NewzIntel.com

Category: China

  • MIL-OSI China: Hong Kong mobilizes aid for victims of Myanmar’s deadly earthquake

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has announced that it has earmarked 30 million Hong Kong dollars (3.86 million U.S. dollars) from the Disaster Relief Fund for emergency relief projects following the 7.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday.
    Meanwhile, various sectors in Hong Kong have been making donations to support earthquake relief, including the Hong Kong Red Cross, which has allocated 200,000 Hong Kong dollars (25,712 U.S. dollars) to assist Myanmar and is currently providing emergency tracing services to help individuals in Hong Kong to locate family members who have lost contact due to the earthquake.
    Additionally, the HKSAR government has dispatched a 51-strong search and rescue team to Myanmar, equipped with approximately 9 tons of supplies to aid in the search and rescue operations in the earthquake-affected areas. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: School phone ban one year on: our student survey reveals mixed feelings about its success

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cara Swit, Associate professor, School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury

    DavideAngelini/Shutterstock

    One year after the government banned cellphones from schools to help students focus and reduce distractions in class, we’re beginning to see how it has been implemented and how successful it’s been.

    As part of that process, our new research asked young people about the ban. Unsurprisingly, they had a lot to say.

    Schools around the world, including in Australia, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, China and parts of the United States, have implemented similar bans. The guiding principle everywhere has been to help students do better in school.

    When New Zealand’s ban came into effect in April 2024, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said it was time to cut the distractions so kids could learn and achieve.

    But studies have shown these bans often don’t work as planned. For example, recent research from the UK involving over 1,200 students found no significant difference in academic grades or wellbeing between schools with strict phone bans and those with more relaxed policies.

    With so many questions at the time of the ban about how it would be enforced, we wanted to hear what was going on in schools and what young people really thought. We spoke to 77 young people aged 12 to 18 from 25 schools around the country. Some liked the bans, some didn’t and some weren’t sure.

    Mixed feelings

    Many students had mixed feelings about the bans. Some admitted the bans helped reduce distractions and gave them a break from using their phones. As one explained,

    otherwise, we’ll be on our phone all day, all afternoon, all night, and it won’t be healthy for our minds.

    But other students said the ban had created new problems.

    First, some students felt stressed and anxious when they couldn’t contact their parents or caregivers during the day. Second, they said the rules weren’t always clear or fair. Some teachers were strict, others weren’t. And sometimes, teachers used their phones in class, but students couldn’t.

    That perceived double standard – where teachers can use phones but students can’t – left many of our respondents feeling frustrated and unfairly treated. In some cases, it even made them more secretive about their phone use. One student said,

    Even though we’re not allowed to use our phones, everyone is sneaky and uses it anyway.

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the cellphone ban would cut distractions so kids could learn and achieve.
    Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

    A lack of consultation

    A lot of students said they weren’t asked what they thought before the bans were introduced. They felt as if adults made the rules without asking them or listening to them. One of our interviewees said,

    It feels like they just ban everything, thinking it will fix the problem.

    Many didn’t understand the purpose of the ban, especially since they still have to use laptops and other technology in class.

    Recent research found more than 80% of students in Aotearoa New Zealand say technology in class is distracting – not just phones.

    Already, some students have found clever ways around the phone ban. At one Auckland school, students started using walkie-talkies instead of phones to stay connected with their peers.

    Examples like this show bans don’t always change behaviour the way they’re intended to. It can simply make students feel as though adults underestimate how tech-savvy they really are.

    Young people as active problem solvers

    The young people in our research offered some alternatives to the ban.

    Many suggested allowing phones at break and lunch times. That way, they could stay connected without interrupting class. They also said adults needed to model healthy digital habits, not just set the rules.

    Based on student responses, it does appear that learning and teaching how to use phones in healthy ways would be more helpful than banning them altogether.

    Research from the Digital Wellness Lab supports this balanced approach, emphasising skill building over restriction. But for this to work, adults need support too. Teachers and parents need training and resources to help guide young people – and should also be surveyed on how they feel about the ban.

    Banning phones doesn’t fix the bigger issue of helping young people to use technology safely and responsibly. If schools really want to support students, they need to move beyond one-size-fits-all rules.

    Our research shows young people aren’t just passive users of technology. They’re active problem solvers. They want to be part of the conversation – and part of the solution.

    This would involve replacing top-down bans with meaningful conversations involving young people and adults to build fair and practical digital guidelines, where everyone benefits.

    Cara Swit received funding from The Oakley Mental Health Foundation, InternetNZ and the University of Canterbury’s Vision Mātauranga Development Fund to conduct this research.

    Aaron Hapuku received funding from The Oakley Mental Health Foundation, InternetNZ and the University of Canterbury’s Vision Mātauranga Development Fund to conduct this research.

    Helena Cook received funding from InternetNZ, Oakley Mental Health Foundation and UC Vision Mātauranga Development Fund.

    Jennifer Smith received funding from Internet New Zealand and The Oakley Mental Health Foundation.

    – ref. School phone ban one year on: our student survey reveals mixed feelings about its success – https://theconversation.com/school-phone-ban-one-year-on-our-student-survey-reveals-mixed-feelings-about-its-success-252179

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sci-fi industry total revenue hits 108.96B yuan in 2024

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This photo taken on Oct. 14, 2024 shows the sci-fi-themed mural painted on the outer wall of the Niangziguan Power Plant, where Chinese science fiction writer Liu Cixin used to work as an engineer, in Yangquan, northern China’s Shanxi province.  [Photo/Xinhua]

    The total revenue of China’s science fiction industry in 2024 amounted to 108.96 billion yuan (about $15 billion), according to a report released by China Science Fiction Research Center on Friday.

    Notable originality was evident in the literature, derivative products and themed tourism sectors, said the center at the China Science Fiction Convention 2025.

    The report covered five core sectors of the sci-fi industry — literature, films and TV shows, video games, derivative products and themed tourism — highlighting the annual development trends and future trajectories of China’s sci-fi industry.

    It indicated that sci-fi literature has maintained a growth trend from 2017 to 2024. In 2024, the total revenue of this section reached 3.51 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 10.7%.

    In 2024, the total revenue of sci-fi films and TV shows reached 6.71 billion yuan, with micro-series and mid-to-short videos showing strong growth.

    Sci-fi video games earned a total revenue of 71.81 billion yuan in 2024, with a significant improvement in production quality, according to the report.

    The total revenue of the derivative products recorded 2.53 billion yuan last year, with a year-on-year increase of 11%.

    Themed tourism generated 24.4 billion yuan in 2024, with domestic sci-fi theme parks seeing an increased revenue proportion compared to the previous year.

    The report noted that China’s sci-fi industry has become an important growth point in the global landscape.

    Founded in 2020, the China Science Fiction Research Center focuses on industry policy consultation and academic research.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China Science Fiction Convention 2025 opens in Beijing with futuristic spectacle

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The China Science Fiction Convention 2025 (CSFC 2025) opened in Beijing on Friday, showcasing cutting-edge technologies alongside a report revealing that the country’s sci-fi industry generated 108.96 billion yuan ($15 billion) in revenue last year.

    A futuristic clip plays on a large LED screen during the opening ceremony of the China Science Fiction Convention 2025 in Beijing, March 28, 2025. [Photo/China.org.cn]

    More than 1,000 representatives from China’s technology, literary and industrial sectors attended the opening ceremony on Friday at Beijing’s Shougang Park, which was held as a parallel event of the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum.

    The ceremony featured an immersive extended reality experience with glasses-free 3D displays and high-definition spatial projections, blending virtual and real elements. A bipedal robot named Huanhuan headlined the event, showcasing advanced humanoid technology from Chinese robotics company Unitree. The robot engaged in AI-powered dialogue and demonstrated fluid movements.

    “The Science Fiction Convention has become an important platform where technology and humanities intertwine, and science fiction converges with economic development,” said He Junke, chief executive secretary of the Secretariat of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) in his speech. He emphasized sci-fi’s role in popularizing science, stating it should inspire, forecast and critically examine technological advances.

    He emphasized sci-fi’s potential to drive technological breakthroughs, inspire young people to explore science and promote mutual learning among civilizations to build consensus on a shared future for mankind.

    Beijing Mayor Yin Yong said the city prioritizes sci-fi industry development, attracting over 800 sci-fi enterprises with a local industry output of 48 billion yuan. He noted that emerging sci-fi clusters like Shougang Park are taking shape.

    “Beijing will leverage its strengths in science, technology and culture to support original sci-fi content, enhance technological capabilities, improve structure, foster industry ecosystems and promote high-quality industry growth,” he said.

    Officials, organizers and guests, including sci-fi writer Liu Cixin, launch the Beijing Science Fiction Carnival 2025 during the opening of the China Science Fiction Convention in Beijing, March 28, 2025. [Photo/China.org.cn]

    Beijing’s Shijingshan district now hosts 60% of China’s sci-fi film and television resources, with preparation for the sci-fi epic “The Wandering Earth 3” currently underway at Shougang Park.

    Sci-fi author Liu Cixin said China’s rapid technological advances provide unique inspiration for sci-fi. He noted that the country’s breakthroughs in manned spaceflight, quantum communications and AI can all inspire sci-fi stories.

    “Science fiction is like a key that opens the door to science and technology,” he said.

    At the opening ceremony, the China Science Fiction Research Center released a report highlighting the industry’s role as a key global market driver. The study showed strong growth and creative advancements in five sectors: literature, films and TV shows, video games, merchandise and themed tourism. It noted particular originality in literature, merchandise and tourism.

    According to the report, sci-fi literature continued its growth trend last year, generating 3.51 billion yuan, up 10.7% from the previous year. The film and TV sector earned 6.71 billion yuan in revenue. While theatrical returns declined, the sector saw growth in short-form content and film festivals.

    Video games led the industry with 71.81 billion yuan in revenue, showing quality improvements. Merchandise sales increased 11% to 2.53 billion yuan. Themed tourism brought in 24.4 billion yuan, with domestic theme parks gaining market share.

    The report noted a trend toward premium content development and upscale operations in sci-fi stage productions and scripted entertainment experiences.

    Visitors experience an immersive exhibition at the China Science Fiction Convention 2025 in Beijing, March 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    During the opening event, organizers announced several achievements, including China’s first space documentary film, “Shenzhou 13,” shot entirely in outer space by the Shenzhou-13 crew, and the launch of a pilot zone for future digital space innovation in Beijing. 

    CAST and the Beijing government signed a strategic cooperation agreement to promote Beijing’s sci-fi industry development. The Science Fiction Planet Competition has also joined the convention for the first time, with winners to be announced March 30 and a total prize pool of 6.65 million yuan.

    CSFC 2025, themed “Science Dream, Creating the Future,” runs from March 28 to 31, jointly hosted by CAST and the Beijing government. It features over 30 events, including AI ethics debates, sci-fi exhibitions, a sci-fi market, space mission showcases and robot performances.

    New this year are industry matchmaking events, tech debut showcases and an international sci-fi forum. The event will host 11 high-level forums with over 40 international academics and hundreds of Chinese sci-fi experts and industry representatives. The Beijing Science Fiction Carnival 2025 will run concurrently.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Liu Cixin: science fiction’s golden age just beginning

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Award-winning Chinese science fiction author Liu Cixin said at a Beijing academic forum Saturday that he believes the sci-fi era has only just begun, even as rapid technological advances already make some fictional ideas a reality.

    Writer Liu Cixin speaks at the eighth annual meeting and academic forum of the Science Fiction Creation and Research Base during the China Science Fiction Convention 2025 (CSFC 2025) in Beijing, March 29, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]

    “Many ask if science fiction will lose its prophetic power in this era of technological explosion,” Liu said. “I believe true sci-fi is only beginning. Sci-fi has never been a crystal ball predicting the future, but rather a torch illuminating the unknown — keeping us vigilant on the eve of AI awakening, inspiring reverence in the age of genetic decoding and reminding us, as we venture toward the stars, of our original aspiration.”

    Liu made the remarks at the eighth annual meeting and academic forum of the Science Fiction Creation and Research Base, an arm of the China Science Writers Association, in Beijing on March 29. The event drew more than 70 notable guests from popular science, science fiction, literature, education and sci-fi-related industries.

    The writer said Chinese sci-fi’s greatest opportunity comes from China’s development path, with scientific advancements fueling creative possibilities. Yet, he emphasized that sci-fi is inherently global — a genre transcending cultures, races and national boundaries. “The dreams it envisions and the crises it confronts are universal to humanity,” he noted. “It serves as a bridge, connecting people from all cultural backgrounds.”

    Liu, who also serves as president of the Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute, noted that since its founding in 2016, the Science Fiction Creation and Research Base has united creative talents, built international platforms and advanced theoretical research to support the flourishing of Chinese sci-fi. The base also nurtures new authors through writer studios and seminars, supporting the genre’s growth.

    (From left) Writers Wang Jinkang, Peng Liurong, A Que and Liu Cixin pose for a photo as they launch new studios for Peng and A Que at the eighth annual meeting and academic forum of the Science Fiction Creation and Research Base in Beijing, March 29, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]

    “As a member of this base, I understand that what unites us here goes beyond mere attention and expectations – it represents our shared responsibility and commitment to sci-fi’s future development,” he said.

    Later at the meeting, Wang Weiying, the base’s executive deputy director and secretary-general, reviewed its 2024 achievements and unveiled its 2025 roadmap. She highlighted collaborative book publications and progress in commercializing sci-fi works, education programs, talent development and academic exchanges. For the coming year, she outlined plans to focus on publishing, research, industrial innovation, talent cultivation and global promotion.

    “Science fiction transcends literature — it represents humanity’s collective vision for the future. More than mere imagination, it’s a driving force for progress,” Wang stated. “At this new historical juncture, we will join hands to build a fresh ecosystem for sci-fi culture and compose an even more brilliant chapter for Chinese science fiction.”

    The event featured two roundtable discussions: one on using science fiction in education to boost scientific literacy, and another on the emerging “Sci-Fi+” literary trend that blends classical traditions with futuristic visions. The base also unveiled new publications and inaugurated writer studios for authors Peng Liurong and A Que, bringing the total to 18.

    Attendees and guests pose for a group photo at the eighth annual meeting and academic forum of the Science Fiction Creation and Research Base in Beijing, March 29, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]

    “Against the backdrop of rapid global technological advancements — from AI and quantum computing to biotechnology — sci-fi not only transforms people’s daily lives but also stands at the intersection of technology and humanity,” said Qiu Huadong, author and vice chairman of the China Writers Association.

    Qiu added that Chinese sci-fi creators have a unique historical mission. “The next generation must draw inspiration from scientific frontiers, trace narrative roots through history and explore human nature’s depths,” he said. “Through innovation, they can create works that are both globally significant and distinctly Chinese.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: A symphony of cultures at kindergarten

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Just days ahead of “Sanyuesan,” a traditional ethnic festival in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, a unique musical endeavor was unfolding in a kindergarten in the heart of Nanning, the regional capital.

    Inside the brightly-lit auditorium, Huang Shaozheng, a retired English professor in his 60s and a Zhuang culture advocate, along with Jake Philip Tucker, a 28-year-old English teacher and trained musician from Britain, were on a musical quest to blend the timeless folk songs of Liu Sanjie, the legendary “Song Fairy” and a cultural icon of the local Zhuang culture, with a contemporary flair, bridging heritage and modernity.

    The “Sanyuesan” festival is the perfect platform for this cultural fusion. Held annually on the third day of the third lunar month, this beloved event, which falls on March 31 this year, is set to transform the region into a kaleidoscope of music, dance, and tradition, drawing together China’s rich array of ethnic groups.

    The pupils, in the distinctly colored costumes of the Zhuang, Han, Yao, and Hui ethnic groups, turned the campus into a lively parade of Guangxi’s rich cultural tapestry.

    “Throwing red embroidered balls is a ‘Sanyuesan’ tradition,” explained Sherry Zeng, the principal of the kindergarten. “Historically thrown as tokens of affection, here they remind the children of the culture of the place they live.”

    In the midst of this festive ambiance, Huang and Tucker collaborated to breathe new life into Liu Sanjie’s songs.

    “Try this: ‘Follow me all the way. On both banks of the river, we are singing along,’” suggested Huang with a tone that was patient yet firm.

    With a Ukulele slung casually over his shoulder, Tucker adjusted the rhythm and responded. “How about this? I put a little western spin onto it.”

    Their partnership was a seamless blend of tradition and innovation as Huang’s profound knowledge of Zhuang culture and Liu Sanjie’s legacy guided Tucker’s contemporary musical flair.

    The session crescendoed as the kindergarten students joined in. Clad in colorful attires, the children were joining Huang and Tucker in a joyful chorus: “By the mountains, under the stars, we sing as one,” accompanied by Tucker’s Ukulele and the melodies they have known since infancy.

    Their voices resonated with a cultural essence at the heart of the “Sanyuesan” festival.

    “It’s about giving them a sense of pride,” said Huang as he gazed with avuncular jocularity at the engaged faces of the children. “They’re the future of this culture.”

    For these young voices, each a small part of Guangxi’s ethnic mosaic, the experience is both a celebration and a lesson in heritage, said Zeng.

    Liu Sanjie is more than just a figure of the distant past. Her legend, tracing back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), tells of a young woman who taps into the wellspring of music to face down oppression, earning her a place as an immortal symbol of freedom among Zhuang ethnic group.

    During “Sanyuesan,” her songs, steeped in romance and reverence for Guangxi’s breathtaking landscapes, echo across the festival, threading tradition through the pulsating festivities.

    Huang’s ambitious project to translate these melodies into English is no small feat.

    “It’s particularly demanding to preserve the thematic and poetic integrity of the originals while making them easily accessible to those who don’t even speak a word of Mandarin,” said Huang.

    Yet, his efforts are paying off, as Liu Sanjie’s voice begins to echo far beyond her native mountains with the publication of “Liu Sanjie and her free mountain songs” in 2021, which renders the scripts of Liu Sanjie opera and other popular Liu Sanjie’s ballads into modern English with singable lyrics and musical notation.

    Australian writer Mark Tredinnick wrote in the preface to a book of Liu’s folk tunes that Huang translated, he wrote of allowing one to “hear the heartbeat of the earth — how the earth loves us and how it would be loved in return.”

    This kindergarten event was a microcosm of “Sanyuesan” and Huang’s broader vision: to bridge Guangxi’s ethnic heritage with international appreciation.

    As the session ended, the children’s cheers mingled with the fading notes of Ukulele, a triumph taking root within the campus walls, according to Huang.

    “It brings people together,” said Huang. “Through these songs, we’re not just preserving our past, we’re inviting others to join us. That’s what culture is all about.”

    “This kind of cross-language exchange is super fun and important,” said Tucker. “It helps introduce the authentic Zhuang culture to new audiences like me and other expats, and hints at its potential to go global.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: In pics: Ethnic charm of young dancer glows on stage of Pamir Plateau

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Amangul Wapik (R) and her brother prepare milk tea for guests in Sarijilga Village of Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 21, 2025.

    The cultural performance troupe of Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County is renowned for its efforts in preserving local culture, creating and performing art, and facilitating cultural exchange and cooperation. Aside from giving art performances during important festivals and conducting regular performances for tourists, the troupe also engages in artistic exchanges in rural areas and communities, enriching the cultural lives of local residents.

    Amangul Wapik, a 25-year-old dancer, joined the troupe in 2019. “Dancing is my passion. I particularly enjoy the joyful and carefree feelings on stage,” Amangul said.

    With assistance from the troupe, she has gradually developed her own performance style, blending modern and traditional dance elements through extensive training and practical performances.

    From March to October each year, the troupe primarily focuses on tourism-related performances due to the rapid development of the local tourism industry. Amangul and her colleagues always give passionate performances, showcasing the rich cultural traditions of their hometown. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China eyes one-stop service platform for public complaints

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China aims to standardize “comprehensive governance centers” at the provincial, city, and township levels by 2026 to improve the handling of public complaints and dispute resolution.
    The announcement was made by the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China Central Committee during a meeting held in Xiamen of Fujian Province from Saturday to Sunday.
    By June 2025, all county-level governance centers will be operational, with the majority completing standardization by year-end, except those that require new construction. Standardization will extend to provincial, municipal, and township centers by 2026.
    According to the meeting, these centers will serve as one-stop platforms for handling public complaints, with digital tracking enabling real-time monitoring of dispute resolution progress.
    Building on the “Fengqiao Experience,” the initiative promotes localized dispute resolution. County and township centers will focus on resolving contradictions and disputes, while provincial and municipal centers will coordinate broader efforts, authorities said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China discovers major oilfield in South China Sea

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced on Monday that it has discovered a major oilfield in the eastern South China Sea, with proven reserves exceeding 100 million tonnes.
    The newly discovered Huizhou 19-6 oilfield marks a breakthrough in China’s offshore oil exploration, as it is the country’s first large-scale integrated clastic oilfield discovered in deep to ultra-deep layers, CNOOC said.
    Situated about 170 km from Shenzhen in south China’s Guangdong Province, the oilfield sits at an average water depth of 100 meters. Test drilling has yielded a daily production of 413 barrels of crude oil and 68,000 cubic meters of natural gas, demonstrating its potential.
    According to the company, offshore oil and gas exploration in deep to ultra-deep layers faces multiple challenges, including high temperatures, high pressures, and complex conditions.
    Meanwhile, clastic reservoirs, an important component of deep-sea hydrocarbon deposits, generally have low permeability, making the identification of large oil and gas fields more difficult.
    Peng Guangrong, a geologist at CNOOC’s Shenzhen branch, noted that 60 percent of the world’s newly discovered oil and gas reserves have come from deep layers. With abundant resources and a low level of exploration, deep to ultra-deep layers are expected to drive future growth in oil and gas reserves and production.
    China’s oil and gas exploration in the eastern South China Sea has seen consecutive breakthroughs, with oilfields exceeding 100 million tonnes in reserves discovered for two straight years, said CNOOC’s CEO Zhou Xinhuai. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to issue 500-billion-yuan special treasury bonds to support state-owned banks

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

    China to issue 500-billion-yuan special treasury bonds to support state-owned banks

    BEIJING, March 31 — China will issue 500 billion yuan (about 69.7 billion U.S. dollars) of special treasury bonds to support large state-owned commercial banks in replenishing their core tier-one capital, the Ministry of Finance said Monday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Artificial intelligence fuels China’s high-quality growth

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    People learn about a bionic humanoid robot at the Zhongguancun International Innovation Center during the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum Annual Conference in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, an innovation pillar empowering China’s smart manufacturing, green transition and even breakthroughs in space sciences, is proving to be a key driver of the nation’s high-quality growth, noted international industry experts at a key forum.

    Under the wave of the explosion of AI technology, 2025 will be the first year of large-scale AI application implementation,” said Kai-Fu Lee, CEO of 01.AI and chairman of Sinovation Ventures at the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum Annual Conference in Beijing.

    Large models have brought about a revolution in productivity, he said, adding that their intelligence continues to improve with the constant emergence of new technologies, marking the advent of an era characterized by large model applications.

    A defining application trend showcased at the event is the convergence of AI and new energy vehicles (NEVs), which represents a strategic priority in China’s carbon neutrality roadmap. This synergy was epitomized by Li Auto’s intelligent driving demonstration, which has captured considerable attention within the industry.

    All-scenario navigation assist driving feature developed by the company enables vehicles to autonomously change lanes and overtake, enter or exit ramps, pass intersections in response to traffic lights, and avoid or detour around roadwork obstacles. It has made it easier to drive safely on highways and drive proficiently on urban roads, the company said.

    The automotive industry has entered a transformative era of intelligence, marking an evolution from mere transportation tools to AI terminals, said Li Xiang, the CEO of the company.

    At the exhibition venue, nearly 100 robots from 15 companies are actively engaged throughout the event to enhance the experience of the attendees. More importantly, they showcase how humanoid robots are rapidly advancing to boost productivity and expand their real-world applications.

    A humanoid robot named “Adam” amazed visitors with an elegant dance during the conference, showcasing its advanced full-body motion control. Through the fusion of unique hardware design and reinforcement learning, the development team has enabled Adam to coordinate joint movements precisely, achieving human-like agility and flexibility, explained Anna Leung, brand director of Adam’s developer, PNDbotics AI Co., Ltd.

    “The most exciting era for humanoid robots, the era of productivity, is about to begin,” said Wang He, founder and CTO of Beijing Galbot Co., Ltd. The ability of humanoid robots to integrate vision-driven guidance, limb control, and generalized autonomous operation truly makes them valuable assistants to humans, said Wang.

    In the 2025 government work report, China vowed to effectively combine digital technologies with its manufacturing and market strengths. It will support the extensive application of large-scale AI models and develop new-generation intelligent terminals and smart manufacturing equipment, including intelligent connected NEVs and intelligent robots.

    As China steadily advances toward its dual carbon goals, fast-developing AI technologies also contribute significantly with their applications in sectors such as new energy integration, energy production and smart energy consumption, according to industry experts.

    For instance, AI plays an important role in the construction of a new type of power system. By enhancing smart grid regulation and source-grid-load-storage coordination, it addresses grid stability and security challenges as the renewable energy penetration rate continues to rise, according to Ren Jingdong, deputy director of the National Energy Administration.

    Wang Chi, director of National Space Science Center under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that AI will play a critical role in future interplanetary exploration, as spacecraft control systems need to be more intelligent for more distant solar exploration, particularly Mars and Jupiter.

    Sending humans to the destinations entails unacceptable hazards, but deploying intelligent agents and robotic systems for preliminary exploration would be able to reduce risks in extreme exploration scenarios, said Liu Hangxin, co-executive director at the frontier research center at the Beijing Institute for General Artificial Intelligence. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US pharmaceutical giant opens R&D center in Beijing

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. pharmaceutical giant Pfizer’s new research and development (R&D) center officially opened at BioPark in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA) on Saturday.

    As the company’s third R&D center in China, the new facility aims to enhance its existing drug development network in the country, integrating China into Pfizer’s global early-stage clinical trials and all pivotal phase III studies.

    With China’s population aging, the demand for innovative drugs and vaccines is expected to grow, said Michael Corbo, senior vice president of the company.

    He added that the R&D center in Beijing aims to accelerate the global simultaneous development of innovative drugs, benefiting patients worldwide, including those in China.

    Multinational pharmaceutical firms are increasingly recognizing China’s burgeoning innovative drug sector as a strategic goldmine to bolster their global competitiveness.

    British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca signed a landmark agreement earlier this month to invest 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in Beijing over the next five years, demonstrating confidence in the capital’s world-class life sciences innovation ecosystem. Likewise, medical tech firm Medtronic also launched a digital healthcare innovation base at BioPark, its first in China.

    To date, nearly 5,000 medical and healthcare companies have gathered in the BDA, including multinational pharmaceutical giants such as Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Bayer, AstraZeneca and Medtronic.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s homegrown jetliner C909 enters Lao market

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s domestically developed regional jetliner, the C909, marked another milestone in its international expansion as Lao Airlines took delivery of the aircraft on Sunday, becoming its second overseas operator.

    This C909 aircraft, featuring a 90-seat all-economy class configuration, was delivered under a leasing arrangement. It is expected to undergo a series of preparations in Laos before entering commercial operations.

    According to the aircraft maker Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC), the C909, bearing interior and exterior signage in Lao and a custom-designed livery, boasts excellent high-temperature performance and the ability to take off and land on short and narrow runways. These features ensure that it is able to adapt to Southeast Asia’s operational environment.

    COMAC has established a dedicated team to assist Lao Airlines with various preparations, including manual development, personnel training, spare parts support and maintenance capability.

    Formerly known as ARJ21, the C909 aircraft is a domestically developed regional jetliner with a range of 2,225 to 3,700 km, making it suitable for most domestic routes in Laos as well as regional international flights.

    So far, 162 units of C909 have been delivered, serving 645 routes across 158 cities and safely transporting over 20 million passengers, said COMAC.

    In 2022, this model was delivered to its first overseas client TransNusa, an Indonesian airline, making it China’s first indigenously developed passenger jetliner to enter foreign markets.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to issue 500B yuan special treasury bonds to support state-owned banks

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China will issue 500 billion yuan (about 69.7 billion U.S. dollars) of special treasury bonds to support large state-owned commercial banks in replenishing their core tier-one capital, the Ministry of Finance said Monday. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Netanyahu says Israel open to Gaza talks if Hamas disarms, relinquishes control

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The screenshot from a video shows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu making a statement, on Nov. 26, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Sunday that Israel is prepared to negotiate an end to the conflict in Gaza, but only if Hamas surrenders its weapons and relinquishes control of the besieged enclave.

    Speaking at the start of a weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said Israel is ready to discuss a final resolution under which “Hamas leaders will be allowed to leave, we will ensure general security in the Gaza Strip, and we will enable the implementation of the Trump plan for voluntary immigration.”

    He said military pressure on Hamas was proving effective, weakening the group’s military and governance capabilities while creating conditions for the release of Israeli hostages.

    Netanyahu said the security cabinet had decided overnight to escalate military pressure, adding that “we are negotiating under fire, and therefore it is effective. We see that there are suddenly cracks.”

    Denying allegations that the government is not prioritizing the hostages’ return, Netanyahu said, “We are working and intend to bring them back. So far, the combination of military and political pressure has been the only factor securing the release of hostages.”

    On Lebanon, he said the Israeli military was enforcing the ceasefire “firmly and optimally” and called on Beirut to prevent attacks from its territory.

    Netanyahu also expressed support for U.S. military action against Yemen’s Houthis, saying, “We have an alliance with the greatest power in the world, and it stands behind us there and in other arenas without reservation.”

    Israeli forces resumed strikes in Gaza on March 18, effectively ending a ceasefire with Hamas that had been in place since January 19.

    On Friday, Israel carried out an airstrike on Beirut, its first since signing a ceasefire with Hezbollah in November.

    The escalation has raised concerns of wider regional instability, prompting the international community to condemn the violence and call for restraint. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Iran’s president rejects direct negotiations with Washington

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attends a press conference in Tehran, Iran, on Sept. 16, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed on Sunday that Tehran has rejected direct talks with Washington in response to a letter from President Donald Trump. However, he emphasized that Iran has not closed the door on indirect negotiations, a pathway it has consistently kept open.

    Pezeshkian made the remarks during a cabinet meeting in Tehran, shedding light on Iran’s official response to Trump’s letter, which sought direct negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program.

    The letter, sent earlier this month, was conveyed through the United Arab Emirates, with Iran’s response delivered to Washington via Oman.

    According to Pezeshkian, while Tehran declined the prospect of direct talks, it reiterated its openness to indirect negotiations, a stance it has maintained throughout the years.

    “We have never closed the door on indirect talks,” he stated, adding that the failure to reach progress in past negotiations stemmed from unfulfilled promises by the U.S., which, he suggested, must be addressed to rebuild trust.

    “The U.S. behavior will determine the continuation of the negotiation path,” he said, signaling that Iran’s approach remains contingent on Washington’s conduct.

    In early March, Trump said that he had sent a letter to Iran’s leadership, proposing negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program.

    Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed on Thursday that Tehran had sent its official response through Oman the previous day, reiterating its refusal to direct negotiations, especially under the ongoing “maximum pressure” campaign and military threats from the U.S. However, he affirmed that indirect talks could continue, as they have in the past.

    The nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was signed in 2015 between Iran and world powers. Under the agreement, Iran agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, in May 2018, during Trump’s first term, the U.S. withdrew from the deal and reimposed sanctions, prompting Iran to reduce its nuclear commitments.

    Efforts to revive the nuclear deal have so far made little progress, with diplomatic initiatives stalled and tensions between Tehran and Washington remaining high. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese rescue teams racing against time to save lives in Myanmar

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Rescuers prepare to carry out search and rescue operations after an earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar, March 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Since a 7.9-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on Friday, several Chinese rescue teams have arrived in the Southeast Asian country and are racing against time to save lives together with local rescue teams.

    A 37-member rescue and medical team from China’s Yunnan Province arrived at Myanmar’s Yangon International Airport at around 7 a.m. local time on Saturday, carrying emergency supplies such as full-function life detectors, earthquake early warning systems, portable satellite phones and drones. The team immediately joined a Myanmar fire and rescue team and headed to the badly hit capital Nay Pyi Taw.

    On Saturday evening, the rescue team arrived in the capital and started rescue work at once.

    Rescuers discuss rescue plans after an earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar, March 30, 2025. [Blue Sky Rescue team/Handout via Xinhua]

    At 5 a.m. on Sunday, after an emergency rescue operation overnight, they rescued an elderly man trapped for nearly 40 hours under the rubble of Ottara Thiri Private Hospital.

    On Sunday morning, Myanmar’s State Administration Council Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visited the hospital and extended his appreciation to members of the Chinese rescue team for their timely assistance.

    In Mandalay, another severely affected city, the first batch of members of China’s Blue Sky Rescue arrived early Sunday and immediately started rescue work with local volunteers. A quake survivor in Mandalay was recovered at around 9:30 a.m. by members of the Blue Sky Rescue team from China’s Hunan Province.

    At 6:30 a.m., more than 100 young volunteers of overseas Chinese in Myanmar started to carry out preliminary technical, information and logistical support work such as collecting information under the guidance of the rescue team.

    Members of the Blue Sky Rescue team, a Chinese civil relief squad, check the rescue equipment before departure in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, March 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Officials from the Myanmar rescue department briefed the rescue team on Myanmar’s arrangements for international rescue efforts.

    A local Chinese resident, surnamed Yang, told Xinhua early Sunday morning that many overseas Chinese living in Yangon drove more than 10 hours overnight to deliver supplies, such as antiseptics, gloves and N95 masks, to rescue teams in Mandalay. Many restaurants offered free meals to rescue workers.

    Relief supplies were rushed to the earthquake-stricken areas. On Saturday, China’s Yunnan Province launched an emergency response mechanism to prepare tents, blankets, foldable beds and other relief supplies, with the first batch of supplies arriving in Myanmar on Saturday by air.

    Rescuers prepare to carry out search and rescue operations after an earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar, March 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    On Saturday evening, more emergency relief supplies were seen going through the border check at Ruili Port on the China-Myanmar border.

    To ensure quick clearance of relief supplies, rescue workers and medical personnel, the China-Myanmar border has launched a post-earthquake emergency clearance coordination mechanism, operating 24 hours a day with a green channel for related personnel and supplies, officials from Kunming Customs said.

    About 1,700 people died, 3,400 were injured, and 300 remained missing in the massive earthquake in Myanmar, according to the country’s State Administration Council on Sunday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China unveils plan to turn permanent basic farmland into high-standard farmland

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China announced on Sunday a plan to gradually transform permanent basic farmland into high-standard farmland.
    The plan, issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council, aims to have developed 1.35 billion mu (90 million hectares) of high-standard farmland by 2030 and transformed all eligible permanent basic farmland into high-standard farmland by 2035.
    The plan highlights that food security is a strategic issue, emphasizing that the foundation for ensuring food security lies in arable land, while building high-standard farmland is a key focus.
    High-standard farmland, also called well-facilitated farmland, requires sci-tech support for disaster prevention and control, soil quality and fertility improvement, and farmland management based on information technology.
    By the end of 2024, China had developed over 1 billion mu of high-standard farmland and built irrigation networks stretching a total length of over 10 million kilometers.
    China’s grain output hit a record 706.5 million tonnes last year, a 1.6 percent increase from 2023.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 4 major Chinese state banks to raise 520B yuan via A-share issuance

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s four major state-owned commercial banks on Sunday announced plans to raise a combined 520 billion yuan (about 72.5 billion U.S. dollars) through the issuance of A-shares targeting specific investors.

    The four commercial banks — Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Bank of Communications, and Postal Savings Bank of China — published their plans through the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

    According to their plans, Bank of China aims to raise no more than 165 billion yuan, China Construction Bank no more than 105 billion yuan, Bank of Communications no more than 120 billion yuan, and Postal Savings Bank of China no more than 130 billion yuan.

    All four banks have said that the raised funds, after deducting issuance-related costs, will be used to replenish their respective core tier-1 capital.

    China’s Ministry of Finance (MOF) will participate in the fundraising efforts of all four banks, with a combined intended subscription of up to 500 billion yuan.

    According to this year’s government work report, China will issue 500 billion yuan of special treasury bonds to support the capital replenishment of major state-owned commercial banks.

    The four banks said that capital replenishment from the MOF is a crucial move from the government to support their stable operations and development.

    Industry analysts said that the capital replenishment is a proactive measure that will strengthen the banks’ capital foundations and optimize their capital structures.

    This move will enhance their operational resilience and risk management capabilities, enabling them to better serve the real economy and stabilize the financial system, according to analysts.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Japan, ROK economic, trade ministers pledge to deepen trilateral cooperation

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China is committed to high-quality development and expanding high-level openness, vowing to share opportunities with all nations, including the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan, said Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on Sunday.

    Amid the downward pressure on the global economy, China, Japan and ROK, as major regional and global economies, have to make joint efforts to safeguard free trade and multilateral trading system, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and advance regional economic integration, said Wang at the 13th China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Economic and Trade Ministers’ Meeting held in Seoul on Sunday.

    The trilateral meeting, focused on topics such as strengthening trade and investment collaboration and advancing regional and multilateral cooperation, was co-chaired by Wang Wentao, ROK’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Duk-geun, and Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoji Muto.

    At the meeting, the economic and trade departments of the three countries agreed to discuss accelerating negotiations on the trilateral free trade agreement, strengthen supply chain cooperation and dialogue on export control, deepen collaboration in digital and green economies, enhance local cooperation, and jointly foster a favorable environment for business collaboration.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign business leaders reaffirm China as oasis of certainty

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Participants attend the China Development Forum 2025 in Beijing, capital of China, March 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In a world haunted by growing protectionism, China has continuously expanded opening up, injecting stability into the global economy, and has become an oasis of certainty and a hot spot for investment and entrepreneurship.

    This is the belief shared by more than 40 representatives of the international business community who met in Beijing on Friday with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

    From the China Development Forum 2025 in Beijing to the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in south China’s Hainan Province, foreign executives have reaffirmed their commitment to China as a key market for investment and collaboration. They noted China’s complete industrial system, rich application scenarios, vast market scale and large talent pool, which combine to offer extensive collaboration opportunities for international industrial and technological innovation.

    Investing in China, investing in future

    China’s reform and opening up continue to draw global attention. Riding the wave created by China’s high-level opening-up endeavors, foreign companies are leveraging the advantages of the world’s second-largest economy and participating in its innovation pursuit, aiming at win-win cooperation.

    “We have been very proud to play a role in China’s development, enabling and connecting China to the world,” said Sean Stein, president of the U.S.-China Business Council, adding that China has grown into the world’s second-largest consumer market, presenting vast opportunities for multinational operators to invest and expand their businesses.

    Foreign business operations and investments in China have driven economic growth and employment, boosted technological and managerial progress, and facilitated reform and opening up. In this process, foreign businesses have thrived and generally enjoyed handsome returns, achieved win-win results, and forged profound friendship with the Chinese people.

    In 2024, a total of 59,080 new foreign-invested enterprises were established in China, up 9.9 percent year on year. Over the past five years, the return rate of foreign direct investment in the country has remained at approximately 9 percent, ranking among the highest in the world.

    “We invest in infrastructure that supports domestic consumption. A prosperous Chinese consumer is good for our business,” said Hamid R. Moghadam, chairman and CEO of Prologis.

    “We are more than 30 years now in China, and we have several production hubs. For us, it’s a very large market. China also is a very attractive market with a lot of opportunities today, in the past, but also in the future — and that’s why we’re here,” said Christian Hartel, president & CEO of Wacker Chemie AG.

    “So we keep investing, and we have very great people here on the ground in China, who are very innovative. We develop and produce products for the Chinese market, and also feel very positive for the outlook in the future,” he added.

    Merchants visit the “Invest in China” area of the 24th China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen, southeast China’s Fujian Province, Sept. 8, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    All eyes on new quality productive forces

    Foreign investment plays a significant role in fostering new quality productive forces, and China supports the participation of foreign enterprises in its new industrialization, with a focus on high-tech fields, according to an action plan to stabilize foreign investment in 2025, which was approved by a State Council executive meeting in February.

    The nation’s emphasis on innovation as a driver for high-quality growth resonated strongly with the foreign business representatives.

    They said that from “Made in China” to “new quality productive forces,” China has empowered industrial transformation and upgrading through innovation, and is set to realize higher-quality and more sustainable development. These foreign business representatives have reached the consensus that the outlook of the Chinese economy is strong.

    “Today there are multiple signs of investment on optimism,” said Jean-Pascal Tricoire, chairman of Schneider Electric, adding that China’s promotion of green development aligns with Schneider’s goal of pursuing sustainability, instilling confidence in enterprises to advance investment, research and development in China.

    This photo taken on Nov. 9, 2024 shows the booth of Schneider Electric during the 7th China International Import Expo in east China’s Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua]

    “We remain committed to the country, not only as a market, but as a strategic hub for innovation, investment and collaboration,” said Geoff Martha, chairman and CEO of Medtronic. He emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation collaboration in China and expressed the hope of jointly promoting the innovative development of global healthcare via continued investments in China.

    Beijing Benz, the joint venture between Beijing Automotive Group Co., Ltd. and Mercedes-Benz, in March 2024 marked the milestone of producing its 5 millionth vehicle. Later, in September 2024, Mercedes-Benz and its Chinese partners announced an additional 14 billion yuan (about 1.92 billion U.S. dollars) investment to expand their product offerings in the region.

    Ola Kallenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, also praised China’s innovation-driven market. “China’s competitive advantage lies in its passion for innovation,” he said. “That is why Mercedes-Benz continues to deepen its presence in China.”

    A Mercedes-Benz G-Class electric off-road vehicle is pictured during an unveiling ceremony at the 2024 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition in Beijing, capital of China, April 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Open collaboration for shared future

    Against the backdrop of rising unilateralism and protectionism in the world economy, China has vowed to expand high-standard opening up, while keeping foreign trade and foreign investment stable.

    China is an oasis of certainty, according to Aramco President and CEO Amin H. Nasser. “What we see today in the global environment is uncertainty. We are seeing unpredictability, and we need China’s stability, certainty and predictability that we are seeing,” Nasser explained.

    “I think for us exactly in these times of uncertainties, having the commitment from President Xi and from the Chinese government in general to show consistency in their approach, to continue with their focus on multilateralism, on providing a level playing field, and on opening up… these are very powerful messages of stability in a world that really needs stability at this time,” said Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller-Maersk.

    “We have been in China for a little bit more than 60 years, and we are now planning for our next 60 years, for Inter IKEA here in China. We are very confident in China, and in how China and IKEA can grow together,” said Jon Abrahamsson Ring, CEO of Inter IKEA Group.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 14 Chinese nationals injured in Myanmar earthquake

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Fourteen Chinese nationals were injured in Friday’s earthquake in Myanmar, the Chinese embassy in Myanmar confirmed on Sunday.

    The embassy said it would send staff to Yangon People’s Hospital to visit Chinese nationals who had been transferred from severely-hit Mandalay for treatment.

    Around 1,700 people have been killed so far in the 7.7-magnitude earthquake, according to Myanmar’s authorities.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Russia cooperate on rescuing grounded Chinese cargo ship

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese and Russian authorities are actively advancing rescue efforts for the Chinese cargo ship Anyang-2, which ran aground near Nevelsk, on Russia’s Sakhalin Island, the Chinese Consulate General in Vladivostok said on Sunday.

    A Chinese task force recently arrived in Russia’s Sakhalin Oblast to consult with local Russian government officials and rescue agencies to coordinate the ship’s salvage operation, according to the consulate.

    Both sides have signed a letter of intent regarding oil removal, with further efforts underway to draft the next phase of the rescue plan.

    Staff from the Chinese consulate boarded the vessel after it ran aground to visit the crew. As of now, all 20 crew members are in good health, maintaining smooth communication with the outside world and having sufficient supplies of food and drinking water.

    The Chinese cargo ship “Anyang-2” ran aground near the Port of Nevelsk on Sakhalin Island in the early hours of February 9 following a severe storm. The vessel was carrying approximately 50 tons of diesel and 700 tons of heavy fuel oil. No pollution has been detected in the surrounding waters following the incident, according to Sakhalin’s governor.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China International Search and Rescue Team arrives in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A total of 118 members of the China International Search and Rescue Team (CISAR) arrived in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, on Sunday night.

    The team consists of earthquake experts, structural engineers, search and rescue workers, medical personnel, and canine units. They are equipped with life detectors, demolition equipment, and field hospital systems.

    Established in 2001, the CISAR is a United Nations-certified heavy-duty rescue team that has participated in over 20 international missions.

    According to Myanmar’s State Administration Council on Sunday, about 1,700 people died, 3,400 were injured, and 300 remained missing in a massive 7.9-magnitude earthquake that hit the country on Friday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China Search and Rescue Team recovers survivor in Mandalay

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken on March 31, 2025, shows China Search and Rescue Team with the survivor they saved in Mandalay, Myanmar. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China Search and Rescue Team successfully recovered a female survivor at the Great Wall Hotel quake site in Mandalay city, Myanmar, early on Monday.

    The Chinese rescue team rescued the survivor after more than five hours of intense work. The survivor had been trapped for nearly 60 hours and had good vital signs when rescued.

    This was the first survivor rescued by China Search and Rescue Team after they arrived in the hard-hit Mandalay city late on Sunday.

    Another Chinese rescue team from Yunnan on Sunday morning rescued a survivor in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar’s capital city, which was also severely-affected in Friday’s earthquake.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Four major Chinese state banks to raise 520 bln yuan via A-share issuance

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

    BEIJING, March 30 — China’s four major state-owned commercial banks on Sunday announced plans to raise a combined 520 billion yuan (about 72.5 billion U.S. dollars) through the issuance of A-shares targeting specific investors.

    The four commercial banks — Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Bank of Communications, and Postal Savings Bank of China — published their plans through the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

    According to their plans, Bank of China aims to raise no more than 165 billion yuan, China Construction Bank no more than 105 billion yuan, Bank of Communications no more than 120 billion yuan, and Postal Savings Bank of China no more than 130 billion yuan.

    All four banks have said that the raised funds, after deducting issuance-related costs, will be used to replenish their respective core tier-1 capital.

    China’s Ministry of Finance (MOF) will participate in the fundraising efforts of all four banks, with a combined intended subscription of up to 500 billion yuan.

    According to this year’s government work report, China will issue 500 billion yuan of special treasury bonds to support the capital replenishment of major state-owned commercial banks.

    The four banks said that capital replenishment from the MOF is a crucial move from the government to support their stable operations and development.

    Industry analysts said that the capital replenishment is a proactive measure that will strengthen the banks’ capital foundations and optimize their capital structures.

    This move will enhance their operational resilience and risk management capabilities, enabling them to better serve the real economy and stabilize the financial system, according to analysts.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: BYD Energy Storage Launches Chess Plus for C&I Energy Storage in China

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BEIJING, March 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BYD Energy Storage, a business division of BYD Company Limited, as a provider of renewable energy solutions, unveiled on March 26th its next-gen commercial and industrial (C&I) energy storage system, Chess Plus, designed to address challenges in safety, efficiency, and profitability amid a fiercely competitive market.

    BYD Energy Storage’s Chess Plus establishes a new paradigm in energy storage through its cell-to-system (CTS) protection framework. At the core are “Thick Blade Battery” cells with ceramic terminals, eliminating leakage risks while enhancing corrosion resistance. These cells have passed extreme stress tests including thermal runaway simulations (-25~55℃) and 260% overcharge thresholds. Chess Plus is unique with its 2-hour fire-resistant battery casing and built-in aerosol fire suppression system. The thermal anomalies can be detected in advance thanks to the system-level protection including 8.0-magnitude seismic resistance, IP55 enclosures with sloping roofs for water drainage, and AI-driven risk prediction algorithms.

    Chess Plus features ultra-long life battery cells supporting over 10,000 cycles, ensuring durability for steady operations. Its dual-mode cooling system—liquid cooling for batteries and smart forced air cooling for electronic equipment—reduces auxiliary power consumption by 20% while enhancing thermal consistency. This design extends component lifespan by 30%.

    Chess Plus integrates high-performance edge computing for real-time SOC optimization and fault prediction. The system’s modular architecture allows independent data and control channels for stable operation. Chess Plus is an energy storage solution for many application scenarios in industrial parks, EV charging hubs and microgrids. With AI-driven management, it is an ideal option for optimizing energy use and maximizing ROI across diverse settings.

    Dr. Wang Xiaoye from BYD Energy Storage emphasized, “Only manufacturers mastering cell-level R&D can deliver true value and efficiency. Chess Plus reflects our 17-year energy storage expertise and commitment to sustainable innovation.”

    BYD Energy Storage has long been committed to the R&D of C&I energy storage products. Its previous C&I product applied in a Behind-the-Meter facility in Jiangsu, China helps generate $3 million annually via two cycles per day and grid incentives, demonstrating a 3-year payback period.

    As industries worldwide embrace green energy, Chess Plus shows considerable promise as a dominant role in the market with its strong stability and adaptability. With unmatched safety and smart operational tools, BYD Energy Storage continues to lead the global shift toward resilient and cost-efficient energy storage.

    Photo available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f3620aaf-7be9-4e80-8af9-1feffb703f48

    www.bydenergy.com

    www.bydglobal.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: ’15-minute life circle’ enhances convenience for residents in Xiong’an

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

    ’15-minute life circle’ enhances convenience for residents in Xiong’an

    Updated: March 30, 2025 20:11 Xinhua
    People enjoy leisure time at Yuerong Park in the Xiong’an New Area, north China’s Hebei Province, March 19, 2025. Since China announced plans to establish the Xiong’an New Area in April 2017, it has evolved from a blueprint into a vibrant city. Over 200 community service centers have been established in newly built areas of Xiong’an, creating a “15-minute life circle” that meets residents’ basic needs for shopping and leisure. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Residents visit the traditional Chinese medicine clinic at a community health service center in the Rongxi area, the Xiong’an New Area, north China’s Hebei Province, March 25, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Children play with their family at a community service center in the Rongxi area of the Xiong’an New Area, north China’s Hebei Province, March 25, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on March 25, 2025 shows a school in the Rongxi area of the Xiong’an New Area, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A resident selects books at a public library in a community in the Rongxi area, the Xiong’an New Area, north China’s Hebei Province, March 25, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People are pictured at the XLOOP commercial area in the business service center in the Xiong’an New Area, north China’s Hebei Province, March 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A teacher instructs students to make tie-dye creations at a night school in the Xiong’an New Area, north China’s Hebei Province, March 14, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People practice yoga under the guidance of a teacher at a night school in the Xiong’an New Area, north China’s Hebei Province, March 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese rescuers recover quake survivor in Myanmar’s Mandalay

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

    YANGON, March 30 — Members of the Blue Sky Rescue (BSR) team from China’s Hunan Province recovered a quake survivor in central Myanmar’s severely-hit city of Mandalay at around 9:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, according to the Chinese embassy in Myanmar.

    The Yuelu BSR team collaborated with the local fire brigade to conduct demolition and rescue operations after detecting a survivor showing signs of life at the site of a collapsed building in Mandalay.

    The first batch of five team members from the Yuelu BSR team departed from Changsha, capital of Hunan Province, on Saturday. A second batch of nine team members were scheduled to arrive in Myanmar on Sunday to join the earthquake relief efforts.

    According to Myanmar’s State Administration Council on Sunday, about 1,700 people died, 3,400 were injured, and 300 remained missing in the massive 7.9-magnitude earthquake in the country on Friday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s border province continues to send relief supplies to quake-hit Myanmar

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

    Staff members load relief materials onto a chartered flight at the Kunming Changshui International Airport in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, March 30, 2025. A chartered flight carrying about 7.3 tonnes of clothes, medicines, instant noodles, tents and other daily and relief materials took off on Sunday from Kunming, the capital city of China’s Yunnan Province, for Yangon, Myanmar, to support the earthquake relief work there. [Photo/Xinhua]

    KUNMING, March 30 — A chartered flight operated by China Eastern Airlines took off from Kunming, the capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Sunday afternoon, carrying about 7.3 tonnes of relief goods to earthquake-hit Myanmar.

    The relief goods were sourced and collected in Yunnan, which include clothes, medicines, instant noodles, tents and other daily necessities.

    After the 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, the Kunming Customs started the coordination mechanism of emergency customs clearance, and arranged customs officers to be on duty 24 hours a day to ensure the rapid inspection and release of passing vehicles.

    According to data of the checkpoint in Ruili, from Friday to Saturday, there were more than 15,000 people and more than 1,240 vehicles passing through.

    “There is no obvious fluctuation on the passage, and the checkpoint is running smoothly and orderly,” said He Qigang, an officer with the Ruili Customs.

    Staff members load relief materials onto a chartered flight at the Kunming Changshui International Airport in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, March 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Staff members load relief materials onto a chartered flight at the Kunming Changshui International Airport in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, March 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Staff members load relief materials onto a chartered flight at the Kunming Changshui International Airport in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, March 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Staff members load relief materials onto a chartered flight at the Kunming Changshui International Airport in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, March 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Staff members load relief materials onto a chartered flight at the Kunming Changshui International Airport in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, March 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Staff members transport relief materials at the Kunming Changshui International Airport in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, March 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –