NewzIntel.com

Category: China

  • MIL-OSI China: China, EU vow joint efforts to uphold multilateral trading system

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

    BEIJING, April 10 — China and the European Union vowed to jointly uphold the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, China’s commerce ministry said in a statement released Thursday.

    The statement came after China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic held a talk via video on Tuesday, during which they discussed various issues, including enhancing China-EU economic and trade cooperation and responses to the U.S. imposition of so-called “reciprocal tariffs”.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mining Sector – Greens deliberately misunderstand coal – Straterra

    Source: Straterra Inc

    It is disappointing to see the Green Party continuing to demonise coal and deliberately misunderstanding its role in ensuring the lights stay on, there is food on the table, and steel to build with, says Straterra chief executive Josie Vidal.
    “The Crown Minerals (Prohibition on Coal Mining) Amendment Bill of Green MP Hon Julie Anne Genter, which has been drawn from the members’ bill ballot, is nonsense,” Vidal says. “Very few member’s bills make it into law.
    “New Zealand is reliant on coal for the foreseeable future and we can mine it in a sustainable way, taking into account very many environmental considerations, as we do in New Zealand.
    “Renewable energy relies on the sun shining, the wind blowing and the rain falling. When that doesn’t happen, coal is there as a backup to ensure the lights stay on and businesses can keep running.
    “There is a risk to energy security without coal and this was realised in winter last year. Due to supply constraints, extremely high electricity prices saw manufacturing plants close, both temporarily and permanently, and put pressure on ordinary New Zealanders who are already struggling with the cost of living. We have been assured this won’t happen again and energy companies have been stockpiling coal for this winter.
    “Domestically, coal is used in steel making; cement and lime manufacture; food processing including milk powder and other dairy products; heating commercial hothouses; processing timber, wool and leather; and heating commercial and public facilities including schools, universities and hospitals. If coal producers are forced to close down before users have access to affordable, accessible, and reliable alternatives, then the economy is put at risk.
    “An estimated 2.5 million tonnes of coal are mined annually in New Zealand for both domestic use and for export, all from open cast mines. We export primarily to Japan, South Korea, China, and India, but also Canada, Saudi Arabia and Australia, and export markets are strong.
    “New Zealand coal has highly sought-after properties, such as low sulphur and ash content, and superior swelling properties for use in blast furnaces. This coal is exported to steel makers in Japan, India, Korea, and Australia. At this stage, coal remains essential to steel production. That is why it has been declared a critical mineral.
    “The reality is the world still needs coal and is still using coal. It is up to the market to determine how long coal is used for,” Vidal says.
    Straterra is the industry association representing New Zealand’s minerals and mining sector. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 32 officials punished for department store fire in Sichuan

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    This photo taken on July 18, 2024 shows firefighting vehicles at the site of a department store fire in Zigong City, southwest China’s Sichuan province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    In connection with the department store fire in Zigong City, southwest China’s Sichuan province, 19 individuals suspected of criminal activities are under investigation, while 32 public officials have been punished, the provincial discipline inspection and supervision commission announced on Wednesday.
    The fire occurred on July 17, 2024, in a 14-story building located in a high-tech zone of the city, leaving 16 people dead and 39 others injured. It resulted in direct economic losses of 26.7 million yuan (about 3.7 million U.S. dollars), according to an investigation report released on the same day.
    The 19 individuals include legal representatives of the building management and those responsible for fire protection engineering design, construction and maintenance. They have been placed under investigation by the provincial public security department.
    A total of 32 public officials from various levels including departments of commerce, housing and urban-rural development, and fire and rescue have received Party and administrative disciplinary penalties, such as criticism and education, warnings, removal from office and demotion.
    The accident was caused by unqualified workers using flame cutting to dismantle escalators — an operation organized by the building management — and was compounded by poor on-site safety management, ineffective initial fire response, malfunctioning fire control systems, anterior illegal reconstruction and decoration, and inadequate supervision by relevant authorities, according to the report.
    Following the accident, provincial authorities launched investigations and implemented corrective measures to strengthen workplace and fire safety.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing on high alert for extreme winds

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Hikers trek through Wangbaochuan Scenic Area in Beijing’s Changping district, March 29, 2025. [Photo by Liao Jiaxin/China.org.cn]
    Beijing’s meteorological authorities issued a weather alert late on Wednesday, warning residents of extreme winds and cooling temperatures from Friday afternoon to Sunday.
    The capital is bracing for sustained gales, with mountainous areas likely to face gusts of 37 to 41.4 meters per second, driven by a powerful cold vortex moving southeast from Mongolia, according to Lei Lei, chief meteorologist at the Beijing Meteorological Service.
    The strongest winds will hit on Saturday, with temperature highs dropping to 14 degrees Celsius — a 13-degree-Celsius decrease in temperature within a 24-hour period, the service said.
    Outdoor construction, school activities and public events will be suspended, and residents are urged to avoid nonessential travel.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China alerts outbound tourists to US travel risks

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Wednesday night released a notice urging Chinese tourists to fully assess the risks of traveling to the United States, and to exercise caution when traveling to the country.
    The alert was issued in light of the recent deterioration of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, as well as the domestic security situation in the United States, the ministry said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China alerts students to risks of studying in certain US states

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China’s Ministry of Education on Wednesday released an overseas study alert urging Chinese students to assess security risks and raise their awareness of precautions if they consider studying in certain U.S. states.
    The alert was issued after the U.S. state of Ohio passed a higher education bill recently that includes negative provisions related to China and imposes restrictions on educational exchange and cooperation between Chinese and U.S. higher education institutions, the ministry said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Speaks on Trump’s Latest Tariff Announcement: “We’ve Seen America on a Rollercoaster”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    04.09.25

    Cantwell Speaks on Trump’s Latest Tariff Announcement: “We’ve Seen America on a Rollercoaster”

    Today, Trump announced he’d roll back some tariffs to 10% while spiking his tax on Chinese goods to 125%; 25% on steel, aluminum, autos & auto parts, & other goods from Canada & Mexico remain; On Thursday, Cantwell introduced a bipartisan bill that would reassert Congress’ role in setting & overseeing U.S. trade policy

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, spoke on the Senate floor in response to President Donald Trump’s latest announcement that he would issue a 90-day pause on some tariffs while simultaneously increasing tariffs on Chinese goods.

    “While we’ve seen America on a rollercoaster the last couple of days, I think it also is a reminder that we need to continue to play this oversight role,” Sen. Cantwell said. “The best way to do that is to make sure that Congress continues to play a role in this very important policy.”

    Yesterday, she pressed United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the administration’s slapdash implementation of sweeping tariffs without input or accountability to Congress. Later that evening, she appeared on MSNBC’s All In With Chris Hayes to discuss the chaos wrought by this administration’s tariff policies: “The plan is not clear. The outcome that the President seeks is not clear,” she said.

    A video of her remarks on the floor tonight can be watched HERE; a transcript is HERE.

    Sen. Cantwell introduced a bipartisan bill on Thursday to reaffirm Congress’ key role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy, and reestablish limits on the president’s ability to impose unilateral tariffs.

    READ MORE: The Wall Street Journal: Senators Move to Rein In Trump’s Power on Tariffs

    HEAR MORE: NPR: Sen. Maria Cantwell says there is bipartisan support to rein Trump’s tariffs

    WATCH MORE: Forbes: ‘I Don’t Know What You Think’: Maria Cantwell Laces Into US Trade Rep Over Trump’s Tariffs

    The bill has since picked up 12 additional cosponsors – an equal mix of Republicans and Democrats – and been endorsed by multiple major U.S. business organizations, including the National Retail Federation, which is the largest retail trade association in the world.

    In addition, a bipartisan group has introduced a companion version of Sen. Cantwell’s legislation in the House of Representatives, also cosponsored by equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats.

    The bill restores Congress’ authority and responsibility over tariffs as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution by placing the following limits on the president’s power to impose tariffs:

    • To enact a new tariff, the president must notify Congress of the imposition of (or increase in) the tariff within 48 hours.
      • The Congressional notification must include an explanation of the president’s reasoning for imposing or raising the tariff, and
      • Provide analysis of potential impact on American businesses and consumers.
    • Within 60 days, Congress must pass a joint resolution of approval on the new tariff, otherwise all new tariffs on imports expire after that deadline.
    • Under the bill, Congress has the ability to end tariffs at any time by passing a resolution of disapproval.
    • Anti-dumping and countervailing duties are excluded.

    The full bill text is available HERE.

    For the past three months, President Trump has been sowing economic chaos across the country with unpredictable and ever-changing tariff announcements. His back-and-forth announcements and actions, which have whipsawed American businesses and consumers, as well as close neighbors and allies, include:

    • On January 31 — citing punishment for failing to crack down on fentanyl trafficking — the Trump administration announced plans to impose a 25% tax on many goods imported into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tax on goods imported from China, then abruptly postponed those tariffs.
    • In February, he doubled down, announcing an additional 25% tax on all steel and aluminum imports.
    • At 12:01 a.m. ET on March 4, President Trump’s long-promised 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10% tariff increase on goods from China took effect, causing stock prices in the United States to plummet.
    • Then, on March 5, he announced that automobiles from Canada and Mexico would be exempt from his tariffs for one month.
    • The morning of March 6, he announced that he would suspend the tariffs for some products from Mexico. Then, later that same afternoon, he announced he was suspending most new tariffs on products from both Mexico and Canada until April 2.
    • On March 11, Trump threatened to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum – increasing them to 50% – before reversing himself later the same day.
    • On March 13, he threatened 200% tariffs on alcoholic products from the European Union, including all wine and Champagne.
    • On March 27, he announced plans to impose a 25% tax on all imported sedans, SUVs, crossovers, minivans, cargo vans, and light trucks, as well as some auto parts, beginning on April 2.
    • On March 29, President Trump said, “I couldn’t care less,” if automakers raise the price of cars in response to his tariffs.
    • On April 2, he announced a “National Economic Emergency,” and signed an executive order declaring a 10% minimum baseline tariff on all countries as well as additional tariffs on nearly 60 countries.
    • On April 7, he threatened to impose an additional 50% tariff on China.
    • On April 9, he announced a rollback of his April 2 tariffs down to the 10% baseline across the board, with the exception of China, which he increased to 125%.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s homestay economy flourishes amid spring travel boom

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The recent Qingming Festival holiday saw a surge in travel activities across China, with many homestays recording a sharp rise in bookings, driven by distinctive offerings, personalized services and high-quality experiences.

    Data from multiple online travel platforms indicated a significant increase in both bookings and searches for homestays in popular cities during this holiday period.

    At a popular scenic area in the Xinjin District of Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, visitors were captivated by stunning cherry blossoms. This picturesque landscape drew a significant number of visitors during the holiday.

    “We’ve seen a substantial increase in guests during this period,” said Zhong Wei, owner of a homestay in the scenic area. “During the holiday, our occupancy rate soared to over 80 percent, doubling the usual number.”

    Zhong’s homestay is nestled in the heart of the blooming flowers, offering guests breathtaking views of the spring landscape. To enhance the experience, the homestay has introduced more activities and services, such as barbecues, bonfire parties and music events, allowing guests to enjoy camping under the stars and falling asleep in the fragrance of flowers.

    Meanwhile, in Zhangjiajie, a picturesque tourist spot in central China’s Hunan Province, the Qimanyuelingu homestay, located just two kilometers from the famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, also attracted lots of visitors during the holiday. The warm spring sunshine there lured both domestic and international guests, who enjoyed relaxing and savoring the scenic views of mountains and countryside.

    “With the rapid development of tourism in Zhangjiajie, our business has also seen significant growth,” said Li Xiangqiu, manager of the homestay. “All the rooms were booked during the holiday, while bookings for the upcoming May Day holiday are also in high demand.”

    As China expands its visa-free policy, homestays offering personalized and thoughtful services are attracting increasing numbers of foreign visitors.

    “Many homestays have now become tourist destinations in themselves,” Li said, while adding that rural homestays, characterized by a slower pace of life and close connection to nature, offer city dwellers a refreshing escape, while allowing international guests to experience the unique charm of rural China.

    “Homestays nowadays are so creative!” said a guest surnamed Li, who was enjoying a hotpot meal under peach trees at a homestay in Chengdu’s Longquan mountain scenic area. “It’s fantastic to have hotpot while admiring the peach blossoms.”

    This homestay has collaborated with Haidilao, a popular hotpot chain, to launch a “Peach Blossom Hotpot” pop-up store, making “eating hotpot under peach trees” a trendy local activity.

    “By combining natural beauty with hotpot dining, we’ve created a unique and memorable experience for our guests,” said Huang Yang, the homestay manager. “During the Qingming Festival holiday, we hosted hundreds of diners and tea drinkers every day, and our rooms were booked out nearly a week in advance.”

    More homestays are exploring ways to blend activities with their basic accommodation function, seeking to enrich the overall guest experience.

    “Today’s homestay guests value emotional connection and cultural experiences,” said Li Wenyan, executive chairman of the Hunan Tourism and B&B Association. “Homestays are a cultural innovation in the tourism industry, and their offerings need continuous iteration and optimization to cater to different guest demands.”

    Across China, homestays are enhancing travel experiences by offering distinctive local activities. In the city of Luoyang in central China’s Henan Province, visitors can immerse themselves in the charm of this ancient capital, surrounded by ink wash curtains and a traditional atmosphere at local homestays.

    Also, in Beijing’s Yanqing District, glamping tents provide an outdoor experience via luxurious accommodation. Another notable example is the city of Liuyang in Hunan, where guests can engage in hands-on activities like digging for spring bamboo shoots, making local snacks, and crafting scented sachets — all while enjoying the beauty of spring.

    The trend now is for homestays to elevate their offerings with unique, location-specific cultural and entertainment services — thus expanding the added value of tourism products. Additionally, when compared with standardized hotels, homestays, which are often run by individual owners, can adapt more quickly to new consumer demands and trends.

    “The key to developing the homestay economy is to focus on unique characteristics,” said Lai Yunjin, president of the homestay association of Longquanyi District in Chengdu. “Young travelers, in particular, seek relaxation and a sense of ritual in their travels. They want to immerse themselves in local culture and lifestyles for a unique experience.”

    Data from Qichacha, a leading platform offering company information inquiry services, shows that the number of homestay-related businesses in China has grown steadily over the past decade — with 331,000 such enterprises currently in operation. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US stocks surge after Trump pauses many of his tariffs

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. stocks skyrocketed on Wednesday after the U.S. President Donald Trump announced a pause on certain “reciprocal” tariffs, triggering a powerful rebound in a market that had been under intense pressure over the past week.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 2,962.86 points, or 7.87 percent, closing at 40,608.45. The S&P 500 surged 474.13 points, or 9.52 percent, to 5,456.90 – its largest single-day gain since 2008, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rallied 1,857.06 points, or 12.16 percent, to finish at 17,124.97. It was the Nasdaq’s most significant one-day advance since January 2001 and its second-largest ever.

    All 11 major sectors in the S&P 500 ended higher. Technology and consumer discretionary sectors led the way, climbing 14.15 percent and 11.36 percent, respectively. Utilities, while still strong, posted the smallest gain of the day, rising 3.91 percent.

    Trading volume surged dramatically, with roughly 30 billion shares changing hands – the highest daily volume recorded on Wall Street in the history.

    “I have authorized a 90-day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10 percent, also effective immediately,” Trump posted on his Truth Social. Trump, in the same post, said he was raising the tariff on China higher again to 125 percent.

    Later in the day, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the pause would apply to all countries except China. He noted that base tariff rates would revert to 10 percent during the negotiation period, although sector-specific tariffs would stay in place.

    U.S. stocks that had suffered the most under the weight of trade tensions led the market’s comeback. Apple soared more than 15 percent, Nvidia surged nearly 19 percent, and Tesla jumped over 22 percent. Walmart shares also saw a robust rise, gaining 9.6 percent.

    “Given how depressed stock prices and sentiment had become, the 90-day pause is sparking a violent rebound, and delaying implementation certainly removes a giant overhang from the market,” said Adam Crisafulli, Vital Knowledge founder. “But – tariffs are not going away. China’s tariff rate is now in triple digit territory, and who knows what happens in 90 days when this pause concludes.”

    Still, stocks continued to trend upward into the afternoon session. Investor sentiment improved after Bessent announced he would take the lead in upcoming tariff negotiations. Adding to the optimism, Trump took to Truth Social shortly after the market opened, encouraging investors by saying it was “a great time to buy.”

    “This allows for at least a near-term rally, but I would not assume that the bottom has been put in place,” said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research. “Fool me once shame on you; fool me five times, shame on me.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China adds 12 US entities to export control list

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China has added 12 U.S. companies, including American Photonics and Novotech, Inc., to its export control list, the country’s commerce ministry announced on Wednesday.

    These companies have engaged in activities that may endanger China’s national security and interests, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.

    Effective from 12:01 p.m. Thursday, the export of dual-use items to these 12 companies will be prohibited, while any ongoing related export activities must stop immediately, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

    The ministry added that in special cases where export is deemed necessary, the exporter must apply for approval.

    The decision was made in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations, the spokesperson said, stressing that no exporter will be allowed to violate these control measures. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Greece hit by 24-hour general strike

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Strikers take part in a demonstration in Athens, Greece, on April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Greece was hit by a 24-hour strike on Wednesday, called by trade unions to protest against inadequate salary increases amid the high cost of living.

    Thousands of strikers marched through the center of Athens, as public services — including transport, hospitals, and schools — were paralyzed.

    “We want decent wages, not breadcrumbs,” read banners raised by protesters in front of the Greek Parliament.

    The Greek economy has returned to growth after exiting a severe debt crisis that brought the country to the brink of bankruptcy (2009-2018), and the government has increased wages and pensions in recent years.

    However, unions and protesters said that households and small businesses are still struggling to make ends meet. They called for more generous increases, as well as measures to ease inflationary pressures and the housing crisis, amid concern that the ongoing tariffs war will exacerbate challenges for many ordinary people across the globe.

    “No sacrifices for the elite’s wealth, no sacrifices for the war economy and tariffs,” said Dimitris Koutsoumbas, general secretary of the Greek Communist Party (KKE), during the protest, which ended peacefully, with only minor scuffles between small groups of demonstrators and police forces.

    “We demand adequate salaries for a life with dignity for employees in both the public and private sectors,” Nikos Bosinakos, a civil servant, told Xinhua. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israel says arrested ‘senior terrorist’ in West Bank

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Palestinians confront Israeli forces during clashes in the Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus in the northern West Bank, on April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Israeli security forces arrested a senior militant in Nablus, West Bank, according to a joint statement issued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Israel Security Agency (ISA) and the Israel Police on Wednesday.

    The statement said that during counterterrorism operations conducted on Tuesday night, special police forces arrested Muhammad Bana, “a senior terrorist in the dismantled Lion’s Den terrorist network,” and weapons were confiscated.

    It noted that during the apprehension, Bana, armed with an M-16 rifle and a spray grenade, attempted to flee and was shot in his leg.

    The statement added that he was involved in shooting and explosive attacks toward the security forces in the West Bank and had planned other attacks.

    In addition, the IDF’s Duvdevan Unit apprehended Khalil Hanbali, “who was wanted by security forces due to his involvement in terrorist activity,” according to the statement.

    He was involved in shooting attacks against IDF soldiers, served as a key weapon supplier, and had also attempted to plan additional attacks, it added.

    Israeli security forces have recently conducted frequent security operations in the West Bank.

    Earlier in the day, the IDF said in a statement that its forces demolished the West Bank home of a slain Palestinian who fatally shot an Israeli soldier on March 22.

    The Palestinian, Mujahid Mansour, fired at a passenger van at a junction west of Ramallah, causing damage but no casualties, and fled the scene, according to the statement.

    During a chase that lasted about five hours, an Israeli soldier was killed and six other Israeli fighters were wounded. Mansour was eventually killed by a missile fired from a combat helicopter.

    Israel captured East Jerusalem, along with the rest of the West Bank, in the 1967 Six-Day War. Under international law, East Jerusalem is considered occupied Palestinian territory, and its annexation by Israel is deemed illegal.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: EU countries approve initial retaliatory measures against US tariffs

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    European Union (EU) member states on Wednesday backed the bloc’s first package of retaliatory measures against U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

    In a statement, the European Commission condemned the U.S. tariffs as “unjustified and damaging, causing economic harm to both sides, as well as to the global economy.”

    According to media outlets Euractiv and Politico, 26 of the bloc’s 27 member states voted in favor during Wednesday’s session, signaling overwhelming support for fighting back against Trump’s tariff measures.

    The European Commission proposed the retaliatory duties on Monday, setting most of them at 25 percent. The tariffs target a range of U.S. imports in response to Washington’s levies on steel and aluminum.

    The list spans from agricultural to industrial products such as soybeans, poultry, tobacco, iron, motorcycles, dental floss, and both steel and aluminum. These goods totaled around 22 billion euros (24.36 billion dollars) last year.

    The tariffs will be introduced in three stages. The first set, on goods like cranberries and orange juice, will take effect on April 15. A second round, covering items such as steel, meat, white chocolate, and polyethylene, will follow on May 16. The final phase, targeting almonds and soybeans, is scheduled for Dec. 1.

    These steps mark the EU’s initial response to the broader transatlantic trade dispute. In addition to metals, the Trump administration previously announced a 25 percent tariff on EU cars and a so-called “reciprocal” tariff of 20 percent on nearly all other EU imports.

    The European Commission is expected to propose additional retaliatory measures against other U.S. tariffs as early as next week. “I expect that will happen early next week. Also early next week is the second phase of our response to U.S. tariffs, this time on cars and reciprocal tariffs,” European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill told a press conference Tuesday.

    The European Commission also repeated its preference “to find negotiated outcomes with the U.S., which would be balanced and mutually beneficial.”

    “These countermeasures can be suspended at any time, should the U.S. agree to a fair and balanced negotiated outcome,” it said. (1 euro = 1.11 dollar) 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-built hydropower plant in Nepal put into operation

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Sanjen Khola hydropower station in Nepal, built by a Chinese company, has been put into operation and connected to the national grid, contributing to efforts in alleviating local power shortage.

    The project in Rasuwa district in central-north Nepal was invested and constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. It is a run-of-river power plant with a total installed capacity of 78 megawatts.

    “In this dry season, the power generated by this project is very important to us,” said Hitendra Dev Shakya, managing director of the Nepal Electricity Authority.

    Speaking at the launch ceremony held in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Shakya stressed that power generated round-the-clock from the Sanjen Khola power plant will help reduce load shedding in the industrial area.

    The project will not only help optimize local energy structure and reduce electricity costs, but will also inject positive impetus into economic development, said Wang Xin, charge d’affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Nepal.

    Dipak Khadka, Nepal’s minister for energy, water resources and irrigation, said at the ceremony that the power plant started production in the dry season when the existing hydropower projects do not produce enough electricity, and it was completed when Nepal and China mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025.

    “Such collaboration is helpful in further strengthening the bond between us,” the minister said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China urges US to stop maliciously linking China to Panama Canal issue

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China urges the United States to stop spreading rumors, causing trouble and maliciously associating China with the Panama Canal issue to excuse its own control over the canal, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry said in Beijing on Wednesday.

    Spokesperson Lin Jian made the comments at a daily news briefing, responding to remarks made by the U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during his recent visit to Panama.

    Hegseth reportedly said that China has carried out espionage activities in Panama by controlling key infrastructure in the Panama Canal area, endangering the security, prosperity and sovereignty of Panama and the United States.

    Lin expressed firm opposition to the malicious attacks on China from senior U.S. officials, which he said have discredited and undermined China-Panama cooperation, once again exposing the United States as a bully nation.

    “Everyone knows who wants to control the Panama Canal,” he said, adding that the United States should look in the mirror to see who is threatening the sovereignty, security and development interests of other countries.

    “Compromise and concession will never secure sovereignty or respect; they will only fuel the arrogance of bullies,” he said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Nyingchi in China’s Xizang boosts tourism with flower viewing

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

    Nyingchi in China’s Xizang boosts tourism with flower viewing

    Updated: April 10, 2025 08:38 Xinhua
    Tourists select souvenirs in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, April 3, 2025. In recent years, Nyingchi has managed to integrate flower viewing and tourism development, trying to transform the ecological scenery into economic value. From April 4 to April 6, 2025, the city received some 208,600 tourists, an increase of 20.58 percent year on year, with tourism revenue reaching 150 million yuan, an increase of 37.62 percent year on year, according to statistics. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Villagers prepare to hold folk activities for tourists in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, April 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists enjoy the view of peach blossoms on horseback in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, April 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists enjoy the view of peach blossoms in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, April 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A tourist sings amid peach blossoms in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, April 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists select snacks made of peach blossoms in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, April 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A staff member tidies up the room at a family inn in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, April 4, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese rescue teams arrive in Beijing from Myanmar

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

    Chinese rescue teams arrive in Beijing from Myanmar

    Updated: April 10, 2025 09:00 Xinhua
    Members of the China Search and Rescue Team arrive in Beijing, capital of China, April 9, 2025. The China Search and Rescue Team, the China International Search and Rescue Team, and the search and rescue team from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region arrived in Beijing from Myanmar’s capital Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday after completing their mission in Myanmar’s earthquake-stricken areas. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Members of the China Search and Rescue Team arrive in Beijing, capital of China, April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Members of the China Search and Rescue Team arrive in Beijing, capital of China, April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Members of the search and rescue team from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region arrive in Beijing, capital of China, April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People present flowers to welcome the rescue team members in Beijing, capital of China, April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Members of the China International Search and Rescue Team arrive in Beijing, capital of China, April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: E China’s Cixi City builds public cultural places to boost urban tourism

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

    E China’s Cixi City builds public cultural places to boost urban tourism

    Updated: April 10, 2025 09:19 Xinhua
    A tea artist serves tea to the guests at a tea space in the Shijiashan public cultural space of Shishan Community, Cixi City of east China’s Zhejiang Province, April 9, 2025. In recent years, by making use of abandoned school buildings and unused factories and houses, and introducing high-level cultural talents and characteristic cultural projects, Shishan Community of Cixi City has built public cultural places including a Yue-Kiln celadon art gallery, a tea space, and a pocket park, etc., which has advanced the development of urban cultural tourism. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A tourist take photos of exhibits at a Yue-Kiln celadon art gallery in the Shijiashan public cultural space of Shishan Community, Cixi City of east China’s Zhejiang Province, April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Ying Zhouting (1st R), a cultural commissioner, introduces celadon works to visitors at a Yue-Kiln celadon art gallery in the Shijiashan public cultural space of Shishan Community, Cixi City of east China’s Zhejiang Province, April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on April 9, 2025 shows a tea space which is rebuilt from an abandoned factory in the Shijiashan public cultural space of Shishan Community, Cixi City of east China’s Zhejiang Province, April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Republicans Shoot Down Peters’ Amendments to Eliminate Phony Math from Republican Budget and Boost NIH Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) filed two amendments to the Republican budget blueprint, which extends $4.5 trillion in temporary tax cuts that add to the national debt and cuts vital programs like Medicaid to offset the cost. His first amendment would strike a provision that allows Republicans to pretend that extending these tax cuts skewed toward the wealthy costs nothing. Non-partisan experts at the Committee for a Responsible Budget have estimated that this Republican gimmick alone could explode the national debt by an additional $3.4 to $4.6 trillion. His second amendment would stop Republican attempts to cut the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget and instead boost it by billions of dollars. Republicans on the House Rules Committee refused to consider Rep. Peters’ amendments.

    “As Trump’s tariffs drive up the cost of living for American households, Republicans in Congress double down on a reckless budget that blows up the national debt at the expense of hard-working Americans,” said Rep. Scott Peters. “I’ve stood with some of my Republicans colleagues to call out our national debt in the past, but now these same people are poised to dramatically increase it. My amendment would have forced Republicans to face the truth: their budget is cruel and not at all fiscally conservative.”

    “Countless families around the country are desperate for cures to Alzheimer’s, cancer, and other diseases that depend on government funded research,” said Rep. Peters. “It is both cruel and wasteful to stop these clinical studies and trials as be forced to throw out their data. New cures to these diseases will save the government money in the long run as we move patients from expensive long-term care to healthy lives. We should invest more, not less in NIH and other basic scientific research.”      

    Representative Peters is the author of the Fiscal Commission Act, legislation to establish a bipartisan, bicameral, and open-doored commission to tackle our nation’s long-term debt, help us avoid automatic and across-the-board cuts to Social Security and Medicare, and secure a more prosperous future for our children. This approach stands in stark contrast to the partisan bill Republicans are advancing, which will only make our debt problems worse.

    San Diego is home to one of the country’s largest life sciences ecosystems, including world-class public and private research institutions and private companies that turn discoveries into therapies and cures. Rep. Peters’ district receives nearly $1 billion in NIH grant funding every year, more than any other district in California.

    In February, the Trump Administration announced a cap on all NIH grants for expenditures like lab space, utilities, IT, and equipment. These investments are integral to the work researchers do, and the proposed cuts will result in an estimated $800 million cut in funding in California alone. The NIH funding cap will devastate the development of life-saving research, inhibit patient access to life-saving treatments and clinical trials, and cede American dominance in biomedical research to our foreign competitors like China and Russia for years to come. In response, Rep. Peters led a letter demanding the Trump Administration preserve NIH funding. In March, Rep. Peters brought Dr. James B. Brewer, MD, PhD, medical professor and chair of the Department of Neurosciences at the University of California, San Diego, as his guest to the President’s Joint Address to Congress to highlight the devastation of these cuts. While federal courts have blocked the President’s across-the-board cuts, the administration is already looking for other ways to cut NIH grant funding. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Peters, Fallon, Khanna Introduce Bill to Bolster Defense Cybersecurity, U.S. Supply Chains

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Gary Peters (D-MI) and Representatives Pat Fallon (TX-04) and Ro Khanna (CA-17) today introduced their Securing America’s Federal Equipment (SAFE) in Supply Chains Act, which would protect America’s cybersecurity by ensuring the Department of Defense (DoD) does not unintentionally acquire counterfeit electronics or those from unauthorized sellers:

    “As the world grows increasingly reliant on technology, we must take steps to defend against a potential cyberattack by shoring up our vulnerable domestic supply chains,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would prevent the Department of Defense from unintentionally purchasing counterfeit electronics to strengthen national security and ensure the integrity of our military’s digital infrastructure.”

    “Securing the Department of Defense’s information technology supply chains is a critical step to protecting against cybersecurity threats that endanger our national security,” said Sen. Peters. “Our nation’s adversaries are increasingly targeting vulnerabilities across technologies, which can disrupt operations and steal sensitive data. This bipartisan legislation helps strengthen our national defense by ensuring that the Department of Defense is purchasing reliable technologies like software and cloud computing services from trusted sellers.”

    “The proliferation of artificial intelligence has allowed US adversaries to conduct offensive cyber-operations with alarming speed and impact, creating the possibility of a devastating attack on our nation’s most sensitive networks,” said Rep. Fallon. “Simultaneously, our adversaries have been targeting our hardware and software systems by selling the US government counterfeit products through what are known as ‘grey market’ sellers. These products, although marketed as genuine hardware, allow our adversaries to gain access to US government systems, making it far easier to conduct subsequent cyber-attacks. This is unacceptable.”

    “It is vital we work to protect American data from collection by our adversaries Russia, China, and Iran,” said Rep. Khanna. “Our bill will require the federal government to purchase technology hardware exclusively from trusted sources — guarding access to our telecommunications network and preventing the exploitation of American data.”

    Background:

    Due to increased cyberattacks on vulnerable supply chains and federal agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD), it is vital that when purchasing information technology products, the DoD only purchase these electronics from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or their authorized resellers. Under the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARs), in order for businesses to contract with the U.S. military, they are required to only acquire electronic products from these OEMs or authorized sellers. However, there are still many cases of federal government employees purchasing technology from grey-market sellers rather than authorized sellers. Grey-market sellers may circumvent trusted supply chains and provide counterfeit technology that could harm security networks within the DoD. These counterfeit devices are often older and may contain unsafe and unreliable components, causing technology to malfunction or completely fail, leading to significant damage to networks and operations.

    The Securing America’s Federal Equipment (SAFE) in Supply Chains Act would:

    • Prohibit the DoD from using a covered product from an entity other than an original equipment manufacturer or authorized seller;
    • Allow the Secretary of Defense to waive the prohibition of a covered product, upon written notice to the Congressional Defense Committees, if they determine the waiver is necessary in the interest of national security;
    • Require written notice on justification for waivers and any security mitigations that have been implemented and a plan of action to avoid future waivers for similar future purchases; and
    • Require the DoD to submit a report to Congress that lists the number and types of covered products for which a waiver was granted and why.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China takes firm countermeasures against US tariff bullying

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China has taken swift, firm countermeasures following the latest U.S. tariff hike on Chinese imports, in a move to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.
    The Chinese government on Wednesday announced that it will raise additional tariffs on products imported from the United States to 84 percent, add six U.S. firms to its unreliable entity list, and place 12 U.S. entities on its export control list.
    These steps — all in effect from 12:01 p.m. Thursday — came after the country pledged to take countermeasures with “firm will” and “abundant means” following the United States’ decision to raise its so-called reciprocal tariffs on Chinese imports from 34 percent to 84 percent.
    China has also filed a case against the United States with the World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement mechanism over the latest tariff hike.
    China’s State Council Information Office on Wednesday released a white paper to clarify the facts about China-U.S. economic and trade relations, and to elaborate on China’s position on relevant issues.
    China-U.S. economic and trade relations are mutually beneficial and win-win in nature, and cooperation benefits the two sides while confrontation harms both, the white paper said.
    Recently, the United States has launched several rounds of tariff hikes on Chinese imports, and China has responded to these protectionist moves with forceful countermeasures.
    “I want to emphasize that there is no winner in a trade war, and that China does not want a trade war. But the Chinese government will by no means sit by when the legitimate rights and interests of its people are being hurt and deprived,” an official of China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Wednesday.
    The official said that the United States’ use of tariffs as a weapon to exert maximum pressure and pursue its self-interests is a typical act of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying.
    Under the guise of pursuing “reciprocity” and “fairness,” the United States is engaging in zero-sum games and, in essence, seeking “America First” and “American exceptionalism,” the official said.
    China is willing to communicate with the U.S. side on key bilateral economic and trade issues, address their respective concerns through dialogue and consultations on an equal footing, and jointly advance the steady, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, the official noted.
    “If the United States really seeks to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation, it should demonstrate an attitude of equality, respect and reciprocity,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a daily news briefing on Wednesday.
    “If the United States is bent on waging a tariff war or trade war, China is ready to fight to the end,” Lin said, noting that China has the capability and confidence to cope with various risks and challenges. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China unveils plan to boost health-related consumption

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

    BEIJING, April 9 — Chinese authorities on Wednesday released an action plan to boost health-related consumption as the country moves to improve the quality of its health products and services, and to meet the people’s expanding needs in their pursuit of a better life.

    To spur such spending, China will work to increase the healthiness of people’s diets and improve the market supply of special foods, according to the plan, which was formulated by the country’s commerce ministry and 11 other government departments.

    The supply of high-quality agricultural products will be strengthened, and there will be a crackdown on illegal food additives, per the plan. Medical and health institutions will be guided to provide dietary and exercise guidance for people with hypertension, diabetes, obesity and other medical conditions.

    China will create more fitness and sports consumption scenarios and develop its sports tourism, according to the plan. The transformation and upgrading of the sports goods manufacturing sector will also be accelerated on the back of technologies and smart applications.

    The country will also bolster market services for the elderly, and the plan pledges efforts to facilitate their online and offline consumption, and to enrich their cultural life. Additionally, the supply of tourism products for China’s silver-haired population will be increased.

    Work will also be done to develop new service businesses such as those providing health examinations, consultations and management, and to accelerate the establishment of rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes and palliative care institutions, according to the plan.

    China’s per capita spending on health care stood at 2,547 yuan (about 353 U.S. dollars) last year, accounting for 9 percent of the country’s total per capita consumption expenditure, official data shows.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 13th China Information Technology Expo kicks off in Shenzhen

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

    13th China Information Technology Expo kicks off in Shenzhen

    Updated: April 10, 2025 07:17 Xinhua
    Visitors attend the 13th China Information Technology Expo (CITE 2025) in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, April 9, 2025. The expo kicked off at Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (Futian) on Wednesday. Themed on “Technology Leading, Innovation Gathering in Shenzhen”, the exhibition focuses on cutting-edge key areas such as intelligent terminals, optoelectronic displays, artificial intelligence, big data storage, basic components, and low-altitude economy, attracting more than a thousand companies to participate. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors watch the demonstration of a humanoid robot at the 13th China Information Technology Expo (CITE 2025) in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors attend the 13th China Information Technology Expo (CITE 2025) in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor tries on a pair of intelligent glasses at the 13th China Electronic Information Expo (CITE 2025) in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors attend the 13th China Information Technology Expo (CITE 2025) in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors attend the 13th China Information Technology Expo (CITE 2025) in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s foreign trade capable of dealing with risks, challenges: commerce ministry official

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

    China’s foreign trade capable of dealing with risks, challenges: commerce ministry official

    BEIJING, April 9 — China’s foreign trade has the confidence and capability to address various risks and challenges, Xiao Lu, an official with the Ministry of Commerce, said on Wednesday.

    China’s vast market potential continues to be unleashed, and measures aimed at stabilizing the economy and foreign trade are being progressively implemented. The fundamental trend of long-term sound economic development remains unchanged, Xiao told a press conference.

    However, the global economy is currently facing significant uncertainty, particularly in the trade sector, where supply chain stability is under threat, Xiao said.

    The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has warned that a broader “trade war” could lead to an increase in trade barriers. As a result, the OECD has revised its projection for global economic growth in 2025 downward by 0.2 percentage points to 3.1 percent. In contrast, it has raised its growth forecast for China by 0.1 percentage points.

    “This adjustment reflects the international community’s confidence in China’s economy and its growing optimism about China’s development prospects,” Xiao said.

    In 2024, China’s goods imports and exports reached 43 trillion yuan (about 5.97 trillion U.S. dollars). It has become a major trading partner for over 150 countries and regions and has signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance

    Source: The White House

    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

    Section 1.  Purpose.  The commercial shipbuilding capacity and maritime workforce of the United States has been weakened by decades of Government neglect, leading to the decline of a once strong industrial base while simultaneously empowering our adversaries and eroding United States national security.  Both our allies and our strategic competitors produce ships for a fraction of the cost needed in the United States.  Recent data shows that the United States constructs less than one percent of commercial ships globally, while the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is responsible for producing approximately half.
    Rectifying these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes securing consistent, predictable, and durable Federal funding, making United States-flagged and built vessels commercially competitive in international commerce, rebuilding America’s maritime manufacturing capabilities (the Maritime Industrial Base), and expanding and strengthening the recruitment, training, and retention of the relevant workforce.

    Sec. 2.  Policy.  It is the policy of the United States to revitalize and rebuild domestic maritime industries and workforce to promote national security and economic prosperity.

    Sec. 3.  Maritime Action Plan.  (a)  Within 210 days of the date of this order, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA), in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the United States Trade Representative (USTR), and the heads of executive departments and agencies (agencies) the APNSA deems appropriate, shall submit a Maritime Action Plan (MAP) to the President, through the APNSA and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB Director) to achieve the policy set forth in this order.
    (b)  The OMB Director, in coordination with the APNSA, shall be responsible for all legislative, regulatory, and fiscal assessments related to the MAP.  
    (c)  The MAP shall, to the extent permissible and consistent with applicable law, including the Buy American Act (41 U.S.C. 8301–8305), reflect actions taken pursuant to sections 4 through 21 of this order.

    Sec. 4.  Ensure the Security and Resilience of the Maritime Industrial Base.  Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall provide to the APNSA and the OMB Director for inclusion in the MAP an assessment of options both for the use of available authorities and resources, such as Defense Production Act Title III authorities, and for the use of private capital to the maximum extent possible to invest in and expand the Maritime Industrial Base including, but not limited to, investment and expansion of commercial and defense shipbuilding capabilities, component supply chains, ship repair and marine transportation capabilities, port infrastructure, and the adjacent workforce.  The Secretary of Defense shall pursue using the Office of Strategic Capital loan program to improve the shipbuilding industrial base.  As part of their assessment, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall:
    (a)  identify key maritime components in the supply chain that are essential for rebuilding and expanding the Maritime Industrial Base and that should be prioritized for investment;
    (b)  ensure that their recommendations of public and private investments are made according to a clear metric, derived in consultation with the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, of return on invested capital for the United States taxpayer and to the economic and national security of the United States; and
    (c)  ensure that their recommendations take into consideration the projected increases to commercial and defense capabilities, the projected growth in economic activity, and the projected benefits for taxpayers and the workforce.

    Sec. 5. Actions in the Investigation of the PRC’s Unfair Targeting of Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors. (a)  With respect to the actions, if any, that the USTR determines to take consistent with the USTR’s notice of public hearing entitled Proposed Action in Section 301 Investigation of the PRC’s Targeting of the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance, 90 Fed. Reg. 10843 (February 27, 2025), the USTR shall:
    (i)   coordinate with appropriate agencies to collect additional information, as appropriate and to the extent permitted by law, in support of administering such actions; and 
    (ii)  coordinate with the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to take appropriate steps to enforce any restriction, fee, penalty, or duty imposed pursuant to such actions.
    (b)  Based on the USTR’s determinations arising out of its Section 301 investigation into the PRC’s targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, the USTR shall also consider taking all necessary steps permitted by law to propose the following actions:
    (i)   tariffs on ship-to-shore cranes manufactured, assembled, or made using components of PRC origin, or manufactured anywhere in the world by a company owned, controlled, or substantially influenced by a PRC national; and
    (ii)  tariffs on other cargo handling equipment.

    Sec. 6.  Enforce Collection of Harbor Maintenance Fee and Other Charges.  In order to prevent cargo carriers from circumventing the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) on imported goods through the practice of making port in Canada or Mexico and sending their cargo into the United States through land borders, and to ensure the collection of other charges as applicable, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take all necessary steps, including proposing new legislation, as permitted by law to:
    (a)  require all foreign-origin cargo arriving by vessel to clear the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) entry process at a United States port of entry for security and collection of all applicable duties, customs, taxes, fees, interest, and other charges; and
    (b)  ensure any foreign-origin cargo first arriving by vessel to North America clearing the CBP process at an inland location from the country of land transit (Canada or Mexico) is assessed applicable customs, duties, taxes, fees (including the HMF), interest, and other charges plus a 10 percent service fee for additional costs to the CBP, so long as the cargo being shipped into the United States is not substantially transformed from its condition at the time of arrival into the country of land transit (with the discretion for such decisions to be determined by CBP).

    Sec. 7.  Engage Allies and Partners to Align Trade Policies.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the USTR, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce, shall engage treaty allies, partners, and other like-minded countries around the world with respect to their potential imposition of any actions taken pursuant to sections 5 and 6 of this order.  The USTR shall deliver an engagement plan and progress report on these engagements to the President.

    Sec. 8.  Reduce Dependence on Adversaries through Allies and Partners.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, shall recommend to the APNSA and the OMB Director for inclusion in the MAP all available incentives to help shipbuilders domiciled in allied nations partner to undertake capital investment in the United States to help strengthen the shipbuilding capacity of the United States.

    Sec. 9.  Launch a Maritime Security Trust Fund.  In conjunction with the formulation of the President’s Budget, the OMB Director shall, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation, develop a legislative proposal, which shall be described in detail in the MAP, to establish a Maritime Security Trust Fund that can serve as a reliable funding source to deliver consistent support for MAP programs.  This proposal shall consider how new or existing tariff revenue, fines, fees, or tax revenue could further the goal of establishing a more reliable, dedicated funding source for programs support by the MAP.

    Sec. 10.  Shipbuilding Financial Incentives Program.  In conjunction with the formulation of the President’s Budget and consistent with the findings of the report required under section 12 of this order, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit a legislative proposal to the APNSA and the OMB Director, which shall be described in detail in the MAP, that establishes a financial incentives program with broad flexibility to incentivize private investment in the construction of commercial components, parts, and vessels; capital improvements to commercial vessel shipyards; capital improvements to commercial vessel repair facilities and drydocks through grants; and Federal Credit Reform Act-compliant loans and loan guarantees.  Such proposal may augment or replace existing programs with similar purpose including the Small Shipyard Grant Program and the Federal Ship Financing (Title XI) Program.

    Sec. 11.  Establish Maritime Prosperity Zones.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall deliver a plan to the President through the APNSA for inclusion in the MAP that identifies opportunities to incentivize and facilitate domestic and allied investment in United States maritime industries and waterfront communities through establishment of maritime prosperity zones.  The proposal shall: (a) model these maritime prosperity zones on the opportunity zones established pursuant to section 13823 of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-97, 131 Stat. 2054), which I signed into law during my first Administration;
    (b) include stipulations for appropriate regulatory relief in the establishment of such zones; and
    (c) provide for zones that are outside of traditional coastal shipbuilding and ship repair centers and are geographically diverse, including river regions as well as the Great Lakes.

    Sec. 12.  Report on Maritime Industry Needs.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the heads of other agencies as appropriate, shall deliver a report to the OMB Director and APNSA for inclusion in the MAP that inventories Federal programs that could be used to sustain and grow the supply of and demand for the United States maritime industry.  The report and inventory shall include:
    (a)  any Federal programs that provide financial and regulatory incentives for United States shipping, shipbuilding, and shipbuilding supply chains, including the training of shipbuilders and United States-credentialed mariners; 
    (b)  Maritime Administration programs such as the Tanker Security Program, Cable Security Fleet, Maritime Security Programs, Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance Program, Title XI, Assistance to Small Shipyards, Port Infrastructure Development Program, the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), and programs that support the State Maritime Academies;
    (c)  existing domestic cargo preference laws, including the Military Cargo Preference Act of 1904, as amended, (10 U.S.C. 2631) and the Cargo Preference Act of 1954, as amended, (46 U.S.C. 55304), and whether and how they can be used to ensure that United States cargo is transported on United States-built and flagged vessels, including a review of the existing waiver process and all current waivers to ensure they are consistent with the promotion of American domestic shipping;
    (d)  other available means that could further support the industry, including modifications of existing programs, establishment of new programs, and tax and regulatory relief; and
    (e)  in coordination with the National Security Council and the Office of Management and Budget, the costs and benefits of increased cargo preference rates, including on liquid cargo carriers, tankers, and military useful vessels, and options for increasing cargo preference compliance and directing open market procurement of shipping to meet urgent military needs for maritime vessels.

    Sec. 13.  Expand Mariner Training and Education.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall deliver a report to the President through the APNSA for inclusion in the MAP with recommendations to address workforce challenges in the maritime sector through maritime educational institutions and workforce transitions.  
    (a)  In preparing their report, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall consult, as needed, with industry stakeholders including private industry and labor organizations. 
    (b)  The report shall:
    (i)    include the current number of credentialed mariners and estimate the additional credentialed mariners required to support the policies described in this order;
    (ii)   analyze the impact of establishing new and expanding existing merchant marine academies as a means of educating, training, and certifying the additional credentialed merchant mariners estimated under subsection (b)(i) of this section;
    (iii)  identify any requirements for credentialing mariners that are unnecessary, insufficient, or unduly burdensome and provide recommendations for reform;
    (iv)   inventory existing educational and technical training grants and scholarships to colleges and vocational-technical training institutions for critical shipbuilding specialties and other maritime studies, and provide recommendations for enhancement; and
    (v)    assess the United States Coast Guard credentialing program applicability to United States Navy Active Duty and Reserve sailors to increase opportunities for sailors to transfer into the Merchant Marine with validated skills.
    (c)  Consistent with the findings of the report and in conjunction with the formulation of the President’s Budget, the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall deliver a legislative proposal to the APNSA and the OMB Director that:
    (i)    reflects the recommendations of the report required under this section;
    (ii)   establishes national maritime scholarships to send promising maritime experts abroad to learn cutting edge techniques and subjects, such as innovative maritime logistics, clean fuels and advanced nuclear energy, human-machine teaming, and additive manufacturing and other advanced technologies; and
    (iii)  offers scholarships to maritime experts from allied countries to teach at United States institutions. 

    Sec. 14.  Modernize the United States Merchant Marine Academy.  
    (a) The Secretary of Transportation shall: 
    (i) within 30 days of this order consistent with applicable law and available appropriations, take action to hire the necessary facilities staff and reprogram budgetary resources needed to execute urgent deferred maintenance projects and any other mission critical repair works at the USMMA;
    (ii) take immediate action to finalize a long-term master facilities plan (LMFP) for the modernization of the USMMA campus and submit such plan to the APNSA and OMB Director for concurrence; and
    (iii) within 90 days of the concurrence described in subsection (a)(ii) of this section, in consultation with the Department of Government Efficiency, submit a 5-year capital improvement plan (CIP) consistent with the LMFP to the APNSA and OMB Director that includes capital project budgets, schedules, and sequencing, as well as an inventory of deferred maintenance items necessary to sustain campus operations through completion of the CIP.
    (b) All actions taken pursuant to this section shall be detailed in the MAP.

    Sec. 15.  Improve Procurement Efficiency.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of the National Science Foundation shall develop a proposal for improved acquisition strategies processes for United States Government vessels and submit such proposal to APNSA and the OMB Director for inclusion in the MAP.  The proposal shall:      (a) have as its objective providing American shipbuilders with market forecasting needed to justify investments in infrastructure, workforce, and intellectual property to meet United States demand;
    (b) include reforms recommended by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security related to:
    (i) staff structure and innovations in acquisition strategies that will improve Federal vessel procurement; and
    (ii) reductions of the layers of approval needed to execute, build, and improve the vessel acquisition process, including by utilizing commercial acquisition and modular design practices that reduce complexity and prevent frequent changes to ship designs;
    (c) identify for elimination excessive requirements, including the number of Government reviews and onerous regulations that add to ship design and acquisition delays; and
    (d)  consider use of broad industry standards and American-made readily available parts and components to drive up production volume while shrinking the iterative design process, which historically has led to delays and cost increases.  

    Sec. 16.  Improve Government Efficiency.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Department of Government Efficiency shall begin a separate review of the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security vessel procurement processes and deliver a proposal to the President, through the APNSA for inclusion in the MAP, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of these processes.   

    Sec. 17.  Increase the Fleet of Commercial Vessels Trading Internationally under the flag of the United States.  Within 180 days of the date of this order, in conjunction with the formulation of the President’s Budget and consistent with the findings of the report required under section 12 of this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, deliver a legislative proposal to the APNSA and OMB Director for inclusion in the MAP that:
    (a)  is designed to ensure that adequate cubed footage and gross tonnage of United States-flagged commercial vessels can be called upon in times of crisis, while limiting the likelihood of Government waste;
    (b)  provides incentives that will:
    (i)   grow the fleet of United States built, crewed, and flagged vessels that serve as readily deployable assets for national security purposes; and
    (ii)  increase the participation of United States commercial vessels in international trade; and
    (c)  enhances existing subsidies to include coverage of certain construction or modification costs in a manner designed to enhance incentives for the commercial shipping industry to operate militarily useful ships that trade internationally under the flag of the United States.

    Sec. 18.  Ensure the Security and Leadership of Arctic Waterways.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall develop a strategy that identifies the vision, goals, and objectives necessary to secure arctic waterways and enable American prosperity in the face of evolving arctic security challenges and associated risks, and deliver it to the APNSA for inclusion in the MAP.

    Sec. 19.  Shipbuilding Review.  Within 45 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall conduct a review of shipbuilding for United States Government use and submit a report to the President with recommendations to increase the number of participants and competitors within United States shipbuilding, and to reduce cost overruns and production delays for surface, subsurface, and unmanned programs.  This report must include separate itemized and prioritized lists of recommendations for the United States Army, Navy, and Coast Guard and shall be included in the MAP.

    Sec. 20.  Deregulatory Initiatives.  Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall conduct a review of their regulations, and implementation thereof, across all components pertaining to the domestic commercial maritime fleet and maritime port access to determine where each agency may be able to deregulate within the framework of Executive Order 14192 of January 31, 2025 (Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation), to reduce unnecessary costs and clear barriers to emerging technology and related efficiencies.  Each agency will submit a report of its findings to the OMB Director and to the APNSA for inclusion in the MAP.

    Sec. 21.  Inactive Reserve Fleet.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct a review and issue guidance on the funding, retention, support, and mobilization of a robust inactive reserve fleet.  This review and guidance shall be delivered to the APNSA for inclusion in the MAP. 

    Sec. 22.  Coordination.  Unless otherwise specified in this order, the plans, reports, reviews, and recommendations that are required to be submitted to the President by this order shall be developed through interagency coordination in accordance with National Security Presidential Memorandum 1 of January 20, 2025 (Organization of the National Security Council and Subcommittees), or its successors.

    Sec. 23.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

    Sec. 24.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    THE WHITE HOUSE,
        April 9, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Video] Smarter Living at a Touch: Five Ways Samsung’s Screen-Based Appliances Make Daily Life Easier

    Source: Samsung

    At the heart of Samsung Electronics’ user-friendly and safe AI Home lies one game-changing feature — the screen.
     
    In a 2024 survey1 conducted by Samsung with 1,443 participants across five countries, the most preferred AI appliance experience was “easier and more natural voice control” (32%) followed by “integrated touchscreens on appliances” (30%).
     

     
    Samsung first introduced a 21.5-inch screen on its Family Hub refrigerator in 2016. Since then, the company has incorporated a variety of screen sizes — including 4.3-inch, 7-inch and 32-inch displays — across its home appliance lineup. Samsung further broadened the scope this year to include both combined and standalone washers and dryers, as well as induction cooktops. Notably, a 9-inch screen has been added to the refrigerator lineup for the first time — offering consumers even more choice.
     
    How have screen-equipped appliances changed users’ daily lives? Samsung Newsroom highlights five ways Samsung’s Bespoke AI screen-equipped appliances help users get more out of their homes.
     
     
    1. Personalized Information at a Glance With Daily Board

     
    The dashboard-style Daily Board2 allows users to easily view personalized information right from the kitchen. Introduced for the first time this year, the feature is available on various screen-equipped refrigerators including Samsung’s new refrigerator with 9-inch AI Home screen.
     
    As users head to the kitchen for a glass of water in the morning, they can check the weather, view their schedule and even get recipe suggestions using ingredients stored inside the fridge — all from the screen. For a personal touch, they can also leave notes for family members.
     
    The upgraded AI voice assistant Bixby3 recognizes individual voices and offers tailored support from displaying schedules to helping users find their smartphones.4

     
     
    2. From Recipe to Oven: Orchestrating Meals With Ease

     
    Samsung’s screens go beyond controlling individual home appliances — they enhance the entire home experience through seamless device connectivity.
     
    AI Vision Inside5 now recognizes up to 37 types of fresh ingredients stored in the refrigerator and automatically creates a food list on the screen. The newly introduced AI Food Manager can also recommend up to 50 frequently used processed or packaged items based on usage patterns.6 From the screen, users can receive personalized recipe suggestions tailored to available ingredients. These recipes can then be sent to connected cooking appliances — such as ovens and induction cooktops — via SmartThings, making meal preparation smooth and convenient.

     
     
    3. Control the Entire Smart Home From One Screen

     
    With the Map View feature, users can monitor and control all their connected home appliances from a single screen.7 Everything can be managed remotely, from adjusting modes and changing temperatures to managing other key settings. Whether in the kitchen or living room, users can answer phone calls, monitor visitors or unlock doors — all through the screen.
     
    Notably, this year’s new models8 feature upgraded screens that go beyond basic control — now, they serve as smart home hubs capable of connecting to and managing a wide range of devices. In addition to Wi-Fi, the appliances support Zigbee, Matter and Thread for more compatibility with various smart home and Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems.9

     

    4. Just a Simple Tap To Enjoy Home Entertainment

     
    Samsung’s AI appliances make it easy to enjoy entertainment — either by mirroring content from a smartphone or directly accessing the internet or apps like YouTube and Spotify from the screen. For example, users can cook while watching a mirrored video on the refrigerator screen or use the washing machine’s screen to search YouTube for laundry tips and set the appropriate wash mode.
     
     
    5. Energy Use Monitoring and Smart Maintenance Tips

     
    One of the biggest advantages of Samsung’s large screens is their ability to intuitively visualize and manage energy consumption and maintenance tasks.
     
    With SmartThings Energy, users can track energy use and reduce consumption through AI Energy Mode. They can also access the Optimal Scheduling feature10 that suggests ideal times to run appliances based on periods of high carbon emissions. After each wash or dry cycle, the screen displays a graph that breaks down the time spent and energy used.
     
    To extend the appliance’s lifespan and ensure safety, the screen regularly checks device status and notifies users when filters need changing or cleaning. Bixby can even visually and audibly provide maintenance instructions on the screen when users ask.11
     
    Under its “Screens Everywhere” vision, Samsung continues to expand its lineup of screen-equipped appliances — designed to understand and support users’ daily lives. To explore how the 2025 Bespoke AI lineup delivers a differentiated, AI-enhanced experience through screen innovation, watch the video below.
     

    * Product images shown in the video may vary by region and differ from actual usage.
     
     
    1 Online survey allowing multiple responses, conducted from August 30 to September 9, 2024. Participants included men and women aged 20 to 59 from South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Vietnam — all within the top 50% household income bracket and identified as key decision-makers or users in home appliance purchases. Of the 2,283 respondents, 1,443 expressed purchase intent for the accessibility concept — AI appliances that can be easily and conveniently controlled from anywhere in the home.2 The 2025 Bespoke AI refrigerator with 9-inch AI Home screen, the 32-inch Family Hub and select 2024 refrigerator models are scheduled to receive this update via Smart Forward in phases. Smart Forward updates are available for software only, and for models released after 2017 that are equipped with standardized OCF protocol. Adequate hardware specifications may be required for certain updates. Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.3 Bixby availability may vary depending on the country. Bixby only recognizes certain accents and dialects of English (U.K.), English (U.S.), English (India), French (France), German (Germany), Italian (Italy), Korean (South Korea), Mandarin Chinese (China), Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain) and Portuguese (Brazil). Voice ID will be available starting May of 2025 through Smart Forward update. Launch date may differ according to region and country. To activate Bixby, a Samsung Account is required. Up to six accounts can be registered per device. To increase the accuracy of identifying each voice, it is recommended for you to register your voice in quiet surroundings. Voice ID is done based on the tone of voice used during registration process. Any change or modification to your voice may lead to misidentification.4 This update is planned for release in the first half of 2025 via Smart Forward. Once Bixby recognizes a user’s voice, it switches to the Samsung account linked with the Family Hub and provides personalized information such as schedules (compatible with Google and Microsoft Calendar apps), phone location, photos and more. This Bixby voice recognition feature is supported on screen-equipped appliances running Tizen OS but not on washer and dryer models with 4.3-inch screen running Tizen Lite OS.5 Available on select T-Type and French Door refrigerator models. As of April 2025, AI Vision Inside can recognize 37 food items like fresh fruits and veggies. If the food is not recognizable, it may be listed as an unknown item. AI Vision Inside cannot identify or list any food items in the fridge door bins or freezer. It recognizes food items based on deep learning models, which may be updated periodically to improve accuracy.6 AI Vision Inside will recognize and recommend that users save processed food items that have been placed inside multiple times, allowing up to 50 items to be saved with the designated name. Processed foods are limited to those that keep a certain packaged form. AI Home recommends saving the item after it has been input more than 4 times during 30 days.7 A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. Third-party devices must be SmartThings compatible.8 Availability of the hub function in Samsung’s screen-equipped appliances may vary by model and region. It is applied to products such as the 32-inch and 9-inch screen refrigerators, as well as the 7-inch screen washers and dryers (excluding standalone models). A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. All products must be connected to SmartThings. Only 3rd party devices that are compatible with SmartThings can be registered.9 Update times vary by product and each protocol.10 Features and availability of services may vary by region.11 Bixby can answer troubleshooting- and usage-related questions based on the appliance’s user manual.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Banks Continue Push to Protect American Institutions from Foreign Control

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) in cosponsoring the Safeguarding American Education From Foreign Control Act. This bill requires universities to disclose gifts they receive from foreign adversaries, regardless of the amount of the gift or contract. This bill aligns with President Trump’s America First agenda by preventing foreign money and influence from infiltrating our higher education institutions.

    Sen. Tuberville cosponsored this legislation in the 118th Congress.

    “The Chinese Communist Party wants to brainwash our kids and destroy our country — not on my watch,” said Sen. Tuberville. “The CCP has made it clear their plan of action is to infiltrate our education system and indoctrinate our kids. It is astounding that we have allowed universities to get away with taking money from a country that hates us. I was glad to see Troy University in Alabama close its CCP-backed Confucius Institute, and hope other universities will follow their lead. Transparency about how China is funding our schools is not only vital to our national security — our kids’ futures depend on it.”

    “Americans deserve to know if universities are accepting money from our enemies like China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea. This bill delivers that transparency and stops hostile nations from hiding their influence on our campuses,” said Sen. Banks.

    Sens. Tuberville and Banks were joined by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) in cosponsoring the legislation.

    Representative Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) is leading the effort in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    Read full text of the legislation here. 

    BACKGROUND:

    Key Provisions of the Safeguarding American Education from Foreign Control Act are:

    • Requiring Disclosures – Universities Must Report:
      • All gift disclosures from foreign sources associated with a covered nation (Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea)
      • Reports from Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965
      • Investigations enacted by the Department of Education
    • Guaranteeing transparency by ensuring the Department of Education transmits disclosure reports to the FBI, ODNI, and Department of State
    • Enforcing accountability by allowing the FBI and the ODNI to request the DOJ bring forward action for inability to comply with disclosure requirements

    According to the Americans for Public Trust, China donated more than $175 million to American universities last year. 

    In August 2023, Sen. Tuberville joined 19 of his Senate colleagues in sending a letter to the Biden Administration’s Department of Education (ED) expressing outrage for allowing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to infiltrate U.S. classrooms through Confucius programming. Confucius programming establishes a partnership between schools, universities, or nonprofits and a Chinese government entity. Expansion of Confucius Classrooms in the United States is a top priority for the Chinese government. A report released in July 2023 shows over 143 United States schools across 34 states and the District of Columbia have received CCP-related funding. Additionally, the report shows the CCP has ties to 20 school districts near United States military bases. Read the letter here. 

    In February 2023, Sen. Tuberville let Troy University know that future funding opportunities would be in jeopardy if they did not end their Confucius Institute program. He was pleased when Troy announced they were closing the program.

    Since assuming office in the U.S. Senate in 2021, Sen. Tuberville has led and supported numerous efforts to protect American resources, farmland, investments, intellectual property, and national security from the growing threat of Communist China.


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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than 26 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm in Connection With Drug Trafficking Fentanyl, Wire Fraud, and Aggravated Identity Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant convicted after trial on drug and firearms offenses and thereafter pled guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft

    Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Chief U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III, sentenced Ryan E. Dales, 36, of Baltimore, to 26 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Dales, a previously convicted felon, was charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Baltimore Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, of the National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG).

    “Mr. Dales’s criminal activity was callous, dangerous, and with complete disregard for his victims,” Hayes said. “Thanks to our federal, local, and state law-enforcement partners, we’re showing Mr. Dales and others that engaging in criminal activity comes with a price. We’re serious about holding those accountable who commit illegal acts and terrorize our community with fentanyl, firearms, and fraud.  Fortunately, Mr. Dales will have plenty of time to think about his actions while in prison.” 

    “This sentence of 26 years reflects the seriousness of Dales’ actions which include drug and weapon offenses as well as identity theft and fraud schemes. As a repeat offender, Dales knew the consequences of his wrongdoing yet chose to continue dealing drugs and committing crimes,” DelBagno said. “The FBI has no tolerance for repeat offenders who threaten the safety and security of our communities.”

    “Ryan Dales engaged in a multi-faceted pandemic-relief fraud scheme by filing fraudulent UI claims in the names of identity theft victims. Dales stole benefits intended for unemployed American workers who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Springer said. “The significant prison sentence imposed today is the direct result of outstanding collaboration with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the FBI in ensuring the integrity of these critical benefit programs. This is particularly true when it involves firearms and drug trafficking as well as other violent crimes in our communities.”

    On December 9, 2024, a federal jury found Dales guilty of unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Additionally, Dales faced a second trial on wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges, but on January 10, 2025, Dales pled guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

    According to the evidence presented at trial, on January 20, 2023, authorities arrested Dales pursuant to a federal arrest warrant, and law enforcement executed a federal search warrant the same day at Dales’s residence. Dales resided in a luxury apartment building in Locust Point.  During the search, law enforcement located and seized, among other things, various items used in connection Dales’s illegal business selling drugs, including two loaded firearms, specifically, a stolen Smith & Wesson firearm, and one which was a privately made “ghost gun” Polymer80 9mm firearm with no serial number, and a box containing 28 rounds of 9mm ammunition, including hollow point ammunition. In addition, law enforcement seized numerous packages of controlled dangerous substances, including hundreds of grams of fentanyl packaged for street level distribution, multiple digital scales, sifters, a heat sealer, a bag containing 10,000 empty capsules meant to package drugs, other drug packing materials, various cutting agents, a respirator, and six cell phones.

    Later, Dales voluntarily waived his Miranda rights and admitted to living in his apartment alone and that the firearms seized in his apartment were his.  He also told law enforcement that he was a “very resourceful person,” referring to his livelihood as a drug dealer.  Dales’ DNA was later determined to be present on both firearms and their magazines.

    Law enforcement’s later review of Dales’s cell phones revealed the existence of numerous Telegram chats where he negotiated purchasing drugs and cutting agents from multiple people, including mass producers of fentanyl in China.  Investigators further found evidence that about a month before the execution of the search warrant, Dales traveled to Boston with a firearm (identical in appearance to the ghost gun found in his apartment) and a bag full of cash to purchase drugs. Dales’s device search history included searches for where fentanyl is produced in China, how to dye powders, and how many bullets a Smith and Wesson M&P 9c firearm — the same type seized from his apartment — can hold.  

    After his conviction at trial on the drug and firearms offenses, Dales pled guilty to a fraud scheme in which he used victims’ identities to obtain various high-end lawnmowers on credit and received fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) benefits.  From December 2020 through September 2022 — while serving a federal sentence for bank-fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft — and living in a halfway house while on federal supervised release in the District of Maryland, Dales engaged in various fraudulent schemes. Dales attempted to defraud the State of Maryland, Maryland Department of Labor (MD-DOL), the Small Business Administration, and various businesses and financial institutions to obtain more than $25,000 in unlawful COVID-19 benefits funds though the submission of fraudulent claims for UI benefits; more than $95,000 worth of high-end riding lawn mowers on credit using the stolen personal identifiable information (PII) of seven victims information —such as names, dates of birth, social security numbers, and addresses of real persons — and attempting to fraudulently obtain an $8,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).

    During the execution of the residential search warrant, law enforcement seized various items used in connection with Dales’s fraud and identity theft schemes, including multiple computers, an embosser and ID card printer, laminate sheets with security holograms, gift cards in various denominations, a card printer and card reader, bulk packages of shrink-wrapped white PVC cards; and multiple fraudulent and fabricated South Carolina driver’s licenses made by Dales containing PII of various victims, but which displayed Dales’s photograph.

    Dales used the fabricated driver’s licenses in connection with the fraudulent purchases of riding mowers and other impermissible uses.  He also obtained the identity theft victims’ PII on the dark web. The total amount obtained by Dales from the UI fraud scheme, as well as the fraudulent purchase of the lawnmowers on credit was $121,242.51.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors.  The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.

    For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.  Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and DOL-OIG for their work in connection with the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul A. Riley and Reema Sood, who prosecuted the federal case.  She also recognized the assistance of the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Blasts Trump’s Tariff Tax Hike, Which Will Raise Inflation, Slow Economic Growth, And Increase Cost Of Living For New York Families; Pushes Legislation To Reassert Congress’ Power Over Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
    Trump’s Tariffs Could Cost New York Households Almost $4,000 Extra Per Year For Gas, Groceries, And Other Everyday Goods
    Tax Hike Will Also Devastate Small Businesses, Lower Life Savings, And Kill Good-Paying Jobs Across New York
    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a virtual press conference slamming President Trump’s tariff tax hike, which is already wreaking havoc on the U.S. economy and raising prices for consumers. In response to the tariffs, Gillibrand signed on to the bipartisan Trade Review Act, which would require congressional oversight over the president’s implementation of tariffs. She also signed on to a letter demanding that the Trump administration immediately repeal the tariffs.
    Last week, President Trump announced far-reaching tariffs on nearly all U.S. trading partners, sending the stock market tumbling and drawing criticism from allies across the globe. These destructive policies include a 10 percent baseline tariff on all countries, a 20 percent tariff on the European Union, and a 54 percent tariff on imports from China, on top of a previously announced 25 percent tariff on a broad range of imports from Mexico and Canada. Experts say that these tariffs represent the largest tax hike since 1951.
    Trump’s tariffs will drastically increase the cost of living for American consumers, as prices will rise for a range of products including food, clothing, gas, cars, electronics, and construction materials. If the tariffs remain unchanged, they will cost the average New York household roughly $3,800 extra per year. They will also devastate small businesses, lower life savings, and kill good-paying jobs across New York.
    “By instigating a global trade war, President Trump is playing games with the American economy, driving up costs for hardworking families, and fueling inflation,” said Senator Gillibrand.“I refuse to stand idly by as President Trump destroys our economy. That’s why I joined a bipartisan bill to reestablish limits on the president’s ability to unilaterally impose tariffs, and it’s why I’m demanding that the Trump administration repeal these ill-conceived tariffs immediately. I am committed to doing everything in my power to shield New Yorkers from these horrific tax hikes and hold the president accountable for the harm he’s causing.”
    If passed, the Trade Review Act would impose congressional oversight over the president’s implementation of tariffs. Specifically, it would do the following:
    Require the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of imposing or increasing a tariff on imported goods. The congressional notification would be required to include the reasoning behind the tariff and an analysis of the potential economic impact on American businesses and consumers.
    Mandate that any new tariff will expire after 60 days unless Congress passes a joint resolution of approval.
    Give Congress the power to terminate any imposed tariffs through a joint resolution of disapproval.
    The text of the letter calling on Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to immediately repeal Trump’s tariffs can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth on Tariff Pause: Trump Can’t Erase Damage He’s Already Done to Middle-Class Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    April 09, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth issued the following statement after President Donald Trump—a failed and bankrupt businessman—announced he is pausing most of his tariffs, except for tariffs on China, for 90 days:
    “Let’s call this what it is: Donald Trump is caving on his signature tariffs—just hours after they went into effect—after his billionaire tax cheat friends finally broke through to him about the devastating impacts these tariffs were having on our economy, Americans’ retirement savings, grocery bills and more. The same impacts so many of us who actually care about middle-class families warned would happen.
    “Trump might’ve walked this back, but he can’t erase the damage he’s done. Middle-class families and small businesses will continue paying the price for his needless chaos—and there’s no reason to believe things will get better before this ‘90-day pause’ expires.
    “It’s time for Congress to take the steering wheel back from this failed and bankrupt businessman. Instead of cutting our manufacturing assistance programs and pushing our closest trading partners away, which is exactly what Trump did, it’s time to invest in our manufacturing base, work with our allies and stop handing out tax benefits to corporations that ship jobs overseas.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –