airport constructed by a Chinese company is expected to significantly enhance the tourism capacity of Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. This project marks yet another notable milestone in China-Cambodia cooperation within the framework of the BRI.

    China and Cambodia are ironclad friends who always support each other and stand together through thick and thin. Under the care of the leaders of both nations, the tree of China-Cambodia friendship has flourished, yielding a bountiful harvest of cooperation and mutual trust.

    The two countries have maintained frequent high-level exchanges and strategic communication. In September 2023, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet visited China on his first official trip abroad after taking office. One month later, Hun Manet was in China again to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

    In December 2024, Cambodian People’s Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen visited China. Xi said in a meeting with Hun Sen that the ironclad friendship between China and Cambodia is of high quality, while Hun Sen described China as Cambodia’s most trusted friend.

    Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the building of a China-Cambodia community with a shared future has progressed into a new era characterized by high quality, high level and high standard.

    China has remained Cambodia’s biggest source of foreign investment and biggest trading partner for years. The China-Cambodia free trade agreement, along with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, has given a substantial boost to trade growth between the two nations.

    The two countries have seen frequent people-to-people exchanges. In 2024, various events were held to celebrate the China-Cambodia people-to-people exchange year, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.

    With the collaborative efforts of scholars from both countries, a new Khmer version of The Customs of Cambodia, an ancient Chinese travelogue that serves as a crucial source for studying Cambodia’s history, was released in April last year.

    Over the decades, Chinese experts have been working with their Cambodian peers in preserving and restoring Angkor temples to revive the invaluable treasures of Cambodia.

    Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy of the Royal University of Phnom Penh, said the deeply rooted Cambodia-China ties are rock-solid and unbreakable, serving as a paragon of South-South cooperation

    MIL OSI China News –