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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese, Iranian, Russian navies conduct joint maritime exercise

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The naval forces of China, Iran and Russia conducted a joint exercise code-named “Security Belt 2025” near Iran’s Chabahar Port from March 9 to 13, a Chinese defense spokesperson said Thursday.
    Under the theme “Building Peace and Security Together,” the three sides dispatched over 10 vessels, as well as special operation forces and diving units to join the exercise, which focused on counter-terrorism and counter-piracy operations, said Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference.
    The exercise tested tactical command coordination and joint operational capabilities of the participating forces, and deepened military trust and practical cooperation among the three countries, the spokesperson said.
    Noting that China, Iran and Russia have successfully conducted five joint maritime exercises since 2019, Wu said China is willing to actively engage in maritime security cooperation with all parties, and make new contributions to global and regional peace and stability.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese, US militaries advancing exchanges as planned

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Exchanges between the Chinese and U.S. militaries are progressing as planned, as the two sides have reached initial agreements in this regard, a Chinese military spokesperson said on Thursday.
    Speaking at a regular press conference, Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said a stable China-U.S. military relationship serves the common interests of both countries and is also the expectation of the international community.
    Wu underscored that the development of China-U.S. military ties should adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. He called for enhanced communication and dialogue between the two sides to properly handle differences and disputes.
    “We hope that, with joint efforts from both sides, the China-U.S. military relations will achieve a sound and stable development,” Wu added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: XPENG flying car completes trial flight in Hunan

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A drone photo taken on March 27, 2025 shows the air module of XPENG’s flying car AEROHT conducting a flight demonstration at Liuye Lake Tourist Resort in Changde City, central China’s Hunan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The “Land Aircraft Carrier,” a flying car developed by Chinese electric vehicle maker XPENG, completed a public trial flight Thursday in Changde City, central China’s Hunan Province.

    The air module of the flying car performed a trans-lake flight. Flying to a height of 40 meters, it landed at the original location safely after circling over Liuye Lake, a scenic spot in Changde.

    “This flying car can be used for both sightseeing and rescue purposes,” said Zhao Deli, founder of XPENG’s flying car affiliate Huitian.

    This flying car consists of a ground module and an air module. The ground module is an electric vehicle while the air module is known as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL).

    Last year, a test flight was carried out in Lujiazui, Shanghai. The product has received nearly 5,000 orders.

    The ground module of XPENG’s flying car AEROHT is pictured at Liuye Lake Tourist Resort in Changde City, central China’s Hunan Province, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s SOEs maintain sound operations in first two months

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) maintained steady operations in the first two months of the year, according to official data released on Thursday.

    Data from the Ministry of Finance showed that during the period, the SOEs generated nearly 12.49 trillion yuan (about 1.74 trillion U.S. dollars) in operating revenue, down 0.3 percent from a year earlier.

    The combined profits of SOEs increased 0.1 percent year on year to 625.5 billion yuan, the data showed.

    The SOEs saw their debt-to-asset ratio reach 64.9 percent at the end of February, up 0.1 percentage points year on year, according to the ministry.

    These figures, which exclude financial firms, were collected from SOEs in provincial-level regions and those administered by the central government.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump’s sweeping auto tariffs trigger strong global backlash

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    People test-drive a vehicle during a media preview of the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on Nov. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    U.S. President Donald Trump has announced sweeping 25 percent tariffs on imported automobiles and certain automobile parts, a move that has sparked strong reactions from major trading partners and industry leaders worldwide.

    The announcement has drawn immediate backlash from American auto dealers and industry analysts, who warn that the tariffs will significantly drive up car prices and hurt consumers already facing rising costs.

    Cody Lusk, president and CEO of the American International Automobile Dealers Association, issued a statement cautioning that the tariffs would burden American families.

    “For auto dealers and their customers, already reeling from rising vehicle and parts prices, as well as high interest rates and insurance costs, these new tariffs pose an additional and unwelcome challenge to affordability,” Lusk said. “Tariffs can play an important role in balancing trade relationships and ensuring national security. But increasing barriers to trade also puts added pressure on the wallets of American families.”

    Industry experts echo these concerns. Kenneth Kim, senior economist at KPMG, estimated in a research note that new vehicle prices could increase by several thousand U.S. dollars, with some reaching hikes of 10,000 dollars or more.

    John Murphy, senior vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, warned that the tariffs would harm rather than help the U.S. auto industry.

    “The tariffs announced today will harm — not help — the U.S. auto industry, endanger many American jobs, and lead to a hollowing out of auto manufacturing in the United States,” Murphy said.

    Beyond the United States, global responses to the tariffs have been swift and firm. In Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the measure, calling it “a direct attack” on Canadian workers. During his election campaign, Carney had vowed that his government would explore possible retaliatory measures.

    Previously, Carney had announced a “strategic response fund” worth 2 billion Canadian dollars (1.4 billion U.S. dollars) to bolster domestic manufacturing and counteract the impact of the tariffs. He emphasized the need to strengthen Canada’s auto sector by reducing reliance on cross-border supply chains.

    Auto parts often cross the border multiple times, and the added costs of tariffs and counter-tariffs would quickly snowball. Carney called that a “huge vulnerability” and promised to build an “all-in-Canada” manufacturing network to build more car parts domestically, limiting how often they cross the border during production.

    In Europe, the reaction was similarly critical. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed deep regret over the U.S. decision, emphasizing the importance of transatlantic trade.

    “The automotive industry is a driver of innovation, competitiveness and high-quality jobs, with deeply integrated supply chains on both sides of the Atlantic,” von der Leyen said in a statement. She added that tariffs “are bad for businesses, worse for consumers” in both the United States and the EU.

    She added that the EU would assess the implications of the U.S. decision while continuing to seek negotiated solutions.

    Germany’s automotive industry issued a strong rebuke, with Hildegard Muller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, warning that the tariffs would disrupt global supply chains and damage trade relations.

    “These additional tariffs will not only impact European manufacturers but also have direct consequences for the U.S. economy itself. The fallout from such measures threatens growth and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic,” Muller stated, calling for immediate U.S.-EU negotiations to establish a fair trade agreement.

    Britain has also raised concerns about the potential fallout. British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves warned that escalating trade tensions would harm both economies.

    “Trade wars are no good for anyone. It will end up with higher prices for consumers, pushing up inflation after we’ve worked so hard to get a grip of inflation, and at the same time, will make it harder for British companies to export,” Reeves told local media on Thursday. “We are looking to secure a better trading relationship with the United States,” she added, noting that further discussions would take place later in the week.

    British industry leaders echoed her concerns. Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, described the tariffs as “disappointing” and urged the United States and Britain to seek a constructive resolution.

    “Rather than imposing additional tariffs, we should explore ways in which opportunities for both British and American manufacturers can be created as part of a mutually beneficial relationship, benefitting consumers and creating jobs and growth across the Atlantic,” Hawes said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong trade ties.

    Japan, a key supplier of automobiles to the United States, is also bracing for economic repercussions. According to the Japan Research Institute, automobile production in the country is expected to decline by 4.3 percent annually due to reduced U.S. sales, while overall industrial production could drop by 0.6 percent as a result of the expanded tariffs.

    Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated that Japan would consider all options to counter the impact of the tariffs.

    “We are strongly urging the United States not to apply the 25 percent tariff to Japan,” Ishiba said, highlighting Japan’s contributions to the U.S. economy through investment and job creation. He also questioned the fairness of applying a uniform tariff to all countries.

    As the global backlash mounts, tensions between the United States and its key trading partners are intensifying, raising the stakes for future trade negotiations and economic stability.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to advance follow-up procedures of WTO case after US accepts tariff consultations

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China will proceed with follow-up procedures of its World Trade Organization (WTO) case against the United States for imposing additional tariffs on Chinese goods after the United States agreed to consultations under the WTO dispute settlement mechanism, a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said on Thursday.

    The United States agreed to consultations on March 14, and China will advance subsequent procedures in accordance with WTO rules, spokesperson He Yadong told a regular press briefing.

    When asked about U.S. Senator Steve Daines’ recent visit to China, He noted that economic and trade departments from both countries have maintained communication through various channels.

    The spokesperson reiterated China’s firm opposition to U.S. unilateral imposition of additional tariffs and its stance against the politicization, weaponization, and instrumentalization of economic and trade issues.

    China is willing to engage in candid dialogue with the United States based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, the spokesperson said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Boao forum sends reassuring message to unstable, uncertain world

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo shows the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    As crises flare across global hotspots — from geopolitical conflicts to rising protectionism — a strikingly different scene unfolded in the coastal town of Boao in southern Chinese province of Hainan.

    Amid the tranquility of the small town, the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) annual conference opened with a timely theme: “Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future,” offering a rare space for cooperation and dialogue in an increasingly fractured world.

    “Our world is experiencing far greater instability and uncertainty,” Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said at the conference’s opening ceremony on Thursday morning.

    Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, called for strengthening mutual trust, enhancing win-win cooperation, promoting economic globalization and safeguarding the free trade system.

    Since Tuesday, when the BFA annual conference began its panels and sub-forums, the world has witnessed a series of escalating crises.

    U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose 25 percent tariffs on all vehicles and auto parts imported into the United States, a move seen as expanding trade protectionism. In the Middle East, Yemen’s Houthi group launched fresh attacks on a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea and “military targets” in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, in East Asia, deadly wildfires engulfed parts of the Republic of Korea (ROK), claiming lives and causing damage.

    Against this backdrop, Boao became more than just a venue for speeches; it became a space for confronting common challenges. Participants delved into issues that transcend borders, from building an open global economy and accelerating modernization in the Global South to addressing the climate crisis, demographic shifts, and the implications of artificial intelligence (AI).

    Asian economic integration

    Addressing the opening ceremony, Ding said that significant progress has been made in building an Asian community with a shared future over the past decade.

    He added that regional economic integration has been strengthened, and Asia’s share in the global economy is steadily rising.

    Highlighting the profound global transformations and the rise of unilateralism and protectionism, BFA Chairman and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described the “Asian miracle” as, to a large extent, a product of globalization, free trade, and open regionalism.

    Ban Ki-moon, chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) and former UN secretary-general, speaks at the opening ceremony of the BFA Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Asian economic integration, many speakers noted, is gaining momentum, with regional frameworks like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) serving as a cornerstone for deepening economic ties.

    The RCEP has emerged as an important anchor for global free trade, said Kuang Xianming, deputy head of the China Institute for Reform and Development, adding that the world’s largest free trade agreement keeps opening up regional markets and advancing regional liberalization.

    The RCEP includes 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its five free trade agreement partners, namely China, Japan, the ROK, Australia, and New Zealand.

    Signs of growing cooperation were also seen in a recent high-level economic dialogue between China and Japan, which reached 20 consensus points on collaboration in areas such as green development, environmental protection, and elderly care services, among others.

    Meanwhile, a BFA report identified China and ASEAN as the most appealing economies in Asia. It noted that the inward and outward foreign direct investment dependence of Asian economies on the region itself reached 49.15 percent in 2023, underscoring the region’s growing economic interdependence.

    Answers for an uncertain world

    For many participants, the BFA annual conference was more than just an event for Asia. It served as a reminder that, amid global turbulence, platforms for dialogue and trust-building still exist and still matter.

    The Global South, whose economies contribute 80 percent to world economic growth, took center stage at the meeting.

    South-South cooperation today is greener, smarter, and more inclusive, said Xiaojun Grace Wang, Trust Fund Director of UN Office for South-South Cooperation, calling on the Global South nations to seize this era’s opportunities by enhancing collaboration on digital and data-driven solutions for sustainable development.

    Climate change and the governance of emerging technologies also dominated conversations.

    Helena Mcleod, deputy director general and head of the Green Growth Planning & Implementation Division at the Global Green Growth Institute, speaks at a panel discussion themed on “Addressing Climate Change: Issues and Solutions” during the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Helena McLeod, deputy director general and head of the Green Growth Planning & Implementation Division at the Global Green Growth Institute, underscored the vital role of legislation in accelerating the global green transition. “The legislative approaches have to be addressed, and that includes the carbon pricing and pollution control policies.”

    On AI, experts have warned of the risks of unregulated development. “If countries fail to anticipate and manage the risks of AI, they may find themselves inadequately prepared when challenges arise,” said Zeng Yi, a researcher with the Institute of Automation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

    China’s reform and opening up continue to draw global attention. Since launching the drive in 1978, the country has transformed from an impoverished nation into a market-oriented economic powerhouse, driving high-quality development and creating opportunities shared with the rest of the world.

    Its GDP grew by 5 percent year on year in 2024, ranking among the world’s fastest-growing major economies while continuing to contribute about 30 percent to global economic growth.

    A panel discussion themed on “AI: How to Strike a Balance between Application and Governance” is held during the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s resolve to deepen reform and opening up, Ban noted, has bolstered confidence in inclusive globalization and an open world economy, injected fresh impetus into a strong and balanced global recovery, and created new opportunities for international cooperation.

    “Opening up is a distinct hallmark of Chinese modernization,” Ding said, adding that the country will steadily expand institutional opening up, further improve market access for foreign investors, and expand trials to open sectors such as telecommunications, medical services, and education.

    “We warmly welcome businesses from all countries to invest and operate in China, participate in the process of Chinese modernization, and share in China’s development opportunities,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: A glimpse of breathtaking landscape in Guilin, S China’s Guangxi

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

    A glimpse of breathtaking landscape in Guilin, S China’s Guangxi

    Updated: March 28, 2025 10:25
    A tourist poses for photos with a fisherman on a bamboo raft on the Lijiang River in Yangshuo County of Guilin, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Aug. 25, 2022. Guilin, renowned for its breathtaking karst landscape, is one of China’s most iconic destinations. Nestled in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, with limestone peaks and serene rivers that attract visitors from around the world. Its unique topography and vibrant culture make it a cornerstone of Chinese tourism. Guilin’s scenic wonders, including the famous Lijiang River and Elephant Trunk Hill, highlight the city’s cultural significance and status as a must-visit location for nature lovers and travelers alike. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on April 10, 2022 shows a view in Guilin, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 25, 2022 shows a view of mountains along the Lijiang River in Guilin, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 24, 2024 shows a view along the Lijiang River in Guilin, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 24, 2024 shows a view along the Lijiang River in Guilin, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 4, 2018 shows a view along the Lijiang River in Yangshuo County of Guilin, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 17, 2018 shows a view in Guilin, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists take a boat on the Ronghu Lake in Guilin, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, March 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 24, 2024 shows a view along the Lijiang River in Guilin, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Fishermen show osprey fishing at the Elephant Trunk Hill scenic area in Guilin, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 24, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Attendees at Asian forum call for cooperation to confront global challenges

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

    BOAO, China, March 27 — Global leaders and business representatives on Thursday called on countries to jointly address global challenges and contribute to a better future in Asia and the larger world.

    While addressing the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone emphasized that as the world faces numerous challenges, Asian countries must continue to strengthen regional and global connectivity through infrastructure development, and bolster policy coordination and people-to-people exchanges so as to promote mutual understanding and trust.

    Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, said in his speech, “The destinies of Asian countries are intertwined.”

    It is crucial to enhance cooperation in areas such as finance, trade, agriculture and talent exchange to jointly chart a clear roadmap for common prosperity and a shared future, Yunus added.

    Also addressing the forum, Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, CEO of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, said that the alignment between Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative has opened doors for foreign investment and technological exchange.

    He called for closer collaboration among countries to promote the free flow of expertise, goods and capital spanning multiple industrial sectors.

    Running from March 25 to 28, this year’s conference is themed “Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Young artisan injects vitality into lacquerware craftsmanship of Yi ethnic group

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Qumu Shiwu works on a piece of lacquerware work at her workshop in Xichang city, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Sichuan Province. [Photo courtesy of the interviewee]

    Qumu Shiwu, a representative inheritor of the Yi ethnic group’s lacquerware craftsmanship, has skillfully mastered over 40 intricate steps involved in creating Yi lacquerware. Now, through short video platforms, she is sharing its beauty with a wider audience.

    “Yi lacquerware uses three main colors,” she said. “Red represents passion, yellow symbolizes harvest, and black signifies all things in nature,” Qumu Shiwu said at a workshop in Xichang city, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Sichuan Province.

    Creating Yi lacquerware involves more than 40 steps. “In our workshop, making a lacquerware bowl takes at least three months,” Qumu Shiwu said. Because the process is complex, it often requires multiple artisans working together.

    Shaping the raw wood is a crucial step that demands high skill. “When shaping the raw wood, we use tools like electric saws and hammers to carve the wood, and we also apply the traditional mortise-and-tenon technique to join pieces together,” she explained.

    The technique of applying lacquer designs is what gives Yi lacquerware its unique appeal. While the shapes of the pieces are fixed, the challenge lies in the decoration. Most patterns are hand-painted directly by the artisan. Through skillful arrangement of lines, the designs come to life.

    Photo shows lacquerware works. [Photo courtesy of the interviewee]

    “Small and medium-sized lacquerware pieces don’t require a base coat and are painted directly by the artisan,” Qumu Shiwu said. “This is because Yi lacquerware has unique patterns that artisans can paint once they master the technique,” she added.

    Qumu Shiwu learned the craft from her father and later used the internet to share it with a wider audience. After a Yi lacquerware intangible cultural heritage workshop was founded in 2017, she began posting videos of the lacquerware-making process. One short video featuring a lacquered chair made by her received over 500,000 likes. “I hope more people can appreciate the beauty of Yi lacquerware!” she said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sharing a grand collection

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Fourteen years after the founding of their private Long Museum in Shanghai, Liu Yiqian and his wife Wang Wei decided to present some pieces from their most valued collection to the public.

    The exhibition Panorama: Timeless Imprints of Civilization features a selection of more than 200 artifacts, including oracle bones and bronze vessels from the Shang Dynasty (c.16th-11th century BC), ceramic wares from landmark periods, imperial furniture, and more others that span more than 3,000 years of Chinese history. Some objects have made news headlines in past decades for their exceptionally high auction prices.

    Such exhibits include a doucai (a porcelain enameling technique meaning “contrasting colors”) chicken cup from the reign of Chenghua (1465-87) in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), which Liu bought at an auction in 2014 for $36 million. Some have not been shown to the public for 10 years, while some are making their public debut, such as the Archaic Bronze Xijia Plate dating back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-771 BC) and a Celadon-glazed Ru Kiln (one of the famed Song Dynasty kilns located in Henan province) Brush Washer from the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).

    “I don’t want to talk about the cost or value of my collection but rather the continued heritage of Chinese civilization through the past three millennia. Collecting is a personal journey but civilization belongs to everyone,” Liu said at the opening on March 21.The exhibition will conclude on June 29.

    “My husband and I began our collection over 30 years ago,” says Wang, who also serves as the director of the Long Museum. “It has been 14 years since we founded Long Museum. Starting from traditional Chinese art, we have gradually built a systematic collection, from classical to modern and contemporary Chinese art, as well as modern and contemporary world art.

    “Every piece in our collection has been carefully evaluated and selected based on its artistic and historical value,” she continues. “Especially for ancient Chinese art, we place a particular emphasis on lineage and provenance, as these works are not merely cultural treasures but also witnesses to history. Over the past three decades, these collections have woven together a string of unique stories that continue to unfold.”

    Nicolas Chow, chairman of Sotheby’s Asia and worldwide head of Asian art, writes in his preface for Liu’s collection of Chinese ceramics, “Together with the classical and modern paintings and calligraphies that he has gathered, they form perhaps the most significant collection of Chinese art assembled by a single individual in modern times”.

    This is the first time for the Long Museum to display so many assorted antiques, such as bones, bronze, jade furniture and ceramics, in an exhibition. As curator of the exhibition, Liu says that he put more effort into this exhibition than any other.

    “I wanted to find the best way to showcase these ancient objects in a modern structure made of armored concrete and create a dialogue between art and architecture that transcends time and space,” he says.

    The main exhibition hall of the Long Museum on the West Bund, one of its three locations, has an impressive 8-meter-high ceiling and a dark interior with lights focusing on each artifact.

    Liu especially wants to highlight a half-preserved jade memorial seal fragment of Empress Wen during the reign of Emperor Hongxi (1424-25) in the Ming Dynasty.

    “As far as I know, this is the only surviving jade seal from the court of Ming, and it has traces of being burned in a fire,” Liu says.

    While seals have long been an emblem of imperial power in China, they also tell of the cruelty and sadness behind the change in power and transition of dynasties, Liu adds.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Jiang Wen leads 7-member jury panel for Beijing film festival

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Jury panel of the Tiantan Award at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival.

    The 15th Beijing International Film Festival announced on Thursday that Jiang Wen, a renowned filmmaker known for blockbusters like “Let the Bullets Fly,” will serve as the jury president of the Tiantan Award, the annual event’s top honor.

    The other six jury members are actress Joan Chen, British director David Yates, actress Ni Ni, Finnish director Teemu Nikki, Swiss director-actor Vincent Perez, and Hong Kong art director Tim Yip.

    According to the organizers, the Tiantan Award competition has received a total of 1,794 film submissions from 103 countries, marking a remarkable 18.9 percent increase from last year’s 1,509 films.

    The 15 shortlisted films competing for the 10 awards include three Chinese films: actress Ma Li’s drama “Better Me, Better You,” the suspense tale “Deep in the Mountains,” and the crime film “Trapped.”

    As one of the festival’s highlights, nearly 300 outstanding Chinese and foreign films will be screened about 900 times across 33 cinemas in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

    Besides, “Ne Zha 2,” the most commercially successful Chinese film, which has stormed into the world’s all-time box-office list as the fifth highest-grossing, will feature an exhibition of hand-drawn posters by its director, Yang Yu, better known as Jiaozi (Dumpling).

    The festival also announced that Chen Sicheng, a veteran filmmaker who has made contributions to the industrialization of Chinese cinema, will serve as the president of the final jury for Project Pitches, a sector aimed at identifying and nurturing promising new creative forces for the domestic industry.

    The festival will be held from April 18 to 26.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Flower festival teams tradition with technology

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    With spring arriving in Shanghai and vibrant flowers blooming across the city, the annual Huazhao Festival held in the city’s Yuyuan is attracting visitors in traditional Chinese culture in a modern, dynamic way.

    The flower festival, held the second month of the lunar calendar to celebrate the flower goddess’ birthday, boasts a history of over 2,000 years. According to ancient beliefs, the flower goddess controls human reproduction, and celebrating her birthday has become a custom to bring prosperity.

    Running until the end of April, this year’s festival integrates traditional culture with modern technology, offering visitors a feast for the eyes and ears. Colorful light shows, parades of performers dressed as the flower goddess, and dance and musical performances are taking place at landmarks within Yuyuan, including its Central Plaza, Gold Plaza and Jiuqu (Zigzag) Bridge areas.

    Decorated with floral elements, the ancient architecture and sets are transformed into stages. With advanced projection technology, the dynamic lights jump to the beat of music on building roofs and laser beams flash across the fog on the lotus pond, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

    The music for the light show was tailor-made for Yuyuan by a French musical team, presenting a unique blend of East and West influences, tradition and modernity.

    Against the architectural backdrop, dance and music performances feature guofeng, a Chinese style that uses traditional cultural elements. The dance performance in the Central Plaza is a reproduction of a famed painting depicting ladies with floral headdresses in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and the folk music duet in the Gold Plaza blends ancient Chinese music with modern melodies, drawing large crowds.

    In addition to the innovative technologies and eye-catching shows, a slew of interactive activities are offered during the festival, particularly targeting young audiences. Working with the makeup team of Xiaohongshu (RedNote), a popular Chinese lifestyle platform, the festival includes a market offering visitors immersive experiences such as traditional makeup, fragrance sachet-making, flower hair-pinning, hair braiding, an arrow toss and poetry writing.

    “We are bringing some of our beauty bloggers and vloggers to the market to share their experiences. There are many visitors from home and abroad and we want to demonstrate our Chinese traditions and culture,” says Xu Tongru from the makeup team at Xiaohongshu.

    Wang Qiru, a 33-year-old makeup artist and popular makeup vlogger on the platform, was invited to the market to meet her followers and offer visitors to experience a popular makeup style from the Tang Dynasty. Becoming a makeup artist specializing in restoring ancient makeup styles in 2022, she hopes to help more audiences learn about this art form.

    “Most of my clients are 20 to 35 years old, and I have seen more people paying attention to our traditional culture recently. Although it is easy to gain interest and basic knowledge of traditional culture, such as hanfu and makeup, it takes a lot of time and effort if you go deep into it,” says Wang, noting that abundant knowledge of ancient Chinese history and culture is necessary for doing such classic makeup.

    Zhang Ruiqi, a 19-year-old university student in Shanghai, is one of Wang’s followers. Dressed up and doing makeup at Wang’s booth, she says she has been fond of ancient Chinese makeup since she was younger.

    “I find it interesting to dig into history by restoring ancient makeup styles. At first, my interest in traditional clothing was triggered by costume dramas but when I learned about real hanfu, I felt more fascinated. It’s worth studying,” she says with a smile.

    Foreign visitors at Yuyuan share Zhang’s perspective despite knowing little about the festival before attending. Gerald Mohnl, a 57-year-old Austrian, gained a “nice” experience at Yuyuan on his last day of a business trip to China. Making his first visit to the country and Shanghai, he was impressed by the electric vehicles and described the city as “very clean and super modern”.

    “We went through Yuyuan, which was a really nice experience. There are a lot of traditional buildings here. Chinese culture is interesting and totally different from our culture. It is very comfortable with friendly people,” he says.

    Susan Willis, an Australian nurse on her first visit to Shanghai, was about to finish her 10-day trip and was impressed by the buildings at Yuyuan.

    “The architecture is lovely, traditional and classic. Shanghai is an innovative and spectacular city,” she says, adding that she knew little about Chinese culture and felt she learned a lot.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: National defense ministry refutes G7’s smear on China 2025-03-28 A spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense on Thursday refuted a statement by the G7, emphasizing China’s policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons and its defensive nuclear strategy.

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

      BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) — A spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense on Thursday refuted a statement by the G7, emphasizing China’s policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons and its defensive nuclear strategy.

      Spokesperson Wu Qian made the remarks at a press conference while responding to a query regarding the content of a joint statement of the recent G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

      The statement, which is strongly condemned and resolutely opposed by China, ignores facts and is a vicious smear on China and a brutal interference in China’s internal affairs, according to Wu.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, France agree to enhance dialogue across all domains, levels

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

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BEIJING, March 27 — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Beijing on Thursday.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China is willing to work with France to follow the guidance of the consensus reached by the two heads of state, enhance dialogue across all domains and levels, transcend differences and deepen cooperation.

    He said that in the current international situation, China and France should assume the responsibility of major countries, enhance strategic coordination, and support each other’s significant multilateral propositions and initiatives.

    Noting that China regards France as a priority partner in achieving high-quality development, Wang said China is willing to deepen cooperation with France in traditional sectors, encourage mutual investment, and expand cooperation in emerging fields to inject new momentum into bilateral cooperation.

    He also called on the two sides to deepen mutual understanding and friendship to solidify the public support foundation.

    Barrot spoke highly of the pragmatic cooperation achievements between France and China. He said the current international situation is marked by increasing uncertainty and a rise in protectionism, rendering the importance of France-China relations even more prominent.

    France regards China as an important partner, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and is committed to developing a future-oriented and long-term stable relationship with China. France supports free trade, opposes decoupling, and is against trade wars, he added.

    The two sides also exchanged views on China-EU relations. Noting that the cooperation between China and the EU outweighs competition, and consensus surpasses differences, Wang said there are ample conditions to further enhance the relationship between the two sides.

    Barrot said that France supports dialogue between the EU and China to solve their trade differences.

    After the talks, China and France issued a joint statement on climate change.

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot jointly meet the press in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. Wang held talks with Barrot in Beijing on Thursday. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chating Town of China’s Hunan promotes cultural tourism featuring rapeseed flowers

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

    Chating Town of China’s Hunan promotes cultural tourism featuring rapeseed flowers

    Updated: March 28, 2025 10:08 Xinhua
    Tourists visit a rapeseed flower field in Chating Town of Wangcheng District, Changsha City, central China’s Hunan Province, March 27, 2025. In recent years, Chating Town has actively promoted the industrialization of rapeseed cultivation by planting over 10,000 mu (about 666.67 hectares) of rapeseed. Meanwhile, the town has organized various cultural and tourism activities featuring rapeseed flowers, with an aim of integrating local agriculture and culture into tourism for rural revitalization. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit a rapeseed flower field in Chating Town of Wangcheng District, Changsha City, central China’s Hunan Province, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists select agricultural products at a visitor service center in Chating Town of Wangcheng District, Changsha City, central China’s Hunan Province, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on March 27, 2025 shows tourists visiting the rapeseed flower field in Chating Town of Wangcheng District, Changsha City, central China’s Hunan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on March 27, 2025 shows a view of the rapeseed flower field in Chating Town of Wangcheng District, Changsha City, central China’s Hunan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on March 27, 2025 shows tourists visiting the rapeseed flower field in Chating Town of Wangcheng District, Changsha City, central China’s Hunan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists take a rest beside a rapeseed flower field in Chating Town of Wangcheng District, Changsha City, central China’s Hunan Province, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit a rapeseed flower field in Chating Town of Wangcheng District, Changsha City, central China’s Hunan Province, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xinjiang adopts regulation to protect Kirgiz epic storytelling

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Artists perform the “Manas” epic at the opening ceremony of the ninth Manas international cultural tourism festival in Wuqia County, Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 13, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The regional legislature of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China on Wednesday adopted a regulation, which will take effect on May 1, to protect a UNESCO-listed oral epic of the Kirgiz ethnic group.

    The “Manas” epic is known as one of the three heroic epics of Chinese ethnic minorities, along with “King Gesar” of the Tibetan ethnic group and “Jangar” of the Mongolian ethnic group.

    The regulation, with 26 articles, stipulates the systematic protection of this Kirgiz intangible cultural heritage, including protection and inheritance measures, research, translation and publication, as well as literary and artistic creation.

    “This legal basis provides Xinjiang with a solution to protect ‘Manas’ under the rule of law,” said Li Juan, director of the legislative affairs committee of the standing committee of the regional people’s congress.

    “Manas” is a large-scale heroic epic with a rhyme style, handed down by Kirgiz people from generation to generation. There are eight parts and 18 volumes, with over 230,000 lines — which is 19 times more than the number of lines contained in Homer’s epic “Odyssey.”

    In 2009, “Manas” was included on UNESCO’s “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”

    Jannur Turganbay, 58, a “Manas” storyteller, was selected among the sixth batch of representative inheritors of this national intangible cultural heritage on March 17.

    “The inheritance and protection of ‘Manas’ is going to have a legal basis, and the future development prospects will be brighter. I hope to nurture more inheritors who love the ‘Manas’ epic, ensuring this masterpiece is passed down through generations,” he said.

    Peng Cheng, deputy director of Xinjiang’s regional department of culture and tourism, said that this regulation is of great significance to promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of cultural heritage.

    Manas is a legendary hero in the folklore of the Kirgiz ethnic group. The epic recounts the saga of the hero Manas and seven generations of his descendants in their relentless struggle against evil forces, embodying indomitable character and a spirit of unity, perseverance and progress. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: National Museum’s imperial coronet magnet sells its first million

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The Ming Dynasty coronet shows sophisticated workmanship of the filigree inlay technique and is adorned with hundreds of precious stones and pearls, making it a spotlight at the Ancient China galleries, a long-term exhibition of the National Museum. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Tuesday was a doubly lucky day for Li Yafei, a young woman from Shandong province.

    Not only did she visit the National Museum of China in Beijing for the first time and purchase the popular coronet magnet — a souvenir available in the museum’s gift shop that is often sold out — but she was also the millionth to buy one since it first went on sale in mid-July last year.

    To her surprise and excitement, Li was presented with a “1 million record magnet” certificate by the museum’s creativity product team in front of media, visitors, and long lines of people queuing to buy one of their own.

    The magnet comes in two varieties, one in wood and the other in metal. It is fashioned after a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) coronet worn by the empress at imperial ceremonies.

    The magnet is available in two varieties, one in wood and the other in metal. It is fashioned after a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) coronet worn by the empress at imperial ceremonies. [Photo courtesy of the National Museum of China]

    The sophisticated workmanship of the coronet’s filigree inlay technique and hundreds of precious stones and pearls make it a highlight in the Ancient China galleries, a long-term exhibition at the National Museum.

    Visitors must line up for even a brief look at the sparkling coronet, which is kept in a glass case.

    The magnets are highly sought-after, and the number of people waiting in line to buy them has made headlines.

    The creativity team has designed more products to meet demand, and now there are 25 coronet souvenirs including lamps and toys, with earrings, brooches and a case being the latest additions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Thailand joint naval training to boost capabilities: spokesperson 2025-03-28 The joint training exercises launched by the Chinese and Thai navies were to strengthen their ability to address maritime security threats, a Chinese military spokesperson said Thursday.

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

      BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) — The joint training exercises launched by the Chinese and Thai navies were to strengthen their ability to address maritime security threats, a Chinese military spokesperson said Thursday.

      According to Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, the training, which runs from March 26 to April 2 in south China’s Guangdong Province, involves 11 vessels and two marine detachments from both sides.

      The training, code-named Blue Strike-2025, covers a range of subjects, including joint maritime strike operations, air and missile defense, maritime search and rescue, as well as counterterrorism and anti-piracy operations, Wu said at a press conference in Beijing.

      By deepening training collaboration, the two navies aim to enhance cooperation, share experience, and strengthen friendship and trust. “This holds significant importance for maintaining regional peace and stability,” said the spokesperson.

      It is the sixth of the “Blue Strike” joint naval training. 

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Humanoid robots shine at 2025 Zhongguancun Forum

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

    Humanoid robots shine at 2025 Zhongguancun Forum

    Updated: March 28, 2025 08:46 Xinhua
    A humanoid robot is pictured at Zhongguancun International Innovation Center, venue for the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference, in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. Themed “New Quality Productive Forces and Global Technology Cooperation,” this year’s annual conference of the forum showcases the latest technologies and products on humanoid robots. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A humanoid robot performs at Zhongguancun International Innovation Center, venue for the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference, in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A humanoid robot picks a product for a customer at Zhongguancun International Innovation Center, venue for the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference, in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Humanoid robots perform at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference, in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A humanoid robot performs at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference, in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Humanoid robots perform at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference, in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A humanoid robot waves to visitors at Zhongguancun International Innovation Center, venue for the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference, in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A machinist debugs humanoid robots at Zhongguancun International Innovation Center, venue for the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference, in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A humanoid robot walks at Zhongguancun International Innovation Center, venue for the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference, in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A humanoid robot picks a product for a customer at Zhongguancun International Innovation Center, venue for the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference, in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A humanoid robot shakes hands with a journalist at Zhongguancun International Innovation Center, venue for the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference, in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A humanoid robot plays football at Zhongguancun International Innovation Center, venue for the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference, in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Humanoid robots interact with visitors at Zhongguancun International Innovation Center, venue for the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference, in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Humanoid robots wave to visitors at Zhongguancun International Innovation Center, venue for the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference, in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Zhejiang’s Nanhu District advances quality development of private sector

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

    Zhejiang’s Nanhu District advances quality development of private sector

    Updated: March 28, 2025 08:48 Xinhua
    The automation equipment assembles garden tools at a workshop of Zhejiang Yat Electrical Appliance Co., Ltd. in Yuxin Town, Nanhu District of Jiaxing City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on March 26, 2025. Nanhu District of Jiaxing City has focused on advancing the quality development of private sector and stimulating market vitality with favorable policies and introducing new projects in recent years. In 2024, the district introduced an innovative mechanism which greatly improved the business environment by streamlining problem-solving process. There were 20 major industrial projects such as smart equipment and high-end new materials being introduced into the district in 2024, and 65 new projects being constructed in full swing, bringing in the investment in manufacturing up 15 percent. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A staff member checks the production equipment at a workshop of Zhejiang MaiXingTu Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd. in Daqiao Town, Nanhu District of Jiaxing City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Staff members assemble garden tools for export at a workshop of Zhejiang Yat Electrical Appliance Co., Ltd. in Yuxin Town, Nanhu District of Jiaxing City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A staff member tests a garden tool at a workshop of Zhejiang Yat Electrical Appliance Co., Ltd. in Yuxin Town, Nanhu District of Jiaxing City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A staff member debugs intelligent machine tools at a workshop of Zhejiang MaiXingTu Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd. in Daqiao Town, Nanhu District of Jiaxing City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Staff members assemble garden tools for export at a workshop of Zhejiang Yat Electrical Appliance Co., Ltd. located in Yuxin Town, Nanhu District of Jiaxing City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Staff members produce and assemble intelligent machine tools at a workshop of Zhejiang MaiXingTu Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd. in Daqiao Town, Nanhu District of Jiaxing City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A staff member conducts intelligent turn-milling assembly tests at a workshop of Zhejiang MaiXingTu Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd. in Daqiao Town, Nanhu District of Jiaxing City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Macron unveils Ukraine support plans at Paris summit

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a range of initiatives to support Ukraine at a summit in Paris on Thursday, amid growing uncertainty over continued U.S. assistance.

    At a press conference following the summit of the “coalition of the willing,” Macron announced a joint Franco-British plan to send a team to Ukraine to help shape the future structure of the Ukrainian army. Macron said that he and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer would “jointly lead” the coordination efforts of Ukraine’s international coalition of allies.

    He also raised the idea of deploying “reassurance forces” from a few willing European Union member states to strategic locations in Ukraine should a peace agreement be reached with Russia. However, “There is no consensus on this point,” Macron acknowledged.

    He underscored the importance of continued American support for any potential European deployment but said Europe must prepare for a scenario in which the United States is no longer involved.

    Following the summit, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed that British Defence Secretary John Healey will chair the next Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting on April 11, where efforts will focus on coordinating additional military aid to support Ukraine’s defense.

    Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that Moscow is “categorically against” the possible deployment of Western peacekeepers in Ukraine.

    Such a scenario could lead to a direct clash between Russia and NATO, Zakharova said, adding that London and Paris are hatching plans for “a military intervention in Ukraine” under the guise of a peacekeeping operation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Europe pushes back as Trump slaps tariffs on imported cars

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday turned his earlier threat into action by signing an executive order imposing 25 percent tariffs on all imported vehicles.

    Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, gives a press statement on EU countermeasures to U.S. tariffs in Strasbourg, France, March 12, 2025. (European Union/Handout via Xinhua)

    The move has sparked a wave of criticism across Europe, prompting political leaders, experts, and industry representatives to call for countermeasures. They have also urged the strengthening of trade ties with other partners to help offset the impact of rising tariffs.

    WIDESPREAD OPPOSITION

    Emphasizing the importance of the transatlantic partnership and free trade as pillars of prosperity for both Europe and the United States, Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Association of Automotive Industry, described Trump’s decision as “a disastrous signal for free and rules-based trade.”

    Mueller’s remarks echo the widespread criticism and mounting tensions in transatlantic relations, which were further inflamed by Europe’s strong backlash on Thursday.

    Starting April 2, the previously low tariffs on car imports between the two allies will no longer apply, with rates set to rise sharply. The move follows Trump’s claim that the European Union’s trade surplus with the United States — especially in the automotive sector — is excessive.

    French President Emmanuel Macron called the additional tariffs both economically and geopolitically misguided. He also questioned the timing of the move, pointing to the irony that longstanding U.S. allies were the first to be targeted. “There is a kind of paradox in seeing the United States’ main allies being the first to be taxed,” he said.

    Jose Lopez-Tafall, director general of the Spanish Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers, described the tariffs as “clearly negative,” warning that they pave the way for “an economic confrontation” between both sides.

    “The new U.S. administration is adopting an increasingly confrontational approach toward its trading partners,” said Sonali Chowdhry, a trade expert at the German Institute for Economic Research. She noted that the new auto tariffs target a highly globalized industry and are certain to disrupt complex international supply chains.

    The Czech Automotive Industry Association also voiced its “serious concern” over the disruption the duties could cause to the economies of European manufacturers and suppliers, warning that the tariffs threaten their global competitiveness.

    TARIFFS THREATEN BOTH SIDES OF THE ATLANTIC

    Experts widely agree that the rising tariffs will inflict economic damage on both Europe and the United States. The resulting surge in costs is expected to be passed directly on to U.S. consumers, fueling inflation, while also dampening European exports and leading to potential job losses across the continent. Moreover, many U.S.-built vehicles depend heavily on components sourced from Europe.

    “A trade war has no winners,” said Dirk Jandura, president of the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services. The trade body had previously projected a 2.7 percent decline in German foreign trade in 2025. “We will now revise this forecast significantly downward,” Jandura added.

    The impact of the tariffs is expected to hit German carmakers particularly hard, as a substantial share of their exports is destined for the U.S. market.

    According to Germany’s Federal Statistical Office, around 3.4 million new German vehicles were exported in 2024, with the United States accounting for 13.1 percent of the total.

    The United Kingdom is also likely to be heavily affected, as the United States is its second-largest market for car exports after the European Union. British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said talks would be held between the two countries to forge a better trade relationship. “Trade wars are no good for anyone, and Britain does not want to escalate this conflict,” Reeves said.

    An Italian study by Marco Simoni, a political economist at Rome’s LUISS University, forecasts that the U.S. economy could contract by 2-3 percent due to the tariffs. The study also predicts that the unemployment rate could rise by three percentage points between 2025 and 2032, while inflation may increase by 4 percent over the next two years.

    RETALIATORY MEASURES ON THE WAY

    European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill warned on Thursday that the EU is preparing “robust” and “well-calibrated” countermeasures.

    “We have this announcement on cars. Next week, we understand that a new suite of measures from the U.S., what they’re calling their reciprocal tariffs, will come into force. We regret all of these, but we are preparing for all of these,” Gill said.

    German Economics Minister Robert Habeck noted that the U.S. tariffs were “not a surprise,” adding that the European Commission had coordinated closely with EU member states in anticipation of such moves. “We will not back down to the U.S.,” he emphasized.

    French Finance Minister Eric Lombard said the EU’s only viable response is to impose higher tariffs on U.S. goods. A list of targeted American products is currently being finalized and is expected to take effect in mid-April.

    Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s Trade Committee, suggested that retaliatory measures could include targeting major U.S. tech companies such as Google, Amazon, and Netflix, which maintain extensive customer bases and market influence in Europe. He proposed that digital services should be considered for additional tariffs.

    This stance echoes recent remarks by Dirk Jandura, who issued a statement titled “Foreign Trade Demands Tough Countermeasures.” In it, he urged the EU to respond decisively to what he called Washington’s unilateral and rule-breaking actions.

    He also emphasized the importance of addressing the dominant position held by American digital corporations in the European market.

    EXPANDING PARTNERSHIPS BEYOND U.S.

    Beyond retaliatory measures against the United States, experts have called for deeper cooperation with other trade partners to help offset the negative impact of rising tariffs.

    Sonali Chowdhry argued that the EU’s long-term economic growth and resilience will depend on strengthening trade both within the European single market and with other free trade partners, in order to diversify export destinations.

    “It is beneficial for us to move more decisively toward regions where cooperation is possible. One example is China,” said Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, a prominent German automotive expert and director of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR).

    He suggested that the automotive sector should place greater emphasis on international platforms such as the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show.

    Speaking to Xinhua, Mario Boselli, chairman of the Italy China Council Foundation, said that Trump’s return to the White House, combined with a lack of cohesion within the EU, could further disrupt global economic and trade dynamics. These shifts, he suggested, may prompt Europe to reassess its external economic strategy, with deeper cooperation with China representing “a highly strategic choice.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, EU agree to deepen economic, trade cooperation

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

    BEIJING, March 27 — China is willing to work with the EU to strengthen dialogue and exchange, handle economic and trade differences in the proper manner, expand mutual openness, and promote the healthy, stable development of China-EU economic and trade relations, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said on Thursday.

    He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting in Beijing with European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic.

    Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the EU, He said that China stands ready to work with the EU to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two sides, resist unilateralism and protectionism, and safeguard the multilateral trading system.

    Sefcovic noted that China is an important partner of the EU, expressed a willingness to use the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties as an opportunity to deepen China-EU economic and trade cooperation, and agreed that differences should be resolved through dialogue and consultation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to push for digital transformation of light industry

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

    BEIJING, March 27 — China has issued a light industry digital transformation implementation plan, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said on Thursday.

    By 2027, the popularization rate of digital research and design tools in key light industry enterprises will reach around 90 percent, according to the plan jointly issued by the ministry and other two central government authorities.

    By 2030, digital transformation will be extensively carried out in major light-industry enterprises, rendering them more high-end, intelligent and greener.

    To achieve the goals, the plan outlines four major actions: empowering the light industry with new-generation IT; innovating new business models and applications; promoting high-quality industrial development; and strengthening foundational support. These are further detailed into 15 specific measures.

    At the end of 2024, the popularization rate of digital research and design tools in light industry enterprises reached 84.9 percent, 0.8 percentage points higher than the national average.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump is interested in joining the Commonwealth. It’s not up to him – or even the king

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dennis Altman, Vice Chancellor’s Fellow and Professorial Fellow, Institute for Human Security and Social Change, La Trobe University

    It seems Britain has one key inducement to offer US President Donald Trump: a state visit hosted by King Charles.

    One can only imagine what the king thinks of this, but he will undoubtedly maintain a stiff upper lip and preside over several lavish dinners.

    Following reports of this offer, which would make Trump the only US president to be twice hosted by a British monarch, stories surfaced that the US might become an associate member of the Commonwealth.



    Read more:
    The king has a tricky diplomatic role to play in inviting Trump for a state visit

    There has been no official confirmation of this, but the story has been floated in several British newspapers.

    What is the Commonwealth?

    The Commonwealth came into existence as a means of retaining links with former British colonies, so there is a certain historical justification for the idea.

    Almost all of Britain’s former colonies are now members of the Commonwealth of Nations, with Ireland and the US notable exceptions.

    The Commonwealth is an organisation that ties together 56 countries, including a few in Africa that have been admitted despite not having been British colonies.

    Of the 56, only a minority recognise the British king as their head of state, a point local monarchists are reluctant to acknowledge.

    Indeed, some members of the Commonwealth, such as Malaysia, Brunei and Tonga, have their own hereditary monarchs.

    In theory, all members are democratic, and several, such as Fiji, have at times been suspended from membership for failing on this count.

    Whatever doubts we might have about the state of US democracy, it is hard to argue the US would fail to meet a bar that allows continued membership to states such as Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

    The Commonwealth is largely seen as less important than other international groupings, and its heads of government meetings are often skipped by leaders of the most significant members.

    Other than turning up to the Commonwealth Games, few recent Australian prime ministers have paid it much attention, compared to our membership of the G20 or the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

    Nonetheless, the Commonwealth does include a remarkable range of countries ranging from significant states such as India, Canada and South Africa to the many island states of the Pacific and the Caribbean.

    While its work is largely unreported, it does provide a range of international assistance and linkages that otherwise would be out of reach for its smaller and poorer members.

    Why is Trump interested in joining?

    Trump, it can be assumed, has no interest in the Commonwealth as a means of better working with states such as Namibia and Belize.

    The attraction seems to be linked to his strange reverence for royalty and a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of the British sovereign.

    King Charles is head of the Commonwealth through agreement of its members, probably in recognition of the extraordinary commitment his mother showed as the Commonwealth developed out of the old British Empire. Indeed, she clashed several times with her British ministers because of her loyalty to the Commonwealth.

    But unlike the king’s British – and Australian – crown, this is not a position that belongs automatically to the British monarch.

    So, while inviting Trump to Windsor Castle may be the gift of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, admission to the Commonwealth would require the agreement of all its members.

    Given Trump’s demands to acquire Canada and to punish South Africa for recent land expropriation law, it is hard to imagine unanimous enthusiasm.



    Read more:
    Donald Trump is picking fights with leaders around the world. What exactly is his foreign policy approach?

    Most member states are cautious about being too closely linked to either the US or China, although Australia might end up the last true believer in US alliances. Others, such as Ghana and Pakistan, depend considerably on Chinese aid.

    In a world dominated by increasingly autocratic leaders, a middle power like Australia needs as wide a range of friends as possible. Most of us have only a vague sense of what the Commonwealth entails.

    Like all international institutions, the Commonwealth often seems more concerned with grand statements than actual commitment.

    But there is value in a global organisation whose members claim to be committed to:

    democracy and democratic processes, including free and fair elections and representative legislatures; the rule of law and independence of the judiciary; good governance, including a well-trained public service and transparent public accounts; and protection of human rights, freedom of expression, and equality of opportunity.

    Would Trump’s America meet those demands?

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

    – ref. Trump is interested in joining the Commonwealth. It’s not up to him – or even the king – https://theconversation.com/trump-is-interested-in-joining-the-commonwealth-its-not-up-to-him-or-even-the-king-253217

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Questions Defense Nominees at Confirmation Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
    Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, questioned Secretary of the Air Force nominee Dr. Troy Meink and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment nominee Michael Duffey at their confirmation hearing.During the hearing, Senator Fischer urged Dr. Meink to utilize all available tools to accelerate the Sentinel program and ensure that the Department of Defense works to improve the nation’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capability. She also asked him about his plans to grow and evolve the Space Force.
    Additionally, Senator Fischer questioned Mr. Duffey about his views on the importance of maintaining a strong nuclear deterrent. She emphasized that strengthening our nuclear triad and nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) systems should be the top priority of the Department and the foundation of our strategic planning.Fischer Questions Defense Leadership:
    Senator Fischer: Having a safe, effective, reliable, and credible nuclear deterrent is the cornerstone of our national defense. Currently, each leg of our nuclear triad is undergoing a generational recapitalization to better align with the projected threat. The Department of the Air Force is responsible for two of the three legs: the land-based ICBMs and our bomber fleet. Dr. Meink, in your answers to the committee’s advance policy questions, you stated that, “the ground leg of the nuclear triad – Minuteman III and, over time, Sentinel – are foundational to strategic deterrence and defense of the homeland.” I agree with that. I also believe that we have an opportunity, following the analysis done during the Nunn-McCurdy breach, to incorporate lessons learned and build a stronger, more enduring Sentinel program than was originally proposed. Dr. Meink, if confirmed, will you commit to utilizing all available tools to accelerate Sentinel emplacement and ensure that our nation’s ICBM capability does move forward?
    Dr. Meink: 
    Thank you, Senator. If confirmed, I will do so, and I do appreciate the one-on-one conversation we had on this topic. I am looking forward to diving into the results of the Nunn-McCurdy, and then also obviously working the B-21 and the other activities, from a nuclear perspective, the Department supports.
    Senator Fischer: 
    Thank you. Mr. Duffey, if confirmed as Under Secretary of Acquisition and Sustainment, you will oversee all nuclear modernization efforts and serve as chair of the Nuclear Weapons Council. Can you provide us with a short summary of your views on why we need such a strong nuclear deterrent?
    Mr. Duffey: 
    Madam Chair, thank you for the question, and yes, I look forward, if confirmed, to assisting in leading the department in the oversight of the nuclear modernization program. Nuclear modernization, as you mentioned, is the backbone of our strategic deterrent, and ensuring that we have a modern, capable nuclear enterprise that not only includes the B-21, which is a successful acquisition program by all accounts, but the Columbia-class submarine and the Sentinel nuclear ICBM are critical. As chair of the Nuclear Weapons Council, I look forward to the partnership with the National Nuclear Security Administration, working with this committee to ensure that we maintain the highest quality systems that not only deliver the weapons but the nuclear command and control system that would be required for a safe and secure deployment, if necessary. And I think it’s absolutely critical that we ensure that we have accelerated acquisition of those capabilities. Thank you.
    Senator Fischer: 
    Thank you. Would you agree that our triad, along with NC3, the deterrent it provides, truly is the priority of the department, and that it underpins all of our strategic planning?
    Mr. Duffey: 
    I absolutely agree with that. Yes, ma’am.
    Senator Fischer: 
    Thank you. Dr. Meink, I believe we’re finally on a better path when it comes to space programs, and I’m impressed by what our Guardians have achieved over the last several years. But the Space Force is still a young organization, and there are likely still growing pains ahead. I am encouraged that the President nominated someone for this program with deep expertise in space programs. Dr. Meink, what’s your vision for how the Space Force should grow and how it should evolve as a service?
    Dr. Meink: 
    Thank you for the question, Senator. Yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to work space systems, both on the Air Force side, which then became the Space Force side, as well as from the IC side. Space is critical. This is actually one of the areas that we’re most challenged, I believe, from the rapidly evolving threat from China and others, both the direct threat to our systems as well as the threat those systems pose to our operations across the Department in general. I think the key to both acquisition and operations is making sure you have the best talented workforce. These are some of the most complicated systems, and if the U.S. is going to maintain our advantage, which we need to do in space, we need to make sure we have the right workforce. The Space Force is in the process of growing. I will support that activity to make sure we have the right numbers and the right skill set, and then make sure that the acquisitions themselves are delivering and that they’re getting into operation.
    Senator Fischer: 
    Can you give me a quick example of what new capabilities you think Space Force should be focusing on to acquire? Just a quick example?
    Dr. Meink:
     I think some of the space control and counter space systems are critical. Senator, I can’t dive into too many of the details, but that is probably the area that we’re being most stressed from a threat perspective.
    Senator Fischer:
     Okay, thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Welcomes Secretary Hegseth to Mississippi, Showcases State’s Role in National Defense

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today welcomed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to various national defense installations in Mississippi, highlighting the state’s growing role in the defense industrial base and in support of the American warfighter.
    Specifically, Chairman Wicker and Secretary Hegseth visited the Army Aviation Support Facility in Tupelo, where they met with members of the Mississippi National Guard and participated in flight operations aboard Apache attack aircraft. Wicker and Hegseth also toured the General Atomics facility in Tupelo, where they received a brief on some of the advanced military technologies under production, including hypersonic capabilities. Finally, Hegseth and Wicker were welcomed at “A Southern Salute to the Troops,” an event run by multiple veterans’ advocacy organizations such as Purple Heart Homes and 7 Days for the Troops.
    Separately, Chairman Wicker delivered a keynote address at the University of Mississippi’s National Center for Narrative Intelligence, where he discussed the unique contributions of cognitive warfare capabilities in the broader effort to improve our national defense preparedness against threats like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
    “It was great to host Secretary Hegseth in Mississippi this week as we engaged with some of our state’s best-in-class defense capabilities. I am glad that the Secretary saw firsthand why our state is increasingly becoming a powerhouse in military technology and preparedness,” Chairman Wicker said. “As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will always showcase Mississippi’s leading contributions for the warfighter and work to expand our state’s growing role in the defense industrial base. I also appreciate Secretary Hegseth’s continued partnership as we both work to reform and rebuild to achieve one of President Trump’s most important promises to the American people: the restoration of peace through strength.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on Senior DoD Nominations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today chaired a hearing examining several senior nominations for the Department of Defense, including those dealing with the Department of the Air Force, research and engineering, acquisition and sustainment, and health affairs.
    During his opening statement submitted for the record by Senator Deb Fischer, R-Neb., Chairman Wicker covered the waterfront of responsibilities that each nominee would be tasked with if confirmed.
    For the Department of the Air Force, the Chairman emphasized that the service needs to do more to boost space superiority and air dominance through better maintenance cycles, a focus on space control, and support for service personnel. For defense acquisition, Chairman Wicker referenced his “Freedom’s Forge” report and noted that there is much work to do in industrial base analysis and reforming defense procurement.
    In a discussion about engineering and research at the Pentagon, the Chairman emphasized maintaining a technological edge over our adversaries by stewarding the Pentagon’s innovation ecosystem. And for health affairs, Chairman Wicker highlighted the need for the DoD to ensure the military health system is adequately resourced not only to support daily peacetime operations but also to meet the potential demands of large-scale combat operations in the future.
    Dr. Troy E. Meink, nominee for Secretary of the Air Force, Mr. Michael P. Duffey nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Mr. Emil G. Michael, nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, and Mr. Keith M. Bass, nominee for Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Appear before the committee.
    Read Senator Wicker’s hearing opening statement as submitted for the record below.
    I welcome all of our witnesses and their families, and I thank them for being here this morning.  Their presence is timely.  We are at a crossroads in American history.  We face the most dangerous environment since World War II, and I am grateful that these individuals have stepped up to serve.
    Dr. Troy Meink has been nominated to be the Secretary of the Air Force. More than ever before, our success as a joint force rests upon our Airmen and Guardians.  We cannot deter or defeat the Chinese Communist Party without space superiority and air dominance.  I was very glad to hear that the administration is moving forward with the Next-Generation Air Dominance program.  With that announcement, President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have taken the first step to maintain our mastery of the skies. 
    Today, our Air Force is suffering through a death spiral.  We have billions of dollars of unpaid aircraft maintenance bills, a shrinking combat fleet, and a munitions shortage we need to fix.
    We created the Space Force just five years ago, and it has grown rapidly.  But we have numerous opportunities to accelerate our space control efforts and support the joint force from orbit.  Dr. Meink’s experience at the National Reconnaissance Office renders him uniquely qualified to ensure the Space Force continues its growth. 
    Managing weapons programs is only one aspect of the job for which Dr. Meink has been nominated.  He will need to take care of our Airmen and Guardians.  All the aircraft and satellites in the world are pointless unless we have the right support system for the people who develop, maintain, and operate those weapons systems. 
    I look forward to hearing Dr. Meink’s plan to maintain space superiority and air dominance in the years to come. 
    Mr. Michael Duffey has been nominated to become the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.  If confirmed, he will face three major challenges.
    First, he will encounter our current acquisition system, which is slow, outdated, and ill-suited to meet the urgent demands of modern warfare.  In my Restoring Freedom’s Forge plan, I outlined a game-changing approach to overhaul this system.  We must streamline processes, embrace innovation, and deliver capabilities at the speed of relevance.  It will take bold leadership to shift the culture of the acquisition workforce.  We must encourage that workforce to leverage its authorities effectively and break free from its risk-averse habits.
    Second, the Department of Defense does not possess the capacity and capability to perform serious industrial base analysis at scale.  If confirmed, Mr. Duffey will need to expand and re-focus existing organizations.  They must improve our ability to answer fundamental questions about industrial policy, re-industrialization, and defense mobilization.
    Third, Mr. Duffey would chair the Nuclear Weapons Council.  His leadership will be critical as we modernize and adapt our long-neglected nuclear forces so they can meet the threat of the rapidly growing Chinese, Russian, and North Korean arsenals.
    I look forward to hearing Mr. Duffey’s views on these three challenges.
    Mr. Emil Michael has been nominated to serve as the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.  In other words, he would be the Chief Technology Officer for the Department of Defense.  If confirmed, Mr. Michael must ensure that the bright minds within our innovation ecosystem regain technological superiority against our adversaries, starting with China.  Mr. Michael has worked with Secretary Gates on Iraq and Afghanistan and has been a part of a very small company called Uber.  I believe his diverse experience gives him a unique appreciation for the challenges he will encounter if confirmed to this role.
    We must all ensure that the department has an aggressive vision for innovation.  That vision must resonate throughout the services and result in production at scale.  I look forward to hearing from Mr. Michael about his vision for research and development and innovation.
    Mr. Keith Bass has been tapped to become the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.  This role oversees all Department of Defense health policies and programs.  If confirmed, Mr. Bass would assume the role at a crucial time.  The military health system faces persistent challenges in its structure, staffing, and the delivery of healthcare services.  Mr. Bass has extensive leadership experience as White House Medical Director, as the Director of Medical Services at the CIA, and as the Medical Center Director at the West Texas Health Care System for the Department of Veterans Affairs.  He is well-equipped to address these challenges within the military health system.
    This system must provide routine, peacetime healthcare and simultaneously maintain a state of preparedness for large-scale combat.  The Pentagon faces considerable challenges in recruiting and retaining both civilian and military medical personnel.  This staffing problem directly affects the quality of care provided to service members and their families.   
    I am eager to learn how Mr. Bass intends to tackle these issues and how he plans to equip the military health system so it can deliver top-notch care in peace-time and in potential future conflict.
    With that, I turn to my colleague, Ranking Member Reed.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Decries Trump Auto Tariffs Expected to Spike Vehicle Prices By $5,000 to $15,000

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    03.27.25

    Cantwell Decries Trump Auto Tariffs Expected to Spike Vehicle Prices By $5,000 to $15,000

    Trump declared today that he’ll impose a 25% tax on imported vehicles & some auto parts starting 4/2; Cantwell: “The Constitution gave Congress this power to set duties and to regulate foreign commerce… It’s time for Congress to reassert that authority”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, delivered a speech on the Senate floor excoriating President Donald Trump’s announcement that he’ll impose a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles starting on April 2.

    “We’re going to see the price of cars go up, and the fact that the American public can’t afford grocery costs, health care costs, or housing costs – we certainly don’t need to add in auto costs,” Sen. Cantwell said. “I’m pretty sure it’s a good deal for Elon Musk and Tesla. Don’t know that it’s such a good deal for everybody else.”

    “The framers of the Constitution gave Congress this power to set duties and to regulate foreign commerce. Congress. Commerce, Article One, Section Eight, could not be clearer. It’s time for Congress to reassert that authority. We need checks and balances now more than ever. We need to invest in innovation. We need to invest in skilling and training a workforce. We need to invest in modernizing infrastructure and equipment at our factories, and we need to open foreign markets for exports,” she continued. “American business does not need an endless trade war that creates chaos and raises prices on our consumers.” 

    Following Trump’s announcement today, several Wall Street analysts reported that Tesla – the company owned by Elon Musk – stood to benefit the most, with one analyst calling the company the “clear structural winner” of the new tariff. The “Detroit Big Three” – General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis (formerly Chrysler) – stand to take the hardest hit.

    The tariffs could also impact West Coast ports who import automobiles, such as the Port of Vancouver, Wash., which is the largest gateway for Subaru imports in the country. In 2023, 98,000 Subarus came through the Port of Vancouver.

    Last week, Sen. Cantwell joined the Washington Council of International Trade for a Q&A session on the whiplash caused by the administration’s chaotic tariff policies – and how they particularly harm the Pacific Northwest, which is among the most trade-dependent regions in the country. Sen. Cantwell said that the current administration’s approach to trade focuses on punitive tariffs, even with America’s largest trading partners and closest allies, as opposed to innovation and alliance-building. That ethos is fundamentally at odds with how the Pacific Northwest has historically built its trade-oriented economy.

    READ MORE:

    CNBC: Wall Street analysts say Elon Musk is the clear auto tariff winner: ‘Tesla wins, Detroit bleeds’

    KOMO Seattle: Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell says Congress should intervene before a trade war expands.

    The Columbian: Record number of Subarus came through Port of Vancouver in 2023

    In Washington state, two out of every five jobs are tied to trade and trade-related industries. More information on how President Trump’s tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China will affect consumers and businesses in the State of Washington can be found HERE. Nationwide:

    • A 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico would add an estimated $144 billion a year to the cost of manufacturing in the United States.
    • Tariffs on Canada and Mexico could increase U.S. car prices by as much as $15,000.
    • According to the Yale Budget Lab, Trump’s proposed tariffs would result in the highest U.S. effective tariff rate in more than 80 years, and depending on the level of retaliation by other trading partners, will result in increased costs of between $1,600 and $2,000 per household. According to their analysis, food, clothing, cars, and electronics will all see above-average price increases.

    Sen. Cantwell has remained a steadfast supporter of increased trade to grow the economy and keep prices in check in the State of Washington and nationwide. Sen. Cantwell was the leading voice in negotiations to end India’s 20% retaliatory tariff on American apples, which was imposed in response to tariffs on steel and aluminum and devastated Washington state’s apple exports. India had once been the second-largest export market for American apples, but after President Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum in his first term, India imposed retaliatory tariffs in response and U.S. apple exports plummeted. The impact on Washington apple growers was severe: Apple exports from the state dropped from $120 million in 2017 to less than $1 million by 2023.  In September 2023, following several years of Sen. Cantwell’s advocacy, India ended its retaliatory tariffs on apples and pulse crops which was welcome news to the state’s more than 1,400 apple growers and the 68,000-plus workers they support.

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

    • On January 31 — citing punishment for failing to crack down on fentanyl trafficking — the Trump administration announced plans to impose a 25% tax on many goods imported into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tax on goods imported from China, then abruptly postponed those tariffs.
    • Last month, he doubled down, announcing an additional 25% tax on all steel and aluminum imports.
    • At 12:01 a.m. ET on March 4, President Trump’s long-promised 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10% tariff increase on goods from China took effect, causing stock prices in the United States to plummet.
    • Then, on March 5, he announced that automobiles from Canada and Mexico would be exempt from his tariffs for one month.
    • The morning of March 6, he announced that he would suspend the tariffs for some products from Mexico. Then, later that same afternoon, he announced he was suspending most new tariffs on products from both Mexico and Canada until April 2.
    • On March 11, Trump threatened to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum – increasing them to 50% – before reversing himself later the same day.
    • On March 13, he threatened 200% tariffs on alcoholic products from the European Union, including all wine and Champagne.
    • Today, he announced plans to impose a 25% tax on all imported sedans, SUVs, crossovers, minivans, cargo vans, and light trucks, as well as some auto parts, beginning on April 2.

    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s speech is HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –