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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to European Parliament resolutions expressing concern over China’s escalation of Taiwan Strait tensions and supporting the deepening of Taiwan-EU cooperation

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    April 3, 2025The European Parliament on April 2 voted overwhelmingly to adopt resolutions on annual reports on the implementation of the European Union Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The resolutions once again reiterated concern over China’s escalation of tensions across the Taiwan Strait and expressed support for further deepening comprehensive Taiwan-EU cooperation and exchanges. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely welcomes and appreciates these resolutions.The CFSP resolution pointed out that the center of gravity in the global order was shifting towards the Indo-Pacific and that the European Union must strengthen its active role and presence in the region to safeguard peace, freedom, and stability and uphold the rules-based international order. It stated that Taiwan was a key democratic partner for the European Union in the Indo-Pacific region and urged the European Union and its member states to engage in closer cooperation with Taiwan in order to further boost economic, trade, and investment ties. The resolution also encouraged the European Commission to launch, without delay, preparatory measures for negotiations on an investment agreement with Taiwan.Furthermore, the European Parliament strongly condemned China’s continued military provocations against Taiwan and China’s continuous distortion of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 aimed at blocking Taiwan’s meaningful international participation. It stressed that China’s territorial claims over Taiwan had no basis in international law and that only Taiwan’s democratically elected government could represent the Taiwanese people. The European Parliament called on the European Union and its member states to ensure, through clear and consistent signaling, that any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, particularly by means of force or coercion, could not be accepted and would have high costs. It also urged the European Commission and EU member states to formulate a coordinated response strategy to the situation across the Taiwan Strait and to regularly provide impact assessments to the European Parliament concerning the latest developments. Meanwhile, the CSDP resolution strongly condemned hostile acts conducted by China against Taiwan, including an increasing number of cyberattacks, influence campaigns, the entry of Chinese warplanes into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, and the severing of subsea cables. It reaffirmed the European Union’s strong commitment to preserving the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, lauded the restraint and disciplined reaction of the Taiwan government, and called on China to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that may further escalate cross-strait tensions. The resolution also underlined the strategic significance of the Indo-Pacific region within the European Union’s defense framework and urged awareness of Taiwan’s leading role in high-tech development and extensive experience defending itself against China’s hybrid attacks and disinformation. It called for regular exchanges between the European Union and Taiwan on relevant security issues, as well as for Taiwan and the European Union to share information about incidents related to the severing of undersea cables. It added that Taiwan should be a key part of the European Union’s considerations in advancing multilateral cooperation and capacity building in the Indo-Pacific. In a gesture of great significance, the European Parliament on October 24 last year overwhelmingly voted in favor of a resolution on the misinterpretation of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan. This demonstrated strong consensus and firm support for Taiwan across the various parties of the 10th-term European Parliament. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere and deep gratitude to the European Parliament for its continued concrete actions in deepening the Taiwan-EU partnership and emphasizing its firm stance on upholding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. On the excellent foundation of close cooperation that currently exists, Taiwan will continue to advance exchanges with the European Parliament in all areas so as to jointly strengthen democratic resilience and build robust and reciprocal values-based alliances.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to social media posts by Global Affairs Canada expressing concern over China’s military exercises around Taiwan

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to social media posts by Global Affairs Canada expressing concern over China’s military exercises around Taiwan

    Date：2025-04-03
    Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

    April 3, 2025Global Affairs Canada issued statements on the social media platforms X and Facebook on April 2 expressing Canada’s deep concern over China’s recent military exercises around Taiwan. The statements emphasized that these threatening actions increased regional tensions and instability and affected global security and prosperity. Canada urged China to resolve cross-strait differences by peaceful means.Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung thanks Canada for reaffirming its support of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and for opposing the use of force or coercion to change the status quo, as well as for explicitly stating that China’s threats to Taiwan and regional security undermine the status quo.Since Canada issued its Indo-Pacific Strategy in November 2022, it has dispatched naval ships to transit the Taiwan Strait six times, repeatedly demonstrating its staunch determination to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait through concrete action. In the face of relentless harassment by China, the Taiwan government will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities and bolster cooperation with allied nations to jointly safeguard the rules-based international order. Taiwan calls on all countries to express concern about China’s attempts at gray-zone coercion, including military threats and lawfare targeting Taiwan, and to condemn unilateral actions by China that escalate regional tensions.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to statements by Australia, New Zealand foreign ministries concerning China’s military exercises around Taiwan

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to statements by Australia, New Zealand foreign ministries concerning China’s military exercises around Taiwan

    Date：2025-04-03
    Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    April 3, 2025The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade released a statement on April 3 indicating its deep concern over China’s military exercises around Taiwan. On the same day, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade also expressed its concern on X. In its statement, Australia said that it strongly opposed actions that increased the risk of miscalculation and escalation. It reaffirmed that such military exercises were disproportionate and destabilizing, adding that it had raised its concerns with China. Meanwhile, New Zealand called on China to exercise restraint and avoid actions that undermine peace and stability. Both countries expressed their opposition to attempts to unilaterally change the status quo and called for the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to resolve their differences through dialogue, not through the threat or use of force or coercion.Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes these statements and thanks Australia, New Zealand, and all peace-loving countries for continuing to pay close attention to the security situation across the Taiwan Strait. He reiterates that cross-strait peace and stability are in line with the world’s interests and are of extraordinary importance to the international community.MOFA stresses that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, will continue to work with like-minded countries to jointly uphold the rules-based international order and safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific region.
     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to social media post by German Foreign Office expressing concern over China’s military exercises around Taiwan

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to social media post by German Foreign Office expressing concern over China’s military exercises around Taiwan

    Date：2025-04-04
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    April 4, 2025

    On April 2, the Federal Foreign Office of Germany posted a message on the social media platform X pointing out that China’s military exercises around Taiwan had increased tensions and were a cause of concern. It stated that stability in the Taiwan Strait was paramount for regional and global security and also affected prosperity in Europe. The Foreign Office underlined that the status quo could only be changed through peaceful means and by mutual agreement, and not by force or coercion.

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely thanks the government of Germany for its continued attention to cross-strait peace and stability and for this further expression of concern over China’s military drills. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscores that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, will continue to work with like-minded partners to jointly defend the rules-based international order. It joins other nations in calling on China to exercise self-restraint, stop threatening Taiwan, and cease its unilateral attempts to escalate regional tensions. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to statements by Swedish Defence Minister Jonson opposing China’s threats and supporting deepening relations with Taiwan

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to statements by Swedish Defence Minister Jonson opposing China’s threats and supporting deepening relations with Taiwan

    Date：2025-04-04
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    April 4, 2025

    Swedish Minister for Defence Pål Jonson stated in response to a question from Member of the Riksdag Björn Söder on April 2 that the security of Europe and Asia was closely linked, that Sweden and the European Union were paying close attention to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, that China’s actions towards Taiwan were worrying, and that military threats were unacceptable. Sweden reiterated that differences across the Taiwan Strait must be resolved peacefully and that the will of the Taiwanese people must be respected.

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely thanks the Swedish government for monitoring cross-strait peace and stability and expresses Taiwan’s hope of continuing to deepen relations with Sweden through long-term and comprehensive cooperation. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will work with like-minded partners to urge China to stop threatening Taiwan and unilaterally escalating the situation in the region.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to US, Japan, ROK joint statement reaffirming importance of cross-strait peace and stability

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to US, Japan, ROK joint statement reaffirming importance of cross-strait peace and stability

    Date：2025-04-04
    Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

    April 4, 2025

    On April 3, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, and Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul met in Brussels. The joint statement issued after their meeting emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community. They expressed concern about provocative actions, particularly the recent military drills around Taiwan, and called for an end to further destabilizing actions. The three countries encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues and opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion. They also voiced support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations.

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung thanks the US, Japanese, and ROK foreign ministers for again affirming their support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and expressing concern over China’s provocative actions and military exercises. The latest pronouncement echoes the statement following their meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in February. It is a further demonstration that maintaining cross-strait peace and stability has become a matter of international consensus and common interest. Countries around the world clearly recognize that it is China that is a destabilizing force in global society and is attempting to change the status quo. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work with the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and other democratic partners to jointly ensure regional and cross-strait peace, stability, and prosperity.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to IPAC statement strongly condemning China’s military exercises around Taiwan

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to IPAC statement strongly condemning China’s military exercises around Taiwan

    Date：2025-04-05
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    April 5, 2025

    The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) issued a statement on April 4 strongly condemning Beijing’s recent military exercises around Taiwan. It pointed out that the actions of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command were escalatory, provocative, and without justification. It also stated that Beijing’s calculated escalations around Taiwan had gone on for far too long and that the international community could not stand idly by as the cross-strait status quo was eroded, harming the people of Taiwan and global stability. It added that Taiwan’s security was inextricably linked to the security of the global economy. IPAC called on governments worldwide to condemn the PLA’s military activities and violent rhetoric and reiterated its appeal to the international community to develop a coordinated response plan to prevent the situation from further deteriorating.

    The IPAC statement has already been signed by 43 members of parliament as well as prominent political figures from 25 countries and the European Parliament, underscoring a high degree of international consensus on the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes the statement, thanks like-minded friends for supporting Taiwan through concrete action, and urges democratic countries to unite in the face of China’s military threats. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are indispensable to global security and prosperity and that Taiwan will continue to work hand in hand with the international community to safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to G7 foreign ministers’ statement on China’s large-scale military drills

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to G7 foreign ministers’ statement on China’s large-scale military drills

    Date：2025-04-07
    Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

     April 7, 2025 

    On April 6, the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers and the European Union high representative for foreign affairs and security policy issued a joint statement expressing deep concern about China’s provocative actions, particularly the recent large-scale military drills around Taiwan. They stressed that these increasingly frequent and destabilizing activities were raising cross-strait tensions and putting global security and prosperity at risk. They pointed out that G7 members and the larger international community had an interest in the preservation of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The G7 members said they opposed any unilateral actions that threatened peace and stability, including the use of force or coercion. They also continued to encourage the peaceful resolution of issues through constructive cross-strait dialogue.
     
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely thanks the G7 foreign ministers for again taking concrete action to voice concern over China’s recent provocative large-scale military exercises. The latest pronouncement follows a joint statement supporting cross-strait peace and stability after the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Quebec this March. These actions underscore the international consensus on maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and the fact that cross-strait peace and stability are indispensable to global security and prosperity. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work with democratic partners to jointly safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and across the Taiwan Strait. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to second EU-Japan Strategic Dialogue reaffirming importance of cross-strait peace and stability

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to second EU-Japan Strategic Dialogue reaffirming importance of cross-strait peace and stability

    Date：2025-04-07
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    April 7, 2025  

    European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya held the second EU-Japan Strategic Dialogue on April 4 in Brussels. In a statement issued after the meeting, they reaffirmed that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait were of strategic importance for regional and global security and prosperity. They expressed opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. In addition, they highlighted the interconnected security environments of Europe and the Indo-Pacific and agreed on the need to maintain close coordination and cooperation on key global and regional foreign policy priorities under the Group of Seven (G7) framework.
     
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely welcomes and appreciates the continued concern shown by like-minded partners such as the EU and G7 over peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that Taiwan will continue to work with democratic partners to uphold the rules-based international order. Taiwan will do its utmost to maintain cross-strait peace and stability and safeguard regional prosperity and development.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Top 25 global insurers market value up 17% YoY in Q1 2025, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Top 25 global insurers market value up 17% YoY in Q1 2025, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    • PICC Property and Casualty and Assicurazioni Generali shares surge 40%
    • Elevance Health and Cigna Group lose over 15%
    • Berkshire Hathaway retains top spot

    The aggregate market capitalization (MCap) of the top 25 global insurers grew 17% to $3.5 trillion year-on-year (YoY) during the first quarter (Q1) ended on 31 March 2025. Most of the stocks recorded a sharp growth in Q1, benefiting from the higher premium pricing amid inflationary trends, improved investment income driven by elevated interest rates, and favorable underwriting performance due to fewer large-scale catastrophic events in the period, according to GlobalData, a leading data analytics and research company.

    Murthy Grandhi, Company Profiles Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The global insurance industry showed signs of recovery in early 2024, with property and casualty insurers implementing premium increases to counter inflation and rising natural disaster claims, while life insurers continued adapting to shifting interest rate environments. The sector accelerated digital transformation efforts through AI and automation investments, expanded parametric insurance offerings for climate risks, and focused on customer experience improvements.”

    PICC Property and Casualty

    PICC P&C, the largest non-life insurance company in mainland China, shares registered a remarkable 40.5% growth in market value during the period, driven by strong FY2024 results on the back of strategic optimization of its motor vehicle insurance business structure with 38.8% market share in household motor vehicle insurance, coupled with accelerated growth in non-motor vehicle insurance segments and enhanced operational efficiency through technology-enabled expense management.

    Assicurazioni Generali

    Generali’s excellent 2024 results exceeded financial targets and completed the “Lifetime Partner 24” strategic plan through consistent organic growth and successful business integrations, positioning the company to pursue its new “Lifetime Partner 27” plan focusing on earnings growth, cash generation, and increased shareholder returns while leveraging AI capabilities to address evolving customer needs. Consequently, the company’s market valuation also rose by 39.5%, reaching $55.1 billion by the end of Q1 2025.

    Grandhi continues: “Berkshire Hathaway witnessed a 25.7% increase in market value attributed to its strong investment portfolio performance, particularly in energy and infrastructure assets, and resilient insurance underwriting results across GEICO and Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group. Furthermore, strategic investment decisions by Warren Buffett, and investor confidence in the company’s substantial cash reserves perpetuated the stock’s upward trajectory, affirming Berkshire Hathaway’s status as a coveted asset.”

    Elevance Health and The Cigna Group saw sharp YoY declines of -18.6% and -17.0%, respectively. This downturn was largely influenced by declining enrolment in individual and group health plans, elevated medical loss ratios, and ongoing antitrust scrutiny affecting sentiment. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) also fell 15.4% due to underwhelming policy growth, weak equity market returns in India and limited foreign institutional investment.

    Grandhi concludes: “Looking ahead to Q2 2025, the global insurance industry faces a nuanced outlook. The US Federal Reserve has signalled a potential pause in interest rate hikes, which could stabilize fixed-income yields and benefit life insurers’ investment portfolios. However, geopolitical developments—such as recent tariff escalations between the US and China—may pressure global trade insurance demand and raise claims risk, particularly in marine and credit insurance lines.

    “Moreover, inflationary pressures in Europe and selective tightening in Asian economies could compress margins, though they also prompt upward repricing, supporting premium growth. On the positive side, increased awareness of climate and cyber risks are expected to drive further growth in specialty insurance lines.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI China: China revises regulations to facilitate marriage registration

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

    BEIJING, April 9 — China on Wednesday unveiled the newly revised marriage registration regulations, which will take effect on May 10.

    Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree to promulgate the revised regulations, which consist of six chapters and 28 articles and include major revisions to improve marriage services and ease registration.

    One main revision is that couples will no longer need to register marriages in the location of their hukou, which is permanent household registration.

    The Ministry of Civil Affairs will be in charge of running a national marriage information database and will establish an information sharing system with other departments to ensure marriage information accurate, timely-updated, and secure.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Philippines’ relying on foreign support to make trouble in South China Sea will backfire: Defense Spokesperson 2025-04-09 “On the pretext of honoring bilateral treaties, the US is meddling in the South China Sea issue, undermining China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and attempting to threat and coerce China. This approach will simply not work,” said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense 2

      BEIJING, April 9 — “On the pretext of honoring bilateral treaties, the US is meddling in the South China Sea issue, undermining China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and attempting to threat and coerce China. This approach will simply not work,” said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense (MND), at a press briefing on Wednesday.

      It is reported that the US Secretary of Defense reiterated US commitment to the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty to counter “China threat” on his visit to the Philippines. During his visit, the Philippines, the US and Japan conducted a joint patrol in the South China Sea. Recently, the US approved selling F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines.

      When being asked to share comment, the Chinese defense spokesperson pointed out that the Philippine side has repeatedly made infringements and provocations against China. Outside countries led by the US have made continued efforts to destabilize the South China Sea through playing up tensions and providing weapons.

      “It fully exposed their true intention of making troubles in the region. To the Philippine side, relying on foreign support to ‘make waves at sea’ will backfire and being a pawn will only be used and discarded,” added the spokesperson.

      In the end, the spokesperson urged the Philippine side to give up unrealistic illusions and come back to the right track of dialogue and negotiation at an early date.

    loading…

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Release and Special Screening of Two Significant Documentaries on Indian Buddhist Heritage at National Museum

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 09 APR 2025 10:37AM by PIB Delhi

    The National Museum, New Delhi, in collaboration with the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara (NNM), Nalanda, and the Light of the Buddhadharma Foundation International, India (LBDFI), hosted the release and screening of two important documentary films at the National Museum Auditorium, New Delhi, on April 8th or 9th, 2025.

    In the opening address, Professor Siddharth Singh, Vice Chancellor of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, mentioned that their university is working to raise awareness about the footsteps of the Buddha. These documentary films are part of this initiative. He added that the current ‘in the footsteps of the Buddha’ pilgrimage is limited to a few popular sites, whereas there exists an extensive Buddhacarika (footsteps of the Buddha) that the world is unaware of. Their effort is to increase the scope and span of the Buddhist Pilgrimage.

    During the event, Prof. Buddha Rashmi Mani, Director General of the National Museum, delivered the Presidential address. In his speech, Prof. Mani highlighted the significance of preserving and promoting India’s Buddhist heritage. He emphasized the important role these documentaries play in showcasing the rich history of Buddhism and its cultural legacy. Prof. Mani further remarked on the importance of such initiatives for both academic and public awareness.

    Ms. Wangmo Dixey, the Executive Director of LBDFI, also spoke at the event, offering her insights on the occasion. She emphasized the significance of the event, highlighting how it represents a crucial step in the nation’s collective effort to preserve and promote the teachings of Buddhism, ensuring that the legacy of this ancient tradition continues to inspire generations to come.

    About the Films

    Nalanda: A Journey through Time

    The documentary Nalanda: A Journey through Time is a groundbreaking film that showcases the unparalleled contributions of Sri Nalanda Mahavihara (Ancient Nalanda University) to the development of Buddhist literature, philosophy, art, and architecture. From the Sth to the 13th centuries, Nalanda played a pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism across Asia. It was a hub fora global exchange of ideas, influencing Buddhist thought, art, and iconography across countries such as China, Korea, Japan, and Tibet.

    The film aims to document the critical role Nalanda played in shaping Buddhist traditions and philosophies. It features insightful interviews with Dr. BR Mani, Director General of the National Museum and a renowned Indian archaeologist, along with other subject matter experts, including the former Vice Chancellor of NNM and Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul, Director of Tibet House, New Delhi. This film was previously showcased at the first edition of The Bodhipath Film Festival, held on March 11, 2025, at the India International Centre in New Delhi.

    Gurpã: The Last Footsteps of Mahakasyapa

    Gurpã: the Last Footsteps of Mahakasyapa traces the pilgrimage of 25 international monks from Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and India as they retrace the final journey of Mahakasyapa from Veluvana (Rajgir) to Gurpã Mountain. The film combines documentary storytelling with cinematic techniques to present the sacred walk of the Venerable Mahasangha of the ITCC and the profound significance of Mahäkasyapa’s last journey.

    The documentary highlights the historical, prophetic, and spiritual aspects of Mahakasyapa’s life, and the sacredness of Gurpā Mountain, one of the most significant locations in Buddhism. The film underscores the connection between the Buddha’s teachings and the Buddhacarika, the geographical entity encompassing the areas of the Buddha’s sublime wanderings and those of his principal disciples.

    Director, Shri Surinder M. Talwar is an acclaimed Indian filmmaker with over 40 years of experience in the audio-visual industry. He has directed a wide range of films, including research-based documentaries, short features, docu-dramas, corporate films, and award-winning music videos. His films have been showcased at various forums, including the United Nations. In recent years, Talwar has focused solely on projects related to Buddhismand Indian Buddhist heritage. His film Buddhism: A Spiritual Journey has won numerous awards both in India and internationally.

    This project, conceived by the Light of the Buddha Dhamma Foundation International – India (LBDFI) and the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara (NNM), seeks to revive the 70 km trail that Mahakãsyapa took over 26 centuries ago to reach his final resting place at Gurpã Mountain. The film aims to raise awareness of Mahakasyapa’s contributions to Buddhism and promote the revival of the ancient Cetiya Carikã tradition. This significant documentary will also be showcased at the upcoming United Nations Vesak Celebration 2025.

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2120275) Visitor Counter : 84

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Radware Schedules Conference Call for Its First Quarter 2025 Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TEL AVIV, Israel, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR), a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments, will announce its first quarter results on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

    Conference Call Details
    Radware management will host a call on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. EDT to discuss its first quarter 2025 results and outlook for the second quarter of 2025. Participants are advised to join the call approximately 15 minutes before the start time.

    US: 1-877-704-4453 (toll free)
    International: 1-201-389-0920

    In addition, the call will be webcast live on the Company’s website at http://www.radware.com/ir/investor-events/.

    A replay of the call will be available for seven days, starting two hours after the end of the call, on telephone number 1-844-512-2921 (toll free) or 1-412-317-6671. Access ID: 13752770.

    About Radware
    Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR) is a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments. The company’s cloud application, infrastructure, and API security solutions use AI-driven algorithms for precise, hands-free, real-time protection from the most sophisticated web, application, and DDoS attacks, API abuse, and bad bots. Enterprises and carriers worldwide rely on Radware’s solutions to address evolving cybersecurity challenges and protect their brands and business operations while reducing costs. For more information, please visit the Radware website.

    Radware encourages you to join our community and follow us on: Facebook, LinkedIn, Radware Blog, X, and YouTube.

    ©2025 Radware Ltd. All rights reserved. Any Radware products and solutions mentioned in this press release are protected by trademarks, patents, and pending patent applications of Radware in the U.S. and other countries. For more details, please see: https://www.radware.com/LegalNotice/. All other trademarks and names are property of their respective owners.

    Radware believes the information in this document is accurate in all material respects as of its publication date. However, the information is provided without any express, statutory, or implied warranties and is subject to change without notice.

    The contents of any website or hyperlinks mentioned in this press release are for informational purposes and the contents thereof are not part of this press release.

    Safe Harbor Statement
    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements made herein that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about Radware’s plans, outlook, beliefs, or opinions, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans,” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may,” and “could.” Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, could differ materially from Radware’s current forecasts and estimates. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: the impact of global economic conditions, including as a result of the state of war declared in Israel in October 2023 and instability in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, tensions between China and Taiwan, financial and credit market fluctuations (including elevated interest rates), impacts from tariffs or other trade restrictions, inflation, and the potential for regional or global recessions; our dependence on independent distributors to sell our products; our ability to manage our anticipated growth effectively; our business may be affected by sanctions, export controls, and similar measures, targeting Russia and other countries and territories, as well as other responses to Russia’s military conflict in Ukraine, including indefinite suspension of operations in Russia and dealings with Russian entities by many multi-national businesses across a variety of industries; the ability of vendors to provide our hardware platforms and components for the manufacture of our products; our ability to attract, train, and retain highly qualified personnel; intense competition in the market for cybersecurity and application delivery solutions and in our industry in general, and changes in the competitive landscape; our ability to develop new solutions and enhance existing solutions; the impact to our reputation and business in the event of real or perceived shortcomings, defects, or vulnerabilities in our solutions, if our end-users experience security breaches, or if our information technology systems and data, or those of our service providers and other contractors, are compromised by cyber-attackers or other malicious actors or by a critical system failure; our use of AI technologies that present regulatory, litigation, and reputational risks; risks related to the fact that our products must interoperate with operating systems, software applications, and hardware that are developed by others; outages, interruptions, or delays in hosting services; the risks associated with our global operations, such as difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations, compliance costs arising from host country laws or regulations, partial or total expropriation, export duties and quotas, local tax exposure, economic or political instability, including as a result of insurrection, war, natural disasters, and major environmental, climate, or public health concerns; our net losses in the past and the possibility that we may incur losses in the future; a slowdown in the growth of the cybersecurity and application delivery solutions market or in the development of the market for our cloud-based solutions; long sales cycles for our solutions; risks and uncertainties relating to acquisitions or other investments; risks associated with doing business in countries with a history of corruption or with foreign governments; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; risks associated with undetected defects or errors in our products; our ability to protect our proprietary technology; intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties; laws, regulations, and industry standards affecting our business; compliance with open source and third-party licenses; complications with the design or implementation of our new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system; our reliance on information technology systems; our ESG disclosures and initiatives; and other factors and risks over which we may have little or no control. This list is intended to identify only certain of the principal factors that could cause actual results to differ. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting Radware, refer to Radware’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the other risk factors discussed from time to time by Radware in reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and, except as required by applicable law, Radware undertakes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statement in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date any such statement is made. Radware’s public filings are available from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or may be obtained on Radware’s website at www.radware.com.

    CONTACTS
    Investor Relations:
    Yisca Erez, +972-72-3917211, ir@radware.com

    Media Contact:
    Gerri Dyrek, gerri.dyrek@radware.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bilibili Publishes 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bilibili Inc. (“Bilibili” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BILI and HKEX: 9626), an iconic brand and a leading video community for young generations in China, today announced that it has published its 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Report, available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.bilibili.com. The initiatives and achievements outlined in the report demonstrate Bilibili’s long-standing dedication to creating social value and sustainable development that benefits its users, content creators, employees, partners and other stakeholders.

    “Bilibili strives for more than just commercial success. We are also deeply committed to creating lasting social value,” said Mr. Rui Chen, chairman and CEO of Bilibili. “We uphold high ESG standards in every aspect of our work, from corporate governance to daily operations. Collaborating closely with our content creators, employees, suppliers and partners, we will continue fostering an engaging ecosystem with quality content, driving industry progress through tech and content innovation, spreading positive energy and making a meaningful social impact.”

    Bilibili’s 2024 ESG report provides the Company’s stakeholders with a transparent view of its operations and governance structure, as well as its initiatives supporting positive social change. The report covers content ecosystem enhancement, tech innovation, community engagement, minors’ protection, cybersecurity and privacy protection, content creator and supplier empowerment, talent development, environmental protection, charitable activities, positivity advocacy, corporate governance and more.

    Bilibili’s 2024 ESG Highlights:

    1. Content Ecosystem & User Community

    Bilibili consistently expands its vibrant content ecosystem and refines its cybersecurity measures, offering users a reliable space to explore the content they love. To keep its ecosystem thriving, the Company continuously enhances its product offerings and explores AI applications to optimize user experience, empower content creators and create community value. In 2024:

    • Daily active users approached 104 million, each averaging 102 minutes of daily time spent on the platform.
    • More than 5.1 billion average daily video views were generated, up 19% year over year, with an average of over 40 million users watching consumption-related content each day.
    • Over 90% of Bilibili businesses had received ISO Information Security Management System Certifications.

    2. Content Creator Empowerment

    Supporting content creators is at the heart of Bilibili’s mission. The Company offers content creators a suite of creative tools, strong operational support and diverse monetization opportunities, empowering them to bring their ideas to life, engage with their fans and turn their passion into sustainable success. In 2024, Bilibili:

    • Was home to approximately 4 million monthly active content creators, and nearly 3.1 million content creators earned income via various commercial channels on Bilibili.
    • Helped content creators increase their income through advertising and value-added services by 21% year over year.
    • Curated “Bilibili 2024 UP100” to celebrate the Top 100 Content Creators, nearly 90% of whom have generated content on Bilibili for over five years.

    3. Talent Nurturing and Governance

    Bilibili deeply appreciates its employees’ dedication and is committed to fostering a workplace where talent thrives by investing in employees’ career growth and development. The Company is also committed to business integrity, continuously refining internal governance and risk control under a solid management framework. In 2024, Bilibili:

    • Covered 100% of full-time employees with its comprehensive employee benefits system.
    • Provided multiple training programs to employees, with an average training duration of 35 hours per person.
    • Had no monopoly, extortion, unfair competition or money laundering incidents occur in the Company.

    4. Industry Cultivation

    Bilibili promotes openness and inclusivity, driving sustainable growth across the supply chain, supporting original content creators and their work, and collaboratively building a dynamic open-source community. In 2024, Bilibili:

    • Cumulatively aired more than 640 Chinese anime titles and distributed 98 overseas, expanding the domestic anime industry’s reach.
    • Produced over 170 documentaries and cumulatively aired more than 5,000 documentaries, providing a stage for knowledge-based content to shine.
    • Engaged in more than 60 technology sharing sessions and collaborated with industry partners to build an open-source ecosystem, driving industry-wide progress.

    5. Social Endeavors and Spreading Positive Energy

    Bilibili actively champions social causes and spreads positive energy through quality content, using its platform to raise awareness and drive meaningful change. Bilibili has:

    • Cumulatively launched 101 projects on the Bilibili Charity Platform, inspiring more than 1.07 million users to donate over RMB27 million by the end of February 2025.
    • Helped build 7 rural primary schools, with 7,195 rural students enrolled as of the end of 2024.
    • Granted a total of RMB1.29 million via the Bilibili Happy Scholarship to special enrichment programs by the end of 2024.
    • Engaged a daily average of over 15 million users with science and technology content, fostering a vibrant learning environment.
    • Delighted the platform’s 220 million users with professional knowledge.

    6. Green Philosophy

    Bilibili cares deeply about climate change and embraces its role in protecting the global environment. The Company integrates “green” principles throughout its operations while leveraging its content library to inspire and educate users on environmental protection. In 2024, Bilibili:

    • Further optimized its average actual PUE across all leased data centers.
    • Raised public awareness on environmental protection-related topics, generating 25.3 billion relevant video views, up 100% year over year.
    • Conducted research on employee commuting and business travel to further advance its Scope 3 carbon emissions assessment, examining and analyzing the Company’s carbon footprint.

    The Company’s 2024 ESG report is available in both Chinese and English. To promote environmental conservation, we encourage you to access the electronic version available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.bilibili.com and the HKEX’s website at http://www.hkexnews.hk.

    About Bilibili Inc.

    Bilibili is an iconic brand and a leading video community with a mission to enrich the everyday lives of young generations in China. Bilibili offers a wide array of video-based content with All the Videos You Like as its value proposition. Bilibili builds its community around aspiring users, high-quality content, talented content creators and the strong emotional bonds among them. Bilibili pioneered the “bullet chatting” feature, a live comment function that has transformed our users’ viewing experience by displaying the thoughts and feelings of audience members viewing the same video. The Company has now become the welcoming home of diverse interests among young generations in China and the frontier for promoting Chinese culture across the world.

    For more information, please visit: http://ir.bilibili.com.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    In China:

    Bilibili Inc.
    Juliet Yang
    Tel: +86-21-2509-9255 Ext. 8523
    Email: ir@bilibili.com 

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Helen Wu
    Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
    Email: bilibili@tpg-ir.com 

    In the United States:

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Brandi Piacente
    Tel: +1-212-481-2050
    Email: bilibili@tpg-ir.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Brazilian president says US trade policy ‘won’t work,’ accuses Trump of trying to dictate global rules

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday criticized the new tariff regime of the United States, saying Washington’s attempt to reshape global trade under U.S. President Donald Trump “won’t work” and violates the principles of multilateralism.

    Speaking at an event in Sao Paulo, Lula condemned what he called Washington’s unilateral approach to international trade.

    “All of a sudden, one man thinks he can dictate the rules for everything that happens in the world,” Lula said. “No one grabs hold of a fully loaded transatlantic ship and tries to steer it like this. It won’t work.”

    Lula added that Trump’s decision to impose “reciprocal tariffs” on other countries and regions ignores the reality of a multipolar world.

    “There are nearly 200 countries,” he said. “All of them want sovereignty and a harmonious process. Today, the most important thing is multilateralism.”

    The Brazilian leader also recalled the free trade rhetoric of the 1980s, when then U.S. President Ronald Reagan and U.K. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher publicly opposed protectionism. Lula contrasted those earlier stances with what he viewed as the current protectionist turn of the United States.

    The United States has been Brazil’s second-largest trading partner since 2009, behind China. In recent weeks, the Trump administration raised import tariffs on Brazilian goods, including a 10 percent tariff on a broad range of products, following earlier hikes on steel and aluminum. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Negative views of U.S., Trump rise among Brazilians, poll shows

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Brazilians’ perception of the United States has deteriorated sharply, and nearly half of the population holds an unfavorable view of U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a new poll released Tuesday.

    The survey by Brazilian research firm Quaest found that 41 percent of Brazilians now have a negative image of the United States, a steep increase from 24 percent in March 2024, when Trump had not yet returned to the presidency. Favorable views of the United States dropped from 58 percent to 44 percent over the same period, creating a near even split in public opinion.

    The data marks a significant shift from previous years, when positive sentiment toward the United States consistently outweighed negative views.

    As for Trump, 43 percent of respondents said they view him negatively, while only 22 percent expressed a favorable opinion. Another 23 percent described their view as neutral, and 12 percent were undecided.

    The poll surveyed 2,004 Brazilians between March 27 and 31, just days before Trump announced a new round of import tariffs targeting nearly all countries and regions across the world, including Brazil.

    The United States had already imposed steep tariffs on Brazilian steel and aluminum exports, prompting backlash from officials in Brasilia.

    When asked how Brazil should respond to Trump’s latest tariff announcement, 53 percent of respondents favored pursuing dialogue. In contrast, 33 percent supported retaliatory trade measures, while 14 percent were unsure or declined to answer. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Argentina’s risk index hits six-month high amid US tariff fallout

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Argentina’s sovereign bonds and equities fell sharply on Tuesday, pushing the country’s risk index above 1,000 basis points for the first time since October, as global markets plunged in reaction to sweeping new U.S. tariffs.

    The JPMorgan risk benchmark, a reflection of how investors view the country’s debt, briefly surged past 1,000 basis points after midday trading before closing at 978 amid anticipation of a new disbursement from the International Monetary Fund.

    Dollar-denominated Argentine bonds dropped as much as 3.7 percent, while the benchmark S&P Merval index fell 1.74 percent, according to data from local exchange operator BYMA.

    Energy and utility stocks were among the hardest hit, with Transportadora de Gas del Norte down 11.9 percent, Metrogas off 11.6 percent, and power grid operator Transener falling 8.3 percent.

    Shares of Argentine companies listed in New York also slid. Steelmaker Ternium dropped 7.1 percent, biotech firm Bioceres fell 6.8 percent, and agribusiness group Cresud lost 5.3 percent.

    The losses followed the Trump administration’s announcement of a 10 percent tariff on all Argentine imports, a move analysts say has amplified investors’ uncertainty.

    “As long as the U.S.-driven trade war continues, Argentina will remain highly exposed to volatility,” Rafael Di Giorno, an analyst at Proficio, told local media outlet Ambito Financiero. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Energy Department Acts to Unleash American Coal by Strengthening Coal Technology and Securing Critical Mineral Supply Chains

    Source: US Department of Energy

    WASHINGTON— Following President Trump’s Executive Order, “Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry”, Energy Secretary Chris Wright today announced a series of actions the Department of Energy (DOE) is taking to unleash American coal production. These actions will help modernize coal technologies, expand domestic critical mineral production and accelerate commercialization of mineral extraction technology, strengthening America’s energy and industrial security.

    “The American people need more energy, and the Department of Energy is helping to meet this demand by unleashing supply of affordable, reliable, secure energy sources– including coal,” Secretary Wright said. “Coal is essential for generating 24/7 electricity generation that powers American homes and businesses, but misguided policies from previous administrations have stifled this critical American industry. With President Trump’s leadership, we are cutting the red tape and bringing back common sense.”

    The announcement includes five key initiatives to strengthen coal innovation and critical mineral independence:

    Reinstatement of the National Coal Council

    DOE is reinstating the National Coal Council as a federal advisory committee that was established in 1984 and lapsed during the Biden administration. The Council is a 50-member body appointed by the Secretary, that provides expert guidance on the future of coal technologies and markets. Members on the newly restated council will represent coal producers, users, equipment suppliers, state and local officials, and other stakeholders across the coal value chain.

    Facilitating New Investment in Coal-Powered Electricity Generation

    DOE’s Loan Program Office’s Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment (EIR) Program is making $200 billion in low-cost, long-term financing available to invest in energy infrastructure, including coal. The EIR program can support a wide range of projects available for coal energy investments, including upgrading energy infrastructure to restart operations or operate more efficiently or at a higher output, replacing retired energy infrastructure with new energy infrastructure and building new facilities that utilize legacy energy infrastructure.

    Designation of Steelmaking Coal as a Critical Material and Mineral

    In coordination with the Department of the Interior, DOE is recommending the designation of coal used in steelmaking as both a critical material and a critical mineral in the upcoming 2025 Critical Materials Assessment. This strategic designation will help ensure the U.S. maintains a stable supply of steelmaking coal in the decades to come and underscores the vital role of steelmaking coal in bolstering national security and economic stability.

    Deployment of Mineral Extraction Technology from Coal Ash

    DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) has patented new technology to extract critical minerals from coal ash. This development supports ongoing work to convert coal byproducts into high-value materials needed for use in energy, defense, and manufacturing.

    Commercialization of Coal Ash Conversion Technologies

    The Department of Energy is supporting commercialization efforts through partnerships with DOE’s National Laboratories and emerging companies. These projects are advancing the recovery of critical minerals from coal ash and building a domestic supply chain for critical materials currently dominated by foreign adversaries and will reduce U.S. reliance on China for key materials.

    The Energy Department is committed to restoring American energy dominance and strengthening America’s industrial base. Secretary Wright will continue to work with all members of the National Energy Dominance Council to eliminate unnecessary regulatory burdens on coal and unleash American energy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Over 9,000 children to benefit from Red Cross heart screening program in Xinjiang

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The Chinese Red Cross Foundation (CRCF) is set to complete its 2025 “Angels Tour,” a large-scale congenital heart disease screening campaign in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China, by May, with more than 9,000 children expected to be examined, the organization said Wednesday.
    Scheduled from March through May, the initiative has seen several volunteer medical teams tour various parts of Xinjiang, conducting free screenings for children with suspected congenital heart conditions.
    In the latest leg of the project, the foundation is working in regions including Altay and Tacheng, in collaboration with a volunteer medical team from a hospital in Shandong Province, east China.
    The team will carry out screenings at eight locations and conduct follow-up checkups for children who received surgery in previous years. This round of screening is expected to continue through mid-April.
    According to Yang Zhuozi, director of the CRCF’s medical assistance department, the Angels Tour has occurred annually in Xinjiang since 2017, with support from the central authority’s special lottery public welfare fund and charitable donations from the public.
    To date, the program has screened more than 21,000 children across the region and provided free corrective surgeries for over 2,300 children diagnosed with operable heart defects. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Speedy investigation urged after nursing home fire

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The Work Safety Commission under China’s State Council on Wednesday called for an urgent investigation into a fire that has left 20 people dead in Longhua County of the city of Chengde in north China’s Hebei province.
    In a statement, the commission called on local authorities to determine the causes of the incident as soon as possible, and seriously propose handling as well as rectification measures concerning the incident, based on the findings.
    The incident’s investigation report will be publicized after it is reviewed and adopted by the commission, it added.
    A total of 39 elderly residents were living in the building when the blaze broke out at around 9 p.m. on Tuesday.
    The fire was extinguished by about 11 p.m. Twenty people were confirmed dead as of 3 a.m. on Wednesday, while 19 others were sent to hospital for examinations.
    The person in charge of the nursing home has been detained by police.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Mexican president rejects US drone strikes on drug cartels

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday rejected U.S. “intervention” in Mexican territory, including deploying attack drones along the U.S.-Mexico border against drug cartels.

    During her daily press conference, Sheinbaum reiterated her long-standing opposition to such measures, emphasizing coordination and cooperation without subordination.

    “That wouldn’t solve anything. The solution is to be permanently addressing the causes and making arrests, which have to do with intelligence and investigation, coordination, and zero impunity,” she said, adding that Mexico does not accept such measures.

    U.S. media reported that the White House is still weighing its options and has not yet finalized a plan for its fight against drugs.

    In January, U.S. President Donald Trump declared a national emergency along the U.S. southern border, and in February, the U.S. government designated Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations.

    The Mexican president has repeatedly made it clear that U.S. authorities have no jurisdiction over Mexican territory. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: S. Korea’s liberal opposition leader Lee resigns as party leader for expected presidential run

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Lee Jae-myung, chief of South Korea’s main liberal opposition Democratic Party, resigned as party leader on Wednesday amid wide expectations for his presidential run.

    Lee said at the party’s supreme council meeting that he was grateful to party members, officials and lawmakers for achievements during his three-year party chairmanship.

    The most-favored presidential hopeful noted that he would start something new soon, indicating his declaration to run for president in the near future.

    He stressed that the difficulties people were currently experiencing would be overcome quickly by the help of “great DNA,” with which people overcame the past hardships, pledging that he would be with people in the process.

    A snap presidential election was set for June 3 following the constitutional court’s removal of former President Yoon Suk-yeol from office on April 4 over his short-lived martial law imposition last December.

    Lee, who lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon by the narrowest margin, had been broadly viewed as the most powerful contender for the snap election.

    According to a survey by local pollster Flower, 49.6 percent said they will vote for the Democratic Party’s candidate in the next presidential election, while 29.5 percent were in favor of the ruling People Power Party’s candidate.

    Lee was the most favored as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate with a support rate of 85.5 percent.

    The result was based on a poll of 3,004 voters conducted from March 17 to 20. It had plus and minus 1.8 percentage points in margin of error with a 95-percent confidence level.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Washington is waging a trade war against itself

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Washington has once again reverted to its coercive playbook of issuing ultimatums, escalating trade tensions on Monday by demanding that China abandon its legitimate countermeasures or face a new round of tariff hikes.

    The timing of this latest threat — just days ahead of a new wave of country-specific “reciprocal” tariffs on dozens of its trading partners on Wednesday — reeks of desperation.

    If Washington believes that ramping up pressure can compel Beijing to give in, it is engaging in wishful thinking. China has been firm in its stance, refusing to bow down to Washington’s ultimatum, vowing to respond in kind, and fighting to the end.

    As the U.S. administration under Donald Trump is scrambling to remodel global free trade into a zero-sum game, it would do well to recall a consistent truth: trade wars produce no winners. The United States is far from immune to the economic wounds of the trade war it has ignited. American markets are already feeling the strain, businesses face growing uncertainties, and the risk of recession is ballooning.

    During Trump’s first term, his trade war inflicted significant damage on the U.S. economy — leading to higher consumer prices, financial strains on American farmers, and manufacturing slowdowns as companies struggled with the rising costs of imported materials.

    “The trade war has not to date provided economic help to the U.S. heartland: import tariffs on foreign goods neither raised nor lowered U.S. employment in newly-protected sectors; retaliatory tariffs had clear negative employment impacts, primarily in agriculture,” said a recent research from the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research.

    Given the broader scale of Washington’s latest trade war, the consequences are likely to be much worse. Tariffs will not protect U.S. industries; instead, they will inflate costs for manufacturers, disrupt global supply chains and burden consumers already grappling with inflation.

    Washington’s decision to escalate tariffs on China and other trading partners is a grave mistake that needs to be corrected.

    In an interconnected global economy, resorting to protectionism is not a sign of strength — but shortsightedness and arrogance. If Washington is truly committed to building a better future, it must move away from the illusion of unilateral control and return to the principles of respect, equality and cooperation. Anything less risks accelerating the United States’ economic decline. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Why are the US and Iran talking in Oman and what’s at stake?

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The long-standing tensions between the United States and Iran are once again in the spotlight, as both sides prepare for indirect high-level talks scheduled for Saturday in Oman’s capital of Muscat.

    While U.S. President Donald Trump describes the engagement as a “direct” dialogue, Iran insists it will be an “indirect” negotiation, mediated through third parties. Here’s what we know and what remains uncertain.

    What happened?

    On Monday, Trump announced that the United States and Iran are engaged in “direct” negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. On Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed that indirect high-level talks would be held in Oman. According to Iranian media, Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff will lead their respective delegations.

    This follows Trump’s public call last month for direct nuclear talks, paired with a warning that military options remain on the table should diplomacy fail, a statement that heightened tensions in the region. In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on March 30 that Tehran had rejected direct talks, via a message conveyed through Oman, but remained open to indirect negotiations, dependent on Washington’s behavior.

    Why Oman? 

    Oman maintains longstanding friendly relations with both Washington and Tehran, and has repeatedly played the role of a neutral broker in times of crisis.

    In early 2020, after the U.S. assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, the two countries were on the brink of open conflict. At that moment, Oman stepped in quietly to de-escalate tensions by facilitating secret communication between the sides.

    Beyond Iran-U.S. relations, Oman has mediated multiple regional conflicts. It has hosted Houthi delegations in efforts to resolve the war in Yemen and helped broker a de facto ceasefire since 2022. In April 2023, Omani and Saudi delegations visited Sanaa for talks with Houthi leaders. Oman has also served as a bridge in the Syrian crisis, the Gulf diplomatic rift, and normalization efforts between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

    What are the prospects? 

    The negotiations, though a positive step, face daunting challenges.

    First, the regional environment is increasingly volatile. Conflicts in Gaza, unrest in Lebanon and disrupted shipping in the Red Sea all contribute to an unpredictable security landscape. Any flashpoint could derail diplomatic efforts or lead to unintended escalations.

    Second, Iran remains skeptical of U.S. intentions. The Trump administration’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and the imposition of sweeping sanctions have eroded trust. Even as Washington seeks renewed engagement, Tehran is wary of committing to a process it fears may be reversed again.

    Lastly, the two sides disagree on the format even before talks begin. Trump is pushing for direct dialogue, while Iran insists on mediation through intermediaries, an indication of how deep the mistrust has gone.

    What’s next? 

    All eyes now turn to Muscat, where the upcoming discussions could either help reduce tensions or merely expose the limits of current diplomacy.

    While Iran has kept the door open, it demands clarity and commitment. For now, the process remains fragile, with the outcome hinging on how both sides manage their mutual differences, but also on how they adapt to the turbulent currents of Middle Eastern geopolitics. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US tariffs to rattle global trade, backfire on US: Egyptian expert

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Sweeping U.S. tariffs could destabilize global trade and ultimately backfire on the United States itself, an Egyptian analyst told Xinhua in a recent interview.

    Mokhtar Ghobashy, secretary general of the Al-Farabi Center for Political Studies in Egypt, said that U.S. President Donald Trump “dropped an economic bomb on the global trade system,” and that while the repercussions will be felt worldwide, the United States may be among the hardest hit.

    Trump’s tariff package includes a 10 percent baseline tariff on goods from all countries and “reciprocal tariffs” targeting economies with allegedly “high trade barriers” to U.S. exports. Some Middle Eastern countries, including Syria, Iraq and Jordan, are facing levies as high as 41 percent, 39 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

    “In the Arab world, Iraq maintains an annual trade surplus of nearly 6 billion U.S. dollars with the United States, while Jordan recorded in 2024 a trade surplus of about 1 billion dollars with the country,” he said, explaining why some of the regional countries were dealt with a heavier blow.

    Trump’s thinking behind his tariff measures, he said, is clearly dominated by an “America First” mentality, promoting unilateralism and reshaping international power dynamics in favor of Washington.

    The United States is going through one of its most dangerous phases — “imperial overstretch,” meaning it has hit its peak and is now facing a decline. But still, Trump believes the tariffs could help preserve U.S. status as the world’s sole superpower and prevent a rapid decline, he noted.

    “Many economists have criticized these U.S. actions, warning that they could lead to a major global recession,” Ghobashy said.

    The ongoing tariff tensions could shift global trade dynamics in ways that would undermine U.S. interests, he warned.

    “In this context, it has been suggested that the EU and China might strengthen their trade relations,” he said, adding that some nations may even begin to distance themselves from Washington and pursue new alliances and trade paths that exclude the United States.

    The United States has started a trade war “believing it will ultimately serve its interests,” but will only find it straining trade relations with numerous countries, said Ghobashy. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The ‘morning shed’: a brief history of the sometimes dangerous lengths women have gone to look beautiful

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Louise N Hanson, PhD in Social and Developmental psychology, Durham University

    An advert for the tape worm pills.

    In TikTok’s latest viral beauty trend “the morning shed,” beauty influencers “shed” hair and skin products that have been worn overnight. These include hair styling items, skin masks and creams, and physical products such as chin straps and mouth tape, which are intended to help with breathing through the night and keep away the drooping of the jaw that happens with age.

    While this trend has come under fire for alleged unsustainability and over-consumerism, it is only the latest beauty fad in a long line of time and money consuming “hacks” that women have been undertaking for centuries. From tapeworms to tuberculosis, women have taken part in a laundry list of beauty hacks in order to meet appearance ideals, many of which have been dangerous, painful and even deadly.

    As far back as the ancient Egyptians, women ground up toxic substances to make eyeliner and eye shadow. These were dangerous when inhaled as a powder (such as during the grinding process) and could cause irritation of the skin when applied. And yet somehow, heavy metal poisoning is among the least dangerous of these historic beauty trends.

    Ready to make a change? The Quarter Life Glow-up is a new, six-week newsletter course from The Conversation’s UK and Canada editions. Every week, we’ll bring you research-backed advice and tools to help improve your relationships, your career, your free time and your mental health – no supplements or skincare required. Sign up here to start your glow-up at any time.

    In China, foot binding is an example of a painful and life altering treatment first recorded around the 10th century. The feet were usually bound before the arch of the foot had developed (aged four to nine).

    The process involved forcefully curling the toes towards the sole of the foot until the arch broke then the foot would be tightly bandaged to keep it in this position. Small feel were coveted at the time. Thankfully, this practice was banned in the early 1900s after almost 200 years of opposition from both Chinese and western sources.

    A Chinese woman with bound feet.
    Wikimedia, CC BY-SA

    In Europe, the Renaissance period saw a new wave of beauty hacks, from arsenic baths (which bleach the skin to a near translucent white) to Belladonna drops (literal poison) used on the eyes to induce an aroused or watery-eyed look. Many women who used these tactics ended up poisoned or blind.

    During the reign of Elizabeth I, the “English rose” look was all the rage. Women would blood let for a perfectly pale pallor, or paint their faces with “Venetian ceruse” or “Venetian white” – otherwise known as lead paint. The use of Venetian ceruse is one of the suspected causes of death of Elizabeth I.

    In the Victorian era and early 1900s, women often engaged in dangerous practices to achieve the coveted pale skin, red lip and small waist that was the height of fashion. This aesthetic could be achieved by contracting tuberculosis (a lung infection that was often fatal), taking tapeworm pills, consuming mercury to look forever young, or chewing arsenic wafers to make skin pale.

    My own research has shown that sociocultural pressures to look a certain way are experienced differently across the world. I found that white western women experience some of the highest appearance pressures, followed by east Asian women. Although these decline a little with age for white western women, they persist in Asian women and never reach the lower levels seen elsewhere. I found the lowest levels of sociocultural pressure and the highest levels of body appreciation in Nigeria.

    As the “morning shed” proves, women still go to great lengths to meet culturally shaped standards, particularly under conditions of higher economic inequality – something that is getting worse in many countries. For example, in the United States, cities which have higher economic inequality see higher spend on beauty products and services, such as beauty salons or women’s clothing.

    With the advent of social media, especially short-form content like TikTok, Reels and YouTube Shorts, the speed at which beauty trends rise and fall has been expedited and globalised. These trends range from the painful lip suction women undertook to get big lips like the celebrity Kylie Jenner, to the normalisation of botox and fillers, to laser hair removal of every unwanted follicle.

    The “morning shed” is just the latest evolution in skin care trends, which started as health-focused, with an emphasis on sun protection and moisturisation. It has since morphed into a study in over-consumption and over-commitment of time and money in the pursuit of staying ever youthful.

    Louise N Hanson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The ‘morning shed’: a brief history of the sometimes dangerous lengths women have gone to look beautiful – https://theconversation.com/the-morning-shed-a-brief-history-of-the-sometimes-dangerous-lengths-women-have-gone-to-look-beautiful-253921

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: Global markets crash on tariff fears

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York, the United States, April 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Major stock indexes across the globe plunged sharply on Monday, as investors dumped riskier assets amid mounting fears over U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

    Panic sentiments took hold of the market once trading opened in the morning. The day of April 7, with similarities to the 1987 stock market crash, is being seen as another “Black Monday” by analysts and the media.

    Washington’s controversial new set of tariffs has stirred tensions since its announcement on Wednesday, hitting global markets hard, sparking backlash from other countries and drawing widespread criticism from economists and investors.

    Global turbulence 

    Major markets across the globe witnessed a turbulent day.

    Three major benchmarks of the U.S. stock market met with major setbacks on Monday.

    The S&P 500 Index, which is composed of 500 leading companies listed in the United States, dived as much as 21.41 percent from its record high on Feb. 19 and entered the technical territory of the bear market in the morning session.

    As of 9:40 a.m. Eastern time (1340 GMT), the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.63 percent, the S&P 500 shed 3.14 percent, and the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped by 3.85 percent.

    Later, false reports that the White House would pause most of Trump’s tariffs for 90 days had pumped up the market, leading to a sudden surge. However, as the White House denied the news, the market declined again. The up and down within hours indicate how desperate investors were for any potential relief from the tariffs.

    All the leading European benchmark indexes opened in the red on Monday, down by 4 to 7 percent compared with the closing prices on the previous trading day.

    Britain’s blue-chip stock index, the FTSE 100, dropped by about 5 percent, France’s CAC 40 went down by over 5 percent, and the pan-European STOXX 600 index dropped over 6 percent in morning trade.

    Germany’s DAX index was among the hardest-hit, opening down by 9.5 percent before paring back part of the losses later in the morning. The significant gains since the beginning of the year have thus been almost completely wiped out.

    The S&P/ASX 200 — Australia’s benchmark share market index — closed down 4.2 percent on Monday in a plunge worth more than 100 billion Australian dollars (60.1 billion U.S. dollars). The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that it was the index’s biggest one-day fall since May 2020.

    Singapore’s Straits Times Index on Monday plunged by 8.7 percent at the open. The sharp drop marked the index’s steepest single-day decline since an 8.9 percent plunge during the 2008 global financial crisis, and exceeded the 8.4 percent fall seen in March 2020 amid COVID-19.

    A pedestrian passes a screen showing stock market information in Tokyo, Japan, April 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Fear and fury 

    The aggressive tariffs that triggered the global stock market plunge have drawn widespread criticism of the U.S. government, amid fear and fury across the globe.

    Trump’s tariffs have a shocking effect on stock markets, Gilles Moec, chief economist at AXA Group, told Les Echos, a French economy-specialized daily.

    “This shock has no real precedent in history, which amplifies market volatility because investors have no point of reference,” he said.

    Moec noted that the current damage to global stock markets is “entirely self-inflicted by the U.S. authorities,” unlike past stock market crises which were reflections of then macroeconomic situations.

    Richard Branson, British entrepreneur and co-founder of Virgin Group, said it is time for Washington to change course. “Otherwise, America will face ruin for years to come,” he warned.

    Branson noted that companies should be given enough time to adapt, and the current market response is preventable.

    Hasan Tevfik, a research analyst at advisory firm MST Marquee, also warned of severe consequences for the U.S. economy.

    “The U.S. economy has endured a barrage of headwinds, all self-inflicted, and the end consequence will be a contraction in the economy that was humming along, exceptionally, over the last couple of years,” he told the Australian Financial Review newspaper.

    This photo taken on April 7, 2025 shows a screen at the foreign exchange dealing room of the KEB Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Independent Australian economist Saul Eslake noted the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s next decisions and what he called the “madness” of the White House. He warned that the impact on the Australian economy was likely to be worse than the Treasury’s forecast that the country is well-placed to avoid a recession despite the “damage” being done by the U.S. tariffs.

    Doom and gloom 

    Investors have lost trillions of dollars since the tariff announcement on Wednesday. Recession odds are rising, and massive trade wars are looming. With no constructive response in sight, market confidence has been severely hit.

    DBS economists in a weekly review released on Monday noted that global markets and economies are still struggling to absorb the seismic tariff shock, with risk aversion and market selloff.

    “The key reason for that is that despite the spate of announcements, there is still substantial fear that more measures are to come. Perhaps more critical is the notion that nations trying to do a deal with the U.S. will not be able to rest easy upon signing agreements, as no deal with the U.S. seems to be reliable any longer,” wrote DBS economists Taimur Baig and Radhika Rao.

    David Gerald, president of the Securities Investors Association (Singapore), told The Straits Times, “If tariffs are sustained, they could contribute to higher inflation and slower global growth, which may in turn trigger further volatility and potential sell-offs in markets globally, including Singapore.”

    Germany’s Friedrich Merz, who is expected to become the next chancellor, also fears that U.S. trade policy could further escalate the turmoil in global stock markets. “The situation on international equity and bond markets is dramatic and threatens to worsen further.”

    JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon warned on Monday, “The recent tariffs will likely increase inflation and are causing many to consider a greater probability of a recession.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-US economic, trade relations mutually beneficial, win-win in nature: white paper

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China-U.S. economic and trade relations are mutually beneficial and win-win in nature, and cooperation benefits both sides while confrontation harms both, said a white paper released by China’s State Council Information Office on Wednesday.

    Maintaining the stable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations is in the fundamental interest of both nations and peoples, which is also conducive to global economic development, according to the white paper titled “China’s Position on Some Issues Concerning China-U.S. Economic and Trade Relations.”

    Noting that China and the United States are important partners of trade in goods, the white paper said the bilateral trade is highly complementary as the two countries play to their comparative strengths.

    China never deliberately pursues a trade surplus, and the trade balance in goods between China and the United States is both an inevitable result of the structural issues in the U.S. economy and a consequence of the comparative advantages and international division of labor between the two countries, the white paper said.

    The white paper noted that trade in services between China and the United States has maintained rapid growth, while the two countries are important two-way investment partners.

    As the two largest economies in the world, the economic and trade cooperation between China and the United States has generated substantial benefits for both sides, with enterprises and consumers in both countries reaping tangible benefits through bilateral trade and investment, according to the white paper. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: International conference on epic studies held in Athens

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Dozens of scholars from China, Greece, the United States, and Australia gathered in Athens on Monday for a forum on epic studies, where they shared insights on preserving this important facet of cultural heritage and explored opportunities for international collaboration.

    The conference was co-hosted by the Institute of Ethnic Literature of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and the Chinese School of Classical Studies in Athens. Participants engaged in discussions on the contemporary relevance of epics, strategies for safeguarding epic traditions, and ways to enhance cross-cultural communication.

    Peng Jinhui, Vice President of CASS, emphasized that strengthening cultural exchange, deepening academic dialogue, and actively exploring how epics, as spiritual treasures of humanity, can be preserved and revitalized in the modern era are shared responsibilities for scholars and cultural practitioners worldwide.

    George Didaskalos, Secretary General of the Greek Ministry of Culture, noted that both ancient Greek and Chinese civilizations have profoundly shaped philosophical and cultural development across East and West.

    The conference, he added, not only deepens cultural cooperation between Greece and China but also encourages a broader dialogue on the lasting value of epic traditions and their role in humanity’s collective heritage.

    “This is an opportunity to understand each other better and to communicate more effectively,” said Menelaos Christopoulos, emeritus professor of Ancient Greek Literature at the University of Patras in western Greece, in an interview with Xinhua. 

    MIL OSI China News –