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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnics’ reports recognized as the best at the conference of young scientists

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The XXVII Conference of Young Scientists “Navigation and Traffic Control” with international participation was held in Saint Petersburg. At the conference, Polytechnic University was successfully represented by 4th-year students Nikolay Kiz and Georgy Makarov from the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of SPbPU, studying in the field of “Mechatronics and Robotics”.

    The conference was held at the State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation JSC Concern TsNII Elektropribor and brought together students and postgraduates from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, China, Vietnam and Syria. The program featured more than 120 reports, divided into nine sections.

    Students of the Higher School of Automation and Robotics Nikolay Kiz and Georgy Makarov spoke in the sections “Integrated inertial and satellite systems” and “Artificial intelligence technologies in navigation and traffic control problems”. Nikolay presented a report on the topic “Research and development of a calibration algorithm for a four-diode sensor for the orientation of a small spacecraft”, and Georgy – “Detection of road obstacles on a digital terrain model”. Following the conference, their work was recognized as the best in the sections.

    For Georgy and me, this conference was the first such experience, so the result surprised us both. It is very nice that the experts appreciated our reports. This experience will certainly help in the upcoming defense of the diploma work, so the presentation at the conference can be considered excellent training, – Nikolay noted.

    The conference of young scientists marked the beginning of my scientific career. Nikolay and I really liked the level of organization on the part of the Central Research Institute “Elektropribor”, the involvement of the participants. All the reports were informative and interesting. Winning in the nomination will serve as a good incentive to conduct further research in satellite systems and artificial intelligence, – said Georgy.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: F-16 fighter jet deal bolsters Philippines air defense amid rising regional tensions, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    In a significant step toward strengthening the air defense capabilities of the Philippines, the US government has approved the potential sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets valued at approximately $5.6 billion. This acquisition will enhance the Philippine Air Force’s ability to safeguard its airspace, improve regional security, and boost interoperability with allied forces in the Indo-Pacific, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s report, “The Global Military Fixed-Wing Aircraft Market 2025-2035,” reveals that the Philippines will be spending about $5.1 billion on procuring various types of aircrafts over the next 10 years. Out of which, 79% will be directed towards the procurement of combat aircrafts.

    Udayini Aakunoor, Aerospace & Defense Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Amid the growing geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, F-16s are expected to serve as a deterrent against potential security threats while reinforcing the country’s territorial defense. The advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities of the combat-proven F-16 aircraft will allow the Philippine Air Force to conduct more effective patrols, intercept potential threats, and respond to any incursions into its airspace.”

    This procurement aligns with the Philippines’ strategic goal of deepening defense ties with the US. The two countries have maintained a long-standing military partnership, reinforced through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and frequent joint military exercises. The F-16’s compatibility with US and NATO-standard weaponry, combined with joint military exercises such as Balikatan, ensures that the Philippines can operate seamlessly alongside allied air forces in the event of a regional security crisis.

    Aakunoor concludes: “With the F-16 acquisition, the Philippines is poised to make significant strides in modernizing its air force under the long-term Horizon 3 military modernization program, equipping the aircraft fleet with the necessary capabilities such as advanced avionics and precision-guided munitions to address current and future security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. This development underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening its military readiness and strategic partnerships in an increasingly contested geopolitical landscape in the region.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asian equities lead global sell-off after US-China trade dispute escalates, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Asian equities lead global sell-off after US-China trade dispute escalates, says GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    Following the announcement of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs across the world coupled with China’s retaliatory measures;

    Murthy Grandhi, Company Profiles Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:

    “Global financial markets were rocked on Monday (07 April 2025) by a widespread sell-off, as escalating recession fears and a sudden tariff standoff between the US and China sent shockwaves across major economies. Asian equities suffered their worst rout in years, plunging to multi-year lows in a day marked by panic and uncertainty.

    “The market meltdown was sparked by the US administration’s surprise imposition of sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports, swiftly countered by Beijing’s retaliatory levies. The renewed trade war fears have reignited concerns of a global economic slowdown, shattering already fragile investor confidence. Consequently, the ripple effects are being felt far beyond their borders—roiling emerging markets, disrupting global supply chains, and eroding capital markets’ resilience

    “Japan’s Nikkei 225 and the broader Topix index both plunged sharply, with all constituents in the red, prompting a brief halt in futures trading as circuit breakers kicked in. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng endured one of its steepest declines in recent years, while China’s CSI300 and Shanghai Composite also witnessed significant losses, driven by sharp selloffs in major tech names like Alibaba and Tencent.

    “The downturn rippled across Asia—South Korea’s Kospi, Singapore’s benchmark, and Taiwan’s equity markets all faced steep declines. Markets in Malaysia and the Philippines followed suit, adding to the region-wide sell-off. India was not spared either, with the Sensex and Nifty 50 tumbling and wiping out trillions in investor wealth in a single session. All 30 Sensex stocks closed in the red, with Tata Steel, Tata Motors, and major IT firms among the biggest drags.

    “Meanwhile, US futures signalled further pain ahead following Friday’s steep losses, where the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow each shed nearly 6%.

    “GlobalData believes the path forward hinges on policy clarity and diplomatic engagement. While China may remain an outlier in near-term negotiations, signs of constructive trade talks with other key economies could help restore investor confidence. Historically, markets have shown a capacity to rebound strongly when geopolitical risks subside or when policy responses appear measured. As such, even modest diplomatic progress or tariff rollbacks could serve as catalysts for a broad-based recovery in global equities.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Yunnan team finishes Myanmar quake mission

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A rescue and medical team from Yunnan province arrives at the Kunming Changshui International Airport in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan province, April 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A 37-member rescue and medical team from southwest China’s Yunnan province returned from Myanmar on Sunday afternoon, after completing their earthquake relief work.
    A 7.9-magnitude quake struck Myanmar on March 28. At around 6:30 a.m. Beijing time on March 29, the team from Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar, took off from Kunming — Yunnan’s capital city — to the quake-stricken areas in Myanmar boarding a flight, carrying with them life detectors, seismic warning systems, portable satellite telephones and drones.
    As the first Chinese rescue team to arrive in Myanmar, they immediately joined forces with local firefighters and rescuers to carry out rescue and medical operations in the severely-affected Naypyidaw, which lasted for over 150 hours.
    At 5 a.m. March 30 local time, the team, joined by local forces, rescued an elderly person who had been trapped for nearly 40 hours at a local hospital.
    A China Media Group report said on Wednesday that more than 500 Chinese rescue workers were in Myanmar for rescue and relief missions, all together. As of Thursday, Chinese rescue teams had successfully saved nine survivors from the quake-affected areas.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s foreign exchange reserves remain above 3.2 trillion USD for 16 months

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s foreign exchange reserves have remained above 3.2 trillion U.S. dollars for 16 straight months, official data showed Monday.

    The reserves amounted to 3.2407 trillion U.S. dollars at the end of March, up by 13.4 billion dollars, or a 0.42-percent rise, from the previous month, according to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE).

    The SAFE attributed the steady performance to the overall stability and continued recovery of the Chinese economy, the effect of existing and new policy measures, and progress in high-quality development. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Coffee craze hits China’s smaller cities via budget-friendly brews

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    As China’s county economies continue to thrive, a wave of coffee brands is venturing into lower-tier markets, offering affordable and high-quality beverages that are quickly winning over local consumers.

    In a small town of Huojia County in central China’s Henan Province, a Lucky Cup cafe, with an average order price of just 6 yuan (about 83 U.S. cents), draws a steady stream of customers.

    “We use three rolls of receipt paper and five kilograms of coffee beans on average every day,” said Wang Zechang, head of the cafe. In less than 10 months, the cafe has already generated nearly 800,000 yuan in turnover.

    Wang has opened two cafes in the county, and plans to launch two more this year to meet rising demand.

    Founded in 2017, Lucky Cup is a coffee chain under China’s beverage giant Mixue Bingcheng, dedicated to delivering high-quality yet affordable coffee. The chain has since expanded to over 5,000 outlets nationwide, with 61.5 percent located in third-tier or smaller cities, according to regional manager Ge Shihao.

    As coffee consumption habits take root, first- and second-tier cities have seen a saturation of coffee shops. Now, the spotlight is shifting to smaller markets. “Third- and fourth-tier cities are the next ‘blue ocean’ for the coffee industry,” said Shi Jun, secretary general of the coffee professional committee of the Shanghai Food Association.

    International brands are also diving into these emerging markets. Starbucks, for instance, reported in its fiscal first quarter of 2025 that it had entered over 1,000 county-level markets across the Chinese mainland.

    Data from leading e-commerce platform Meituan show that in 2024, coffee delivery orders in county-level areas for brands such as Starbucks and Cotti had surged by 97 percent, while the number of coffee shops soared by 159 percent.

    According to food industry analyst Zhu Danpeng, residents in around half of China’s counties and townships have already developed a basic “coffee consciousness.” However, many still associate coffee drinking with upscale consumption, often assuming prices to be around 30 yuan per cup. The emergence of affordable coffee options of good quality has successfully tapped into and activated latent demand.

    In addition to flavor and affordability, coffee has also taken on emotional and social significance. On social media platform rednote, the hashtag #GoodCoffeeInSmallTowns has racked up over 9 million views, with netizens sharing artfully staged photos and recommendations for hidden-gem cafes.

    The rise of cost-effective coffee relies on streamlined supply chains and advanced logistics systems, which combine to improve operational efficiency and cut down costs. According to Wang, Lucky Cup can source coffee beans of equal quality at a cost of around 30 yuan per kilogram lower than the market price, thanks to Mixue Bingcheng’s integrated logistics network, which provides everything from raw materials and packaging to equipment.

    As of September 2024, Mixue Bingcheng’s warehousing and logistics system had enabled 12-hour delivery in 90 percent of counties across China, while cold-chain logistics now cover 97 percent of its domestic stores, revealed Hu Xinyu, head of one of the company’s warehouses.

    Consultancy firm McKinsey predicted that by 2030, county economies would account for more than 66 percent of China’s personal consumption growth.

    The booming coffee scene in small towns is not only a testament to rising disposable incomes but also a signal of evolving consumer trends in China’s lower-tier markets, said Zhu. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China reaffirms commitment to opening up at roundtable with US-funded businesses

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s Ministry of Commerce hosted a roundtable meeting with U.S.-funded companies on Sunday, reaffirming the country’s commitment to reform and opening up amid global trade tensions.

    Ling Ji, vice minister of commerce and deputy China international trade representative, chaired the meeting, which was attended by representatives from more than 20 U.S. companies, including Tesla, GE Healthcare, and Medtronic.

    Regardless of global uncertainties, China remains resolute in its path toward reform and opening up, Ling said, noting that multilateralism is the inevitable solution to the challenges facing the world and China’s door to the outside world will only open wider.

    He reiterated that China’s policies to attract foreign investment have not changed and will not change.

    The ministry will continue to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of foreign enterprises in China, including those from the United States, and actively respond to their concerns, Ling said.

    The roundtable came amid a new round of trade tensions as the United States recently hiked tariffs on trade partners including China. Ling condemned the move, calling it a serious blow to the rules-based multilateral trade system and an infringement on the legitimate rights of other nations.

    China has taken firm countermeasures in response, aimed not only at defending the rights of affected enterprises — including U.S.-funded companies — but also at letting the United States return to the multilateral framework, Ling said.

    Calling the United States itself the root cause of current turbulence, Ling urged U.S. businesses operating in China to examine the situation objectively, voice rational perspectives, and take pragmatic steps to help stabilize global supply chains and promote cooperation for mutual benefits. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Central Huijin increases holdings of exchange-traded funds

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Central Huijin Investment Ltd. (Central Huijin), a Chinese state-owned investment company, said it has once again increased its holdings of exchange-traded funds and will continue to do so in the future to “resolutely safeguard” the stable operation of the capital market.

    The company said in a statement that it firmly believes in the development prospects of China’s capital market and fully recognizes the current investment value of A-shares.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Mumu’ brings compassion to hard of hearing community

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    New movie drama “Mumu” celebrates the hard of hearing community through a tearjerking and intimate portrayal of father-daughter love, shared struggles and resilience.

    Cast and crew of “Mumu” pose for a photo at the movie’s premiere in Beijing, April 2, 2025. [Photo/China.org.cn]

    Directed by Sha Mo and starring pop icon-actor Lay Zhang alongside child actor Li Luoan, “Mumu” portrays the unbreakable bond between deaf father Xiao Ma (played by Zhang) and his hearing daughter Mumu (Li). The film follows the devoted father’s quest to improve his daughter’s life — a journey that tragically entangles him in a criminal scam.

    The feature film, which debuted on April 3, expands on director Sha Mo’s hit short film of the same name. During production, over 30 individuals with hearing impairments were invited to participate as cast members, many of them without prior acting experience, yet their authentic performances create profound emotional impact.

    “I first engaged with this community after seeing news about deaf individuals and conducting field research,” Sha said. “Then the opportunity to make a short film came along.”

    The director later believed those with hearing impairments deserved larger-scale representation to increase their visibility. During pre-production, Sha and screenwriter Fu Dandi interviewed numerous deaf individuals to document their experiences. “Because this community often live with informational barriers and beautiful simplicity,” he noted, “they’re particularly vulnerable to scams — a crucial element we incorporated into the story.”

    Behind this fictional narrative lies the harsh reality faced by China’s 30 million individuals with hearing impairments. The director revealed how well-packaged schemes can easily mislead deaf people: “They might think they’re just helping a friend, only to realize too late that they’ve been scammed.”

    Screenwriter Fu added insights from a law firm specializing in deaf clients: “Without interpreters, communication barriers often lead them to rush resolutions, unaware of the severe consequences. This creates wrongful cases that could have been prevented.”

    Director Sha credited his friend and fellow filmmaker Shen Ao for recommending Lay Zhang as the lead. Zhang had starred in Shen’s scam-themed crime blockbuster “No More Bets,” which earned 3.85 billion yuan in summer 2023. “I saw Zhang’s films and was impressed,” Sha said. “But when we met, he understood the role more profoundly than I did — that’s when I knew he was the one I was looking for.”

    To authentically portray deaf character Xiao Ma, Lay Zhang immersed himself in silence — wearing earplugs during rehearsals to experience his character’s soundless world. “The hardest part was hearing everything while acting like I couldn’t,” Zhang revealed. 

    He dedicated two months to studying sign language, learning about deaf lived experiences and collaborating with sign language advisor Chi Yaoming. Their preparation included visiting deaf communities to interact directly with people there. On set, Zhang relied on cast members with hearing impairments as his sign language coaches, carefully studying their natural expressions.

    At the premiere, Lay Zhang and his onscreen daughter shared a heartwarming exchange — the young actor rated Zhang’s performance 100/100, while he gave her 120/100. “The extra 20 points represent my love for you,” the pop icon explained.

    “My love for Xiao Ma is like a kite’s string,” Li responded. “He holds one end tightly, and I clutch the other. If I let our kite fly away, my heart would break. But if we both keep holding on, nothing can separate us.”

    A poster for “Mumu.” [Image courtesy of iQiyi Pictures]

    Behind the scenes, the crew matched the dedication of cast with hearing impairments with thoughtful accommodations, such as using red and green light signals to mark filming sequences. They also created detailed accessibility guides featuring essential sign language phrases and communication strategies, ensuring seamless collaboration between hearing cast, cast with hearing impairments, and crew while nurturing an inclusive production environment.

    After filming wrapped, Lay Zhang invited several of his friends with hearing impairments to his concerts and pledged to feature a sign language interpreter at every future show — marking a first among major Chinese artists.

    At the end of the premiere, Zhang silently addressed the audience in sign language through an interpreter: “I hope more people will learn sign language, respect people with hearing impairments. We should come together to have fun and accomplish more and more things, together.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China reaffirms commitment to opening up at roundtable with U.S.-funded businesses

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

    China reaffirms commitment to opening up at roundtable with U.S.-funded businesses

    BEIJING, April 7 — China’s Ministry of Commerce hosted a roundtable meeting with U.S.-funded companies on Sunday, reaffirming the country’s commitment to reform and opening up amid global trade tensions.

    Ling Ji, vice minister of commerce and deputy China international trade representative, chaired the meeting, which was attended by representatives from more than 20 U.S. companies, including Tesla, GE Healthcare, and Medtronic.

    Regardless of global uncertainties, China remains resolute in its path toward reform and opening up, Ling said, noting that multilateralism is the inevitable solution to the challenges facing the world and China’s door to the outside world will only open wider.

    He reiterated that China’s policies to attract foreign investment have not changed and will not change.

    The ministry will continue to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of foreign enterprises in China, including those from the United States, and actively respond to their concerns, Ling said.

    The roundtable came amid a new round of trade tensions as the United States recently hiked tariffs on trade partners including China. Ling condemned the move, calling it a serious blow to the rules-based multilateral trade system and an infringement on the legitimate rights of other nations.

    China has taken firm countermeasures in response, aimed not only at defending the rights of affected enterprises — including U.S.-funded companies — but also at letting the United States return to the multilateral framework, Ling said.

    Calling the United States itself the root cause of current turbulence, Ling urged U.S. businesses operating in China to examine the situation objectively, voice rational perspectives, and take pragmatic steps to help stabilize global supply chains and promote cooperation for mutual benefits.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to speed up eco-monitoring digitalization

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 21, 2023 shows a view at Lulin lake in Lushan City, China’s Jiangxi province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment has unveiled a plan to further transform the country’s national ecological monitoring network into a digitized and smart system.
    By 2027, China aims to explore a new generation of monitoring networks in key regions, utilizing advanced technologies such as unmanned maintenance and smart sampling, with standardized monitoring operations being carried out nationwide, according to the plan.
    By 2030, China’s eco-environment monitoring network system will be systematically revamped to include an integrated aerial, terrestrial and maritime monitoring network, along with a basically established “smart brain,” it said.
    The move marks a concrete step toward digitalized and smart environmental monitoring, said Jiang Huohua, head of the ministry’s ecological and environmental monitoring department.
    Air and water monitoring will be updated with unmanned operations, as well as smart sampling and analysis. Additionally, biodiversity tracking will leverage advanced smart equipment such as infrared cameras and bird sound recorders to achieve over 85 percent accuracy in species identification.
    In terms of noise monitoring, urban sound environment monitoring equipment will not only be able to track decibel levels but also identify sources of the noise, according to Jiang.
    New technologies like artificial intelligence and satellite remote sensing will play increasingly significant roles in China’s eco-environmental monitoring, with policies rolled out to develop environmental protection robots and remote-operation equipment, he told a press conference last month.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Asian stocks tumble amid US tariff concerns

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Stock markets across the Asia-Pacific traded sharply lower on Monday as financial turmoil sparked by the US “reciprocal tariffs” escalated recession fears worldwide.

    Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped 2,445.19 points, or 10.7 percent, to end at 20,404.62 points in Monday’s morning session. The retreat widened from 9.28 percent at opening.

    This came on top of losses in Japan, where the benchmark Nikkei stock index shed 2,843.48 points, or 8.42 percent, in the first 15 minutes of trading, the lowest intraday level since October 2023.

    “Japanese stocks are unlikely to stop declining unless US stocks cease falling further,” said Yutaka Miura, senior technical analyst at Mizuho Securities Co.

    The circuit breaker was triggered for Nikkei stock futures, temporarily halting trading due to the sharp fall.

    South Korea’s benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 103.57 points, or 4.2 percent, to 2,361.85 as of 11:20 am.

    Due to the sharp decline, the bourse operator placed a sidecar order at 9:12 am, pausing program buying for five minutes, after the KOSPI 200 index fell more than 5 percent for over one minute.

    It was the first sidecar order for program buying since August 2024, according to local reports.

    The KOSPI plummeted as investors sold off stocks in response to increasing concerns about a recession after the US government revealed “reciprocal tariffs” last week, said analysts here.

    Stocks in Singapore dipped over 7 percent at the start of Monday due to concerns about a global trade conflict following several countries mulling to respond to US tariffs.

    The Straits Times Index plunged 7.37 percent, or 281.84 points, to 3,544.02 as Asian markets fell sharply.

    Meanwhile, Indian shares declined at the beginning of trading on Monday, with the key Nifty index dropping over 3 percent.

    The Nifty 50, representing the biggest Indian firms on the national stock exchange, was down 3.55 percent.

    The Nifty IT, comprising India’s leading information technology firms, which consider the United States their largest market, was down 5.53 percent.

    Local media house The Times of India called Monday’s loss a “bloodbath”.

    Australian blue-chip shares dived 6 percent when trading commenced on Monday, due to financial chaos triggered by the US tariffs in global markets.

    A benchmark index of the nation’s top 200 publicly traded firms dropped over 6 percent after the market opened, as the repercussions of the US tariffs continued to unsettle investors.

    The Australian government was “preparing for further uncertain times”, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday. “You can’t change global events. What you can do is prepare for them,” he told reporters.

    On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump declared a 10 percent baseline tariff on imports from all trading partners and imposed higher rates on specific ones, with the decision provoking sharp criticism from economists, trade experts and foreign governments who view it as a misguided effort to utilize tariffs as a crude tool to tackle intricate trade disparities.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China Film Administration unveils holiday lineup

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Officials and filmmakers promote the film lineup for the Qingming Festival and the Labor Day holiday at a promotional event held in Beijing, April 2, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Movie Channel]

    The China Film Administration joined forces with filmmakers to hold a press conference on April 2 at the China National Film Museum in Beijing to promote the film lineup for the Qingming Festival and the Labor Day holiday.

    The event showcased films slated for release during the Qingming Festival (April 4-6) and the Labor Day holiday (May 1-5).

    Among 15 films for the Qingming holiday, highlights include Sha Mo’s “Mumu,” a drama about the deaf community starring pop icon Lay Zhang, and “We Girls,” a gritty drama by renowned director Feng Xiaogang depicting the harsh realities faced by female ex-prisoners as they confront societal challenges and criminal exploitation.

    International offerings include Jared Hess’ live-action video game adaptation “A Minecraft Movie” and Kazuya Tsurumaki’s anime film “Mobile Suit Gundam G-QuuuuuuX: Beginning.”

    The Hollywood movie “Minecraft” is presented at a promotional event in Beijing, April 2, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Movie Channel]

    The Labor Day film season will see eight new releases, including Andrew Lau’s “The Dumpling Queen,” a biopic starring Ma Li about Wan Chai Pier dumpling brand founder Zang Jianhe, and Zhang Qi’s crime film “Trapped,” which has been shortlisted for this year’s Tiantan Award at the Beijing International Film Festival later this month. 

    Herman Yau’s star-studded financial crime thriller “A Gilded Game” and Wang Mu’s family drama “The One,” a Chinese adaptation of the French film “The Bélier Family” (2014), are also highly anticipated. “Octonauts: The Crisis of the Tsunami” will lead the children’s entertainment slate, continuing the popular animated series.

    Andrew Lau introduces “The Dumpling Queen” on stage at a promotional event held in Beijing, April 2, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Movie Channel]

    Filmmakers and distributors of several films also took the stage at the event to introduce their projects and highlight each film’s unique appeal.

    Additional films releasing in April during the gap between the two holidays were also promoted, including James Hawes’ spy thriller “The Amateur” and Robert Zemeckis’ “Here” — a multigenerational family drama reuniting the “Forrest Gump” creative team.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Domestic travel in China rises 6.3% during Qingming holiday

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    China recorded 126 million domestic trips during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday that ended Sunday, a 6.3 percent increase from the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday.

    Tourism revenue reached 57.55 billion yuan (about 8 billion U.S. dollars), up 6.7 percent year on year, as more travelers embraced short getaways and outdoor activities.

    The holiday, traditionally a time for tomb sweeping and honoring ancestors in China, also saw growing demand for rural escapes and nature excursions, with self-drive trips, cycling and hiking among the most popular choices.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 7 April 2025 Russian-Chinese Construction Forum to be held as part of AmurExpo The 2nd Russian-Chinese Construction Forum and Exhibition of Construction Achievements will take place on 24–25 May 2025 at the AmurExpo Russian-Chinese Economic Forum in Blagoveshchensk, Russia. The AmurExpo is an offsite venue for the Eastern Economic Forum, which will be held on 3–6 September in Vladivostok. The EEF is organized by the Roscongress Foundation.

    Source: Eastern Economic Forum

    7 April 2025

    Russian-Chinese Construction Forum to be held as part of AmurExpo

    The 2nd Russian-Chinese Construction Forum and Exhibition of Construction Achievements will take place on 24–25 May 2025 at the AmurExpo Russian-Chinese Economic Forum in Blagoveshchensk, Russia. The AmurExpo is an offsite venue for the Eastern Economic Forum, which will be held on 3–6 September in Vladivostok. The EEF is organized by the Roscongress Foundation.

    “Holding such events provides professionals from the Amur Region with an opportunity to exchange experience with representatives of public associations and business communities from the regions and participating countries, as well as discuss business integration issues and how to build new logistics chains in the industry with their colleagues. The Forum participants will address issues concerning state construction policy and discuss the measures needed for the high-quality and rapid development of the Far East, including interaction mechanisms and methods to create attractive territories for integrated development,” Deputy Chairman of the Amur Region Government Pavel Matyukhin said.

    The Forum participants will attend the official opening of AmurExpo 2025 and the strategic session ‘Integrated Development of Territories: Infrastructure and Construction of the Future’, where experts and speakers will discuss the digitalization of the industry, the development of smart cities, best international practices in construction, and the integrated development of territories. In addition, the regional agenda will include the seminar ‘Establishment of Urban Development Systems of Russia and China’. Cadets from the Muravyov-Amursky programme plan to hold a roundtable titled ‘Modern Challenges and Prospects for Cooperation in Training Personnel in the Construction Industry’.

    The Forum guests will also have a chance to view the exhibition of achievements in construction and industry, where construction companies from Russia and China will present their successes.

    “The integrated development of territories is one of the priorities for the Far East. To this end, interregional cooperation and exchanging experience at the forum platforms of the Far Eastern Federal District are of paramount importance. Key approaches to solving issues that affect all regions of the federal district are traditionally hammered out there. The Eastern Economic Forum is a gathering point for the most successful practices, ideas, and proposals, where practical tools for the development of the macro-region are created and improved. I am confident that the results of the discussions at AmurExpo could be reflected in the programme of the EEF 2025, which will be held in Vladivostok on 3–6 September,” First Deputy CEO of the Roscongress Foundation and Director of the Eastern Economic Forum Igor Pavlov said.

    The Russian Centre for National Construction Policy, the organizer of the Russian-Chinese Construction Forum, signed a cooperation agreement at the AmurExpo 2024 in Blagoveshchensk. The first Forum was held in April 2024 in Harbin, China (Heilongjiang Province). The Forum brought together more than 10,000 participants, including representatives of business, science, and government from both countries, and primarily focused on the introduction of digital technologies in construction, smart design systems, as well as construction technologies for work in emergency situations.

    “The second Russian-Chinese Construction Forum is a logical continuation of the policy of strengthening cooperation that began last year. The first Forum clearly demonstrated the vast potential of and mutual interest in developing a partnership in the construction industry. We saw there is demand for such platforms for a direct dialogue, exchange of experience, and discussion of key issues. The interest of business entities from both countries confirms the prospects for implementing joint projects. I firmly believe that the second Forum will be an important step in strengthening long-term and mutually beneficial relations between Russia and China in the construction sector. We are counting on the active participation of all interested parties and invite them to engage in a constructive dialogue at the Forum,” Russian Centre for National Construction Policy Director Alexander Moor said.

    AmurExpo will take place on 22–25 May. The first day, 22 May, will be devoted to the regional agenda. The business programme architecture has been posted on the event’s website.

    The Forum is being held with the support of the Russian Ministry for the Development of the Far East and Arctic, the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Russian Ministry of Agriculture, and other federal institutions.

    AmurExpo is being organized by the Amur Region government, the Amur Region Investment Promotion Agency, and the Roscongress Foundation.

    The Forum operators are the Roscongress Foundation and the Amur Region Territory Development Centre.

     

    Read more

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Himax Technologies, Inc. Schedules First Quarter 2025 Financial Results Conference Call on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 8:00 AM EDT

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAINAN, Taiwan, April 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Himax Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: HIMX) (“Himax” or “Company”), a leading supplier and fabless manufacturer of display drivers and other semiconductor products, today announced that it will hold a conference call with investors and analysts on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. US Eastern Daylight Time and 8:00 p.m. Taiwan Time to discuss the Company’s first quarter 2025 financial results.

    HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. FIRST QUARTER 2025 EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL

    DATE:     Thursday, May 8, 2025
    TIME:     U.S.         8:00 a.m. EDT
          Taiwan    8:00 p.m.

    Toll Free Dial-in Number (Audio Only):                                              

    Hong Kong 2112-1444
    Taiwan 0080-119-6666
    Australia 1-800-015-763
    Canada 1-877-252-8508
    China (1) 4008-423-888
    China (2) 4006-786-286
    Singapore 800-492-2072
    UK 0800-068-8186
    United States (1) 1-800-811-0860
    United States (2) 1-866-212-5567

    Dial-in Number (Audio Only):  

    Taiwan Domestic Access 02-3396-1191
    International Access +886-2-3396-1191
    Participant PIN Code:   3300508 #

      

    If you choose to attend the call by dialing in via phone, please enter the Participant PIN Code 3300508 # after the call is connected. A replay of the webcast will be available beginning two hours after the call on www.himax.com.tw. This webcast can be accessed by clicking on this link or visiting Himax’s website, where it will remain available until May 8, 2026. 

    About Himax Technologies, Inc.

    Himax Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIMX) is a leading global fabless semiconductor solution provider dedicated to display imaging processing technologies. The Company’s display driver ICs and timing controllers have been adopted at scale across multiple industries worldwide including TVs, PC monitors, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, automotive, ePaper devices, industrial displays, among others. As the global market share leader in automotive display technology, the Company offers innovative and comprehensive automotive IC solutions, including traditional driver ICs, advanced in-cell Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI), local dimming timing controllers (Local Dimming Tcon), Large Touch and Display Driver Integration (LTDI) and OLED display technologies. Himax is also a pioneer in tinyML visual-AI and optical technology related fields. The Company’s industry-leading WiseEyeTM Ultralow Power AI Sensing technology which incorporates Himax proprietary ultralow power AI processor, always-on CMOS image sensor, and CNN-based AI algorithm has been widely deployed in consumer electronics and AIoT related applications. Himax optics technologies, such as diffractive wafer level optics, LCoS microdisplays and 3D sensing solutions, are critical for facilitating emerging AR/VR/metaverse technologies. Additionally, Himax designs and provides touch controllers, OLED ICs, LED ICs, EPD ICs, power management ICs, and CMOS image sensors for diverse display application coverage. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Tainan, Taiwan, Himax currently employs around 2,200 people from three Taiwan-based offices in Tainan, Hsinchu and Taipei and country offices in China, Korea, Japan, Germany, and the US. Himax has 2,603 patents granted and 389 patents pending approval worldwide as of March 31, 2025.

    http://www.himax.com.tw

    Forward Looking Statements

    Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in this conference call include, but are not limited to, the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Company’s business; general business and economic conditions and the state of the semiconductor industry; market acceptance and competitiveness of the driver and non-driver products developed by the Company; demand for end-use applications products; reliance on a small group of principal customers; the uncertainty of continued success in technological innovations; our ability to develop and protect our intellectual property; pricing pressures including declines in average selling prices; changes in customer order patterns; changes in estimated full-year effective tax rate; shortage in supply of key components; changes in environmental laws and regulations; changes in export license regulated by Export Administration Regulations (EAR); exchange rate fluctuations; regulatory approvals for further investments in our subsidiaries; our ability to collect accounts receivable and manage inventory and other risks described from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings, including those risks identified in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in its Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC, as may be amended.

    Company Contacts:

    Eric Li, Chief IR/PR Officer
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Tel: +886-6-505-0880
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
    www.himax.com.tw

    Karen Tiao, Investor Relations
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Tel: +886-2-2370-3999
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
    www.himax.com.tw

    Mark Schwalenberg, Director
    Investor Relations – US Representative
    MZ North America
    Tel: +1-312-261-6430
    Email:  HIMX@mzgroup.us
    www.mzgroup.us

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Lumissil’s Green PHY Solution Selected to Support Arrow Electronics in the new EVSE Reference Design Project

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MILPITAS, Calif., April 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lumissil Microsystems, an analog/mixed-signal solution provider, has been selected by Arrow Electronics to support their new Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) reference design, aimed at simplifying development and accelerating time to market for ISO 15118-compliant charging solutions.

    The reference design integrates the CG5317 Green PHY modem from Lumissil with a complete ISO 15118 software stack, providing manufacturers with a ready-to-use hardware and software solution that reduces development complexity. With Arrow’s extensive industry expertise, the reference design helps EVSE manufacturers shorten engineering cycles, ensuring a faster path to compliance with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) communication standards.

    “As demand for robust and secure EV charging infrastructure grows, manufacturers need solutions that reduce development risks and accelerate deployment,” said Nadav Katsir at Lumissil Microsystems. “Arrow’s selection of CG5317 for their EVSE reference design helps underscore its industry-leading performance, giving customers a streamlined path to developing ISO 15118-compliant charging solutions.”

    By leveraging CG5317’s proven PLC capabilities and a pre-integrated software stack, the reference design eliminates challenges related to firmware development, compliance testing, and hardware-software compatibility. This enables EVSE manufacturers to focus on differentiation while bringing products to market faster.

    The EVSE reference design is available to OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and EVSE developers looking to accelerate ISO 15118 adoption. For more details, visit https://www.arrow.com/en/research-and-events/articles/arrow-electronics-released-their-own-vehicle-to-grid-communication-software-stack

    About Lumissil Microsystems
    Lumissil Microsystems specializes in analog/mixed-signal products for automotive, Communications, industrial, and consumer markets. Lumissil’s primary products are LED drivers for low to mid-power RGB color mixing and high-power lighting applications. Other products include audio, sensors, high-speed wire communications, optical networking, and application specific microcontrollers. Lumissil Microsystems has worldwide offices in the US, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, mainland China, Europe, Hong Kong, India, Israel, and Korea. Website: https://www.lumissil.com  

    Contact:
    Raphi Zadicario
    rzadicario@lumissil.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Financial markets are tanking. Here’s why it’s best not to panic

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Luke Hartigan, Lecturer in Economics, University of Sydney

    Financial markets around the world have been slammed by the Trump adminstration’s sweeping tariffs on its trading partners, and China’s swift retaliation.

    Share markets have posted their biggest declines since the COVID pandemic hit in 2020, as fears of US recession surged. Iron ore, copper, oil, gold and the Australian dollar have all tumbled.

    On Wall Street, leading indices have fallen around 10% since the tariffs were announced, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq is down 20% from its recent peak. European and Asian markets have also slumped.

    In Australia, the key S&P/ASX 200 slid another 4.2% on Monday to levels last seen in December 2023, taking its three-day losses since the announcement to more than 7%.

    Why are markets reacting so badly?

    Financial markets reacted so negatively because the tariffs were much larger than expected. They represent the biggest upheaval in global trade in 80 years.

    Many traders were hoping the tariffs would be used mainly as a bargaining tool. But comments by US President Donald Trump that markets may need to “take medicine” seem to suggest otherwise.

    The tariffs are expected to weaken economic growth in the US as consumers pare back spending on more expensive imports, while businesses shelve investment plans. Leading US bank JP Morgan has put the chance of a US recession as high as 60%.

    This comes at a time when the US economy was already looking fragile. The highly regarded GDPNow model developed by the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank indicates US March quarter GDP will fall 2.8%, and that was before the tariff announcement.

    Worries about global growth

    Fears of a recession in the United States and the potential for a global downturn has led to a broad sell-off in commodity prices, including iron ore, copper and oil. Further, the Australian dollar, which is seen as a barometer for risk, has fallen below 60 US cents in local trading – its lowest level since 2009.

    While the direct impact of tariffs on Australia is expected to be modest (with around 6% of our exports going to US), the indirect impact could be substantial. China, Japan and South Korea together take more than 50% of Australia’s exports, and all have been hit with significantly higher tariffs.

    Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Monday that the direct impact on the Australian economy would be “manageable”.

    The full effect on Australia will depend on how other countries respond, and whether we can redirect trade to other markets.

    The rapid decline in the Australian dollar will help offset some of the negative effects associated with a global downturn and the fall in commodity prices.

    We can also expect some interest-rate relief. Economists are now predicting three further interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank, starting in May. This brings economists into line with financial market forecasts.



    Read more:
    US tariffs will upend global trade. This is how Australia can respond

    Hang in there, markets will recover

    Watching equity markets tumble so dramatically can be unsettling for any investor. However, it is important to note that equity markets have experienced many downturns over the past 125 years due to wars, pandemics, financial crises and recessions. But these market impacts have generally been temporary.

    History suggests that over the long term, equity prices continue to rise, supported by growing economies and rising incomes.

    The key thing for investors to remember is to not panic. Now is not the time to decide to switch your superannuation or other investments to cash. This risks missing the next upswing while also crystallising any current losses.

    For example, despite the steep market sell-off in March 2020 as the first COVID lockdowns came into effect, the Australian share market had completely recovered those losses by June 2021.

    It is good practice for investors to regularly reassess their risk profile to make sure it is right for their current stage of life. This means reducing the allocation to riskier assets as investors get closer to retirement age, while also maintaining a cash buffer to avoid having to sell assets during more turbulent periods such as now.

    Super funds are exposed to global risks

    The current sell-off has highlighted a potential issue facing the superannuation industry.

    So much of our superannuation is now invested in global equity markets, mostly in the US, because Australia’s superannuation savings pool – at more than A$4 trillion – has outgrown the investment opportunities available in Australia.

    Another issue facing the superannuation industry is the growth of cyber attacks, with several funds targeted in a recent attack. Given the massive size of the assets held by some funds, it would seem they need to improve their security to be on par with that of the banking system.

    Luke Hartigan receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Financial markets are tanking. Here’s why it’s best not to panic – https://theconversation.com/financial-markets-are-tanking-heres-why-its-best-not-to-panic-253929

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Cross-border travel surges during Qingming holiday

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    An aerial drone photo shows a bullet train running on China-Laos Railway in Jinghong City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Feb. 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    China saw 2.07 million inbound and outbound trips per day during the Qingming Festival holiday, an increase of 19.7 percent year on year, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) said on Monday.
    During the three-day holiday starting on April 4, China’s border inspection agencies recorded a total of 6.21 million cross-border trips, according to the administration.
    The number of such trips made by foreigners reached 697,000, up 39.5 percent compared with 2024, the NIA said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China launches new tech-experiment satellites

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The Long March-8 Y6 carrier rocket, carrying 18 low-Earth orbit satellites, lifts off from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Wenchang, south China’s Hainan province, March 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    China launched four satellites aboard a Long March-2D carrier rocket on April 1 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern Gansu province to test new satellite internet technologies.
    The satellites were deployed into their designated orbits to carry out technical verification and experiments, including mobile-to-satellite broadband connections and space-ground network integration.
    The Long March-2D, a two-stage liquid-propellant carrier rocket, is capable of delivering multiple satellites into low-Earth and sun-synchronous orbits.
    Two of the satellites were developed by GalaxySpace, a commercial space company that has successfully built and launched more than 20 satellites.
    China’s satellite internet industry has seen steady growth in recent years. The Spacesail Constellation, a Chinese commercial low-orbit satellite constellation, plans to deploy 648 satellites by the end of 2025 and more than 10,000 by 2030. In March, the fifth batch of satellites under the program was launched from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Wenchang, located in south China’s Hainan province.
    Other similar initiatives are underway, driven by the rapid growth of China’s commercial aerospace sector.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Domestic travel in China rises 6.3 percent during Qingming holiday

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China recorded 126 million domestic trips during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday that ended Sunday, a 6.3 percent increase from the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday.

    Tourism revenue reached 57.55 billion yuan (about 8 billion U.S. dollars), up 6.7 percent year on year, as more travelers embraced short getaways and outdoor activities.

    The holiday, traditionally a time for tomb sweeping and honoring ancestors in China, also saw growing demand for rural escapes and nature excursions, with self-drive trips, cycling and hiking among the most popular choices.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.65 [2025]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Operations No.65 [2025]

    (Open Market Operations Office, April 7, 2025)

    The People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB93.5 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on April 7, 2025.

    Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

    Maturity

    Rate

    Bidding Volume

    Winning Bid Volume

    7 days

    1.50%

    RMB93.5 billion

    RMB93.5 billion

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2025年04月07日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Moments in China-Thailand Blue Strike 2025 joint naval training

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

      Chinese and Thai participating naval vessels steam in formation in waters of the South China Sea on March 28, 2025. China-Thailand Blue Strike 2025 joint naval training was held in south China’s Guangdong Province from March 26 to April 2, 2025. During the joint training, both sides’ participating troops conducted joint underwater mine countermeasure operation, anti-ship strike, maritime search and rescue, and field survival operation, as well as other training subjects both in the sea and land domains. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Qiao Chenxi)

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Vehicle-mounted howitzer fires at mock targets

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

      A vehicle-mounted howitzer attached to an army regiment under the Chinese PLA Xinjiang Military Command spits fire at mock targets during a live-fire shooting drill on March 28, 2025, in a bid to test the troops’ training effectiveness. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang jincai)

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Naval vessels conduct replenishment-at-sea

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

      Comprehensive supply ship Weishanhu (Hull 887) attached to a naval service group under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command steams at sea during a recent maritime maneuver and replenishment training exercise in the South China Sea. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Wu Huanqing)

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Tribute And Remembrance

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

      On the eve of the Qingming Festival, medical staff assigned to the General Hospital of Chinese PLA Xinjiang Military Command, who were on their way of conducting medical outreach tasks, visited the Kangxiwa Martyrs Cemetery to pay tribute to the martyrs.

      (Produced by Bharati, Wang Xinjuan, Dai Xuewu, Liu Yanliang, Zhang Yali, Dong Zhaohui)

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Initiative to help workers improve

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

    More than 3 million industrial workers in China will receive financial support for continuing education by 2030 under a nationwide initiative aimed at improving workforce skills, according to a guideline released on Thursday.

    The document, jointly issued by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, lays out plans to help industrial workers pursue further education and enhance their qualifications.

    At least 300 programs will be established to help workers boost their academic credentials and vocational skills, the guideline said. More than 3 million eligible workers, including at least 2 million migrant workers, will receive financial aid for continuing and non-degree education.

    The initiative seeks to promote lifelong learning among industrial workers and encourage them to upgrade their capabilities, contributing to the development of a world-class workforce, according to the guideline.

    China has about 402 million workers, with industrial workers accounting for about half the total workforce, according to the All-China Federation of Trade Unions.

    The initiative was officially launched on Wednesday in Beijing. Since 2016, the trade union federation and the Ministry of Education have implemented a program to improve the educational levels of migrant workers, which has produced notable results.

    As of June 2024, trade unions nationwide had invested a total of 1.12 billion yuan ($154 million) to help more than 2.4 million migrant workers upgrade their educational qualifications and skills.

    The newly released guideline expands the initiative to include all industrial workers and outlines five key objectives: innovating talent training models, enhancing learning platforms, expanding educational resources, improving the recognition and transfer of learning outcomes, and encouraging greater enterprise involvement.

    The document calls for collaboration among government bodies, trade unions, businesses, educational institutions and society to strengthen workforce training. Schools and companies are encouraged to jointly establish off-campus teaching or training centers for continuing education.

    “Specialized programs and projects tailored to industrial workers that are closely aligned with industrial, supply and innovation chains should be developed. Existing platforms, such as the national smart vocational education platform and the Workers’ Home app, should be leveraged to build a national smart learning platform for industrial skills,” the guideline said.

    Enterprises are also encouraged to increase investment in worker education and support paid learning opportunities, it said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Spring boosts travel demand during Qingming holiday

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

    The bright spring days have fueled travel enthusiasm during this year’s Qingming Festival holiday, as the long weekend coincides with warmer temperatures, prompting strong travel demand from Chinese consumers eager to embrace the season.

    During the three-day Tomb-sweeping Day holiday, besides millions of Chinese people participating in ancient rituals and cleaning tombs to pay tribute to their family ancestors, the festival has also seen urbanites setting out for activities like kite flying and family outings.

    The trend of flower blossom viewing continues to rise, boosting local cultural and tourism markets. In Luoyang, Henan, the Peony Cultural Festival, which began on April 1, coincides with the Qingming Festival, drawing travelers as peonies bloom.

    In particular, the trend of enjoying flower blossoms continues to heat up, driving the growth of local cultural and tourism markets. In Luoyang, Henan province, its Peony Cultural Festival, which began on April 1, coincides with the Qingming Festival holiday, drawing travelers as peonies bloom.

    For hotel bookings, Luoyang ranks among the top 10 most popular destinations in China. Cities like Kunming, Yunnan province; Bijie, Guizhou province and Wuyuan, Jiangxi province, have also seen hotel booking volumes increase by 30 percent year-on-year due to the appeal of floral sceneries, according to Qunar, a Beijing-based online travel agency.

    Besides, major cities such as Beijing; Shanghai; Guangzhou, Guangdong province; and Chengdu, Sichuan province, have seen increased passenger flow within the two-hour high-speed rail network.

    “The hotel booking data shows that Chinese consumers’ demand for travel is still strong, and even short holidays have a significant impact on driving the growth of tourism and cultural consumption,” said Xiao Peng, a Qunar researcher.

    “From watching flower blossoms outside the high-speed train windows to viewing cherry blossoms abroad, the improvement of transportation has enabled travelers to make more diverse choices for the holiday,” Xiao said.

    Unlike the Spring Festival and May Day holidays, April is typically an off-season for travel, making airfare and hotel prices more affordable. This has encouraged many Chinese tourists to visit neighboring countries such as Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia, with hotel bookings in Osaka and Tokyo rising by 78 percent and 44 percent, respectively for the Qingming Festival, according to Trip.com Group, China’s largest online travel agency.

    Urbanites are also flocking to the mountains and rural areas for a taste of spring. In Jinzhai county, Anhui province, a farm hotel on Trip.com offered activities like digging spring bamboo shoots, picking fresh vegetables and learning how to make Qingtuan, or glutinous rice balls on site.

    The hotel said its booking volume during the holiday has tripled over weekdays, and many families have come to the village to experience wild vegetable picking with their children.

    Meanwhile, to meet the growing travel demand, domestic carriers have launched new flights and added more frequencies for some popular routes, marking the start of the summer and fall flying season on March 30. The season will run until Oct 25, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

    As temperatures in North China warm up, coastal cities such as Dalian, Liaoning province and Yantai, Shandong province are gradually entering a peak tourist season. For instance, Tianjin Airlines has launched new flights connecting Dalian and Yantai.

    State-owned China Southern Airlines plans to add more frequencies on its routes to connect Beijing Daxing International Airport with Altay, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, and Beijing Daxing with Jieyang, Guangdong province.

    In addition, the carrier will launch more international flights to connect cities involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. Those include flights that connect Beijing Daxing with Urumqi, Xinjiang and Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia, as well as Beijing Daxing with Xi’an, Shaanxi province and Doha, Qatar.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZDF’s Obscene military spending plans – Peace Action Wellington

    Source: Peace Action Wellington

    Monday 7 April 2025 – “The just announced plan to spend $12 billion on weapons is a shocking waste. It shows both that there is plenty of money for desperately needed infrastructure, and that this government’s priorities are entirely in the wrong place. It also shows that this government has no plan and no leadership when it comes to the major security issue in our region: climate change,” said Valerie Morse from Peace Action Wellington.

    “The $12 billion that this government plans intends to funnel to global weapons dealers in the next three years is money that would save New Zealanders’ lives if our health system was prioritised. We can’t afford a proper hospital in Dunedin or emergency care in Dargaville, but we can afford this? It shows that the massive cuts to public services are driven by ideology.”

    “This new Defence Capability Plan talks about a ‘dangerous strategic environment’ but takes no responsibility for the help it has given to make it dangerous by supporting a genocide in Palestine. It says that upholding a ‘rules based international order’ is a key priority, yet it is the NZ government itself that is undermining international law by refusing to apply it to Israel. Neither Luxon, Peters or Collins has dared to say a word about the US’s full-blown attacks on international law and its institutions such as the International Criminal Court.”

    The Defence Capability Plan also clearly ties NZ to deploying with the US against China. It says:

     “New Zealand has a particular interest in Indo-Pacific Security. This is where our security partners are closely engaged, where Defence contributions would be expected, and where our economic and strategic interests converge. Defence will focus on contributing to activities that reinforce the existing international rules-based order.”

    “Right now, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and security services are all buying into the US’s fear mongering about China. That is where this drive for massive spending comes from. We should be not adopt an anti-China position simply because that is the US position.”

    “Plans to expand the aerospace capability and industry are almost entirely to service the US military. These launches carry classified ‘national security’ payloads doing the dirty work of US targeting and surveillance. We have no idea what is actually being done from our shores, at places like Mahia.”

    “New Zealand’s role must be to push for peaceful solutions and step away from dangerous alliances. The US is a fascist state. It is not a reliable ally as the Europeans are quickly learning, and NZ would be wise to create some distance between it and our international relations.”

    “This Defence Capability Plan will not make New Zealanders safer or more secure. This plan will ensure that desperately needed public services here in Aotearoa are starved of resources and primed for privatisation, while US weapons companies drain our treasury and the US military sets us up to service them in their forever wars.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Calvert Bill to Secure Port Facilities Approved by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

    The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unanimously approved the Secure Our Ports Act of 2025, H.R. 252, which was introduced by Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) earlier this year. H.R. 252 will strengthen our national security by prohibiting certain foreign entities, including state-owned enterprises of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, from entering into contracts for the ownership, leasing, or operation of U.S. port facilities that are subject to security plans.

    “I want to thank my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as well as Chairman Sam Graves (MO-6) for advancing the Secure Our Ports Act and taking an important step in protecting our critically important ports facilities,” said Rep. Calvert. “America’s ports are essential gateways for trade and commerce. We cannot jeopardize our national security by allowing foreign adversaries, like China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, to own and operate port infrastructure.”

    “The Secure Our Ports Act introduced by Congressman Calvert will strengthen our supply chain and limit the potential for Chinese, Russian, North Korean, and Iranian influence at U.S. ports,” said Chairman Graves.

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –